The S6311 features a biometric fingerprint scanner which allows you to securely log-on to the machine and if you wish, encrypt single files or entire folders from prying eyes. This is a particularly handy feature for businesses with limited resources that need to share a notebook across multiple users as each can secure their own files. The ability to register multiple fingers also means you can have several users and shared folders for when people leave the organisation. While no security is perfect, we did attempt to authenticate using an ink stamp copy of a registered fingerprint, only to be knocked back as it appeared to require the capacitance found in a living human finger. And no, before you think it, perish the thought of stealing someone's notebook and taking one of their registered fingers as a souvenir to access their files.
The software bundle with this model includes a full year of Norton Antivirus protection as well as Acronis True Image 9, allowing you to make and restore an image of your system quickly if you're travelling and things go pear-shaped.
Performance and battery life
The S6311's combination of an Intel 1.83GHz T5600 CPU and a full gigabyte of DDR2 memory is slightly above average spec for a business focused machine such as this. Generally the trade off of using a full wattage part as opposed to an Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processor is for the sake of battery life. Avid multi-taskers will love the performance it offers. This is certainly no gaming powerhouse, though the Intel GMA 950 graphics are enough to run the OS and perhaps the odd older game. Just don't expect blazing frame rates in your favourite graphics intensive app. Users after more hybrid notebooks for casual gaming and business will want to look elsewhere, but be warned you do so at the compromise of battery performance.
We ran the machine through its paces in PCMark05, a benchmark that makes extensive use of open source and common applications such as virus scanners, spell checkers and the odd geometry calculation to gauge real world performance. At 3323 marks it doesn't represent the upper echelons of the notebook market in terms of performance, but it certainly isn't hugging the bottom rungs of the performance ladder either.
We ran Battery Eater Pro's classic test, stressing the CPU, graphics and I/O in one go and the unit crumbled at the 84 minute mark. Not a fantastic result, but the strength of this notebook lies in its mobility, not its raw power.
Next we gave it a lighter reader test with the machine at full power; it achieved a much more impressive 293 minutes before giving up the ghost.
Lastly we dipped the power options, dimmed the screen to the lowest brightness setting (although it's still readable) and left it to run. This time it managed a solid 396 mins, enough for you to only require a quick top up in the arvo at a power point. While it's still behind the 11.5 hours (best case scenario) Sony quotes on their new VAIO G series machine, it's still ample for a machine of this calibre, and if you're really power hungry, you can always dump the optical drive for a second battery.
Support
Fujitsu includes a two year warranty on this model, the first year of which is covered by an international warranty, and the second a pickup and return courier service. An addition year (for a total of three) is available for a further AU$209. It's not an unreasonable ask given the relatively low purchase price of the hardware, especially with rough execs and sales teams lugging them around all day every day.
The ideal notebook for road warriors who crave battery run time without skimping on spec. Its weight and size also makes it a good student or home notebook, albeit an expensive one given it lacks the grunt for anything other than work and the odd DVD.
Serious battery misers may still find love in Sony's new G series product with its similar specs, although for the asking price you could buy yourself an S6311 and a couple of extra batteries.
Fujitsu LifeBook S6311
Company: Fujitsu PC
RRP: AU$2499
15%
7%
As a previous satisfied Fujitsu S6120 owner, I researched all brands and settled on the S6311 as a replacement after reading reviews on CNET, ZDnet & other sites . My belief that I was buying the Lexus of laptops was soon shattered. Within 2 months the "enter key" was faulty and the keyboard needed replacement. Then a intermittent low volume high pitch noise came from a faulty inverter and then the port replicator packed up. To rub salt into the wound the letters on the keyboard replaced 2 months beforehand started fading.
Fujistu refused to replace my laptop outright and insist on repairing it piecemeal.
Beware. Brand loyalty isn't worth it.
I think build quality should be commented on only after a period of 3-4 months of use.
Dr Siva Senthuran
Brisbane, Australia