Fujitsu freshens up the LifeBook N-, U- and P-series laptops

The general consensus around the CG water cooler is that companies will be launching really craptacular products today, but Fujitsu is doing quite the opposite with three new laptops and we like it.

The most notable of the bunch is the 16-inch (16:9 LCD) LifeBook N7010 and its tiny 4-inch touch-screen that’s embedded just above the keyboard. Its primary function is to act as an app launcher, but you can drag and drop applications that need very little real estate such as DVD/CD controls or a picture viewer. A 2.26GHz Intel C2D proc, shock mounted HDD (up to 320GB), ATI Radeon HD 3470 graphics card and Blu-ray drive handle the basics. An HDMI port, integrated E-Sata port, Memory Stick/SD slot, 1.3-megapixel webcam, removable dust filter, spill-resistant keyboard, and gesture-enabled touchpad round out the features of this $1,499 (starting price) laptop that begins shipping next week.


Next up is the 1.32 pound Atom powered LifeBook U820 convertible mini. Fujitsu is really pushing the device as a GPS alternative with its 5.6-inch screen and built-in Garmin GPS software and everything that comes with it (turn-by-turn, voice, etc.). I think I’d rather pay $400 for an HP Mini 1000 and drop a couple hundo on an actual GPS then fork over $1,049 for the U820.

Built-in GPS receiver and integrated Garmin Mobile(R) PC software — preloaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada, millions of destinations and points of interest, turn-by-turn directions, and route planning.

Lighter weight starting at 1.32 pounds.

Powered by the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Atom(TM) Z-series processor which supports lower power consumption, fewer chips, VT Technology and integrated support for 1080p HD video decode.

An additional row of keys and a new overall layout of the keyboard to more closely simulate a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Maintains security features including fingerprint sensor and BIOS lock, and adds a Kensington lock slot to deter physical theft.

Now offers up to 7.5 hours of battery life(3) with four-cell battery or 3.5 hours(3) with new 2-cell battery option.

Hard disk drive up to 120GB or solid state drive up to 64GB.

Improved screen resolution with WXGA display.

Enhanced video quality with 1.3 mega-pixel (640×480) resolution webcam.

— Priced starting at $1,049(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their LifeBook U820 mini notebook using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu website and select retailers/e-tailers(2).

— Pre-installed with Windows Vista(R) Business or Home Premium, offering plenty of power to work, access an office network, check email, conduct video conferences, watch downloaded movies, listen to MP3 files, play games, browse the Internet, take pictures or stay connected with family and friends.

— Convertible form factor offers keyboard, touch or pen input.

— Zoom utility for easier viewing.

— Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.

— Stay connected on the go with Atheros XSPAN(R) wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/draft-n) or optional wireless broadband (coming by Q1 2009).

And last but not least is the LifeBook P1630. I’m not sure I see the point of this one either when it costs $2,179.

Improved performance and battery life from the latest Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology with dual-core Intel(R) Core(R) 2 Duo SU9300 Ultra Low Voltage Processor and Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/b/g/draft-n).

Up to 6.15 hours(4) with the high-capacity battery option — an hour longer than its predecessor.

Optional wireless broadband (coming in the first quarter of 2009).

Webcam with 1.3 mega-pixels (640 x480) resolution.

— Priced starting at $2,179(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their LifeBook P1630 convertible tablet PC using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu direct sales force, website and channel partners and select retailers/e-tailers(2).

— Compact convertible tablet PC, weighing only 2.2 pounds with an 8.9-inch WXGA touch-sensitive widescreen display with a high contrast ratio and exceptional viewing angle.

— Top and bottom magnesium-alloy exterior for extra durability and protection.

— Solid state drive option.

— Advanced security with Fujitsu Portshutter(TM) data-leak-prevention software, and built-in biometric fingerprint swipe with pre-boot authentication (PBA).

— Optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.