Lenovo U300s Owners Thread

Regarding the HDMI to VGA, this works great. I have one and have used it. It's the only one in the market I have found that is fairly small and doesn't require an external power source.

HP HDMI to VGA Display Adapter | HP® Official Store

 

Great find, your link is $13 cheaper than Amazon!

EDIT: not that I will be needing one... haven't we been through this debate!

 

Have you tried changing the settings to "High Performance" in both the Lenovo utility and Windows power options? ...and rebooted since the change? (these little things are so easy to leave on all the time and never restart...)

As I mentioned in an earlier post, download and run CPUID CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting and leave it running while you attempt to max out your processor... see if CPUID shows the real time speed adjustments.

 

Still..... Pretty pricey

 

Hey guys, Lenovo isn't going to supply us with another review unit so I am going with the one I have. As I noted, nothing appears to be physically wrong with this notebook. It is a production unit.

The chassis' severe flex is going to affect the ratings. Aside from the flex I like this machine so I'll find a way to balance it out.

 

The U300s should be scoring identically or really close to the MacBook Air score I posted earlier in this thread. Especially for the price of the U300s.

 

Has anyone used the HDMI to their tv yet? I just tried for the first time, and picture is beautiful, but no audio. There's no HDMI or digital audio option in the sound "playback" options... do we not have audio through the HDMI on the U300s?

 

Again available on newegg, how are they the only ones getting them.

 

Just tried the NETGEAR Push2TV Box, works great after you make the recommendet updates

 

Is Audio transferred also?

I'd really like to hear others HDMI to tv experiences... is my port bad, bad tv or cable... or is this by design from Lenovo? Again, no audio over HDMI for me.

 

Yes audio is fine, havent tried it with a cable yet, will give it a test tomorrow.

 

@dan76:

Audio should work too... that's what HDMI is for... both video, audio and even control signals.

Audio worked on an old Acer, my Transformer, my Sony SE and my Toshiba Z835.

 

HDMI Audio Fixed!!! ...I am relieved. I updated the BIOS per Lenovo Ideapad Support & downloads - Drivers & Downloads rebooted and audio comes through HDMI beautifully.

 

Ok, as I've said multiple times, I'm not super techie but I'll share what I have on my system and let's see it helps.

My processor score is 6.7. I'm on battery and using 'Energy Star' setting. I would start by trying to use that setting instead of the high power. Maybe there is a bug or something wrong with the 'power' setting. Not sure but it's probably worth a shot to see.

Also, I clicked on my battery icon in the task bar and selected power options. Went to "energy star" and then 'advanced settings' at the bottom. The next window that pops up has 2 tabs: Advanced Settings and Lenovo Energy Management.

When I click on the Lenovo tab it brings up a button to 'Enable Lenovo Energy Management'. This leads me to believe that I do not have that enabled at the current time. Why don't you see if this is enabled and try disabling it.

I still have the Lenovo Energy Management icon in my system tray and get the same window you have in your jpg so I might have it enabled but I'm just thinking that there might be something with the way Lenovo is managing something.

Hope that helps - just some info on my system with better numbers to help you troubleshoot.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jay

 

I came across this USB hub with built in ethernet:



It's very similar to one Lenovo have listed on their website (not available to purchase in UK yet):



Was wondering... If I had one of these with a built in VGA port and perhaps an SD card reader, well, that'd fill all the gaps in the u300s' armour.

Is there anything out there like that? Kind of like a mini, portable version of a x220 dock with all the trimmings

Edit: Perhaps not quite on the scale of these universal docks, but something like them, slimmed down

 

I do think there is some sort of bug in the management software. I downloaded a bunch of CPU monitoring programs and ran a bunch of benchmarks. CPU idles at a clock speed of about 795-798 mhz on general tasks, but when needed, it DOES use 100% of power when on "Balanced" or "Energy Star" settings. The benchmarks put it right smack in the middle of other i7-2677M processor benchmarks.

However, when I select "High Performance", for some reason it never utilizes all its available power (hence the low WEI score, as I ran that under high performance every time, and all three times got low numbers). As soon as I ran the WEI again on "Energy Star", I got 6.9!

There is some underlying problem, either in my U300s itself, or in the software (e.g., bug) with the "High Performance" setting not being all that high performance.

 

I didn't know about the BIOS update. I haven't patched yet. Thanks for the info. I haven't noticed any performance issues, compared with my older HP with similar specs. However, I ran the Performance and Information Tools test (which I'd never heard about, isn't ignorance bliss?), and I got, on the "high performance" setting, 4.6:

6.7: processor
5.9: memory
4.6: aero graphics
6.0: 3D graphics
7.0: disk

so one big difference: a better processor score, otherwise comparable.

At this time I'm completely satisfied with my machine's performance. So much so that I haven't done a clean install of Windows, as I've always done in the past. I even let all the Lenovo tools load on startup (on my HP I load absolutely nothing on startup). So far so good. I run simulations continuously, but then my code is optimal

Have you repeated the test at different times, have you noticed differences?

Does the BIOS update patch make any difference?

 

Neither of those have an external AC adapter. A single USB port only outputs 1.5v, correct? So if you've got say, a mouse, ethernet, external hdd and optical drive connected to the splitter, which just goes to 1 port on the computer, that doesn't degrade performance? I'd think at least the ethernet would suffer a bit.

Seems too good to be true but if not, that's awesome!

 

I use the grey one shown above for ethernet (100 mbps), Bluetooth Dongle for a Unified Communications Headset, keyboard and USB videocard or USB LCD Monitor...

 

The orange U300s is finally listed at lenovo.com for a thrifty price of $1999. Any takers?

Update: They fixed the price.

 

Yep, $1499 Lenovo - IdeaPad U300s

Maybe Newegg and Amazon will have it shortly as well.

 

Wow. I'm just amazed Lenovo can't seem to get the pricing right when they finally put these things on their website. If they are trying to build buzz, people are likely getting the availability emails and hitting the website to see WAYYY high wrong pricing doesn't exactly motivate people to buy. Just makes you wonder. . .

Jay

 

I think they just load the initial catalog entry at full retail, then discount it to make you think you are getting a great deal.

It isn't working.

 

i think it is more than just the price that is putting people off the U300s.

The low resolution LCD is also a deal killer. The ASUS is doing lot more marketing to market their version of the Ultrabook, which further degrades Lenovo's already small market share. Oh, and the late release of the U300s is not helping either.

The idea division at Lenovo must coordinate their marketing and production/manufacturing more closely. Hopefully all these lessons are not lost to the people whom are in charge of these divisions.

 

Agreed. Their timing was terrible.

I still think it would be a great machine for my wife, but not at $1500. She doesn't need the i7 and the 256GB SSD is overkill. A 128GB SSD isn't enough. So it's a non starter until something changes.

Price is the easiest change. Drop it to $999.

 

I have run into some new glitch where the cursor freezes. It seemed like it was the touchpad at first, and tried turning it on and off (F6 key) but realized the cursor keys weren't working, nor CTRL ALT DEL. Rebooting doesnt fix it, have to go to the OneKey to restart. Seems independent of software issues (wathcing a stored iTunes movie, skyping, browsing). Anyone else running into this?

 

A bunch of updated drivers were placed on the Lenovo site recently, including for WiFi, Trackpad, Onekey and bios (although i couldn't see the difference with this). Check them out here

 

It would be nice to know what the changes of the updates are for.

 

I've been hunting for this machine for so long... ;_; Sold out in every electronics store that "carries" it in a a one-hundred mile radius; on backorder online everywhere...

Any tips before I give in and purchase the much more readily available UX31?

 

I think the T430u sneak peak today probably killed the U300s for me. F the IdeaPad now.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u: a $849 ultrabook with next gen Intel processors and optional Nvidia graphics | The Verge

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u Ultrabook Announced for $849 | Netbooknews - Netbooks, Netbook Reviews, Smartbooks and more

 

@oinkmoonblah: where are you based? I saw a u300s for sale on UK eBay site today (going cheeeeap at £599 currently). I personally think the Asus ultrabook is hideous. Have you played with one? The keyboard is horrible to use

I bought my u300s with a future Ivy Bridge upgrade in mind. I would have waited, but I had reached the stage where I needed a new machine. But yes, later in 2012 I will probably sell this 1st gen baby on for a 2nd gen ultrabook. There are always creases to iron out. I hope the u300s holds its value relatively well.

 

Thanks for posting! Very interesting. So a cheaper price with more storage and more options and more I/O's - probably a year away. Sounds like what we expected - at least I did. Most ultrabook early adopters bought with upgrade in mind, and upgrade soon I think. I figured they would end up dropping in price and getting better with the 2nd gens and I figured that would happen pretty quickly.

If you need one now, I'd say to go cheap and plan to sell on EBay when the new ones come out. Heck, with the non-user replaceable battery they'll probably charge so much to replace em that a new UB will probably make more sense to people. I think they are going for a 'disposable' mindset with these things.

If you can wait, that sounds promising. If you need one now (or if your wife does ;o). Just go for it and enjoy for the next year!

There is always someone lurking around the corner to tempt us to wait. If you can, great. If you can't, well there's just some things you have to give up right now. So far, I've been happy but there are some things I wish the U300S had.

Will definitely keep an eye on this one for sure!

Jay

 

therourke: I'm in Southern California; scoured LA and San Diego alike... And no dice. >_<;; Yes, there's a reason why I prefer to get the U300s, and why I've spent some much effort searching for one.

 

ABT shows in stock for the smaller SSD in gray:

10802BU - Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Gray Ultrabook at Abt

Not sure if you were looking for orange and the bigger SSD/faster processor but here's an option for you!

Jay

 

See... even Lenovo decided to add more full-size ports.

 

Still working on getting mine repaired/replaced, Lenovo says now that ANY screen damage is automatically considered "Customer caused damage" no matter what the circumstances. The guy understood and believed it happened when opening but nothing to be done and it's $300 to repair. Going to add accidental damage protection per his advice, only $59 that way.

Also, see that NewEgg now has the U300s Orange as "deactivated" along with ABT. Think it's just that hard to get ahold of or has anyone heard of manufacturing issues?

 

Hmm, yeah, just checked the tab I left open from that earlier link and it switched to 'discontinued' on ABT?!?!

 

JAYK1: Wow. That's actually the craziest coincidence and luck ever; I purchased the very last U300s ABT had this afternoon, prior to seeing your response. XDD Right when I thought fate was sadly telling me the UX31 was the way to go...

That really is strange though. I knew that quantity was limited, but never would have thought that the U300s was completely discontinued. Hopefully, this will mean that it will retain resale value fairly well.

 

And wow. All of a sudden, Amazon has 9 in stock, with more coming. This is really strange...

 

That's great-congrats!!

You won't be disappointed. I saw a ux31 in person the other day and it felt much cheaper in quality. Again, I think some manufacturers are treating these like disposable units and others are putting more quality in them. If they take off, I'm sure the quality (especially build quality) will improve.

Glad you got one. I doubt they are truly 'discontinued' though. Probably just out of stock unless the new one Thor.hammer posted is right around the corner ;o)

Have fun!

Jay

 

The U300s is deactivated at Newegg.com - lenovo IdeaPad U300s (108027U) Notebook Intel Core i7 2677M(1.80GHz) 13.3" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 256GB SSD HDD Intel HD Graphics 3000

BestBuy pulled the product from http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+...ange/3600697.p?skuId=3600697&id=1218419329216

I don't believe it's ever been in anything other than a pre-order status at Lenovo 1080-27U IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook 13.3" Notebook PC - Clementine Orange in PC Notebook Computers | JR.com

And now it's been suspended at Lenovo - IdeaPad U300s

Something is going on. I guess we'll find out more starting Sunday when CES starts really going.

 

Why could this be?

I just ordered the i5 from amazon today.

 

Thanks a ton, Jay! ^^ I'm really excited; I honestly felt quite awkward when playing around with the display unit at Fry's- I couldn't keep my hands off of it! It just feels so luxurious...

What's strange is that the T430u is a long ways away, and is also targeting a completely different audience (business, rather than consumer). It shouldn't have any impact on the U300s. :/

 

I got my U300s from Newegg on a random day at a random time. Keep checking folks, these places get a few in and they go right away. Ten minutes after I put my order in at Newegg, they listed it as out of stock -- and I had my new U300s the next day. It's awesome.

 

Not any more. They deactivated it. Newegg.com - lenovo IdeaPad U300s (108027U) Notebook Intel Core i7 2677M(1.80GHz) 13.3" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 256GB SSD HDD Intel HD Graphics 3000

 

I know they touted the Orange i7 model as being a "limited production run" unit, but WOW....

 

I ordered the Orange i7 U300s a few weeks ago from Lenovo directly . .

They have just changed my ship date to the beginning of February . .

Quantity Part No. Description Est. Ship Date Item Price Line Total
1 108028 CONFIGURED SYSTEM 02/07/12 IP U300S I7-2677M 13.3HD ORNGE

 

For those of you earlier in the thread looking to upgrade the warranty, I found no way to do it myself but just got upgraded to "Accidental Protection" via online chat with sales. Their system has the S/N apparently from the u300s systems that have shipped.

 

The U300s is now no longer available at Amazon as well......

 

Interestingly - I just looked at the Lenovo site and where they talk about their CES booth (for next week) they feature a picture of a booth with a slew of U300s's - not sure if this is an old picture or not.

CES 2012 - New Products from Lenovo - Tablets - Laptops- Desktops - New Technologies (US)

Maybe they are just in short supply ???