The IdeaPad U330 is Lenovo’s 13.3″ notebook built with Intel’s Montevina platform and AMD’s switchable graphics technology. The latter feature is unique to the U330 compared to other 13.3″ competitors such as the Dell XPS 1330, Apple MacBook based on Intel’s older Santa Rosa platform, and even the newer Sony SR series.
The model in this review is the U330-22672AU with the following specifications:
- Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 Processor (2.00GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)
- Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1
- 13.3″ WXGA (1280×800) LED Backlight LCD
- Intel GMA 4500 MHD, ATI Radeon HD 3450 258MB Switchable Graphics
- 3 GB PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 RAM
- 320GB 5,400 RPM HD
- DVD-RW
- Intel 5100 abgn WiFi Card
- Bluetooth
- 1.3 MP Webcam and Mic
- 6-cell Li-Ion 56 WHr Battery
- 1-year warranty, 6 months for battery
Advertised dimensions: 12.5″ x 9.3″ x 0.9-1.1″ (WxDxH), 4.32lb
Actual dimensions: 12.55″ x 9.05″ x 1.19-1.37″ (WxDxH), 4.20lb
Reasons for buying
The U330’s main selling points are its combination of its hybrid graphics system, size, and pricing. The hybrid graphics system is a significant feature of the Intel Montevina platform as it allows for the computer to switch between the power-efficient Intel GMA 4500 integrated graphics to maximize battery life and a dedicated ATI HD 3450 256MB graphics card for moderate gaming. Moreover, with its dimensions and weight, the U330 is one of the lightest 13.3″ notebooks while costing a few hundred dollars less than its competitors.
As for my own personal reasons for purchasing the U330, I was originally interested in the ThinkPad T400. However, its non-flush 6-cell battery extending an additional inch out of the chassis dissuaded me from picking the T400. The flush 6-cell battery on the U330 in conjunction with its small form factor and attractive pricing
Where and How Purchased
At the time this review was written, the U330 can be purchased from www.lenovo.com with a retail price of $1,199 to $1,299 depending on configuration. But with Lenovo’s perpetual sales and promotions, the U330 can be easily found for less than $1,000.
Only two pre-configured models and a myriad of optional service plans are available for sale. Eventually, Lenovo plans to make the U330 available at brick-and-mortar stores such as Fry’s and offer a greater variety of configurations with Blu-Ray, built-in WWAN, and IR media remotes.
Build and Design
For the experts, the U330 was built by the ODM Wistron. Lenovo claims that the U330 casing is built out of a magnesium aluminum alloy. Although the magnesium aluminum alloy does not feel like metal, the chassis of the U330 feels solid with no flexing or creaking. Pushing against the back of the lid does not produce any ripples on the screen. Nevertheless, the lid isn’t resistant to torsional strain due to the lack of a solid structure behind the screen like the Thinkpad’s rollcage. The optical drive, SD card, and 34mm express card holders sit flush with the rest of the chassis, which reflects the excellent fit and finish of the U330. There is no latch for the lid as it relies on a tension mechanism to remain closed. Rubber pads on the edges of the notebook prevent the keyboard from smearing against the screen when closed.
Aside from the lid of the U330, the entire notebook has a smooth matte finish. On the other hand, the top of the lid features a glossy finish susceptible to fingerprints and scratches. The actual bezel surrounding the screen is covered by an additional layer of glossy plastic to create the appearance of a continuous window, similar to HP’s Infinity View. Once again, the glossy finish on the bezels surrounding the screen creates another fingerprint hazard.
The U330 borrows the same hinge design found on the MacBook and XPS 1330. Consequently, the screen can only be pushed back a maximum of 120
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This post was written by admin on September 30, 2008
