Moving away from a Transmeta Crusoe processor, the Fujitsu P series now has a tablet notebook based on the Intel Pentium M platform. This convertible laptop with a swivel screen does not scrimp on processing power despite its incredibly tiny footprint. The current model runs on Microsoft Windows XP with RitePen handwriting recognition software for data entry. But by end October, new models of the LifeBook P1510 will be installed with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005 and have Bluetooth functionality. However, Fujitsu has no plans to retrofit existing units with Bluetooth connectivity or provide upgrade of the OS to Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Upside: Amazingly light and compact yet running on a Pentium M processor, this notebook has enough wireless and wired connectivity to satisfy any user. Important features are not sacrificed despite its size, as the LifeBook P1510 comes complete with two USB ports, CF and SD card slots and monitor out port. Security features like the biometric fingerprint system and TPM security chip give peace of mind. When the version with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and Bluetooth functionality becomes available, this ultraportable may become the Christmas present of the year.

Downside: The tiny and cramped keyboard discourages all but the most masochistic to do extended typing on this machine. Similiar to PDAs, the tablet uses a touchscreen instead of an active digitizer, hence the user must be careful of incidental palm contact when writing on the display. The lack of a PCMCIA slot restricts future expandability, especially once ExpressCard products become mainstream. The absence of an optical drive in the bundle forces consumers to either fork out more money to buy one, or do without it altogether.

Outlook: The small screen and cramped keyboard make it hard to work on this ultraportable for long periods of time. Unless your profession requires data entry on the move, the hefty S$3,488 price tag makes this an expensive, albeit extremely cool, tech toy instead of a serious work machine. Add this to the fact that an external optical drive is not included in the package, and this is one purchase that will burn a serious hole in the pocket.