Lenovo gives S10 netbook instant-on Linux mode

Lenovo today revealed an upgraded version of its IdeaPad S10 netbook that caters to owners looking for quicker access to the Internet. Where most netbooks have to wait as they boot into either Windows XP or a full Linux distribution, the S10e adds a Linux-based SplashTop interface dubbed QuickStart that starts up almost instantly and gives immediate access to most common Internet functions, including web browsing with Flash support, messaging and audio or video chats.

The netbook is otherwise a match for ordinary versions and sports a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 512MB of base memory, an 80GB hard disk and Windows XP as its regular operating system. No indication is made that Lenovo will move away from the $399 base price for the regular S10, though the S10e is said to be shipping today.