Sprint now offering Lenovo IdeaPad for $200 on contract
updated 01:45 am EDT, Tue April 17, 2012
Uses 3G and WiMAX, does not support LTE
Sprint has launched a rare new WiMAX-supporting Lenovo IdeaPad S205s on its web and retail stores, selling for $200 after a $100 rebate and requiring a two-year contract. The netbook offers a slim 18mm profile and 11.6 display, running on a Pentium Dual Core U5600 processor (1.33GHz) with Windows 7 Home Premium. The unit includes a built-in webcam and facial recognition technology for logging on, along with Intel's AppsUp store.
The IdeaPad comes with a 250GB hard drive, support for Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n), two USB 2 ports, an eSATA port, HDMI and VGA out and a six-way camera card reader. Battery life is estimated at five hours depending on usage, and it weighs 3.26 pounds. For some, the lack of LTE support may be a dealbreaker, as WiMAX is not now nor expected to become widely supported outside Sprint's strongholds. While still 3G and WiMAX capable, users may resent being tied to a contract when the faster WiMAX speed may not be available to them in their area.
Plans for Sprint, however, included unlimited data, a possible mitigating factor if users live in an area with WiMAX coverage. The unit is also available without a contract from Sprint for $650.
