Lenovo Y-Series Looks Cool, Helps Scold Relatives

At CES, we had a chance to go hands-on with Lenovo’s new line of Y-Series IdeaPads: the 14-inch Y450, the 15-inch Y550, and the 16-inch Y650. All three systems have the same white, black, and copper color scheme, along with glossy 16:9 1366×768 screens, Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, optional Nvidia graphics, OneKey Theater Software, and the Lenovo Desktop Manager shortcut bar. But despite the similarities, these siblings do have a few subtle differences we noticed when we looked at them side-by-side.

The most obvious difference is in the weight and thickness of the systems. You would expect the 16-inch Y650 to weigh more and be at least as thick as the 15-inch Y550, but you’d be wrong. Lenovo has taken steps to make the Y650 thinner and lighter while giving it a few other bells and whistles its little brothers lack: JBL speakers, an ambient light sensor, and the largest  touchpad we’ve ever seen on a notebook. Though all three have a hexagonal pattern that reminds us of the video game Q*bert on their lids, the etching and material are slightly different with the Y650 having a very textured feel, the Y550 having a more flat material, and the Y450 using glossy material. The lighter weight, classier looks, and extra features explain why Lenovo is charging $360 more for its 16-inch than its 15-inch.

One shared Y-Series feature that really caught our attention is the new, improved Veriface facial recognition software that comes preinstalled. Previous IdeaPads have come with Veriface and, while we like the technology and it works very well, we feel like its faster and simpler to log into Windows by typing in a password than posing for the webcam. However, the new version of the software has an added bonus that has nothing to do with facial recognition or security: the ability to leave 30-second video messages for other users of the same notebook.

Just imagine the possibilities on a computer that’s shared amongst family members who each have different accounts. When Dad logs in he can use the Veriface software and the built-in Webcam to easily record a video of himself telling junior to stop downloading copyrighted music from bit torrent and finish his homework before playing WoW. Then, when junior logs in later, an icon in the tray will tell him he has a video message waiting which he can view.  Who needs family dinner when you have technology?!

To get a closer look at the Y650, check out our video of the system and its new Veriface software below.