The Fujitsu Lifebook is the lightest notebook that we tested, weighing less than 2kg. Like the Acer it only has a 14in screen but it does have a smaller bezel around the LCD which allows them to make this notebook even smaller.
The first thing that caught our eye when we pulled back open the LCD was the fingerprint scanner located just below the touch pad. The IBM machine wis the only other notebook that includes a fingerprint scanner. The
The setup software is easy -- you can set up the sensor to recognise more than one finger -- the IBM notebook can also do this. Once you've enrolled your finger you can be sure that your finger will be the only one that can grant you instant access to your files. We couldn't really separate which was better at reading our finger out of the Fujitsu and IBM. Just remember not to swipe too fast.
The Lifebook is equipped with an Intel Pentium 1.6GHz M processor as well as 512MB of RAM, 60GB HDD, DVD-ROM drive (no burner), and an Intel Extreme Graphics. Just above the keypad is a large LCD display and a set of buttons that can be programmed to launch applications as well as play music. But unlike the AOpen you can't play music CDs without powering the notebook right up.
Add Wi-FI, Modem, 100M LAN, as well as a 3-in-1 memory card reader, FireWire, and a whole heap of USB ports, and you should have all that you need from a notebook.
In terms of speed this is one of the fastest notebooks. Adding to its alure, it also has excellent battery life managing four hours.
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Sorry guys, but the reviewed x86 machines seem rather lame to me.
On 10th September 2004 I bought a Clevo M375E notebook that beats nearly every specification of the reviewed units.
This unit has a Fujitsu 100GB HDD, Intel Dothan 2GHz, 2GB of PC2700 SDRAM, Pioneer single layer 2x DVD-RW burner, 54MB WiFi, build-in camera, 3 format card reader, 15.6" wide-screen LCD @ 1680 x 1050, S-Video out, dual display support, FireWire, Gigabit LAN, v.92 modem, IR, 3 x USB2, 1 x Type 1 PCMCIA and serial port.
It is the fastest PC I have ever worked on, easily beating most P4 desktops in everything that is not hard drive or CDROM intensive.
The only thing it lacks is BlueTooth, which was available as an option.
The 2GB of RAM dent the battery life a little, as do the 2GHz Dothan and huge screen resolution, but I still get over three hours of practical work on a single charge with the WiFi turned off.
When I bought it, the RAM was very expensive, but this has come down considerably since.
This unit retail now for less than $4500.
For taxation reasons, I normally replace my notebook once every financial year. If this reviewed collection is exciting the "envy crowd" now, I may hold on to this unit for another year. I can't see that updating only to get dual-layer or BlueTooth is worth my while...