Thinkpads Forum

Been thinking about getting the S12 for a few weeks and read about the ION so I think i will have to wait for it.
Recent news have it that they delay the release of this model back to the Fall.

I have an IdeaPad S-10 that I bought just for the fun of it when they were released. When used as it was designed to be used, as a netbook I've truly enjoyed it and gotten a lot of use out of it.

I am getting ready to buy and S-12, and in fact would have it already, if they would have shipped with the 3-cell batteries as they are shown with on the Lenovo site.
But they are shipping with the 6 cell which protrudes out of the back, and is bulkier which causes the netbook to be off balance with the weight in the rear. For those that do not care about looks, and balance, and need the extra run time I think it's great.

However for me, I would much rather have the sleek appearance in a more compact size, with less weight. Thus I'm in the process of researching the possibility of using my 3-cell from my S-10. I've called Lenovo and it typical fashion they don't know anything about the product they sell. When I point out to them that the pictures on the web show a 3-cell battery, they argue that it's a six cell. But when I provide them to a link from a review that does indeed show the 6-cell attached to the computer and sticking out the back, they play dumb.

They also claim there was never a 3-cell made for the S-12. That makes me laugh as the pictures on the site would then have to be manipulated. In any event, when I've watched a couple of UTube videos, the battery bay appears to be the same size on both, so perhaps I will simply gamble and order an S-12. If my battery from the S-10 works great, if not I can always sell the S-12 here.

The primary reason I'm going with the S-12 is display size and a full size right side shift key. Also the price is attractive as I will use it only to surf the net anyway. I must say that some of what Lenovo is doing these days is a bit humorous and makes me wonder just what are they thinking? ha..ha..ha...

Cheers...

Lenovo Site w/3-cell pictured:
http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/co ... ontainer-4

Laptop Magazine Review with 6-cell pictured the way Lenovo sells it.
http://www.laptopmag.com/review/newgall ... 3867&img=3

Cheers...

Looks like I can't wait for the ION version and will have to pick one of the available S12 shortly.

There are 2 black versions on lenovo website
295956U VIA Nano ULV 2250 ( 1.30GHz 800MHz 1MB )

or 295954U Intel ATOM Processor N270 Single Core ( 1.60GHz)

They have some sale going on there so I want to decide as soon as possible. I couldn't find any comparison between these two models. except the cpu and video card, everything else is identical.

Any input?

baraider wrote:Looks like I can't wait for the ION version and will have to pick one of the available S12 shortly.

There are 2 black versions on lenovo website
295956U VIA Nano ULV 2250 ( 1.30GHz 800MHz 1MB )

or 295954U Intel ATOM Processor N270 Single Core ( 1.60GHz)

They have some sale going on there so I want to decide as soon as possible. I couldn't find any comparison between these two models. except the cpu and video card, everything else is identical.

Any input?

Yes, I would highly suggest the Atom N270 model. It's the exact same specs as my S-10 which performs very well for the specs of the processor and video subsystem, with the upgrade to 2GB ram I've done. It's been used for everything but gaming and I have no complaints with the video performance.

The NANO equipped S-12 is very slow. I have a friend that bought one hoping it would provide maximum battery life, as he hates to carry a power adapter, but alas that was for naught, as he barely gets 15 minutes longer that our other friend that has the Atom S-12

In addition, since my last post I was able to identify through third party sources that I can use the 3-cell out of my S-10 on the S-12, and luckily my S-10 is black which is the color of S-12 I want. I've just placed my order for the Atom S-12, and ordered an additional 1GB of ram from Crucial, as I've used them for years. The shipping date I got from Lenovo is just three days away not the five it said on the order page, so I should be all set quite soon.

Cheers...

did you order the extra 1G mem from lenovo or from somewhere else?
Do you have a link?

Thanks for the input. I'm set to get the Atom one then.

crucial website does not show any memory for s12. they only have s10.

i put in the order this morning and it shows the estimated ship date as 7/24. I hope it gets here faster than that.

baraider wrote:crucial website does not show any memory for s12. they only have s10.

Here are the memory specs for the S-12, obtained from the Lenovo Web Site:

1GB std / 2GB max7 / PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2, non-parity,
single-channel, one 200-pin SO-DIMM socket
Non-italics: standard memory 1GB soldered to system board; one socket available

The Crucial Memory I purchased is top quality and only $13.49 for 1GB, from newegg. I always use them as they have great service, fast order processing , good return policies, and the best pricing.

This same memory direct from Crucial is $16.99 and they take longer to process and ship, and have become difficult to obtain return authorizations from, should you need one.

Here’s the link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820145048

Cheers…

baraider wrote:i put in the order this morning and it shows the estimated ship date as 7/24. I hope it gets here faster than that.

My estimated ship date just changed this morning to 7/24.

No worries however, as Lenovo shipping dates typically vary wildly, and can change a few times between the time you've placed your order and when they ship it. I typically order anywhere between 2 and 8 new laptops from Lenovo each year, so I'm used to this.

My suggestion would be to not take it too seriously and simply check back daily, that's what I do. The computer usually ends up arriving sooner than later.

Cheers....

Thanks for the link to newegg. Do you know what the max ram for S12? I'm thinking of getting the 2G module (which one is it anyway), put in this machine and when I order another S12 when the ION comes out this Fall, I can remove 1G stick from this machine and put in that machine.

Now, 3GB on this machine. Later, 2GB on each machine. Makes sense?

And by the way, I haven't received any email from them about this order so I don't know how to track them.

baraider wrote:Thanks for the link to newegg. Do you know what the max ram for S12? I'm thinking of getting the 2G module (which one is it anyway), put in this machine and when I order another S12 when the ION comes out this Fall, I can remove 1G stick from this machine and put in that machine.

Now, 3GB on this machine. Later, 2GB on each machine. Makes sense?

And by the way, I haven't received any email from them about this order so I don't know how to track them.

You will notice in the prior post I sent, it says the max ram is 2GB, with 1GB permanently installed. So you only need the 1GB module I linked you to. Even if it took 3GB, this is a netbook not a full fledged notebook and there is no need for 3GB. In fact they run quite well with the 1GB that is standard, but by going to 2GB you get some extra speed and plenty of capacity.

Edit: Give them a chance to send you an email link to check the status, it does not always arrive the minute you order the computer.

Cheers...

this has been over 12 hours and I still not getting any confirmation email.

do you have the # number to call them up so they can track my order?

+1 (866) 428-4465

posted via BlackBerry Bold

i called that number this morning and they were able to find my order via my email address.
Used that info to track my order and it still shows shipping date as 7/24.
The guy on the phone cautioned me that my order may take 10-15 business days.

And they still haven't resent me the order email. Hope this is not a sign of things to come.

archer,
Do let me know when your order ships.

baraider wrote:i called that number this morning and they were able to find my order via my email address.
Used that info to track my order and it still shows shipping date as 7/24.
The guy on the phone cautioned me that my order may take 10-15 business days.

And they still haven't resent me the order email. Hope this is not a sign of things to come.

archer,
Do let me know when your order ships.

What you are experiencing is the one of the weak links in the Lenovo chain. I would not put too much weight behind anything they say as my personal experience has taught me that the information is usually almost worthless. That said, as time goes by the story seems to change even when speaking with a supervisor. Apparently (and I can only guess) they have a complete disconnect between what they represent on the web site and how the operation is run. I have been told more than once in regards to three of my current orders (2-ThinkPads, 1-IdeaPad) that when it says ships in 5 days on the site, that only means that once the computer has been built for each individual, it then goes to the warehouse where within 5 days it is shipped. Why they are unable to state that on the web site is beyond my comprehension, as it's not rocket science. Just be honest with the customers and tell them what to expect. Not to keep bringing up Apple as I'm certainly not one of their fan boys, but it amazes me that they can do such a fantastic job, when Lenovo is riddled with apathy. Who knows?

My present suggestion to you is to let the process run it's course and you will receive your S-12 at some point in the future. As unfortunate as it is, Lenovo just doesn't seem to care. After all, just look at the list of ThinkPads in my signature, that is only a small representation (my favorite models) of vast the number of new ThinkPads I've ordered. I am not bragging about my collection of ThinkPads, but rather illustrating the number of times I've been through the same thing you are going through, thus my experience speaks volumes about who they are. Nor is my post sour grapes, as I'm not angry or being critical of them. I'm simply reporting the truth about my first hand experiences. It is what it is, and I know that. Nonethelss I still buy the product, because I believe they are amongst the finest laptops available.

Since Lenovo took over, the song is always the same. A bunch of double talk, guesswork, and wait, wait, wait....

Cheers...

Got the email awhile ago from the guy I called this morning. Now at least I know for sure i'm in the system.
they will email me another one when it ships so my approach would be to forget about this order until I receive it.
My T60 is sent to IBM for repair this morning so I kind of need a laptop at the moment but I'll have to wait.

baraider wrote:Got the email awhile ago from the guy I called this morning. Now at least I know for sure i'm in the system.
they will email me another one when it ships so my approach would be to forget about this order until I receive it.
My T60 is sent to IBM for repair this morning so I kind of need a laptop at the moment but I'll have to wait.

You can count on receiving the notice when it ships, because the computer generates that one, not a person.

Interestingly enough, just received the email that my order has shipped.

Dear Customer,



Thank you for choosing Lenovo!



All or part of your order has shipped. In some instances your order may be shipped from more than one location, which will result in multiple notifications. You will only be invoiced for products that have shipped.

Please visit our online status tool to view the latest information on the status of your order:
(Shipment tracking numbers, if applicable, will be posted to the website within 24 hours.)

baraider wrote:Interestingly enough, just received the email that my order has shipped.

Looks like you're in great shape.

I just checked and mine was just pushed back an additional 10 days....ha..ha...ha... (true)
I'm only laughing because I'm not surprised at all.

Cheers...

what and how many did you order?
for all i know, you may get your order before mine so who knows. I got free shipping via ups ground so if it got here by the end of the week, I'll count my luck.

The tracking number shows this morning.
Shipped 7/20 and expected delivery 7/22
3 days select UPS

I still have _not_ received the "your order has shipped email".

And yet two of the three laptops I ordered arrived completely unexpectedly this morning.

So... that's a new experience that I've never had before with Lenovo. One thing's for sure, the way Lenovo operates could not be called either efficient, reliable or dull..ha..ha..ha...

I must say that this is a whole lot more entertaining that when I ordered my latest MacBook Pro a week ago. I went to the Apple Website Monday 7.13.09 @ 10am, configured the MBP I wanted, it said "ships in one to three business days". Wednesday 7.15.09 at 9:30am, my new MacBook Pro arrived. Now that is a professional operation. The web site had answers to every question I had. There were no pricing errors or mistakes on the site like Lenovo continues to post. It was simply a very easy purchase.

As far as my third ThinkPad order? Who knows? Not I, that's for sure. But in the meantime I will have plenty to do with these others.

Cheers...

got the s12 this morning. So far so good. I still have 2 things that bugs me

1) the keyboard:
Is there some setting or some button I need to turn on/off to de/activate the Fn feature because when I press the number 0 button, it shows / and I have to press Fn+0 to get 0.
Looks like the features got turned on by default.

2) Microphone.
It said the S12 got a builtin mic and I couldn't find a way to use it. I have some program that couldn't detect the mic.

1) It toggles, so simply press the two together and it should toggle off.

2) I haven't used it yet, so I have no solution to that one at this point.

Thus far my S-12 is proving to be a stellar netbook.

Cheers...

This explained the Fn issue
http://ask-leo.com/why_do_i_have_to_hol ... etter.html

Just have to press NumLock.

the mic problem sorted itself out.
restart the rosetta program again today and it detected the mic just find.

Now, time to order the 1gb mem and give this a boost.

The extra gig will make it nice and snappy. I'm very pleased with mine.

Cheers...

My S12 got a nasty virus so I took the chance to wipe it clean and install XP Pro on it. Much much better than the crap XP Home they use.
I installed it from a USB, all the drivers are on the D drive so I have no problem whatsoever. With the new mem, I'm sure it will last a while.

baraider wrote:better than the crap XP Home they use.

What does this mean?

archer6 wrote:What does this mean?

Well, there are many but the OS tried to tell me I can't do certain things. XP Home is like a limited, crippled version of Pro.