CNET Asia Review

Fujitsu spruces up the S6000 series with two refreshed models in the S6240 range--the stylish north black S6240B, priced the same as its predecessor the S6230, and the classic silver S6240S which costs S$300 (US$213.13) less. Judging from sales, it appears budget is a more important factor for Singaporeans. However, we'll take you on a tour of the more powerful S6240B.

Though only an aesthetic change, the new black frame is a very much welcome.

We had no qualms about the keys which are generally comfortable and well-spaced out. The quick launch keys can now be toggled to include minimal multimedia playback functions to be used with PowerDVD and a mediocre LifeBook CD player app, but disappointingly, they don't appear to work in Windows Media Player. Once again, the Wi-Fi switch sits incoveniently at the rear and there's no dedicated volume control. The fingerprint reader surprised us a bit though the notebook appears targeted at students as opposed to businesses. Though it's a nifty feature, we wonder if it is really essential.

The screen now comes in the image-enhancing SuperFine technology. Note that the lower-end silver model stays as the normal anti-glare type.

Features
The LifeBook S6240 incorporates new Centrino platform (formerly codenamed Sonoma) and runs on the 730 processor (1.6GHz) and an 80GB hard drive. While both models use DDR2 SDRAM, the more powerful black one includes 512MB RAM and a dual-layer DVD burner while the silver uses 256MB RAM and a DVD/CD-RW combo. These specs definitely beat the S6230's 60GB storage and 256MB of slower DDR SDRAM. While the similar priced Sony Vaio VGN-S46GP includes dedicated graphics, the Fujitsu still uses Intel's integrated type though the Graphics Media Accelerator is an improvement over Extreme Graphics 2, previously used.

Once again, the latest in the S6000 series continues to cram the rear with the ports ranging from three USB 2.0, FireWire, Ethernet, modem, infrared and a covered VGA-out port. We did gripe about the lack of flash card reader and S-video out on the S6230 and as such, we are happy to find that the S6240 includes a mini S-video out in place of the line-in and manages to fit an SD/MS PRO reader at the front. Though there's still no Bluetooth, the added features are welcomed improvements.

Even the lower-end model, the S6240S, includes a fingerprint reader.

Performance And Battery Life
We ran MobileMark 2002 over two cycles where we took the better set of results. The S6240 obtained a decent 197 score, almost on par with the more powerful 1.73GHz-clocked Sony Vaio VGN-S46GP (199 score) and the BenQ Joybook S52 (203 score).

The LifeBook has a battery life of 189 minutes (slightly over 3 hours) which is a tad short of the Joybook S52's 197 minutes though it beats the Vaio VGN-S46GP (169 minutes), though to its credit, do remember the Sony has a faster processor and so, will logically trade-off more speed for less juice.

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Service And Support
The LifeBook comes with a three-year warranty comprising a one-year international carry-in (parts and labor) warranty. A second- and third-year local carry-in (parts only) warranty applies. Fujitsu Singapore's online support includes warranty registration, an FAQ section and driver downloads. No reference is made to the S6240 in the FAQ section though there's info on older LifeBooks. However, all the necessary drivers can be found on the site. You can also access the user manual though the BIOS guide is missing.

Together with the latest Windows XP Professional Edition, the S6240 comes loaded with a variety of standard software for LifeBooks such as Norman Virus Control, Norman Personal Firewall and Sonic RecordNow! 7. PowerDVD handles DVD playback while PowerProducer 2 can be used to produce home movies and photos on CD. Softex OmniPass Control Center manages the multiple fingers that can be used for user authentication.

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Fujitsu LifeBook S6240 (Pentium M Processor 730 1.6GHz, 256MB RAM)

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User Reviews

Expensive, poor performance

Sep 18, 2005

Rating: 4 out of 10 (Mediocre)
Pros: 
Cons: 
Opinion:
For this pricing, having an integrated graphics seems not quite matching. The integrated graphics takes up 128MB of your RAM, and it cannot be changed! The default 512MB RAM is certainly insufficient for this notebook. The weight is not particularly light, either. There are many ultraportable notebooks that are lighter. Recommend this notebook to people who go for eye candy only and care nothing about performance and cost.

 

BenJi

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Excellent for students working with AC socket

Aug 31, 2005

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: 
Cons: 
Opinion:
I've recently purchased this model and upgraded its RAM to 1GB. It was fantastic, amazing boot-up speeds, shutting down took less than 30 seconds. Buyers of this notebook are highly recommended to get that upgrade to maximize use of this notebook. Point to note, this notebook's exhaust is HOT!!! Indeed, this machine has pathetic battery lifespan; I would personally prefer the S7020 if not for its high prices. Fujitsu could work on its battery life and the chips they put into the machines, considering this model is one of their latest and it is using mediocre 730 chip instead of 770 or even 780 when Acer had been using 740 for some time.

 

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