Ideapad U330 Update?

I've been looking at Lenovo's more portable offerings and noticed the U330 only has one model available. This seems odd to me. Is it possible their trying to get rid of inventory, so they can release an updated version?

 

It's always been one model.

 

I'm just confused as to why the config on lenovo's site only has 2GB of memory and is $1050 and the build that is on Amazon has 3GB of memory and costs $1140. Did amazon just alter the confg?

 

Not true, there was a point awhile back where two had two configurations. Amazon still has the other one I believe.

 

Well, actually - world-wise, there have been three. The one I own has a faster processor than the US version.

 

I wish they do a refresh with a 128bit bandwidth GPU and a faster CPU, then id be sold and get it ASAP!

 

There are three new U330 models that should be released anyday now:

U330-22672DU- 2.0GHz T6400, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, VHP-32
U330-22672EU- 2.0GHz T6400, 2GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, VHP-32
U330-22672CU- 2.4GHz P8600, 4GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, VHP-64

All models have the same graphics card (ATI 3450/switchable) as previous models.

No word on pricing yet, but the two entry-level models with the T6400 should be under $1k...

 

Interesting. I wonder if Lenovo has solved the battery life issue with this update. That's the only reservation I have with this laptop and why I'm looking and waiting for reviews for the Y450

 

Just looked at spec sheet and saw all these new configs listed. Looks like the glossy black may be gone as well? Apparently these new models were announced on April 22nd.

 

I noticed that the new models show the top color as "Black" rather than "Glossy Black". The new models could have a different type of exterior finish. Just keep in mind that Lenovo routintely makes typos and lists erroneous specs for various models, so it could just be an oversight.....but now it's bugging me and I want to know the answer!

 

Agreed, it could be nothing. If it is something, I bet they change the design to match the cover of the U110.

 

T6400s? Ewww... very interesting move, though.
However, the current P7350 model can be had at around 900 bucks with a good deal...

 

What's the story with the T6400? Lenovo's using this chip in the new Y450 too.

 

It's a much lower-grade chip. Uses more power than a P-series, and such.

 

Well now I'm just waiting to see the price point of these updates. What do we think the low-end price will be? $800?

 

where did you get the info on the laptop with the P8600 VHP64 4GB?

 

Its in the U series PDF spec sheet. The U330 is off the Lenovo site as of now. Wonder when they'll put the new models up for sale.

 

People is there something wrong with Lenovo US Website?

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...-category-id=E43D2699BCE742179B81FE831165E337

I'm checking it right now, and it would seem like the Lenovo U330 is no longer being sold. What is going on with this move?

Wasn't there going to be an update?

 

According to the spec sheet, yes. They should be released any day now. They were announced Aprill 22nd.

 

Hmmm...do you happen to have the spec sheet? I would love to see what the refresh means...if it is really worth it.

 

Here's the link:

http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/WW/AG/merchandising/US/PDFs/useries_techspecs_042709.pdf

 

Thanks a lot gdup! Ill check out the link now!

Ill be back with more question later today...

 

I haven't heard of any battery issues with these laptops. I get anywhere from 4 to 4.5 hours on my U330 in power saving mode + intel graphics.

I'm glad to see they bumped the P-series included in the U330 to the P8600!

 

Go to www.lenovo.com/psref for all the latest spec sheets on all Lenovo products. It's a handy link!

 

The lid design is apparently changing from Glossy Black to just "Black" on the newest models. Depending on pricing, the new top-spec model (22672CU) with the 2.4GHz Intel P8600, Vista Home Premium 64-bit and 4GB DDR3-1066 RAM could be pretty SWEET! They all continue to have switchable Intel/ATI HD 3450 graphics.

If only they would make the 1440x900 display from the X301 available on the U330!

 

Well, apparently the X301 displays are horrible... I really like the current U330 one, even if it has a lower resolution.

Also, the current lid isn't just 'glossy black', it's actually 'metallic glossy black'. Quite snazzy actually.

Oh, and 64-bit Vista? Well, that means we'll see 64-bit drivers, then! We've been lacking those - well, just the switchable graphics ones, really.

 

I've not seen an X301 in person, but I did get a little hands-on time with the original X300 last year. It had the 13.3" WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlit display, just like the X301. I thought it looked great!

It's worth noting that the X300/X301, U330 and SL300 all have displays with brightness ratings of 300-nits. Most competitors are in the 200-250-nit range. The Samsung X360/X460 are the only other 300-nit displays I can think of, off hand.

I agree that the U330 display looks fantastic. And I suppose that 1280x800 is sufficient for a 13.3" display.

 

Looks like Lenovo put the U330 back on their website..

 

Yes, and interestingly it doesn't match up with the spec sheet. The model they have up should have 2gb of memory. I was pretty sure this model would be below $1000. Someone else in the thread mentioned the same thing. No mention of a lid change either.

 

And it appears the graphics are no longer "switchable" ..

edit.. hmm maybe they are but just don't list it in the buy/configuration page?

 

Yea, who knows. I would hardly call Lenovo descriptive.

 

The graphics are still switchable, they just don't have it listed. Lenovo can never get their specs right on the website.

 

Just a quick question about the U330's fan activity. Is the fan always blowing, or does it only turn on under load?

I have an old Dell whose fan only turns on under load and that's perfect for me. I've tried a Sony VAIO Z, but the fan is always on and that bugged the heck out of me and I'd like to avoid that again.

 

The U330 fans work like they should, like on the Dell you described.

Once again, can't wait for 64-bit drivers for the graphics.

 

Awesome, so I can expect the fan to basically be off during word-processing and doing light things like surfing the net? That VAIO Z just really annoyed the heck out of me b/c I couldn't concentrate while I was working with that fan buzzing along constantly.

 

It's quiet, especially if you keep the CPU downclocked via power settings... runs nice and smooth at a restricted 800MHz.

 

It will be interesting to see how the U330 performs with the T6400 processor compared to the previous P7350. They're both 2.0GHz, but the T6400 has an 800MHz FSB (vs. 1066MHz for the P7350) and it has 2mb of L2 cache (1mb less than the P7350).

The real question is whether the models with the T6400 will generate more heat under load (and cause the fan to run more often)? The P7350 had a TDP of 25W vs. 35W for the T6400...I'm curious....

 

I would like to know about when the U330 with P8600 will be finally available with 4GBs of RAM and VHP64.

Any word on this?

 

Can anyone share their user experience of U330 with T6400?
I wish they get rid of the infamous battery issue.
http://forums.lenovo.com/lnv/board/message?board.id=ideaPad&thread.id=3474