Nowadays, Gigabit-Ethernet is simply standard. Much to our surprise, Lenovo only equipped the G500s with a no longer up-to-date Fast-Ethernet chip (AR8172/8176/8178-family). We did not observe any reception problems or interruptions regardless whether the notebook is close to the router or two floors below it. The Wi-Fi module (AR9485) supports the 802.11 b/g/n standards. If you open the lid slowly and carefully, it is possible to open the lid using just one hand.Īll communication modules of the G500s stem from Atheros. The hinges hold the lid tightly in place. In addition, depressions of the outer lid are big and lead to image errors. It also bends from side-to-side twisting. The stability of the lid is on par with other cheap notebooks. Bending of the base unit can be observed from side-to-side twisting. Commonly weak parts of the base unit (left and right of the keyboard, beneath the touchpad, left front corner) depress easily with a light press of a finger. The stability of the slim Lenovo computer should be better.
Dell and Toshiba also use a plastic case, but with conventional height. Lenovo follows the trend to slimmer and slimmer notebooks. Contrary to previous models of the G series, e.g., the G580 or the G585, the G500s is significantly thinner (by about 8 mm/~0.3 inches). The latter increases the grip, but is also susceptible to fingerprints. The texture on the upper side of the base unit has a vertical pattern and reminds one of brushed aluminum while the lid shows a slightly ribbed texture. We appreciate that all surfaces - apart from the display - are matte.
The G500s series features a case made from black plastic.