Fujitsu unveils the LifeBook UH900

(Credit: Fujitsu)


Update (10/12/2009; 1810hrs): Fujitsu has further advised that the price is not firm. We will bring you more information as details become available.

Update: Fujitsu has informed CNET Asia that the Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 will be available in January 2010, and have an estimated retail price of S$1,800 (US$1,446.25).

The Japanese PC maker today announced the latest addition to its LifeBook family, the UH900. Weighing just 500g with a 204 x 106.5 x 23.8mm footprint, this is possibly the company's smallest and lightest handheld PC to date.

One of the things you'll probably find familiar about the UH900 is its form factor. Its longish and ultramobile design certainly brings to mind the Sony Vaio P series which made its debut earlier this year. In fact, both laptops feature the Intel Atom Z530 processor and SSD storage. While Fujitsu incorporates a smaller 5.6-inch screen (versus the Sony's 8-inch display), the WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800-pixel) ensures that there will be minimal scrolling when surfing the Web or handling documents, though it is unknown how tiny the text will be on the small panel.

The UH900 also comes with multitouch capabilities, allowing for two-finger touch input and even comes with a pen for more precision. With mobile professionals in mind, this laptop offers a full suite of wireless connectivity options from Bluetooth to 3.5G. It will be available in Mocha Black, Fiery Red and Vintage Gold in glossy finish.

Update: A recent Fujitsu event in Singapore revealed more details about the UH900. According to the main concept designer Nobuhara Masuyama, one of the key characteristics of the latest LifeBook is its "chocolate-shaped" keys which allow for a more accurate and comfortable typing experience.

The Apple iPhone 3GS beside the UH900


The Fujitsu spokesperson also said the UH900 will be a premium product aimed at 30- to 40something business users of both genders seeking a stylish yet lightweight notebook. While HSPA (or 3.5G) is available as an option on the unit, Fujitsu said this can be used only for mobile Web access and not for cellular calls or text messages. The UH900 comes with just one two-cell removable battery good for about 3 hours, though the company has said it is exploring plans to introduce higher-capacity power packs in the future.

The LifeBook comes with a multitouch-capable touchscreen.


During a quick hands-on, we found the LifeBook to be very compact and slightly bigger than the Nintendo DS. As a size test, the UH900 slipped easily into a jacket pocket, though it's not something you want to put into your pants pocket without an awkward bulge. The keys are relatively comfortable to type on for an ultramobile device, but we found the screen text a mite too small.

Other key features include:
  • Adapter for LAN and VGA connectors
  • 62GB SSD
  • Touchscreen LCD display with multitouch capabilities
  • USB x 2; Bluetooth; 802.11a/b/g/n
  • SDHC card slot
  • 2GB RAM
  • Windows 7 Home Premium

    The non-HSPA version of the UH900 is expected in January, followed later by the HSPA model. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

    Original story via Fujitsu Thailand
  • Reuben Lee
    About the author

    A Back to the Future fan, Reuben Lee secretly hopes the flux capacitor works so he can go back in time to tell the younger him to invest in Google shares. This former engineering graduate stumbled from varsity straight into games and tech writing just for the fun at CNET Asia. He found it so much fun, he stayed on for the next 11 years. You can also catch this Senior Editor for chats on all things Japan, the manga One Piece, Star Wars, Liverpool and football, and racing games.

    Latest comments

    Actually I agree with kcslchin. No matter how they do it, the physical limitations means that most of these keyboards are usuable at best, but hardly something I want to type long emails with.

    Posted by dariusctc
    Reply

    kbbbb, happy for you :) Anyway, I managed to use the 2010 but not that used to the keyboard yet. I have a larger but older Fujitsu laptop to use (like now) :p

    Posted by kcslchin
    Reply

    False, kcslchin. I own a 2010 and can type on it, and it has a 5" screen and is 12cm across. I am female, with chunky fingers. And they HAVE improved the keyboard on this device, they claim. Anyone can learn to type on a keyboard if they put their mind to it.

    Posted by kbbbb
    Reply

    i could buy many gadgets at that price.

    Posted by goondusamy
    Reply

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    Posted by Alexzhang
    Reply

    i love those shots when ppl snap at the fingers touching the screen to indicate that its touchscreen...

    Posted by goondusamy
    Reply

    at 500gm it is slightly heavy....i mean when you have to put it in your pocket to move around.

    Posted by hbakers69
    Reply

    I just bought their M2010. I think any smaller, the screen and keyboard would not be suitable for adults. Might be great for Primary school children though.

    Posted by kcslchin
    Reply

    I think the screen is too small for comfort. Gotta try it out first.

    Posted by gsr5867
    Reply

    Nice to see other competition in this market. However, this doesn't look as cool as the Sony Vaio P. But knowing Fujitsu, this must be more powerful and reliable than the Sony. Probably affordable, too.

    Posted by winniekepala
    Reply
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