As expected, Lenovo announced that they would be entering the netbook market with the upcoming IdeaPad S10 netbook PC. Featuring an Intel Atom processor, a 10.2 inch display, and a few color choices, the S10 will be targeting both first time PC buyers as well as those who want a secondary PC system to bring around with them.

The reported features and specs for the S10 include the following:

• One inch thin
• Weight of just over two pounds
• 10.2 inch display
• Available in classic white, bold black, and glossy ruby red
• Keyboard is 85 % the size of a full function notebook keyboard
• Energy-efficient LED backlit display
• Wi-Fi
• ExpressCard slot
• Built-in web camera
• Two USB ports
• 4 in 1 multicard reader
• Windows XP

The S10 will be available in two configurations – one with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB HDD, and another with 1GB of RAM and a 160GB HDD.

The IdeaPad S10 will be available beginning in early October for a starting price of $399.

Our take? The specs are pretty straightforward – the price is good.. but what’s up with the 85% keyboard? If you have a 10.2 inch display, it seems to me that the keyboard could have been made larger. Guess we’ll have to wait to see what the first reviews say about the design.

UPDATE: Here’s some additional information from a PC Magazine article on the S10.

• A 9 inch version of the S10 will be available overseas
• Netbook can weigh as little as 2.4 lbs depending on the battery (3 cell for 3 hours vs 6 cell for 6 hours)
• These are 5400 RPM Hard Drives inside
• The larger 1GB/160GB configuration will cost $449.
• Linux versions of the S10 will be offered overseas

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, IdeaPad S10 netbook PC