Lenovo uses a Santa Rosa platform with its GM965 chipset. So the X300 does use two channel DDR2-667 (2 GB included) memory and a GMA X3100 graphics controller.

The Memory

Lenovo offers DDR2-667 for the X300. By default the machine is delivered with 2 GB of RAM memory (two 1 GB modules). Unlike other ultra-portable laptops, the memory is housed in two classic SO-DIMM slots so adding up to 4 GB of extra memory is very easy.

The Graphics Card

The graphics card is a classic GMA X3100. However, ultra-portable laptops have to use a decelerated version of the X3100, so while the normal version runs at 250 MHz on battery with a maximum speed of 667 MHz, the X300’s speed is 166 MHz on a battery charge and a maximum of 500 MHz. A few more minutes of battery life is achieved through the reduction of performance.

Let’s be clear, the GMA X300 does not in any way make the X300 a gaming machine, and the machine’s screen resolution (at 1440x900) doesn’t at all help Intel’s controller. It’s enough for an application like Google Earth or Aero (Windows Vista’s interface), but that’s about all.

Extendibility

It is possible to add extension cards to the X300, such as flash memory devices and MiniCards. In addition to the 1x (250 MB/s) PCI-Express/Mini Card slot, there is also a USB 2.0 (60 MB/s) port. The X300 we tested came with a Wi-Fi card (Intel 4915AGN), a 3G Sierra USB module card (Sierra, USB) and an empty slot that could accommodate a WiMAX or wireless USB device.