Fujitsu LifeBook U810 shuns UMPC label

There was once a time when Fujitsu touted its upcoming FMV-U8240, also known as the LifeBook U1010 in other markets, as the "world's smallest UMPC."

But today, to commemorate the official launch of what will be sold in the U.S. as the LifeBook U810, the company has dropped the "UMPC" buzzword altogether. Referring to the U810 instead as a mini convertible notebook throughout the entire press release, Fujitsu believes that the device "hits the mark for on-the-go workforces and prosumers who appreciate the mobile aspect of a PDA, but need the power and compatibility of a notebook."

Available next month with prices starting at $999, the U810 will run a selection of operating systems (Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, XP Tablet) on 1GB of RAM and an 800MHz Intel A110 CPU. It will also feature a 5.6-inch widescreen (1024 x 600) LED display, supposed 5.5-hour battery life, and 56-key QWERTY keyboard that looks slightly more touch-typeable than the one on the similarly sized FlipStart (on which I averaged between 40% and 43% of my normal typing speed).

[Wired | DailyTech]

Comments

[dan]

Actually, if you go to the Fuji site it calls it "the world's smallest umpc"
Below, in the text it spells up out instead of just the umpc initials.

"Digital experiences come together perfectly with the world's smallest* tablet-convertible ultra-mobile PC created by Fujitsu, the LifeBook U1010. Versatile and stylishly designed, it is equipped with the latest Intel® Ultra Mobile platform for uncompromising performance, anywhere you go."

Me... I call it ""really cute" but not for me".(Now give me an ssd and a better processor and I call it "sold".)

[dan]

Sorry- my bad-- that is the release outside the USofA.

interesting.....

[Nurhisham Hussein]

"world's smallest UMPC."

Every time I see this reported (and everyone seems to use it), it sticks in my craw. Not because it's wrong (which it is - there are smaller UMPCs then the U810/U1010, the Everun and OQO2 comes to mind), but because that is not what Fujitsu's press releases state. Fujitsu are claiming this is the world's smallest convertible UMPC. While this may be nitpicking, there is a substantive difference between the two terms, even if Fujitsu is one of only two companies to make convertible UMPCs :)

[Jenn]

Actually, if you follow the U1010 link, Fujitsu is calling it the world's smallest UMPC. It's only in the U.S. with the U810 that they've dropped the UMPC moniker in favor of the mini convertible.

[maarten]

They have great products, like the p1610, but is there really a market for these?? I dunnot think so!