fujitsu

Issue #62

Last Update February 28, 2009

Technology Fujitsu Lifebook U810 by David Katz December 30, 2007 Laptops, even notebook-sized ones, are too large and weigh to much to carry around casually. Many laptop functions have been usurped by PDAs and cell phones, including email reception, some web surfing, and document viewing and creation. However, those with a need for a a full-function computer have a limited range of choices: carry around a heavy laptop, or use a PDA-sized gadget with limited functionality and insufficient support, such as the Linux-based Sharp Zaurus or the Windows-based HP IPAQ Now, with the US availability of Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) a fact, the possibility of carrying a full-function PC in a small shoulder bag (or, in some cases, your pocket) has become a reality.

UMPCs are distinguished from laptops, notebook computers and mini-notebooks by their size. To accommodate a screen size of 10 to fifteen inches, the larger devices must be 12 to seventeen inches wide. UMPCs have screen sizes of five to seven inches, and form factors proportional to the screen size. This enables the smallest of the UMPCs to fit in a pocket, and the larger ones to fit comfortably in a pocketbook, overcoat pocket or small shoulder bag. Their weight, somewhere between one and two pounds, depending on the model, is a welcome relief from carrying a four to seven pound laptop. Battery life tends to be better, as well.

The Fujitsu U810 Lifebook fits square in the center of the UMPC range. At 6.7” by 6” by 1” (including battery, which adds 3/4” to the depth of the unit, and 1.5lbs., this is an extremely compact unit that fits into a smaller space then the 7” screen models, and has a more readable screen and larger keyboard then the 5” screen models. Thus U810 is feature-packed: 40GB hard disk, 1GB memory, built in wifi and bluetooth, compact flash and secure digital card slots, one USB port, fingerprint reader, webcam, built-in microphone, and a touch screen that allows it to be used as a tablet PC. A port in front of the unit accepts a dongle that has video out and Ethernet. The U810 comes with Vista, but you can get it with XP if you want. By the way, Ubuntu Linux runs just fine on it, and recognizes all the built-in hardware. A few nifty little extras, such as keyboard lights for typing in the dark and screen rotation buttons to make tablet use easier, testify to the quality of design.

The size of the Fujitsu comes with some disadvantages, though. The screen is beautifully clear, but however clear the standard font, it takes sharp eyes or strong glasses to read unless you sacrifice screen real estate by changing the resolution or enlarging the font. Nevertheless, the screen is perfectly usable.

A more serious sacrifice to size is the keyboard. All of the keys of a standard keyboard are available, but at a cost. The keys are chicklet sized squares in order to fit the complete set, many keys do triple duty,. The cursor keys require you to hold down the function key. This takes some getting used to. The tab key is function-space. The delete key is function-backspace. Some of the other characters are in places different from the standard keyboard, which can be a problem for touch-typers. The size of the keys makes it difficult not to hit more than one key at a time. This problem is compounded by the fact that the touch is very soft; the easy key travel makes multiple hits more likely. A stiffer key action would make a big difference in typing accuracy.

Even with these shortcomings, this is an extremely handy and usable machine for someone who wants to have a full-function computer handy at all times, without the bulk and back-strain of a standard laptop. Battery life is an honest four to five hours, which means that a good day's work can be done without carrying a charger.

New York Stringer is published by NYStringer.com. For all communications, contact David Katz, Editor and Publisher, at david@nystringer.com