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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Fujitsu LifeBook T2010 with WWAN

The Fujitsu LifeBook T2010 is a solid tablet notebook. This updated model has AT&T BroadbandConnect HSPA integrated though. Besides that the design and chassis are the same. I actually have the lower end model with the ULV 1.06GHz Core 2 Duo processor and smaller hard drive. The big question though, does the built-in WWAN make a difference, especially for those road warriors or business professionals who are always on the go? Let's take a look and find out.

Fujitsu LifeBook T2010 Tablet PC specs as reviewed:(price with WWAN is $1,499)

CPU Intel Core 2 Duo ULV 1.06GHz U7500
OS Windows XP Tablet Edition
RAM 2GB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM memory (1GB x 2)
Display 12.1" WXGA indoor/outdoor active digitizer display with wide viewing angles
Graphics Intel GMA X3100
Audio Integrated speakers
Hard Drive 40GB hard drive
Optical Drive None
I/O ports

* 2 x USB
* 1 x VGA - 15 pin
* 1 x IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
* 1 x Type I/II PCMCIA slot
* 1 x Smart Card slot
* 1 x Media card reader
* 1 x Microphone-in
* 1x Headphone

Communications

* AT&T Broadband HSPA WWAN
* 10/100/1000 Ethernet
* Bluetooth 2.0

Dimensions/Weight

* 11.9" (Width) x 8.8" (Depth) x 1.36" (Thick)
* 3.5 pounds

Battery/power 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery (5-hour life)

Design and Build
The T2010 has a simple design that is sleek and appealing. Right off the bat, you get that business feel. It would be perfect for college students as well, considering it is so small and only weighs in around 3.5 pounds. The graphite color hides dirt very well and keeps the tablet looking professional, but be careful the lid can be scratched easily.

The chassis is solid and there is minimal flex, except for the keyboard area, which I will get to later. There are a few dedicated tablet buttons on the bottom of the screen that change the screen orientation and function. They are very convenient, especially when using the T2010 in tablet mode. This model T2010 has the integrated AT&T Broadband Connect WWAN, so that is what the extra bulge is on the right side, the antenna.

The hinge is solid and feels sturdy. The screen doesn't wobble much, even when tapped. The fact the screen turns in both directions is a nice feature as well. The entire design is solid and the battery being located in the front isn't an inconvenience at all. I thought it may be awkward, but it makes for a nice palm rest. Although, there is no optical drive, the T2010 is packed with a good variety of features and you can always get the docking solution for more.

Display
The active digitizer is great and like I mentioned before the 12.1" WXGA screen is flawless. You can adjust the brightness level to your liking and I didn't notice any graininess. The colors are bright and vivid, so much that I almost forgot I was working with a tablet instead of a notebook.

I didn't have any problems taking notes and since the T2010 has a bi-directional hinge it is great for presentations. I love being able to turn the tablet screen in both directions. It automatically changes orientation in tablet mode as well. The screen does have a glossy finish, but it's not that reflective. In fact it has great viewing angles and is readable outdoors.

Processor and System Performance
The T2010 performed about as I expected. It was a little slower on the benchmarks then the first model I reviewed, but this model only has a Core 2 Duo ULV 1.06GHz processor and a 40GB hard drive. The original review unit had the ULV 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo processor and a 100GB hard drive. It still performed tasks with no problems like checking email and surfing the Web. Remember this tablet is for the business minded, not gamers. It's lightweight and portable for a reason.