The IdeaPad Y550

the ideapad y550 is a 15.6" multimedia notebook from lenovo offered in a blend of affordable and high-end configurations. the top of the register system options include an intel core i7 processor and nvidia gt 240m dedicated graphics while additional affordable systems include general core 2 duo processors and integrated graphics. in this review we look at a mannequin equipped with the intel t6400 processor and intel x4500 integrated graphics

Lenovo IdeaPad Y550 Specifications:

* Windows Vista Home Premium with SP2 (Now available with Windows 7 64-bit)

* Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 2.0GHz (2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB)

* 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (1066MHz)

* 320GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD

* 15.6-inch LED-backlit WXGA display (glossy, 1366x768)

* Intel X4500MHD integrated graphics

* Intel 5100AGN

* Ports and connectors: (2) USB 2.0 ports, eSATA/USB Combo, VGA, HDMI, SDHC-Card reader, RJ-45/Ethernet (Gigabit), stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, 1.3 megapixel webcam

* Dimensions: (LxWxH) 15.2" x 10.0" x 1.02" to 1.5

* Weight: 5lbs 13.5oz

* 11.1v 56Wh 6-cell battery

* One-year standard warranty

* MSRP: $813

the lenovo ideapad y550 has a modern design with a sleek figure and a rather pronounced contrasting color design. the exterior con of the y550 when closed is thin and insipid with a thick orange urbane section breaking up the two black halves on the notebook. from a distance the external color of the shield cover appears to be matte black , but looking at it closer it is in Truth a faintly embossed surface. this particular design is an overlapping honey-comb finish that gives the notebook a squeamish designing see while similarly giving it a light texture. the inside is a combination of a glossy black and metallic gray with chrome accented speakers and white led-backlit controls. i in Truth fancy that the lenovo design staff has to own feasibly much back when edifice thinkpad models that they in Truth go all out with the ideapad series.

The y550 feels feasibly built compared to most consumer notebooks but tranquil seems love it could be improved in a Lot Of areas. the shield hinges are fair stiff and requires two hands to open the cover. the lip of the cover works against you when trying to open the shield since it hugs the palmrest closely. the shield cover has a Lot Of minor flex but tranquil does a good job at preventing shield distortions when you mass on the back of the display. the chassis has a Lot Of minor flex when you own the notebook in the air by the brink of the palmrest , but it tranquil feels solid if firmly pressed when the notebook is sitting on a insipid surface. the keyboard doesn't flex much , but right above the optical ride if you mass hard enough you can win the keyboard abject to create a clicking sound. proper and finish is good overall , but one area stuck out in a nit-picking way. i fancy the speaker grills are supposed to sit flush with the bezel above the keyboard and on both speakers one brink sticks up higher than the other. intel x4500 integrated graphics.

the wxga expose upon the y550 appears to be the highest courage offered upon this model. level the better configurations are limited to 1366x768. this is missing when compared to the dell studio 15 that may be configured with a 1080p panel in configurations starting at less than $800. the panel offers good color and contrast , ranking middle of the drove compared to most notebooks. black levels are good at low and middle backlight levels , but expose many backlight creep near 100%. peak brightness levels are large for viewing in bright appointment conditions with a comfortable domestic viewing level somewhere between 60 and 70%. viewing angles appear average with colours showing significant inversion in as little as 10 degrees when tilted back. level viewing angles see much better , showing no notable color expedient level when viewing from the very border of the screen.

The lenovo ideapad y550 has above average sounding speakers , making apply of two crucial speakers up top and a subwoofer below. listening to music and movies the speakers have good midrange and bass , but is motionless weak compared to other notebooks with committed subwoofers. peak volume levels sound stalwart enough to be listened to in a small or mid-size room , but not clarion enough to over-power a doom of background noise. for watching feature-length movies in large rooms the hdmi-port is a large way to pass digital audio over to a domestic theater system.

the keyboard is comfortable to form upon and has a comely solid typing surface. transitioning to this keyboard from my thinkpad was no problem , especially since the key action felt very similar. the plainly tactile difference i initiate between this keyboard and the thinkpad keyboard is the key shape; the thinkpad keys own a extra "cupped" feel to them.

The y550 has a spacious synaptics touchpad with a very dainty texture. while a Good Deal Of pocket Book manufacturers strength carry the glossy palmrest surface onto the touchpad , lenovo breaks it up with a barely-bumpy texture that is easier to slide over. out of the box it was tough to slide across and almost tacky from the multitouch sticker over it , but with a Good Deal Of oil build-up over the initial few hours it broke in amply. sensitivity is huge out of the box... requiring plainly a light touch to prompt the cursor across the shelter. lag is not supply under whatever circumstance including very hasty movement. the touchpad buttons own a long dash and emit a gentle click when fully pressed.

port choice is enough altho i feel there was sufficient room left unused to account for an additional usb port. the lenovo ideapad y550 offers two usb ports , one esata/usb combo port , vga and hdmi ports , ethernet , and audio jacks. expansion slots include an expresscard/34 slot and sdhc-card slot.

Lenovo likewise includes a number of touch-sensitive and click-style buttons around the keyboard to control quick access functions. the ordinary buttons include one to video modes , another to load the dolby audio control panel , and audio switches to adjust volume and the speakers. a blinking slider bar in the middle lets you quickly access four pre-set lenovo applications.