Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Full Lenovo IdeaPad U550 Review – Updated for 2010

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When you stop to consider the fine engineering and design that has gone into the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 you’ll never look at another machine the same way again.

<– Check out the latest Lenovo IdeaPad U550 Coupon Code

Starting at around $600, the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 is priced to sell. Equipped with mid-range Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage (CULV) processors, plenty of RAM, a high-definition display and a great audio package, the IdeaPad U550 is aimed to please both those looking for on-the-go communication and for those interested in a premium portable entertainment machine.

The Lenovo IdeaPad U550 comes with a standard Intel Pentium SU4100(1.3GHz) low-voltage processor and 3GB of RAM. While it’s not the most powerful laptop package on the market, it is certainly capable of playing high-definition video and handling medium-duty software packages. If you need a bit more power, opt for the Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300(1.3GHz). To control everything, users can choose Microsoft’s Windows 7 Home Premium operating system in either 32-bit or 64-bit formats.

Armed with High Definition

Lenovo has long had a tradition of providing customers with great displays and the IdeaPad U550 maintains it. Armed with a 15.6-inch high-definition display and an Intel 4500MHD graphics card, the IdeaPad U550 provides users with great clarity and sharpness with little screen jitter or lag while playing data-rich video. Above the monitor you’ll find a 1.3-megapixel integrated webcam for chatting with friends anywhere on the planet.

For controls, the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 sports a full-size keyboard and a small right-side number pad. This means that if you want to play light-duty computer games that you’ll be able to utilize desktop-like controls. The keyboard, like those of most other Lenovo machines, is solid and has a reassuring “click” when typing. Above the keyboard there are both volume and playback buttons and beneath the board – near the palm rests – is a large touchpad with large buttons.

Lenovo IdeaPad U550 – Integrated Connectivity

Outfitted with the standard wireless and wired connection options, the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 allows users to be in touch virtually anywhere in the country and across much of the globe. For wireless access, there is an integrated Intel WiFi Link 5100 card and for more secure and faster surfing, there’s also an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port.

The IdeaPad U550 has plenty of inputs, outputs and ports to provide you with access to all of your favorite media, devices and peripherals, including: three USB ports; an Ethernet port; headphone/microphone jacks; HDMI output; VGA output; a 4-in-1 media card reader; and more. There is also an integrated DVD-R optical drive for opening and burning necessary media and data.

Efficiency-Equipped

Since the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 is equipped with a CULV processor, the six-cell Lithium Ion battery that comes standard will provide much more life than the average six-cell battery. Whereas a non-CULV machine would last only four-hours on a single charge, the U550 can withstand nearly eight-hours of medium-duty use before you need to recharge.

Sleek, well designed and sturdily built, the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 isn’t just fun to use; it’s fun to look at as well. The outer case features a glossy black finish with a white patchwork inlaid pattern, while the interior features a matte black keyboard and palm rests, which are great in bright light when you want to avoid glare. The machine feels sturdy despite its light weight, making it a great machine if you’re looking to take it on the road a lot.

Lenovo IdeaPad U550 Specs

Processor: Intel Pentium SU4100(1.3GHz) to Core 2 Duo SU7300(1.3GHz)

Memory: 3GB RAM (4GB Max)

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit); Home Premium (32-bit)

Hard Drive: 250GB; 320GB

Optical Drive: DVD-R

Display: 15.6″ HD WXGA, VibrantView (1366×768)

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

Battery: 6-Cell

Ports: 3 USB; Ethernet; Headphone Output; Microphone Input; HDMI; VGA; 4-in-1 Media Card Reader

Size: 14.8” x 9.9” x .9–1.2″

Weight: 5.3 LBS

Check out the most recent Lenovo IdeaPad U550 Coupon Code

Lenovo IdeaPad U550 – What’s our decision?

An entertainment machine in the truest sense, the Lenovo IdeaPad U550 is the perfect choice for anyone that wants to enjoy their favorite multimedia anywhere they choose. The long-lasting battery combined with the low-voltage processor ensures plenty of use between charges and the high-definition display and high-definition audio provide incredible viewing and listening experiences.

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