Launched today with the Fujitsu DeskPower TX, the latest LifeBook P7120 has obvious similarities with the recently announced Sony Vaio VGN-TX series. The matt black color theme is the only option available, though Fujitsu has disclosed that it may be bringing in models with different shades if there is significant market demand.

Upside: With a footprint similiar to two DVD cases placed side-by-side, the LifeBook P7120's portability is accentuated by a thinness of just 25mm and a weight of only 1.38kg. The notebook is based on the latest Sonoma platform and, in an amazing feat of engineering, a dual-layer DVD Super Multi drive shocking pops out from the side at the touch of a button. In a machine this size, we are glad to see that there is no sacrifice in connectivity with three USB 2.0 ports, FireWire and memory card support. Unusual for a unit this size, an S-video output for hooking up to a television aids in movie viewing and presentations. Wireless features include 802.11a/b/g support and Bluetooth.

Thumbs up to the biometric fingerprint sensor and Trusted Module Platform (TPM) security chip. As corporate and personal data security are major concerns, such features will put LifeBook P7120 owners at ease knowing that their information is secure.

Downside: The 1.2GHz Pentium M processor may be underpowered for intensive graphics and computing tasks. Performance is not helped by the integrated graphics processor which forms a bottleneck for the latest games. An issue we have with the unit is the choice to use a slower 400MHz memory when other laptops going for the faster 533MHz RAM. We would also have liked to see a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port as well as a transflective 10.6-inch display for better readability outdoors.

Outlook: Though dimensionally similar to the Sony Vaio TX series, the security features of the LifeBook P7120 makes this an obvious choice for a business user looking for an ultralight notebook but is unwilling to forego an optical drive.