Ideapad S10

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E. Carlson · #1 Post by **E. Carlson** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:18 pm

I have just received the S10 Ideapad, which I ordered so as not to have to take my T42 or T60 on airplanes or other travels. Now as I get ready to configure it to my needs, a couple of questions for those of you who do this kind of thing regularly:
1. What is the best way to install software from a CD when there is not CD drive? (I have the other laptops and laplink software - would that work? I also have an external hard drive, and have flash drives.)

2. Is there a sychronization software that would update between the S10 and my T42? (I used to use the synchronization available through the MS mobile software, going between a desktop, a laptop, and an HP Mobilon, which worked great.) I am most interested in updating calendar, tasks, e-mail and selected files.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Elaine

OldManClayton · #2 Post by **OldManClayton** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:54 pm

There are a number of ways to use CD's in a computer with no CD drive. The easiest, probably, is to set up an ad-hoc wireless network and map another computer's CD drive as a network drive.

Quick, painless setup.

OR, you could create an image of it with various softwares that are available, plunk it on the laptop with whatever means you want, and use something like Daemon Tools Lite to mount it as a virtual CD drive.

Or you could by an external USB CD drive.

Good luck!

Whoops, just realized. If you need any step by step instructions, just say so.

E. Carlson · #3 Post by **E. Carlson** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:05 pm

Thank you for these suggestions. I am intrigued by both, but maybe could try the first one - wireless network. I already have a wireless network for the broadband internet connection. How do I map the drive to be able to use it on the S10?

Thanks for some step by step instructions!
Elaine

OldManClayton · #4 Post by **OldManClayton** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:34 pm

In order to map the drive over your wireless network, you'll have to have one of the following setups:

1) Two computers with wireless adaptors. Alternatively, you could use a direct-cable connection.

2)Two computers both connected to the internet.

The easier route is to disconnect the computer from your broadband network and create a separate ad-hoc network with another computer that has wireless capabilities. If only one of the computers has wireless, you will have to set up a VPN, which is a mess that I'm not exactly qualified to direct. (I've only done it twice.

)

I'm assuming you have Windows XP on both machines. I've never used Vista, so I couldn't help you there. On the computer with the CD drive, do this:

Go to the control panel. (My Computer > Control Panel)

Double-click the Network Connections icon.

Right click the wireless networking device, (usually Wireless Network Connection) and then click properties.

Click the "Wireless Networks" tab.

Under the "Preferred networks" heading, click "add..."

Make up a name for the wireless network and put it in the box labeled, "Network Name (SSID):"

Under the Wireless Network Key heading, set the Network Authentication box to shared. Then set the data encryption box to WEP. There is a more secure way to set up a network, but frankly I've never done it. Google "Securing my wireless network" if you want.

Enter a network key you will not forget. It has to be 5 or 13 ascii characters. (e.g. ABC123)

Make sure the box with something like "This is a computer-to-computer network. Access points are not used" is checked.

Hit ok.

Go back to My Computer. Right click the CD drive and hit "Sharing and Security..."

Check the "Share this folder on the Network" box. Remember what is in the box that says "Share name" or change it to something easy to remember.

NOW. Go to the other computer. Make sure wireless networking is enabled. Right click the appropriate icon for the device in the bottom right of the taskbar (alternatively, find it in the network connections control panel applet. If it's connected to something, it will be a computer screen with waves coming out of it. If it's disconnected, there will be a red X on it. Right click it, and select "View Available wireless networks." If it does not list the one you just created, refresh the list. Hopefully it appears, and you can enter the key.

If it doesn't, Then you'll have to configure it manually to connect by the same way you created the network.

After that's done, Go to your desktop and right click My Computer. Click "Map network drive"

Hopefully you know your computer's name, because if not it could get a bit messy. You can try browsing for it. If you do know it, type: "\\computername\cddrivesharename" Select whichever drive letter you want and hit Finish.

HOPEFULLY that worked.

I probably didn't explain it too well... Anyway, there're almost always troubles along the way, with different setups and whatnot, so if you have any, just post 'em.

Gee... that seemed alot simpler in my head.

OldManClayton · #5 Post by **OldManClayton** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:42 pm

So... How'd it go?

E. Carlson · #6 Post by **E. Carlson** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:07 pm

I tried the setting up of the computer-computer network; however, I must have missed a step because it did not work. And I have not had a chance to get back and re-do the steps. However, in the meantime, I have copied the software onto a memory stick, and was able to install the programs on the S10 using the USB port.

However, still trying to find a way to have my 3 laptops be able to share files easily, as well as find ways to synchronize changes in calendar, files, etc., I noticed that in my TP 60, the Access Connections program has a tab for peer-peer connections. However, I need to be running the Access Connections on all computers to establish this peer sharing network. The TP 42p has the Access Connections and would need to be upgraded to the latest version, I would assume. However, the Ideapad S10 does not have the Access Connections, and on the Lenovo site listing the downloads for Think Vantage/Access Connections, it does not show the Ideapad S10 in the list of laptops on which it can be installed.

Have you used this Access Connections program on the thinkpads, and might the Access Connections be an easy answer to establishing a network among my 3 laptops if the Access Connections can be installed on the Ideapad S10?

Thanks for any thoughts on this.
Elaine

mgo · #7 Post by **mgo** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:13 am

E. Carlson wrote:I have just received the S10 Ideapad, which I ordered so as not to have to take my T42 or T60 on airplanes or other travels. Now as I get ready to configure it to my needs, a couple of questions for those of you who do this kind of thing regularly:
1. What is the best way to install software from a CD when there is not CD drive? (I have the other laptops and laplink software - would that work? I also have an external hard drive, and have flash drives.)

2. Is there a sychronization software that would update between the S10 and my T42? (I used to use the synchronization available through the MS mobile software, going between a desktop, a laptop, and an HP Mobilon, which worked great.) I am most interested in updating calendar, tasks, e-mail and selected files.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Elaine

I use the simple (easy for me to understand) method. Using your T42, copy the contents of your install CDs over to a USB external hard drive. Create a folder for each program.

After you get things copied, plug in your USB drive to the S10 and run the setup.exe file to install the program onto the S10.

Hang on to those install folders in case you need to reinstall something later.

On the other topic, Microsoft has a free program, "Sync Toy" that works pretty well. Honestly, I get confused with syncing, and just run Robocopy both ways using the external USB drive.

E. Carlson · #8 Post by **E. Carlson** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:11 am

Thank you for your suggestions. Copying the programs onto a USB memory stick is exactly what I did, and then installing from the memory stick.

Regarding the synchronizing question, I especially want to synchronize the Outlook calendar and tasks, plus selected files. I looked at the sync toy from Microsoft, and I don't think it would work - it does not seem to recognize changes in multiple places. I looked at the synch platform, but that requires developer modifications to adapt and use.

The Active Sync for mobile devices is what I am looking to use on 3 laptops, none of which is running the mobile software. I am wondering if it might work on 3 laptops, including the Ideapad? I am going to submit a question in one of the newsgroups about active sync and see what they say.
Elaine

#9 Post by **archer6** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:51 pm

E. Carlson wrote:I especially want to synchronize the Outlook calendar and tasks, plus selected files.

I have three of my favorite ThinkPads, and my S10 that I alternate between using daily. I also use Outlook and selected files. Here is the procedure I use, it's fast, easy and therefore I'm able to keep all laptops in sync. in less that five minutes each.

1) The Files are all nested in a folder called "Shuttle" within My Docs. This way I have everything in one spot. When I'm done at the end of my computing session I simply drag and drop this one folder to a USB Flash Drive, or my small & compact External USB Western Digital Passport HD, and copy the files to it.

2) Outlook Sync, at the end of my computing session I simply open a windows explorer window (XP). In the address bar I paste the following path:

C:\Documents and Settings\Leonard\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

*my name is leonard, so in your case in that path (above) you would see your name*

Now on the right pane you will see a single icon, with the office logo, that is the Outlook .pst file that contains everything. Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Tasks, etc. I simply drag and drop that to my USB backup device (flash drive or external HD) and I'm all set.

Now when I want to use any of my other ThinkPads, I simply copy the file folder, and the Outlook .pst file into their respective places and I'm all set. Once you get in the habit of doing this, it's really fast. I spend no more than 5 minutes to copy the current data to the computer I want to use. For speed and convenience I use a 4GB Flash drive to keep my ThinkPads / IdeaPad in sync. Then at the end of the week, I copy that same data to my external hard drive just for safety in case the flash drive is unable to be recognized by the computer. I have had flash drives fail just twice in 3 years, but believe me I was really happy I had the data on my external HD, thus preventing loss.

Hope this helps you.

Cheers...

in4m8ionman · #10 Post by **in4m8ionman** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:53 pm

For Syncing - try http://www.getdropbox.com/

If both machines are online then they will always have the same files sync'd - plus they will be accessible online via the browser.

Not sure that this is the best solution for Outlook, but maybe. I don't use Outlook so I don't worry about it.

OldManClayton · #11 Post by **OldManClayton** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:15 pm

:O I'm going to download that and try it myself...

hki · #12 Post by **hki** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 4:57 am

archer6 wrote:
E. Carlson wrote:I especially want to synchronize the Outlook calendar and tasks, plus selected files.
2) Outlook Sync, at the end of my computing session I simply open a windows explorer window (XP). In the address bar I paste the following path:

Now on the right pane you will see a single icon, with the office logo, that is the Outlook .pst file that contains everything. Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Tasks, etc. I simply drag and drop that to my USB backup device (flash drive or external HD) and I'm all set.

Cheers...

Hi!

To have one less step to go through you could change the place of the PST file to be also in the folder where you have rest of your stuff. This can be done in Tools - Options - Mail setup - Data files.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

hki

#13 Post by **archer6** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:54 pm

hki wrote:To have one less step to go through you could change the place of the PST file to be also in the folder where you have rest of your stuff. This can be done in Tools - Options - Mail setup - Data files.

Thank you for the wonderful tip!

Cheers

#14 Post by **archer6** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 2:00 pm

in4m8ionman wrote:For Syncing - try http://www.getdropbox.com/

If both machines are online then they will always have the same files sync'd - plus they will be accessible online via the browser.

Not sure that this is the best solution for Outlook, but maybe. I don't use Outlook so I don't worry about it.

1) Thanks for this tip and the link. While I have a system that has been working ideally for me, I'm always open to change and new things. This is a great site/service...

2) If you do not use Outlook, what DO you use? Tell us more...

Cheers...

in4m8ionman · #15 Post by **in4m8ionman** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:18 pm

Glad you liked Dropbox.

I use Notes at work and Gmail at home.

Also - just got my Ideapad S10 - I love it - excellent quality - well built and pretty thin. I am glad I didn't talk myself into one of the other machines. The HP 2133 is really cool - and a bunch of the other machines are interesting - but the S10 is great.

#16 Post by **archer6** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:32 pm

in4m8ionman wrote:Glad you liked Dropbox.

I use Notes at work and Gmail at home.

Also - just got my Ideapad S10 - I love it - excellent quality - well built and pretty thin. I am glad I didn't talk myself into one of the other machines. The HP 2133 is really cool - and a bunch of the other machines are interesting - but the S10 is great.

Yes, I must admit that I had a hard time being patient waiting for the Black IdeaPad S10 to become available. I knew from the moment I read about it and saw just one picture that I really liked the plain styling. It has the same "shape" as a ThinkPad in terms of being flat on top and nearly flat on the bottom. Thus have a very clean look. I've already put 40 hours on mine, I've adapted well to the smaller keyboard and must say it's a fun compelling laptop. Netbook yes, and yet fully functional if one wishes to do more. Having passed the 40 hour mark trouble free I installed another 1GB of ram for 1.5 total. I might have gone to 2GB, however I had a "take out" 1GB module from my T60 when I upgraded it to 3GB. Being the same spec ram was perfect as I didn't waste a perfectly good ram module. Also I was quite impressed how well it ran on only 512MB. As after all for me, it is indeed a secondary machine for fun and portability.

To anyone who is thinking about a Netbook, I highly endorse the IdeaPad S10. I could not be happier with mine.

Cheers...

spasell · #17 Post by **spasell** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:00 pm

I am SOOOO tempted to pick one of these up BUT from what I have read on almost all the major review sites (CNET, LAPTOP, AMAZON, Consumer Reports, etc) is that the battery is TERRIBLE. I understand it is only a 3 cell, but honestly, the idea behind the netbook for most is the ability to have an ultraportable machine that you do not have to plug into a wall.

I'd drop the $ right now for this if I could get 4+ hours of battery life out of the machine.

Right now, I have a x61t, which really is portable, BUT, I have it docked all the time and I love the idea of getting up in the morning, hitting the road just for the day, and leaving my x61T plugged in while I do not have to worry about undocking it, packing up my charger, and finding a wall outlet somewhere.

Both are small, but something about the idea of having that smaller ultra portable Lenovo really intrigues me.

Does anyone know if they plan on making a larger battery for this device in the future? If so, I'd probably do it TODAY but until that becomes clear, the Samsung NC10 is looking like the way I am headed.

any thoughts on battery life from experience are appreciated. Thanks!

#18 Post by **archer6** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:40 pm

My goal for the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 was to have something very inexpensive for casual use, and worry free should I scratch it. Part 2 of the goal, was a very small and light laptop for fun, not work. One that I could (and would) carry all the time. One to pop into a backpack, bag, or just grab like a book when stopping into a Starbucks.

The 3 cell battery is perfect for me, and it keeps the weight down. I repeatedly get over 3 hours which is more than enough run time for my use. I have no idea why the battery is criticized in the reviews. Also the keyboard is very comfortable, a nice surprise as I have large hands, and I find it solid and easy to use. It's quiet, and performs very well. The reports of running warm with a noisy fan, have been cured. My fan rarely comes on, and it runs cooler than my X60s (which is not hot or even warm for that matter).

If I'm going to do some serious computing but still want a small footprint I take my X60s with the 6 cell. At 1.4lbs more than my IdeaPad it's still perfect when I don't want to carry my larger T60.

Overall, I must say that I'm really impressed with the S10 and use if far more than I anticipated. The quality is exemplary, it looks far more expensive than it was ($349 after eCoupon) and I could not be happier. In fact I just bought two more today for family members, as they just went on sale.

Cheers (edit: a 6 cell is now available)

OldManClayton · #19 Post by **OldManClayton** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:45 pm

I thought I saw a 6 cell battery for the S10... Somewhere on http://www.s10Lenovo.com I think. My sister wants to get one of these and I want to get an x61t...

Cunha · #20 Post by **Cunha** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 7:38 pm

Wouldnt a SSD save battery life, increase speed and durability and NOT increase weight and ruin the great feel?

I saw one of these and handled it at circuit city yesterday. I love the machine. I dont feel like I have to worry about twisting it or anything. I can carry that sucker around and use it as much as I need to, no worries and its rock solid feel just makes me happy. Best feeling machine in a long time really. Too bad about the keyboard but it is better than others, and I can adapt quick.

#21 Post by **archer6** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:04 pm

Cunha wrote:Wouldnt a SSD save battery life, increase speed and durability and NOT increase weight and ruin the great feel?

I saw one of these and handled it at circuit city yesterday. I love the machine. I dont feel like I have to worry about twisting it or anything. I can carry that sucker around and use it as much as I need to, no worries and its rock solid feel just makes me happy. Best feeling machine in a long time really. Too bad about the keyboard but it is better than others, and I can adapt quick.

I bought a second IdeaPad S10 to do some mods and see what could be done with it. I installed a OCZ OCZSSD2-1S32G 2.5" 32GB SATA II Internal Solid state disk (SSD), and 2GB RAM. Then I installed Ubuntu Linux 8.10. Now I will be testing it side by side with my S10 with the Hitachi 80GB hard drive running XP. It will be interesting to see what the real world differences are.

Cunha · #22 Post by **Cunha** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:24 pm

If you get a chance do some tests with XP on the SSD and 2gb ram setup, id love to see that.

Also see if and how much the battery life improves on the SSD setup.

Awesome.

Anyone know a nits rating on these S10 screens? I saw one at the store the other day, really love the feel of them. Hands down beats every other netbook I have seen yet, HP in second but not really an option for me.

#23 Post by **archer6** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:34 am

Cunha wrote: Anyone know a nits rating on these S10 screens? I saw one at the store the other day, really love the feel of them. Hands down beats every other netbook I have seen yet, HP in second but not really an option for me.

Here are the display specs:
10.2" WSVGA
1024x600 TFT color
anti-glare
LED backlight
16:10 aspect ratio
300:1 contrast ratio
200 nits

#24 Post by **bill bolton** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:01 pm

archer6 wrote:It will be interesting to see what the real world differences are.

And the winner is.....

Cheers,

Bill B.

#25 Post by **archer6** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 1:57 pm

archer6 wrote:I bought a second IdeaPad S10 to do some mods and see what could be done with it. I installed a OCZ OCZSSD2-1S32G 2.5" 32GB SATA II Internal Solid state disk (SSD), and 2GB RAM. Then I installed Ubuntu Linux 8.10. Now I will be testing it side by side with my S10 with the Hitachi 80GB hard drive running XP. It will be interesting to see what the real world differences are.

bill bolton wrote:
archer6 wrote:It will be interesting to see what the real world differences are.
And the winner is..... Cheers, Bill B.

I now have the mods done and have just spent some time with them performing a side by side "real world" test. The short version of the story is I'm disappointed that there is very little difference. Speed wise, the boot times are faster as is to be expected and yet only 18 seconds saved with the SSD. As far as running apps since this is my netbook that I intend to use as such, I'm not doing any real work of consequence that would tax the resources.

With an IR gun checking temps, they are as follows:

Stock S10: 84 degrees at keyboard center, 82 at touch pad
Bottom of case: 90 degrees center, 89 degrees on outer edges.

Modded S10: 80 degrees at keyboard center, 80 at touch pad
Bottom of case: 85 degrees center, 83 degrees on outer edges.

First impression of my stock S10 out of the box was that it ran very cool, quiet and fast for what it is. After modding the second one, it truly proved how nice these machines are in their standard configuration. If I had it to do again, I would simply buy one and enjoy using it, as there is nothing of any consequence (at least in my experience) to be gained from the mods I did.

That said, I'm very impressed with the IdeaPad S10. It has a nice solid keyboard that is very usable even though it's small @ 85% of full size. The build quality is excellent, and in the all black color, it looks like the well made, high quality netbook it is. Much different than many of the competitors that look toylike in colors. The display is truly clear and bright without any light leakage. Color reproduction is good for a small screen, and overall it's has exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. A fun small, light laptop (netbook) to grab and go.

I highly endorse the IdeaPad S10

Cheers...

Ideapad S10

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Ideapad S10

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Ideapad S10

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Battery life a deal killer

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