An upgrade of the Fujitsu LifeBook T4020, the LifeBook T4215's strong security tools and dual-core processing power makes it a competent tablet PC for the professional.

The Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 is a convertible tablet PC that combines the traditional clamshell notebook with the functionality of a slate system. Though not as light as the latter, it keeps a full-size keyboard and integrated optical drive and functions as a full laptop.

An upgrade of the Fujitsu LifeBook T4020, it is based on Intel's dual-core processing platform in an aesthetically pleasing chassis. Unfortunately, like most convertibles, it is just too heavy to carry one-handed and input data with the other.

Design
Based on the convertible tablet PC design, the LifeBook T4215 opens up like a conventional notebook. However, the screen can be rotated and the tablet closed with the display up, giving it the functionality of a slate system. A specially designed catch is reversible and keeps the LifeBook securely closed in either configuration.

The black top and silvery-white body are attractive and give the illusion that it is smaller than its 295mm by 244mm footprint. In order to keep the keyboard and optical drive, a thickness of 37.5mm was necessary. A row of standard controls commonly used by Windows XP Tablet Edition OS sit beside the screen, with a monochrome LCD panel just next to it which indicates power status and hard disk access. The speaker lies at the front of the system and is not blocked when using the LifeBook in tablet or clamshell modes.

Features
Targeting the business professional, the LifeBook T4215 comes with a strong security suite which includes a fingerprint biometric sensor, Trusted Platform Module security chip and a SmartCard slot.

A full-sized keyboard and touchpad facilitate data entry, with a rocker button located between the touchpad buttons to scroll through long documents with ease. The keyboard is also spill-proof, perfect for the occasional wet accidents.

A DVD Super Multi optical drive allows reading and writing to almost all available optical storage formats. Port and connectivity-wise, most of the usual suspects are present minus FireWire.

Three USB 2.0 and a Type II PC Card slot hook up to external peripherals. The Ethernet, modem and VGA output are covered with a rubber plug to maintain the clean profile of the T4215.

Flick on the wireless switch, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radio power to life. Those who work in Gigabit network environments may feel hampered by the Ethernet port, which has a throughput that maxes out at 100Mbps.

Like most PCs running on Windows XP Tablet Edition OS, the active screen requires a special stylus for touchscreen functionality. Fortunately, the stylus comforms to the standard WACOM format, allowing replacements to be obtained easier and cheaper than most proprietary standards. The rear of the pen acts like an eraser, while a rocker switch on its side replicates mouse clicks.

The 12.1-inch screen is a standard-aspect LCD capable of 1,280 x 768-pixel resolution and powered by an Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics processor, which pulls up to 256MB of system memory for video rendering.

Audio quality leaves much to be desired -- although superior reproduction is a "good to have" item for a business portable, not a "must have".

Performance and Battery Life
As we were unable to complete a full run of our benchmarks due to software conflict issues, we ran common office applications and even Adobe PhotoShop for simple image editing, all while the antivirus program was furiously scanning through our files. The slowdown was minimal, thanks to the dual-core 1.83GHz processor embedded in the system. We didn't expect much from the integrated graphics chipset, though, which barely made it through first-person shooters while sufficing for simpler real-time strategy games.

The standard six-cell battery lasted almost three hours on normal use (without the DVD drive spinning or running intensive programs), decent for a tablet PC. For even longer unplugged time, replace the DVD drive with a modular six-cell battery option.

Service and Support
Fujitsu LifeBook has a one-year international warranty with second-year and third-year local warranty. At Fujitsu's support Web site, LifeBook owners can register their warranty online as well as download the latest drivers. For simple problems, the company offers a helpline and e-mail address for troubleshooting. Should the unit require further diagnosis or repair, the customer will have to send the unit to any service centre worldwide during the first year.

Subsequently, Fujitsu will honour the notebook's warranty only for the subsequent two years at the original country of purchase. For users who use their laptops for time-critical work with no margin for downtime, it must be noted that most Fujitsu service centres in Asia Pacific operate only during office hours. There is no option to upgrade the warranty terms.

Fujitsu LifeBook T4215
Company: Fujitsu PC
RRP: AU$3799