Review: Fujitsu LifeBook T5010

Fujitsu LifeBook T5010 Tablet PC specs as reviewed (starting price $1,769):

• Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz processor
• Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD graphics
• 2GB RAM
• 80GB, 5400rpm hard drive
• 13.3-inch WXGA active digitizer display (1280x800)
• Windows Vista Business OS
• Bluetooth
• 1x 15-pin D-SUB connector for VGA external monitor
• 3x USB 2.0
• 1x DC In connector
• 1x IEEE 1394 (4-pin type) jack
• 1x LAN (RJ-45) connector
• 1x modem (RJ-11) connector (on certain configurations)
• Docking port (100-pin, to dock with port replicator)
• 1x stereo headphone jack
• 1x stereo microphone/line-in jack
• PCMCIA Card slot for one Type I or Type II card
• Memory Stick/SD Card slot
• Dedicated Smart Card slot
• Battery: standard 6-cell Lithium-Ion
• Dimensions: 12.56" x 9.61" x 1.44/1.52”
• Weight: 4 pounds 13 ounces with battery

Pros

• Vivid, bright colored active digitizer display
• Solid design, functional and simple
• Bi-directional hinge
• Modular bay swappable battery option

Cons

• Left side of keyboard and palm rest get hot
• Pen can get stuck in silo

Review: SamsungQ1 Ultra Premium UMPC

Samsung today unveiled the Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC, which advances the Q1 Ultra line by delivering “enhanced performance, extended battery life, and superior text entry”.

The Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium sub 2-pound ultra-mobile PC features the Intel Core Solo U1500 ULV processor at 1.33GHz, 1GB of DDR2 system memory, and an 80GB hard drive. This UMPC has a 7-inch touchscreen 1024-by-600 display and the new Version 1.5 of its split-QWERTY keypad, which now provides larger, improved keycaps for easier text entry. Samsung says the Q1 Ultra Premium has up to 7.5 hours of run time with a standard 6-cell battery.

The device includes integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, a 300 pixel webcam for video conferencing, an additional 1.3 megapixel camera for video recording and taking still pictures, and an SD/MMC memory card slot.

The initial Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC model - the Q1UP-XP (part Number: NP-Q1U/P01) - is based on the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system, and will be available for around $1,399.

Samsung has also announced it will be lowering the price of their entire family of Q1 Ultra UMPC systems.

Review: Samsung X22

Samsung has produced some great laptop designs of late and the X22 continues this style with a semi-lightweight machine anticipated for power users on the move. As revealed by us on one of the articles earlier, we take this opportunity to share with you our experience with the Samsung X22 and hence a complete review on the product; let’s jump in to walk it.


Design


Other models that we've got to see from the cradle of Samsung have had a glossy finish but this most modern machine has a matt-black finish, which we felt was more durable. The 2.2kg chassis is condensed and feels tough to the touch. It's made from plastic so will definitely stand out to the rigors of time on the road.


Performance


When it primes up to performance, this is a striking machine compressed in a compact design. You'll discover an Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 chip, which clocks at 2.2GHz and punches the raw dual-core power. Backed with 1GB of memory, we found this laptop could handle any task we set it forward too. Right from editing photos to running manifold tasks, with no real signs of slowing down. The 160GB hard drive is a little standard for the price.

Open the reassuringly solid hood and you'll stumble on a 14.1-inch Super-TFT screen. It's not the brightest of panels but we found it spiky enough for office works during the day and watching the odd movie over the night. An integrated camera sits right above the display. The keyboard is of a real good handy size and compiles the main body of the machine. We found the keys to be highly responsive enough and comfortable to employ. The touchpad and mouse buttons are also of a good decent size and easy to utilize. Considering the hyper portable capabilities of the X22 we were hoping this would be a real great machine to take on the road. Sadly, the result of the commanding specification is a rather pedestrian and lower graded battery life. Even in Vista's Power Saver mode we only scraped to achieve as little as mere 2 hours from the battery. Run this laptop in Performance mode and it's drastically lesser battery life than that. When it comes to graphics, the dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400, which as the name suggests, offers hold up for high-def sources.

Other accessories comprise a dual-format DVD rewriter, which supports Light Scribe so you can make your own labels directly scribbled on to the disc.

Taking into consideration the power on offer here, we were satisfied with how cool the system ran, only getting noticeably warm after prolonged usage for a couple of hours. At the asking price of £880 this is an impressively multitalented laptop.


Overall


The Samsung X22 is an influential and portable machine that misses out on Hot-shot Product status only because its battery life is less than idyllic. If, however, battery life is not a botheration, then this is a great all-round laptop at an excellent bargain price.


Pros


+ Ultra Portable
+ Good speed
+ Light scribe feature
+ Amazing value for money


Cons


- Poor Battery

Value For Money

Our Rating

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad R61

Specs:-

• Processor: Intel T7300 Core 2 Duo (2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
• Chipset: Intel Mobile 965 Express chipset (Crestline)
• Graphics: Intel X3100 (Integrated graphics card)
• Operating System: Windows Vista Business 64-bit
• Display: 14.1” WXGA+ 1440 x 900
• Hard Drive: 120GB 5400RPM
• Memory: 1GB (1 x 1GB, 1 slot open), up to 4GB max
• Ports: 3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, Modem, Monitor out, Headphone OUT, Microphone IN
• Slots: 1 PC Card Slot, 1 Express Card slot
• Optical Drive: Ultra-bay DVD Recordable DL (8x)
• Interfaces: Bluetooth, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG LAN, Fingerprint scanner, Thinkpad light
• Dimensions: 13.2" x 9.3" x 1.20 - 1.37" (335mm x 237mm x 30.0 - 34.9mm)
• Weight: 5.2 lbs

Pros

• Superior build quality with magnesium roll cage and extra hard drive protection
• One of the best keyboards in notebooks
• Fairly good battery life (only 4-cells) with a much high run time when upgraded to a 7-cell battery
• Cool and quiet under normal usage and idling
• Great performance on an integrated graphics chip
• Less expensive than the T61

Cons

• Lots of trial and free software with little use (highly recommend clean/fresh install of the OS)
• Slightly thicker and heavier than the T61
• USB ports are all vertical

Review: Samsung's R700 Aura

Samsung's R700 Aura - A class within itself

Samsung's R700 Aura T9300 Dillen, a 17 inch laptop, proffers a lot of presentation at a reasonable price. This skinny 17 inch multimedia laptop comes with authoritative and contemporary components and evaluates just 3.1 kg.


Design


The Samsung R700 Aura T9300 Dillen has a lustrous black lid, which is susceptible to dust and fingerprints. Providentially, the accessories comprise a micro-fiber cloth. Regrettably the lustrous double clear-coat cease is also responsive to excellent scratches. Although the forceful lid looks solid, pressing adjacent to the back side results in clear changes on the powered exhibit. The design is straightforward, the matte indeed a matter of taste. Compared to pioneering designs, like of the Acer aspire 6920G for instance, the Samsung R700 Aura T9300 Dillen seems to be an ordinary and boring.


Performance


Computational influence is the core potency of the Samsung R700 Aura T9300 Dillen. Even challenging picture and video editing are no predicament for the Core 2 Duo T9300 (2, 5 GHz) with 6 Mega Byte L2-Cache. Intel’s powerful Penryn-CPU and 3 GB RAM offers the top of the line performance for all applications - even with the challenging operation system Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium. There are 2 express DDRII-667 RAM modules within, a 1-GB and a 2-GB module.


An additional advantage for the R700 Aura is its low temperature emanations. The temperature augment of this influential 17 inch laptop is also subordinate than of many other laptops. Despite commanding core components and high on the whole performance, the Samsung R700 Aura does not command an assortment of energy.


Overall


Despite the competitors are also good-looking, we particularly liked the Samsung R700 Aura T9300 Dillen, for the reason that of its low down emissions. If you necessitate a low mass and low sound emissions and also elevated performance, you should acquire a nearer look at the Samsung R700 Aura T9300 Dillen.


Pros

+ High overall performance
+ Huge RAM capacity
+ Draft-n WLAN (300 MBit/s)
+ Superior workmanship
+ In-built 1.3 Mega Pixel web cam
+ Quick hard disk
+ 24 month service contract


Cons

- Rattling input devices
- Creaking holder
- Hardly any interfaces


Value For Money

Our Rating

Review: Lenovo Ideapad S10

Check the new netbook from Lenovo! This small and lightweight laptop model to be available at low cost featuring basic computing elements, is a fashionable solution for people that need to keep in touch with friends on the go and perform different tasks related to their work.
The 1-inch thin IdeaPad S10 netbook gives you access to music, Internet browsing, document processing, and other basic applications, and is a great tool for students and educators, as the company described it in the press release.

“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,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Consumer Business Group, Lenovo. “As rapidly as the technology changes, today’s consumers are looking for mobile products that feature the best of basic computing functions in an extremely compact and affordable form, and Lenovo designed the IdeaPad netbooks for that purpose.”

The model sports a 10.2-inch display and its stylish design includes white, black and ruby red housing color options. Its keyboard is 85% of a standard laptop keyboard and there is LED backlight as well as smart power management optimization for increased battery life. Intel Atom processor takes care of that.
Equipped with Wi-Fi and Express Card slot, it provides wireless access to the Internet as well as high-speed broadband support. In addition, it has a built-in webcam for video conferences, 2 USB ports, a 4-in-1 card reader, and the Windows XP operating system pre-installed.



Lenovo offers 2 configuration options for the IndeaPad S10, one with 512MB memory and 80GB HDD storage, while the other raises the memory at 1GB, with 160GB storage capacity.
For data security you have the OneKey Rescue System tool that helps in recovering the information on the netbook at a touch of a button.

Lenovo set a starting price of $399 and you’ll find the model available in stores in October.

Review: MSI EX310

Inspiring the idea of "Athletic DNA" and "Mobile Technology", as MSI likes to present it, the new EX310 ultra portable computer surprises us in a pleasant way by introducing a new design style with a fluid body in Dazzling Blue and Brilliant Red colors.

The laptop model is powered by an AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile processor, with an ATI RX781M+SB700 chipset, a great alternative at a lower price, to the Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile CPUs. In addition, there is a 13.3-inch Active Crystal Vision widescreen display surrounded by a magnesium allow notebook housing, measuring 31 x 23 x 25-37 cm at a weight of just 1.9Kg with the 4-cell battery.
MSI EX310 integrates an ATI HD3450 3D Graphics Card with 256MB DDR3 VRAM memory for a more realistic high-definition gaming experience, and HDMI port for 5Gbps data transfers between the laptop and your TV.

The sound is offered via the Dolby Surround Sound technology with rich bass and sound enhancements, and there is also an AI Array MIC built-in, with ambient noise suppression, for video conferences with the 2MP web camera.
Other features of the new laptop model include Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR to connect to additional devices simultaneously and wirelessly, like keyboard, mouse, and personal digital assistant, all enabled with Bluetooth.

The DTV receiver inside the MSI EX310 allows you to watch TV wherever you are, directly on the 1280 x 800-pixel TFT LCD monitor, while the fingerprint reader protects you data stored on the 320GB S-ATA HDD drive.
It runs on Windows Vista Home Premium operating system and comes with DVD/Blu-ray optical drive, up to 4GB memory, modem, LAN, wireless draft N support, a 4-in-1 card reader, 3 USB ports, and an optional 8-cell battery.

Review: Lenovo 3000 V200

The Olympic Torch-themed notebook PC was designed by Lenovo based on the Lenovo 3000 V200 configuration, and the red pattern is called Cloud of Promise. It was priced at $1130.20 and you could either buy it or win it if you participate the company’s sweepstakes.
Via the limited edition model, Lenovo brings in your homes the spirit of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, which take place between August 8 and 24th.
To have a chance to win it you have to reside in the United States or District of Columbia, be at least 18 years old and sign up until September 30, the end date.



Lenovo 3000 V200 is an ultra-portable stylish laptop running on the user-friendly Windows Vista Business or Home Premium operating system, and powered by an Intel Dual Core processor. It is customizable and features a VibrantView TFT LCD display of 1280 x 800 pixels, a 1.83GHz processor, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, 2GB DDR2 SDRAM memory, 160GB HDD drive storage, a dual layer DVD burner, the Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN, built-in web camera, and a 6-cell Li-Ion battery.
The configuration starts at a price of $1,000.

In spring last year, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad has announced that Lenovo’s design idea was chosen over 300 competitor themes, for the Olympic Games 2008, where the Cloud of Promise will be present on the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch.

"As a global company with roots in China and a TOP (worldwide) Sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, it is an honor to have our torch design chosen for the Olympic Torch Relay," said Yang Yuanqing, chairman of Lenovo. "Lenovo's spirit, similar to that of the Olympic Games themselves, is multicultural, collaborative and competitive. As a TOP Sponsor of the Olympic Games and Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, Lenovo has a deep understanding of the significance of the torch to the Olympic movement. The Lenovo design team brought great passion and strong professional capability and experience to create the "Cloud of Promise" themed torch, which marries modern technology and Olympic spirit with the Chinese traditional culture. We are proud for people to carry this torch around the world."

The famous torch is made of a polished aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 720 x 50 x 40 mm at just 1Kg. The design took 10 months to be finalized by over 30 Lenovo specialists from Germany, Singapore, US, Japan, New Zealand, Italy and China.

"Inspired by the shape of a traditional Chinese scroll, the imagery of the Cloud of Promise represents the traditions of China, while the shape, texture and technology evoke the Olympic spirit," said Yao Yingjia, Executive Director of Lenovo's Innovation Design Centre in Beijing. "We approached the design of the torch with the same process we use in designing our personal computers. First we explore the connection between the user and the solution we create for them, looking at factors like size, weight, features, etc. Then we encourage the Lenovo design team to take a fresh approach to make the product uniquely and friendly to the customer. This is what we did with the torch, realizing it must be attractive to those who see it, and comfortable and light for those who carry it. In the case of the torch, our ‘customer’ is both the torchbearer and the spectator."

The Olympic Torch has been made of durable materials to resist during the travel through 20 countries starting with Olympia, Greece and ending with Beijing, China.
If you don’t win the Olympic Games-themed Lenovo laptop computer, you have the opportunity to win a miniature Olympic Torch.

Review: BenQ MID Aries2

Winner of Bronze at the International Design Excellence Awards 2008, the BenQ MID Aries2 features ultra light weight and a cool design to be a great portable device with Internet capabilities.
Secondly, the interactive user interface is amazing! If you shake the MID it displays all the open windows, aligning them, and you can manage them immediately. You can flip it vertically and horizontally and browse the menus using your finger or stylus if you have to type, zoom or do other things. Imagine how you could manipulate pictures based on this Motion Sensing technology!

In a recent press release, BenQ announced the award for its Mobile Internet Device among 205 winners out of 1,517 entries from 26 countries.

"With the improvement of touch panel technologies, how to combine a familiar and interesting operation model with complicated technologies is the biggest challenge for BenQ's designers," said Manfred Wang, Chief Design Officer of BenQ. "The award is recognition of BenQ's excellence in developing innovative designs and technologies. In a dedicated pursuit of bringing enjoyment and quality to life, BenQ is committed to optimize today's digital mobile lifestyle through observing consumers' lifestyle and bringing innovative designs."



Revealed first time at the Customer Electronics Show as a prototype, BenQ Mid got a name, the Aries2, and became a real product in a very short time, being the most famous among all the other wireless Internet devices. It features a 4.8-inch display with touchscreen, a built-in 0.3MP web camera, high-speed Internet connectivity, the Linux RedFlag Midinux operating system, Intel Atom processor for low power consumption, 800MHz processing speeds, 512MB RAM memory, and 4GB Solid State Drive.
The Midinux operating system based on Linux, was designed especially for this type of Internet-enabled devices, and is characterized by high security, open interface, flexible customization and lots of other features.

Review: MSI Wind Love Edition

MSI Wind Netbook Love Edition was released as part of a global charity program involving a range of notebook donations worldwide for children learning about computers. The award-winning MSI Wind mini notebook comes in 3 pale colors meant to inspire love and purity in their lives, according to the MSI’s description.
MSI Wind Netbook Love Edition comes in Angel White, Empire Black and Romantic Pink, with tans, bright silver and shining gold hearts pattern on a white background.
Countries targeted for the donations are: Taiwan, China, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea and India.



To take part at this you have to enter on the MSI online shop and purchase the limited edition. The netbook is available at a price of $559.99 and at this moment there are only 127 devices in stock, so hurry up and get one if you want to give a helping hand to this project.

The small white laptop sports a 10-inch LCD display with LED backlit for increased visibility in low light conditions, and a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, running on the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and being powered by the Intel Atom N270 single-core processor operating at 1.6GHz speeds. It integrates the Intel GMA950 graphics chipset integrated in the mainboard, 1GB DDR2 memory, 80GB S-ATA hard drive, Ethernet, Bluetooth support, Wireless LAN Card, and measures 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748-1.24 inches at 2.3 lbs with the 3-cell battery. In addition it has 2 built-in speakers, a 4-in-1 card reader, a built-in 1.3MP web camera for video chat and conferences over the Internet, 3 USB 2.0 ports, and comes with a nice carrying bag.



MSI Wind is the best netbook on the market and the following awards won by it strengthen this image: Laptop Magazine Editor's Choice Award, U.S.A, PC Format Gold Award, UK, GD-Mark, Taiwan, 3D News Innovation Design, Russia, Fudzilla Recommended, Bosnia, HWM Gold Award, Malaysia, Mobile Computer Editor's Choice Award, UK.

REVIEW: Toshiba Equium L40-17M

If you're shopping for a notebook with bordered funds, then the Toshiba Equium L40-17M makes a decent compromise between features, price and working capabilities. With a price tag of just £429.99 and it still manages to pack in decent punch with an impressive amount of options.


Design


Design-wise, this is not an ugly duckling but it looks very basic rather than modish. You won't be humiliated to take this notebook out of the house but your friends are very much unlikely to be drooling with resentment. The keyboard gives real good-sized keys for ease of typing and the overall layout is sagacious, although it's soft and squishy in use. Weighing at nearly 3kg, the L40-17M isn't the slim fit to carry around with you all the time even if its going to provide decent battery life. Connectivity options are sparse, with just 3 USB ports offered.


Performance

With a price tag that is sub-£500, you can't be expecting the latest high spec ingredients, but the L40-17M makes the highest of what it's stuffed up with. You get a dual-core Pentium chip, It also comes with a RAM space of 2GB, which is very generous and assist the combo achieve a PCMark05 score of 3,269.

Its 15.4-inch display offers a bountiful space to work on and it has a nearly customary widescreen resolution of 1,280x800 pixels, showing up for a decent desktop area. The hard drive storage capacity stretches up to 120GB, Which reasonable space even though this is not the biggest on offer. The internal DVD writer assists in making backups without any problem.
It comes under-equipped when it comes to battery survivability. It only just manages to keep running for more than an hour when run on the intensive Battery Eater test.

Overall

Gaming out-of-the-way, the L40-17M is capable of most jobs you put it through. It might be on the slower side, but it will huff and puffs to get the job done. Packing a decent specification this notebook perched onto a sub-£500 package isn't an easy mission.

Pros

+ Decent Memory
+ Best buy at the sub $500 Notebook

Cons

- Poor Battery
- Slow Sprinter
- Very Basic


Value For Money

Our Rating

REVIEW: Samsung Q1 Ultra

Specs:

Display: 7" color touch screen with 300 nit brightness running at 1024 x 600 native resolution (scaling to 800 x 600 and 640 x 480 also supported). Intel GMA950 graphics with 128 megs shared memory. Can drive an external monitor up to 2048 x 1536 resolution.

Battery: Lithium Ion Prismatic rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable. 29.6mw. Claimed runtime 4.5 hours. Extended battery available with claimed 8.5 hour runtime.

Performance: 800MHz Intel A110 with 400MHz front side bus. 1 gig DDR2 (400MHz) RAM, 1 SODIMM socket. Intel 945GMS chipset with 400MHz FSB.

Drive(s): 1.8" hard disk, 4200 RPM. 40, 60 and 80 gig capacity, depending on model purchased.

Size: 9.95 x 4.87 x 0.94 inches. Weight: 1.52 pounds.

Camera: Front facing video chat camera (1/3MP) and rear still/video 1.3MP camera (one model is available without the camera).

Audio: Built in 1.6 watt stereo speakers, dual array mics and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. Voice Recorder, voice command and dictation built into the Windows XP Tablet Edition OS. HD Audio, SRS Surround Sound.

Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g (Atheros AR5006), Bluetooth 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet (Broadcom 4400x). HSDPA available on model #NP-CMV(HSDPA).

Software: Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. Microsoft Touch Pack which includes the DialKeys on screen keyboard, Origami Experience. Navigon Navigator 2.0 mapping and navigation software. MS Reader. Samsung software for managing the device, Samsung updater, AVS and AVS NOW!

Ports and Expansion: 1 SD/MMC card slot (except base model), two USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, 3.5mm stereo out, Ethernet port.

Security: Biometric fingerprint scanner included on some models.

Optional Accessories: Available for purchase are a docking station, GPS package, extended battery, dual layer DVD drive, USB keyboard, portfolio case, car DC adapter, stylus pack and USB data cable.

Pro: Full Windows in a very portable format. Screen resolution is high enough for a near-notebook experience and the touch screen is accurate and responsive to finger touch. Good networking with Bluetooth, WiFi and even HSDPA on one model. Navigation software is a plus.

Con: Quite slow. Interacting with small on-screen elements like Start Menu program lists, hyperlinks and close boxes take a precise hand (and use of the stylus rather than a finger). The tiny keyboard is better than nothing, but not by much.

REVIEW: OQO model 02 with SSD

Specs:

Display: 5" color display with active digitizer (uses EMR pen). 800 x 480 resolution. Supports external monitors (with VGA, DVI and HDMI ports) up to 1920 x 1200 resolution in mirrored or extended desktop modes. VIA VX700 with integrated GPU (uses shared memory).

Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable and removable 4,500 mAh. Optional extended battery is 9,000 mAh.

Performance: 1.6GHz VIA C7M ULV processor (also available with 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz). 1 gig 533MHz DDR2 RAM (base model has 512 megs). 32 gig SSD drive (traditional hard drives available from 40 to 120 gigs).

Size: 5.6"(W) x 3.3"(H) x 1.0"(D). Weight: 1 pound with standard battery.

Audio: Built in speaker and mic. AC97 audio, HD audio support.

Networking: Integrated Atheros WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR. Optional WWAN Sprint or Verizon EVDO rev. A modem. 10/100 Ethernet (requires included dongle adapter).

Software: Windows Vista Business. Also available with Windows XP Home (on base model only), Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005, Vista Ultimate.

Ports: On unit: 1 USB 2.0 port, docking connector, HDMI, charging port, 3.5mm stereo audio out. On included adapter: VGA, charging and Ethernet. DVI adapter sold separately.

Security: AES encryption engine. Trusted platform module: Atmel TPM v1.2. No built-in biometric scanner.

Pro: Incredibly small yet usable. Extremely good looking-- even the accessories are eye candy. Runs full Windows. Durable magnesium alloy casing (but be careful of the display), wonderful display and excellent wireless connectivity built-in (though we wish OQO would add an HSDPA option for world travelers and AT&T customers in the US). The Best model with SSD has acceptable to a bit better than average performance by UMPC standards and the solid state drive doesn't care how much you jump, bump and shake while using the computer.

Con: Quite expensive. Like most UMPCs, battery life is so-so with standard battery. No built-in card reader or VGA port (must use the included dongle for VGA and most projectors use VGA connectors). Low resolution display relative to screen size is easy on the eyes but it makes for a lot of scrolling and occasionally dialogs run off the screen. Inherent to the tablet design, the display is vulnerable and the unit really requires a good case for transport in bag or briefcase.

REVIEW: Fujitsu U810

Specs:

Display: 5.6" WSVGA 1024 x 600 "Crystal View" touch screen with passive digitizer. Intel 945GM integrated graphics with 128 megs shared memory (224 megs under Vista). Comes with dongle adapter with VGA connector for external monitors and projectors. Max external resolution not specified, we successfully tested it with a 19" 1600 x 1200 monitor.

Battery: 4 cell 5200 mAh 7.2v Lithium Ion rechargeable. 37.4 watts/hour, claimed runtime: up to 5.5 hours.

Performance: Intel A110 800MHz processor with 512k level 2 cache and 400MHz FSB. 1 gig DDR2 400MHz RAM (non-upgradable). Intel 945U chipset. 1.8" 40 gig hard drive (4200 rpm) with PATA interface.

Size: 6.73” (W) x 6” (D) x 1.04-1.26” (H). weight: 1.56 pounds.

Camera: Webcam located above the display (works fine with Skype).

Audio: Built in speaker, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. RealTek ALC262 HD audio codec.

Networking: Atheros Super AG WiFi 802.11 a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0. Realtek 8101L 10/100 Ethernet (requires included dongle adapter).

Software: Windows Vista Home Premium Edition or Windows Vista Business + DVD to downgrade to Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005. MS Works 8.5 is bundled on a CD (not pre-installed) with Home Premium model. OneNote 2007 included with Vista Business model.

Ports and Expansion: 1 SD slot and 1 Compact Flash card slot. 1 USB 2.0 port, 3.5mm stereo out and mic in, port for docking station/dongle adapter which has VGA and Ethernet ports.

Security: Integrated Fingerprint Sensor and embedded TPM. Boot Sector Write Prevention and BIOS passwording. AuthenTec fingerprint scanner and OmniPass software for Windows.

Pro: Great form factor, the mini-notebook is much more usable and carry-able than slate designed UMPCs. Acceptible performance under Vista and good performance under Windows XP. The wide-screen display means dialogs won't be cut off and you can watch a YouTube video with no top/bottom truncation. Very good battery life. Price is right and the size and weight are perfectly portable. WiFi performance is excellent.

Con: This isn't a true notebook replacement. The high resolution display is harder on the eyes than a conventional notebook and the keyboard is barely touch-typable (and large-fingered folk will resort to 2 finger pecking). OmniPass fingerprint scanner software for Vista slows down machine and has few features compared to Protector Suite QL used on Sony's notebooks. The Windows XP version (included with the XP restore CD on the Vista Business model) doesn't slow down the machine as much and has more features.

REVIEW: Fujitsu Stylistic ST 5112

Display: ST5112: 12.1” XGA 1024 x 768 TFT indoor/outdoor (Transmissive) display with greater than 160° viewing angles. 10.4" XGA 1024 x 768 TFT indoor/outdoor (Reflective FL) display, outdoor optimized. Both are capable of displaying 16 million colors. Intel GMA 950 graphics with up to 224 megs shared memory. External monitor display resolution (max): 1600 x 1200, 16M colors.

Battery: Standard Lithium ion (6-cell: 10.8V, 5200 mAh, 56 WHr max.); rated up to 6 hours.
Optional high-capacity lithium ion (9-cell: 10.8V, 7800 mAh, 84 WHr max.); rated up to 9 hours. Compact AC adapter 100-240v.

Processor, RAM & chipset: Intel Core Duo Processor Ultra Low Voltage U2500 (1.20 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB). Intel 945GM chipset, 1 gig RAM standard, max is 4 gigs (200 pin SODIMM, 533MHz, two memory slots).

Drives: Internal 5400rpm shock-mounted SATA-150 drive. Available with 40, 60, 80 and 100 gig drives. No internal optical drive (DVD drive included in optional docking station).

Size: ST5111 12.77" (h) x 8.66" (w) x .91-1.01" (d). The ST5112 is slightly thinner at 82-.88". Approximately 3.5 pounds.

Audio: Built in speaker, digital array mic with noise suppression DSP and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack and mono mic jack.

Networking: Integrated Intel Pro/Wireless WiFi 802.11a/b/g (Atheros is optional) and optional Bluetooth 2.0. 56k V.90 Fax modem and wired 10/100/1000 Ethernet (Marvel Yukon PCI-E gigabit Ethernet).

Security: Biometric fingerprint scanner (ST5112 only), Trusted Platform Module, Smart Card slot, BIOS enabled Computrace/LoJack.

Software: Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005 or Windows Vista Business Edition.

Expansion and Ports: Two USB 2.0, Infrared port (IrDA 1.1-compatible, 4 Mbps), external monitor, modem (RJ-11), Ethernet (RJ-45), IEEE 1394 FireWire, wireless IR keyboard/mouse receivers, and docking station connector. PCMCIA slot (type I, II and CardBus), dedicated Smart Card slot and SD/Memory Stick/Pro card slot.

In the Box Fujitsu includes the tablet computer, an EMR pen, screen cleaning cloth, complete software and driver restore CDs, a printing guide.

Pro: Relatively lightweight-- good for holding like a virtual pad of paper. Good performance by slate tablet and ultralight notebook standards with good battery life. Extended battery is great for vertical market users who must get a full work day on a charge. Compact charger doesn't add much bulk or weight to the equation. Display is viewable outdoors. Hard drive shock sensor keeps data safe and both the Smart Card slot and biometric security keep data out of the wrong hands.

Con: Expensive, as are most slate Tablet PCs. Though by no means unbearably dim, the display isn't the brightest we've seen.

REVIEW: Fujitsu LifeBook V1010

Specs of the V1010 being reviewed:

• Screen: 15.4-inch screen WXGA (1280 x 800, glossy finish)
• Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5200
• Hard Drive: 120 GB hard drive (SATA, 5400RPM)
• Memory: 2GB RAM (667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 1GB) -- 2GB max memory
• Optical Drive: DVD+-R Double layer / DVD+-RW Drive
• Ports and Slots: Three USB 2.0, one ExpressCard 54, one VGA, headphone / line-out, microphone-in, modem, 10/100 Ethernet
• Wireless: Atheros Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g)
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (up to 224MB of shared RAM)
• Operating System: Windows Vista Business
• Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.4 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 6.2 pounds

Pros

• Nice keyboard and precise touchpad
• Vibrant screen
• Very quiet and cool while operating

Cons

• Poor build quality
• Flexible chassis
• Battery life not on par with other business notebooks