Review By: Aira Review Date: 17 Jan 2009
The IdeaPad U330 is Lenovos 13.3" notebook built with Intels Montevina platform and AMDs 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 Intels 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 (1280x800) 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 U330s 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
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