The X110 is LG's first keyboard-based device since the Phenom way back in 1998. The company hasn’t built the whole machine itself, though: the X110 is based on the chassis of the popular MSI Wind.
This shouldn’t be seen as a negative, as LG has made an excellent job of it, with a solid wristrest, well-protected screen and a stylish finish, in white, black or pink.
Netbook staples
The specifications are nothing special, with the netbook bread-and-butter components of Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11bg WLAN and – in our review sample’s case – a 160GB hard disk.
The interesting inclusion is that of integrated 3G that promises support for up to 7.2mbps.
Connecting via 3G wasn’t as easy as we would have liked, however. LG uses Ericsson’s Wireless Manager software, which can’t match dedicated mobile broadband software – like Vodafone’s Mobile Connect – for sophistication.
How much data?
For instance, there’s no way to tell just how much data you’ve used, and when we had a problem connecting there was no easy way to troubleshoot it.
Worse still, the bundled IP Operator software is embarrassing. It doesn’t even support WPA, just the much-maligned WEP, so the first thing you should do is uninstall it and let Windows handle your network connection. From a leading brand like LG, this is disappointing.
Cut the crapware
We’d also be inclined to delete almost all the pre-loaded software bar CyberLink’s YouCam – which lets you shoot video up to 320 x 240 resolution – and PowerDVD 5. That said, the latter isn’t much use without an external DVD drive.
Aside from the styling, LG doesn’t alter much of the recipe that’s made the MSI Wind such a success.
The keyboard is among the best you’ll find on a netbook, though the touchpad is easy to hit with an errant thumb because of its proximity to the Space bar.
The 10in screen is a mixed blessing – its resolution is the typical 1,024 x 600 pixels, and its brightness counteracts the slightly mottled appearance.
As with the Wind, this is only obvious when you’re using an evenly coloured background and you’ll struggle to notice it when web browsing.
Falling flat
More disappointing was the X110’s battery life, which measured a measly 2hrs 10mins under light use. That said, an extended 7200mAh battery can be added on for a touch over £50.
The slim battery does pay off in the visual stakes, with the X110’s carefully crafted lines pleasing on the eye. Even at its thickest point, it measures just 35mm (31mm without the feet). It’s light, too, tipping the scales at 1.19kg.
LG’s pricing strategy may also gain some fans. The X110 can be had “for free” on a 24-month deal from Phones4U, when purchased with a £30 Orange mobile broadband contract with a 3GB monthly data allowance.
Even without a contract, its price of £313 exc VAT is competitive, given that similarly priced rivals have smaller screens and more cramped keyboards.
We wish the LG X110’s battery life was longer, and don’t recommend anyone buys it unless you pay for an extra battery too, but if you want to buy a 10in netbook on contract, it’s the best choice.
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