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Fujitsu unveils its first UMPC

By Juniper Foo
May 16, 2007

The Japanese PC maker claims that its U-series addition to the LifeBook family is the world's smallest tablet-convertible UMPC. At 580g and a thickness of 26.5mm, we're inclined to agree.


Fujitsu goes the tablet PC way for its first UMPC.
TOKYO, JAPAN--Fujitsu today showcased its first Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) at its annual Fujitsu Forum 2007 held at the Tokyo International Forum in the central Yurakucho business district.

Based on the Intel Ultra Mobile Platform 2007 announced earlier in April, the LifeBook FMV-U8240, according to Fujitsu, is targeted mainly at business mobile users looking for strong security features and communication tools. This launch is in line with this year's Fujitsu Forum to promote field innovation.

Anand Chandrasekher, senior VP of Intel Corp and GM of the Ultra Mobility Group, in a press statement, believes the emerging UMPC category will "deliver the functionality of the PC and full Internet to users who are constantly on-the-go in ultralight and small form factors".


Fujitsu showcases its innovations at this year's Forum 2007.
One of the highlighted features of the UMPC is its small form factor. Weighing just 580g and measuring a tiny 171 x 133 x 26.5mm, the U8240, as Fujitsu claims, is the world's smallest tablet-convertible UMPC. It is equipped with a 5.6-inch touchscreen LCD that supports display resolutions of up to 1,024 x 600 pixels. The built-in QWERTY keyboard features a key pitch of 14mm and comes with keyboard lights, which should make it relatively comfortable for typing.

Like some of the business machines from Fujitsu, the UMPC comes with a fingerprint sensor for secured access. Users can also choose to manage the onboard USB port and disable media drives via the Portshutter v2 application.

What is a tablet-convertible UMPC?
This essentially combines the functions of both an ultraportable notebook and tablet PC into one device. The touchscreen LCD display can be swiveled to convert the tablet PC into notebook, and vice versa. A stylus is also typically included.

Connectivity-wise, the Fujitsu didn't disappoint with the inclusion of a single USB 2.0 port, and 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN. Ethernet LAN (RJ-45) and monitor-out (RGB) options are also offered via proprietary cables. Considering the limited real estate on the UMPC, we were surprised to find both CompactFlash Type I/II and SD card slots onboard. What's sorely missing on the U8240 is Bluetooth support.


The U-series UMPC is almost the same width as a clamshell i-mode phone beside it.
At the heart of the UMPC is a new Intel Processor A110 running at 800MHz, combined with a Mobile Intel 945GU Express motherboard, 1GB (maximum) RAM and 40GB (maximum) hard drive. Battery life is rated a generous 4 hours (on Windows XP) for the standard 2,600mAh battery and up to 8 hours for the optional extended 5,200mAh cell.

On Vista, battery life dips to 3.5 hours on the standard cell and 7 hours on the extended battery.

Fujitsu plans to offer two versions of the U8240 in Japan. The Windows XP Professional version, which is priced at 144,000 yen and 164,000 yen, respectively, for its 512MB and 1GB memory options, is expected in mid-June. The company will launch the Windows Vista Business edition in July at 164,000 yen with a 1GB RAM.

For the rest of Asia, a Fujitsu Asia-Pac representative said users can expect the Windows XP UMPCs to likely ship around end June, followed by the Vista editions in July. Do note that the name and configuration of the UMPCs may change to meet the needs of the Asia-Pacific market.

 

 

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