My friend, Hazel, recently got a scholarship in the Netherlands and asked me to help her buy a laptop which she can carry around the campus and the country in general. She only has a CPU right now and it would be such a hassle, not to mention extra cost, to bring it all the way to the Netherlands.

I recommended to her the leveled up version of my current notebook computer – Lenovo IdeaPad S10 – which my friend Mark helped me research and purchase last October 14, 2008. I told her to go for either a Lenovo S10-2 or IdeaPad S12. Although the latter is half a pound heavier, it shares traits with the smaller S10-2, but its keyboard is also reminiscent of the larger IdeaPad Y450. This makes the S12 is a good netbook for touch typists like her.

The best part of getting the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 or S12 is that it is easy to carry with its 2lbs 11oz, 3lbs 5.4oz travel weight (3.4 pounds for S12). Having a small, easy to carry netbook is great because it does NOT scream out “laptop” to robbers.

However, we do suggest you use a backpack when carrying netbooks. By utilizing the age-old technology of carrying your load on your back, you’re not only hands free when walking; you also lessen the risk of straining your neck and shoulders. After all, compared to single-strapped bags and purses which can cause excess strain on your neck and shoulders (putting you at higher risk for spine and muscle problems as well as other injuries), backpacks are a much healthier way of transporting your things. This is because you’re spreading the weight over both shoulders when using a backpack.

After pointing out all these to Hazel, she immediately and unhesitatingly purchased the Lenovo S10-2 (which is lighter) AND a backpack that same day. ^_^ Hmmm… I should get paid for promoting Lenovo. Hehehe.