Later this month, Lenovo will roll out its second non-IBM branded laptop. The N100 is a relatively stylish widescreen laptop combining popular features at an attractive price. The N100 will be available in 14.1- and 15.4-inch widescreen models.

The N100 supports Intel's Core Duo technology processor up to 2.0GHz or Intel’s Core Solo processor up to 1.67GHz. System memory can be configure up to 2GB using DDR2 667MHz, and you can have up to 100GB of storage space (5400rpm) Serial HDD.

Connectivity comes in the way of four USB 2.0 ports and a single 4-pin FireWire port, and 4-in-1 memory card reader. Optional extras include a fingerprint reader and integrated Web camera.

Graphics are driven by an Intel GMA950 chipset on the 14.1-inch model and nVidia’s GeForce Go 7300 with 64MB or 128MB on the 15.4-inch model. Of course, there’s also CD-RW/DVD-ROM or DVD-RW optical drive options, as well as a choice of 6- or 9-cell batteries.

The only major downside is the weight: the 14.1-inch unit carries a whopping 2.53kg and the 15.4-inch is 2.8kg. IBM diehards may also snub the lack of TrackPoint or UltraNav pointing devices. The N100s have a silver exterior, probably similar to the Thinkpad Titanium Cover option, and the same orange highlights as the C100 models.

However the N100s definitely have a much better layout than the C100s: all of the critical ports (USB, FireWire, VGA) are on the sides where they belong, as is the optical drive. On the back side of the N100 you’ll find the S-Video, modem, and power connectors only. There is also a wireless switch on the front face.

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BIOS, 21.03.06