Now it can be safely said that laptop computers are also in the reach of the common man. The trend of launching low cost laptops that can perform basic functions like surfing the Internet and office applications has caught up in a big way.

Lenovo too has jumped in the fray along with HP, Dell and Acer by deciding to launch the IdeaPad S9 and S10 netbooks. These netbooks will be ultra-portable and thin. Mr Liu Jun, senior vice president, Consumer Business Group, Lenovo said “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,”

Their features include 8.9 and 10.2 inch screens with enhanced battery life, WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity and an Express Card slot for users with high speed mobile broadband connectivity. In built web camera, a multi-card reader and two USB ports are provided. With hard disks of 80 GB or 160 GB the net books will be operated by Windows XP or Linux operating systems.

The netbooks will be available in India in September and are likely to be priced in the range of Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000.