Review: The Lenovo 3000 N200

ThinkPad X300 value

What testing and examination of the Lenovo 3000 N200 (0769-G4U) showed is a good-looking device with a comfortable keyboard, and excellent temperature and sound levels. In most areas, the Lenovo 3000 N200 is a champ. In some areas it could use some work.

Designed to meet the needs of growing small businesses and list-priced at $549, the Lenovo 3000 N200 series of notebook computers are a low-cost, full-featured offering.

Our evaluation unit was configured with an Intel Core2 Duo T7100 processor running at 1.8 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, a 160GB 5400rpm SATA HDD, and a 15.4 inch VibrantView WXGA (1280x800) screen. It was preloaded with Microsoft Vista Business and had a fingerprint reader and an integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, as well as the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG wireless adapter.

At approximately 6.2 pounds, the N200 is no lightweight; but that's not really heavy for a 15.4 inch laptop (a 14.1 inch version is also available that shaves almost a pound off the total). The dark silver top, along with a smoky grey case, makes it look a bit classy yet unassuming.

The VibrantView screen produces a clear image with extremely bright and vivid colors. If you are going to be using the laptop for any graphics or video-related work, it is by far ready for the challenge. On the other hand, because of its design, there is a lot of glare when used in an office environment. For users who spend their day mostly on spreadsheets and documents, we would recommend opting for the anti-glare screen (available only as a 14.1 inch option).

It is a standard QWERTY laptop keyboard, with nicely spaced keys and a solid, tactile touch. This is a keyboard for which that users of other laptops are (or should be) jealous.

Pressing the Lenovo Care button launches a customizable window, basically comprised of shortcuts that allow the user to manage the computer, with links for everything from backups to network configuration, and most everything the control panel handles. The first impression of this feature was that it is a waste of space and resources, but the more we used it, the more it grew on us. Although everything can be done somewhere else within Windows, it was nice to be able to call it all up with a press of a button and a click of the mouse. This will also make it easier for those with minimal Windows knowledge to accomplish what they want without calling the reseller for assistance (either to ask a how-to question, or to correct their mistakes when they attempt things they shouldn't).

Lenovo integrates a fingerprint reader into the N200, but that posed one issue during testing. No matter how many times or fingers we tried, the software would report that the swipe was too short, too fast or didn't match. Reviewers eventually got some prints registered, but it appeared more difficult than it should have been.

The front of the case has a wireless radio switch, which is a little hard to throw, but that's preferable to having it turn on accidently. There are also two speakers, an integrated microphone and LEDs for wireless status, Bluetooth status, battery status, and sleep status. The right side houses a headphone and microphone jack, three USB 2.0 connectors, the optical drive and a 15-pin VGA connector, while on the left side is a 5-in-1 card reader, an ExpressCard slot, a 10/100 Ethernet connector, a Firewire connector, a fourth USB 2.0 connector, as well as a the fan vent and security keyhole. On the back are the power jack, an additional fan vent, a modem connector, and an S-Video connector. Positioned above the screen is the 1.3 mp integrated camera, whose quality was run of the mill, but good enough for video conferencing.

As many laptops now do (unfortunately), the N200 came out of the box pre-loaded with some bloatware. While some of the software is useful, most are trial or light versions. (From the press of the power button, the device took five minutes and ten seconds to boot into Windows and load everything into memory!) To benchmark, we closed out of any applications not normally needed (or wanted) and ran Primate Labs' Geekbench 2. With a total score of 2141, the Lenovo is on par with computers that had similar configurations and specs.

If it has one at all, the Achilles heel of the N200 is its battery life. With all power saving controls turned off, the screen set at 40 percent brightness, and all the unnecessary applications closed, we ran a movie file in Windows Media Player on repeat and only got two hours and ten minutes from the standard 6-cell before the unit died. In addition, charging from empty to 100 percent took two hours and fifteen minutes, while the computer was on.

Making up for the abysmal battery life, the environmental variables of the N200 are outstanding. After being continuously used while placed on a desktop for three hours (and being charged at the same time), the warmest part of the case was the battery on the bottom, which only reached a notably cool 89 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the device is so quiet, that our sound meter couldn't differentiate between the laptop and ambient lab noise. Even when testers placed their ear right up against the fan vents, the sound was barely above a whisper. Power draw averaged 20 watts.

The bottom line: the Lenovo 2000 N200 is packed with features in a sleek design at a very low-cost price point. While its battery life and some accessories like the fingerprint reader could use improvement, and the bloatware should be dropped, the Test Center can recommend this notebook for VARs who need to deliver a strong, competitive and functional mobile PC to budget-conscious customers.