Fujitsu pulls on its UMPC boxing gloves ahead of cracking ASUS squarely on the Eee PC chin. Image: Fujitsu.
As is the way with constantly evolving, shrinking, and more cost-effective technology, bulky hardware generally denotes old hardware… and old hardware (regardless of its power) equates to undesirable hardware in a consumer market that embraces convenience and aesthetic as much as processing muscle.
Following on from this week’s rush of new entrants to the blossoming ultra-mobile laptop market, which saw the likes of Lenovo and ASUS offering up fresh new hardware flavours and pocket-friendly prices, Japanese consumer electronics giant Fujitsu Limited is adding yet more tang thanks to its LifeBook U2010 -- which it describes as the small form successor to the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC).
Set to be available in 5 bold colour options (whatever happened to geek-friendly black, white or grey?), Fujitsu is looking to balance the LifeBook U2010’s apparent power and functionality with an easy-to-stow form factor and a vibrant lifestyle statement that provides a perfect fit for prospective consumers everywhere.
Shameless press release posturing aside, can the LifeBook U2010 cut the technological mustard against existing ultra-portables by delivering a convincing level of tangible oomph, or will it be revealed as a little more than a pastel-shaded impostor only able to cut the cheese of disappointment?
Well, a quick peek beneath the U2010’s hood reveals Intel’s 1.6GHz Centrino Atom processor and the Intel System Controller Hub, which certainly lifts Fujitsu’s little computer alongside its competitors in terms of embracing the improved performance and energy efficiency of Intel’s latest mobile platform.
While other ultra-portables are slowly expanding away from being truly compact, the U2010’s size is reflected in its SuperFine 5.6-inch WXGA display screen (1280x800), which boasts 300nits of brightness and even comes with a one-touch “Raku Raku” zoom feature for optimal viewing.
Weighing in at a mere 610 grams (or 1.34 lbs), the U2010 also offers up the enhanced data reliability and power consumption of up to 64GBs of SSD (solid state drive) storage, along with the popular association of a fully-featured Windows operating system and the communications convenience of an onboard 1.3 mega pixel camera and digital microphone.
Other features packed into the tiny U2010 include quick-touch multimedia access via Microsoft Origami 2.0, wireless music-on-demand technology, the ability to connect wirelessly to any FM radio, Bluetooth v2.1 connectivity, and up to 8 hours of single-charge operation thanks to its rechargeable 4-cell, Lithium-ion battery (7.2V, 5800mAh).
From a security standpoint, Fujitsu has bundled in portable peace of mind in the form of a 2-level BIOS lock and also an Anti-Theft Lock Slot. And, sensitive data files benefit from the added protection provided by the U2010’s Fingerprint Sensor, which enables users to apply swift encryption with a single swipe of their pre-registered fingerprint.
And, whichever colour you may ultimately choose, Fujitsu’s diminutive ultra-portable computer comes with an underlying green glow thanks to its full compliance with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.
While the U2010 appears more than capable of holding its own in the busy ultra-portable marketplace, one factor remains unexplored -- those all-important colour choices. Yes, it has Intel Atom technology, yes it has 64GBs of SSD, yes, it’s Windows-equipped… but does it come in Springtime Mauve?
Nope, the U2010 will arrive in Ocean Black, Pink Gold, Cool Silver, Fuchsia Red, Luminous Blue… and Epic Fail. We kid.
Fujitsu Limited is yet to grace the LifeBook U2010 with an official release date or pricing structure, although, based on other comparable UMPCs it’s probably safe to assume the final dollar amount won’t lean too far either side of around $400 USD.
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)