Lenovo's 12-inch netbook lands for Xmas rush

A select range of Lenovo's latest netbook models will come pre-loaded with Windows 7, the vendor announced today.

Select models of the IdeaPad S12 will ship with Windows 7 Home Premium edition when the product arrives in here December.

Lenovo said its engineers and developers have worked "tirelessly with Microsoft for several years" to create the best experience to run Windows 7.

The laptop is Lenovo's first 12-inch netbook, an upgrade from its traditional 10-inch netbooks and brings usability and performance improvements that include a full-size keyboard, increased processor and graphics options.

Chris Kelly, product and marketing director for Lenovo A/NZ said the improvements are a result of customer feedback.

"We've heard from consumers loud and clear about the need for affordable and extremely portable computing devices.

"We've responded by introducing our third generation netbook with a completely new form factor."

Additionally, the vendor claimed that it is "pioneering new territory" by being the "first to offer high quality video capabilities".

The netbook features Intel Atom chipset with Intel integrated graphics and users can watch 1080p high definition video.

The netbook also features a HDMI connection which allows video to be watched through an external monitor.

Lenvono claimed the IdeaPad S12 offered up to six hours of battery life.

It weighs 1.5kgs and is available in black or white.

Prices starts at $799 and distributors include Ingram Micro, Synnex, Cellnet and Dicker Data.