Lenovo IdeaPad Y710

Lenovo designed the 17-inch widescreen IdeaPad Y710 notebook PC for users who desire a high level of performance for entertainment. Distinctively designed with a smooth, blue, metallic finish, the notebook also comes equipped with halo lighting, accenting the top cover and backlit Lenovo logo. Select models include a second, hot-swap hard drive to easily store and transfer data as well as Game Zone functionality. Game Zone includes enlarged directional buttons for enhanced game play, four user-customizable buttons and a secondary display showing system information such as CPU speed. It also includes a performance control switch with Turbo mode for maximum power, including CPU overclocking, and Quiet mode for energy savings. Equipped with Intel Centrino processor technology, ATI graphics, WLAN connectivity, five speakers including a subwoofer, the IdeaPad Y710 notebook caters to the entertainment enthusiast.

Details:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 and T9300

• OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit

• Screen: 17" widescreen WXGA VibrantView (1400x900)

• Video Card: ATI HD2600 256MB DDR2

• HD: 250GB 5400rpm or 500GB (250GBx2)

• RAM: 2x1GB (4GB max)

• Optical: DVD-Burner or Blu-Ray DVD

• Webcam: 1.3MP

• Sound: four speakers, one subwoofer

• Network: 10/100 Ethernet, Intel 4965AGN wireless

• Weight: 7.9lbs

• Size: 15.5 x 11.2 x 1.02-1.53”

• Warranty: 1 year system/1 year battery

• Battery: 6 Cell, up to 4 hrs

• Ports: four USB, HDMI, Firewire, VGA, S-Video, 6-in-1 Card reader, Expresscard, Mic/ Headphone jacks

Initially I was very pleased when I got this unit. I agree more or less with the positive comments in other reviews. However this changed quickly when I realized the primary drive "C" was partitioned for only 30G, part of which was already consumed by the restore data. Bummer!! I called Lenovo, hoping maybe I had gotten a previously owned unit and that this was not the way they ship normally, whereby I would just exchange the unit. I was advised that they do indeed ship configured in this way, and that furthermore trying to increase the partition size for the C drive would void the warrany! I actually did try to use the extend partition feature in Vista to try to "extend" the C drive partition(make it bigger), but the "extend" option was grayed out, not available! This issue is a deal-killer for me. The other two cons mentioned above are not too serious from my viewpoint. If this is no issue for you then go for it as the unit so far seems otherwise OK!