The Lenovo IdeaPad U400 is considered as the "big brother" of the Lenovo IdeaPad U300 but does it deliver more than its sibling?

Specifications for the Lenovo IdeaPad U400 are as follows:

  • 14.0-inch HD display (1366x768)
  • Weighs around 4.37 pounds (1.98 kg) and thickness of 0.89 inches (22.6mm)
  • 2nd generation Intel® CoreTM i3-2330M Processor ( 2.20GHz 1333MHz 3MB )
  • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
  • 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz
  • 1.3MP Integrated camera
  • 500GB 7200
  • Intel 1030 BGN+BT Wireless
  • DVD Recordable
  • 4 Cell Li-Polymer
  • HDMI (Out)
  • Battery life is estimated at 7 hours

In terms of pre-installed programs, the Lenovo IdeaPad U400 contains a "light" selection of apps that are already installed. Some of these programs include Google Chrome, Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Office 2010, Windows Live Essentials 2011 and CyberLink Power2Go, Lenovo PowerDVD, and YouCam webcam software. There are three types of configuration options of Lenovo IdeaPad U400 available in the U.S. market. The first one is the Core i3 model (US$800), Core i5 configuration (US$900), and the Core i7 processor with 8GB of RAM (US$1,299-1,499). The IdeaPad U400 is not configurable which means that the specifications are not negotiable. This set-up is the same with other IdeaPad models.

The reception for the Lenovo IdeaPad U400 is actually not that receptive especially if you compare it with its sibling model, the Lenovo IdeaPad U300. According to the review published in Engadget, users should not consider the Lenovo IdeaPad U400 as the "upgraded" version of its sibling model which is the Lenovo IdeaPad U300. Here is an excerpt of the site's review:

So you figured the U400 would include everything you loved about the U300s, along with a few beefier specs thrown in to make geek hearts sing. Wrong. The U400 isn't just bulkier; it has shorter battery life, less impressive performance and a flaky touchpad, thanks to a wholly different set of drivers.

Laptopmag also reviewed this model and praised the design and graphics performance of the IdeaPad U400. Despite that positive aspect, the site emphasized on the problem of the IdeaPad U400 and this is the lack of SD card slot and the lackluster performance of the touchpad and keyboard. Here is the verdict given by this site:

The 14-inch IdeaPad U400 has a sleek design and discrete graphics, but an over-sensitive touchpad and the lack of an SD card slot dampen our enthusiasm.

Overall, the specifications for this model are impressive but in terms of value for money and performance, Lenovo still needs to upgrade their IdeaPad line in order to keep up with the tough competition in the market.

The Lenovo IdeaPad U400 is not directly available through the Lenovo website in Australia but customers could purchase it through various retailers.

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