Lenovo, a leading computer supplier mostly known for business-oriented systems, has unveiled its first entry-level personal computer that belongs to netbook category. The new IdeaPad S10 complements the recently introduced family of consumer oriented systems by Lenovo with a small form-factor model which price starts at $399.

 “IdeaPad netbooks are the latest in a string of recently announced Lenovo products, designed specifically for consumers worldwide and developed through our heritage of technological innovation and exceptional engineering. As rapidly as the technology changes, today’s consumers are looking for mobile products that feature the best of basic computing functions in an extremely compact and affordable form, and Lenovo designed the IdeaPad netbooks for that purpose,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president of consumer business group at Lenovo.

 Lenovo IdeaPad S10 features 10.2" LED backlit screen and comes in three different colours, black, white or red. The system is based on Intel Atom processor and comes in two configurations: with 512MB of memory and 80GB hard disk drive as well as with 1GB of memory and with 160GB hard drive. The IdeaPad S10 features built-in webcam as well as card-reader. The first netbook from Lenovo features Microsoft Windows XP operating system and the version with 1GB of memory also sports one-key rescue feature. The IdeaPad is 1" thin and weighs roughly 900 grams (2 pounds).

The IdeaPad S10 is primarily designed for Internet, check and write emails, listen to music and run basic applications. Lenovo also plans to introduce netbook models designed specifically for students and educators.

Consumer demand for netbooks is growing rapidly around the world. IDC forecasts worldwide shipments of ultra-low cost notebooks rising from just 430,000 units in 2007 to 9.2 million in 2012. Additionally, analysts are predicting that one of the fastest growing areas for netbooks is the education market, which is why many leading PC vendors are introducing their netbooks these days.

 The IdeaPad S10 netbook PC will be available beginning in early October, and prices start at $399. The IdeaPad S10 netbook will be available through leading retailers, Lenovo business partners and its online store.