Lenovo A1 review on Cnet

[cal67]

Like everything else, there's no one size fits all. I never video chat, and I have some good quality cameras, so a tablet camera and mic means nothing to me. I need to get another GPS, so the Lenovo would save me some money there. The Nook 2 has better claimed battery life, which I really like. The Lenovo does appear to be very sturdy, but the touchscreen is the most likely area of damage for most tablets. As far as dual core, I would assume that it would also be an advantage if you were running more than one app at a time. It would be nice not to have to shut down one app to run another properly. Like I say, I'm not sure which to choose, but I will say that right now these two tablets look like the best options to me. I wish I could justify both.

 

[KVanB]

Yesterday I put in my order for the 16GB version for $199.00 at LogicBuy. I think the last day is today(11/10) for the offer. I have been shopping around for a tablet for a while now and this one strikes me as having everything I want.

 

[tonyp]

I was swayed into going for the Lenovo A1. I did some research on the offline GPS and wasn't impressed. Lots of marginal reviews of the app itself, and it hasn't been updated in a while, plus it's based on open source map data. That feature seems like something that - if it isn't supported strongly - may not be around for any length of time. I was really interested in the cams; that and the $199 price was enough to tip the balance in favor... until I tried to get one. I went to LogicBuy at 10:40 last night EST. The coupon was still there. I tried it and it didn't work, even though it showed the A1 was in stock. I went back and looked at the coupon and it said something along the lines of "expires on 11/10/2011 or sooner". I guess they decided 10:40 at night was too late.

So at $249 I had to reconsider, and with the B&N member discount, more RAM, and a more advanced processor I think the Nook Tablet is a better buy, and even without the cam will probably be a platform which will have "longer legs" - given the support community for rooting and the newer processor.

 

[PiemJi]

I noticed that the Nook Tablet has a better cpu, but I didn't think that would matter much for the few things I would be doing with it. The nook lacks the GPS, 2 cameras, bluetooth, and a mic... and costs 25% more. I think the few user reviews I have seen (of the Ideapad A1) were all for the early release 2GB model. I am pre-ordered on Amazon for the 16GB and not going to cancel based on one unhappy user. I have also seen high praise for the A1 by another early recipient. I would think that both Lenovo and Amazon would refund or exchange to keep their customers satisfied.

 

[tonyp]

I noticed that the Nook Tablet has a better cpu, but I didn't think that would matter much for the few things I would be doing with it. The nook lacks the GPS, 2 cameras, bluetooth, and a mic... and costs 25% more.

Not as of 10:40 last night. Now the A1 is the same price as the Tablet, and actually more if you have the B&N new member discount. I agree completely that at that discounted price the A1 was a no brainer choice.

 

[PiemJi]

I guess I should have mentioned, my Amazon pre-order was... $199.99 for the 16GB (no tax and free shipping)... and also, having no prior android experience, I was uncertain if I would feel comfortable rooting the nook and flashing some non-official Gingerbread ROM. So for the price, the Ideapad A1 seemed like a good "starter" tablet.

 

[tonyp]

Yep, I agree. If I had been able to make it for $199 I would have been quite pleased.

 

[kittenann]

I guess I should have mentioned, my Amazon pre-order was... $199.99 for the 16GB (no tax and free shipping)... and also, having no prior android experience, I was uncertain if I would feel comfortable rooting the nook and flashing some non-official Gingerbread ROM. So for the price, the Ideapad A1 seemed like a good "starter" tablet.

I felt the same way and I ordered mine from Lenovo for $199.20 but I paid tax . I liked the idea of having offline GPS. I am hoping it works as well as my handheld GPS. This will be my first tablet.

 

[cal67]

Here's a link where it looks like Visa cardholders get a bit of a break on the price:

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...0000F3:00004C18:&mtm-item=:000000F3:00004C18:

 

[tonyp]

Hmm. Any chance there's a way to get an extra $25 off? That's put it about where it was at the incentive price. It'd be good enough for me.

 

[PiemJi]

Hmm. Any chance there's a way to get an extra $25 off? That's put it about where it was at the incentive price. It'd be good enough for me.

I stumbled upon this... PROVANTAGE: Lenovo 22282EU Lenovo NB TPC Tablet 22282EU Tablet A1 ANDRIOD2.3 7 inch 16G 512M Multi-Touch

There is a note about special orders.

 

[tonyp]

Anybody know anything about these guys? Here's what it says when you click on it:

Special Order

IMPORTANT: This item is marked SPECIAL ORDER. Please be aware that special order items can take as long as 3 to 4 weeks to be delivered. In addition, because the item is not currently in stock, there is a possibility that it has been discontinued. We advise that you verify this product's status with the manufacturer before you complete your purchase.

 

[PiemJi]

Clearly, it is NOT the case that it's out of stock because it was discontinued. It's out of stock because they are selling faster than they are being produced. I am not familiar with this website, but my pre-order is already in with Amazon (at a slightly higher price). Their bizrate rating seems pretty good... Customer Certified - Over 25,000 customers have rated this store!

 

[tonyp]

They get a 8.57/10 from resellerratings with over 1500 buyer entries. Looks good.

Hmm, again. Model #22282EU is not recognized on the Lenovo website. Lenovo only shows the K, L, N, P, and N variants. Not the E. I went to the Levono UK site thinking it was an EU model, but it doesn't show up there either.

 

[PiemJi]

Same from my pre-order on Amazon.

We'll notify you via e-mail when we have an estimated delivery date for this item. It will ship separately. You can cancel at any time.
[h=2]Not yet shipped[/h]Lenovo Ideapad A1 22282EU 7-Inch Tablet (Black) Sold by: Amazon.com LLC