Posts in Notebooks

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M1 to offer HSDPA-enabled LifeBook in stores

Reuben Lee | Dec 05, 2007

With HSDPA (3.5G) now being offered on laptops, it's just a matter of time before mobile carriers offer such notebooks at their retail outlets. And it seems Singapore operator M1 will be the first to do so in the island state, collaborating with Japanese notebook maker Fujitsu to launch its new 3.5G-enabled LifeBook U1010.

According to M1's spokesperson, the 3.5G U1010 UMPC will be the first notebook offering being sold in the company's retail outlets and online store. In fact, it will be sold exclusively at M1 stores during its initial launch on December 7. Retail prices are expected to start from S$1,788 with selected M1 Broadband Plans. Current M1 Broadband users can also enjoy the same offer with a two-year extension of their contracts (subject to M1's terms and conditions). M1 has confirmed it will not be offering the U1010 without mobile subscription plans. Oddly, Fujitsu says you can buy the notebook without plans at S$2,388 but not directly off the shelves. Instead, you have to place an order at authorized Fujitsu outlets and collect the unit when it arrives.

This latest 3.5G version of the U1010 tablet PC comes about five months after the rollout of the original U1010 in June. Its basic specifications include Intel A110 processor (800MHz), 5.6-inch 1,024 x 600-pixel touchscreen, 40GB hard drive and 1GB RAM. It will run on Windows Vista Business OS. You will also find other onboard features such as a fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth v2, Wi-Fi, integrated camera, and CompactFlash and SD card slots.

Fujitsu has confirmed that the 3.5G U1010 will be launched in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Cambodia fom December 2007. The unit is also expected to be sold in Australia, Malaysia and Taiwan but no release dates have been announced yet.

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More LifeBooks get the 3.5G treatment

Darius Chang | Dec 04, 2007

Believing that mobile broadband is the way to go, Fujitsu is giving more of its LifeBooks HSDPA functionality.

Despite the fact that the three major telcos in Singapore have made mobile broadband affordable and easily accessible, most portables still require the use of an external USB dongle or PC Card to connect to the 3.5G networks as models with integrated HSDPA modules are still rare. The latest series announced today by Fujitsu may change the landscape, as they include models like the Fujitsu LifeBook S6510, Fujitsu LifeBook U1010, Fujitsu LifeBook T2010 and Fujitsu LifeBook P7230 which have the 3.5G hardware integrated into the machine and, as such, offer a more elegant mobile surfing experience.

However, being untethered comes at a price and these new notebooks do not come cheap. Realizing that the value-for-money market shouldn't be ignored, the Japanese maker has also launched its cheapest LifeBook to date. The LifeBook V1010, which made its maiden appearance at the recently concluded SITEX show, is priced at S$1,388 (US$986.08) and joins the refreshed LifeBook A6110 as value propositions from Fujitsu. However, it is based on an older Centrino platform, though for basic users they shouldn't really feel the difference.

On the premium end, the LifeBook S6510 is the first to feature the SlimEdge design by Fujitsu. Though it is an upgrade from the 13.3-inch S6410, the S6510 manages to increase the screen size to 14.1-inch while maintaining the same form factor as its predecessor.

Look out for our detailed breakdown on these new LifeBooks tomorrow.

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World's slimmest and lightest 14.1-inch notebook

Darius Chang | Dec 04, 2007

How often have we lamented that were the bezel around the LCD minimized, we could have a larger screen without having to increase the notebook's footprint. Well, Fujitsu obviously heard those comments and came up with the SlimEdge design that pushes the screen real estate to the edges of the LCD.

The LifeBook S6510 is the first model to benefit from this technology. Though it is essentially an upgrade from the 13.3-inch S6410, the S6510 manages to increase the display size to 14.1-inch while maintaining the same form factor as its predecessor. As a result, Fujitsu claims it is the slimmest and lightest 14.1-inch portable in the world and, at 1.7kg light, we find it hard to disagree. A Fujitsu representative intimated that the SlimEdge technology will be extended to at least another LifeBook model, though he was unable to disclose exactly which line this would fall under.

However, expect to pay a premium for this HSDPA-connected machine as, at S$3,988 (US$2,833.19), it certainly takes a big heart and an even bigger wallet to buy one as a Christmas gift.

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Add a port replicator via ExpressCard

Reuben Lee | Dec 04, 2007

Want to make better use of the ExpressCard slot in your notebook, that is if you have one? Targus has a nifty device called the ExpressCard Docking Station (ACP60AP) that that works somewhat like a port replicator. But instead of proprietary connectors, it utilizes the ExpressCard slot.

In addition to four USB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100/1000) and serial ports, the dock also comes with standard VGA and DVI connectors useful for laptop users planning to hook up to an external display. According to the specifications given, the dock supports up to 1,600 x 1,200 (UXGA) video resolution. The presence of audio jacks for front, rear and center speakers as well as microphone and S/PDIF connectors also makes the device compatible for use with external surround speaker systems.

Oddly, there is no FireWire or S-video port onboard. We were also hoping to see HDMI connectivity added to the mix.

There's also another issue, albeit a minor one. The dock is powered by an AC adapter, which means limited mobility unless you plan to use this primarily at the workstation. The upside to this is that the USB ports are "always on", meaning the dock can continue powering or charging devices even when the notebook is off. Power-hungry USB devices like external 2.5-inch hard drives typically work better with powered USB ports, too.

According to Targus, the ExpressCard Docking Station is expected to retail for S$299. The company has yet to confirm its availability in Asia, although it is already on sale in the US.

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