Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit instead of getting a new PDA about 3 weeks ago. I wanted something I could use with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access that would be smaller (lighter) than a full blown notebook, but would be usable between meetings at client sites where I had time but no access to a computer. I also wanted to take it on vacation to check e-mail without having to lug a notebook. It's about the size of a daytimer. If you get the leather cover from Fujitsu, it really looks more like a daytimer than a computer.
I was also interested in the tablet functions and this is my first Vista system. I viewed it as a "learning Vista, simple work function unit/toy". Plus the price was right. I didn't want to spend $1500 for a unit as at that point I could get a new notebook.
Pros: Light weight, after training- handwriting recognition does a very good job recognizing script, long battery life. Stylus can be used on screen instead of mouse. Full size bluetooth portable keyboard (iGo for PDA) worked fine, once I figured out how to turn the keyboard on- it's buried in the on-line keyboard manual. 5.6" screen is small, but you can adjust the fonts both in the Vista display (although you loose some of the bottoms of the control panel menus when you do, you have to tab blindly to get them back- but I think that's a Vista issue), or you can adjust the View settings in the application. Word, Adobe Reader, and IE can all go higher than 100%. It's still much better than trying to type a document on a PDA.
Cons: Processor could be faster. Fujitsu used a phone processor, so they probably saved on $ and power, but it makes start up slow and you have to wait for it to finish doing stuff in the background. Can only get 1GB of memory, no expansion capabilities. Only 40GB of hard disk, 18GB is used by Vista Home Premium, so only 22GB is left after installation of OS. Don't plan on putting a lot of pictures on it. Stylus doesn't always register taps as clicks and I have to use upper right mouse buttons or hit "enter". I've tried playing with tablet settings, but noticed this was a problem in other reviews.
Having said that though, I have really been enjoying the unit and I will probably purchase a new one if they upgrade the CPU, memory, and disk.
Get a screen protector if you're going to use the tablet functions so you don't scratch the screen. I tried one of the ones that you only need to put on once, but when it went on there were a lot of bubbles that didn't disappear in a couple of days as the directions said they would and it produced a lot of glare. Getting it off was a problem because it was pulling up the the actual screen as I tried to get it off. It was only on 2-3 days, so I can't imagine what would happen had it been on months. I had to carefully and slowly pull one side while holding down the side where it just came off so the screen wouldn't stretch. I got the Fujitsu screen protectors and although they recommend they have to be replaced periodically it was much easier to get on and looks like it will come off without damaging the unit.
If you do get one, go to www.microsoft.com and get the SyncToy. It's a free download. It allows you to synchronize folders between a computer and external or network drive. I have a large network drive and I synchronize my folders between my larger notebook and the U810.
I also don't actually do shutdown. I close the top and wait for the lights to go out (the drive stops spinning) then put it in my bag. This speeds up starting up. May not be recommended, but I've been doing it with my larger notebooks without incident. Just have to be very careful when transporting- no tossing the bag into the car.
I have a Samsung LCD TV that can double as a PC monitor and I can use that as an external monitor with the included external adapter. I ended up buying an LG portable DVD reader/burner with lightscribe from Best Buy for $99 to load software. It is powered by the USB port on the U810 and sits perfectly under it. If you plan to watch DVD's on battery it will reduce your battery time. I haven't watched a movie, but I loaded software using the battery and I got about 3.5 hours off the battery charge.
With a faster processor, more memory, and disk, I would have rated this a 5 star as it could have become a desktop replacement by using an external, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you want something portable to throw in your bag, to use periodically, this is great. The battery life will give you just about a days worth of use so you don't have to take a power supply or extra battery. If you're looking for a full time laptop replacement look elsewhere. You'll be disappointed by the small screen, slow processor, and limited disk and memory.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Fujitsu LifeBook U810 Mini-Notebook - 800 MHz - Ultra Mobile 2007 - RAM 1 GB - HDD 40 GB - WLAN : 802.11 Super AG, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 - TPM - fingerprint reader - Vista Home Premium - 5.6" Widescreen TFT 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA ) - camera
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