Another Fujitsu LifeBook U810 finds a home

Mine!

Although I wasn't really interested in the Fujitsu LifeBook U810 mini convertible when it was first shown at IDF in April and introduced in other regions as the FMV-U8240 and U1010, I just bought one from Best Buy for Business for a very nice $836, plus an outrageous $80 in taxes and shipping. The 5.6-inch handtop normally sells for $929 there (original MSRP is $999) but I had a 10% off coupon. My previous UMPC-purchasing plans for this year were to buy the Samsung Q1 Ultra (which I sort of did) and HTC Shift; however, after the Sony Vaio TZ ultraportable notebook swept into my life and all but carried me away, I realized that 7-inch slates and UMPCs just weren't for me.

As shown in my Vaio TZ unboxing, my 7-inch Samsung Q1P with organizer and keyboard is twice as thick and nearly the same size as the notebook, therefore negating the portability advantage it's supposed to have. Since I've never taken to inking and have always been a proponent of keyboarded UMPCs, I decided to move on from the 7 inchers (for good) and sell my Q1P package.

Before this turns into a memoir of my journey to the Fujitsu U810, which it's already threatening to become, I'll get to the point and confess that what really brought me to the U810 was the OQO Model 02. Even though the two devices have very little (if anything) in common, it was my brief but lovely time with the 02 that ultimately pushed me to buying the U810 today.

Why the U810 and not the Model 02?

Price. The mid-range configuration of the OQO plus the digital pen and extended battery would weigh my shopping cart down by about $2000. This is more than double what I paid for the Fujitsu, which doesn't require a special pen (it has a passive touchscreen) and includes the extended battery as a standard accessory.

Battery life. The included 4-cell extended battery, though a bit unsightly and heavier than the 2-cell standard battery of its U1010 counterpart, has an estimated runtime of up to 5.5 hours. Actual battery life varies according to usage, of course, but the estimate is still about two times more than that of the OQO's standard battery.

Display. Since I really enjoyed the 1024 x 600 resolution on the FlipStart's 5.6-inch display, I know I'll be happier with the U810's identically sized display (also 1024 x 600) than with the OQO's 5-inch 800 x 480 screen. I also prefer passive touchscreens to active digitizers, as I have oodles of styli around the house and can also use my fingertips (the U810 also has a dedicated stylus slot).

Keyboard. The OQO Model 02 is equipped with one of the best thumboards I've ever used, but I like the versatility of the keyboard on the Fujitsu U810. Although I've read several "too big for thumb typing, too small for touch typing" comments from users and reviewers, I think the keyboard's usability depends on practice and the size of your hands. I'll reserve judgment on its usefulness after I've had several weeks to try it out.

Like the HTC Advantage X7501 keyboard, what draws me to the U810's keyboard is that it can be used in both typical two-handed UMPC and on-a-desk laptop mode.

Form factor. The U810's convertible design makes it highly adaptable to a wide range of usage scenarios. It can easily be set atop a flat surface for hands-free viewing of movies (the Model 02 doesn't have a built-in stand) and used fully in slate, UMPC, and laptop modes because its navigational controls are accessible with or without the keyboard exposed (pointer and mouse buttons are on the 02's keyboard).

I do think the 02 is sleeker and more stylish, but for my needs, the U810 is more functional. It will likely be less powerful with its Intel A110 processor, but my primary app (and on some days the only one I use) is just Firefox.

Card slots. The U810 has a Compact Flash slot on its right side and an SD card slot on its left. Always handy.

So that's why I chose the U810 as my next UMPC.

Assuming it arrives in time (availability was listed as "usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks"), I'll be taking it and the HTC Advantage on my next trip to see how they fare as a mobile office. The Vaio TZ is still on track to be my CES 2008 companion, but I think it's overkill for a vacation.

Besides, it won't fit in my purse.

Comments

[Urban Strata]

Congrats on the new device! I love my Fujitsu U810, so I hope you enjoy it just as much. :)

[Urban Strata]

By the way, I highly recommend the leather portfolio case if you haven't already bought it. It's outstanding quality.

[Kevin]

Jenn, I just have to say how on the mark you are with your reviews. Not only do you provide great images and descriptions of aspects I'm interested in, but like you, I'm watching over a similar selection of UMPCs (and adoring the TX as you've loved too).

I caved in to the Sony Vaio UX the minute they fell below US$1,000 and while I love how versatile it is, the keyboard really seems like an afterthought. This Lifebook U810 seems like the winning ticket to me, both on functionality, size and looks. ;)

[steve paine]

So let me get this right. You have an iphone for a phone. You also have a 7501. Youre going to have a second 5" device in the 810 and youve got a TZ as your main pc. a 4 device mobile srategy sounds like a tough on to manage. Are you still going to keep the 7501?

[Jenn]

@ Urban Strata: Thanks for the recommendation. I have been looking at cases but will likely wait to purchase one until I have the U810 in my hands. From what I've read, it seems sturdy enough to not really need a case, especially since the screen is always protected. What has your experience with the keyboard been like?

@ Kevin: Thanks. I still have and love my UX180P, but I can't use it for too long without my eyes getting tired. Before I got the TZ, I used the UX all the time connected to an external monitor and keyboard. Now I only pick it up occasionally.

@ Steve: Oh yes, I'm never giving up my Advantage! Hawaii recently got HSDPA coverage so I've de-phoned the iPhone and am using the SIM card in the X7501. I'd actually be able to use it as my one and only mobile device (since it's also a phone) if TypePad Mobile had more features or if the desktop version functioned perfectly on WM6. It's close, but not quite there.

One of things I really love about the Advantage is that it can be the Bluetooth modem for another device and another device can be the BT modem for it. I can't think of any other device that can do this.

I think the territory that the U810 will actually end up stepping into is the one held by my Nokia N800 (and eventually the N810). The N800 is usually something I pick up when I want to quickly check something online because of its instant-on time and its fast (compared to other ARM gadgets) browser. I don't know what Vista will be like on the A110, but awakening from sleep is usually really fast and ARM browsing can't touch x86 browsing. So if the U810 and N800 are sitting next to each other, I'm not sure why I would choose the latter over the former.

[INPAQ]

I've been determine to find a worthy clamshell (as close as pocket-able) UMPC, although sadly I have only found a few options available (primarily with the FlipStart, GoBook-MR1 and Fujitsu U810). Personally the FS is a bit toooo fugly + obviously overpriced, the GoBook-MR1 is insanely expensive (around $3000-$4000), which leaves me with the Fujitsu.

The U810 seems like the best package around currently. Its affordable, compact, durable (love me some clamshell), efficient (probably more so running XP), fully-featured and well designed. But whats seriously holding me back from purchasing this "small wonder" is the lack of any internal wireless broadband options. Even though a USB EV-DO adapter could be used, the added bulk would seriously damage the portable appeal.

So personally I'll have to wait a bit, just to see if Fujitsu (or its competition) can offer that complete combo deal (with built-in EV-DO support). If not, than I'll probably go ahead and snap up the U810 around Q1-Q2 of 2008. Still, I'll have to get rid of Vista (downgrade/upgrade to XP total). Also the included enhanced battery is pretty damn bulky, so does anyone know if the slimmer U1010 standard pack is compatible with the U810 (and where can I get a hold of one)?!

So yea, can't wait for your full review Jenn ;)

[DOW]

EVDO USB modem review

2-cell battery

[Hugobon]

Hey guys, try this amazing free zoom software that works in XP and Vista Home Premium. It magnifies the screen so one can see better the icons, etc. Great for our U1010. I tried it and it really works! It can enlarge the entire screen (desktop) and still be able to track the pointer (mouse): Link

[DOW]

LifeBook U810 $897.81 at Provantage.

[Bush -- not related]

Ahhh, but my dear INPAQ... by Q1 OF '08 we ought to have Apple's foray into this market...

ok, a guy can dream, right?

Jenn, eagerly awaiting this review.. sounds perfect for the 'kitchen counter email and recipe checking' device for which I've been a-pinin'.

[Jenn]

The HSDPA version of the U810 should be available in Japan soon, so maybe it'll hit other regions shortly after that. Early next year?

I also thought I read somewhere that Fujitsu includes an XP downgrade CD. I don't see it listed as a supplied "accessory" anywhere, though...

[DOW]

*Jenn* "I also thought I read somewhere that Fujitsu includes an XP downgrade CD. I don't see it listed as a supplied "accessory" anywhere, though..."

(Note: Systems with Genuine Windows Vista® Business preinstalled will include Genuine Windows Vista® Business and Windows® XP recovery disc and utility.)

LifeBook U810 $889.99 at Geeks.com.

[scott]

Very nice review. I have a p1610 and also have an oqo model 2. I saw a 810 for first time the other day while in a restaurant. THe person at next table had one and I must admit I was a bit jealous. However, as we talked, I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out my oqo and didnt feel so bad. To me, all else aside, the OQO gives you total portability because it is in fact pocketable. I feel once you get outside pocketable, a 7inch or more being more user friendly. With all that said the 810 is priced so attractively I think it will get lots of attention.

[Chris K]

I can certainly understand that the U810 has a more usable form factor than your old UX, but is the extra inch of screen really going to be that much better?

Also, having test driven an OQO model 02 for a bit, I have to wonder, if the OQO and the U810 were the same price, which one would you buy?

Finally, here's the big nasty one, as I've used a P7120 in the past, and I see the same flaw here: Can you really type effectively when the damned right Shift key isn't on the outer edge of the key cluster? It seems like Fujitsu NEVER gets this right the first time around, as the P7000, P1510, and now the U810 all seem to pick the crappiest positions for 15% of the keys, though they got it right (and beautifully so!) on the P7200 and P1610.

Of course, I'm still a spoiled former Libretto user, and even though Toshiba couldn't quite get the heat issues handled in that line to my satisfaction, the keyboard was probably the best <10" keyboard I've ever used, both in layout and responsiveness. If Toshiba released a brand new device with the same exact footprint as the Libretto 110CT, same keyboard, but all new guts, a 1024x600 (or even 1200x768!) screen, front and rear cameras, fingerprint scanner, all in a slimmer convertible tablet design, I think I'd just start writing the check and be done with it.

[Jenn]

Hi Chris. The extra inch actually makes a considerable difference. I was able to view the FlipStart's display (same size and resolution as the U810's screen) for hours without any eyestrain. I can only comfortably look at the UX's screen for about 30 minutes.

If the OQO with the extended battery were the same price as the U810, I'd be very, very tempted to go for the OQO.

The keyboard layout will take some getting used to, but the right shift key won't bother me because I actually only use the left one. I had to double-check that the right shift was even on my TZ just now. I seriously don't use it at all!

[Sharon]

Kevin, where can one get the Sony UX for under $1000?

Thx Jenn for the Fujitsu info. I also love clamshell and will be looking into this one. Seems to be a much better price of similiar umpcs. I look forward to your full review.

[Chris K]

I got a Sony UX280P for $999 at www.clearanceclub.com, Sharon. It was a refurb, but it works great, and the only thing "wrong" with it is a giant "REFURBISHED" sticker under the antenna.

That said, I did get to play with a U810 yesterday, and I'll have to admit, while the keyboard layout is a bit maddening, it warmed the cockles of my Libretto-addicted heart.

[Jenn]

Brand new UX380N units were selling for $999 at Buy.com several weeks ago.

[Javier E]

Thanks Jenn for the review. Can you share the BBFB coupon code?

[Jenn]

Sure thing, Javier. It may not work anymore, but I used this code: SURV7DAYS. If it's already expired (the "7 days" part makes me think it might be), you can get 5% off with this one: SURV010, assuming it's still valid.

I actually just canceled my order at BBFB because I got an email saying that it was backordered with no indication of an ETA.

All the other retailers that are selling it for under $900 didn't have any units in stock, so I bought it directly from Fujitsu instead. It was a little more expensive ($50 off coupon here), but it already shipped!

[thax]

Jenn, I am happy that you are going to try this little Barbie laptop. Coming from a Nokia 770 w/ Thinkoutside BT keyboard it is one heck of a switch.
I am surprised at how well Vista works at only 800mhz, I am itching to load Ubuntu when I find a usb dvd drive.

I eagerly await your thoughts on the Lifebook.

Thax
(this pecked out on my U810)

[Jenn]

Hi thax. My U810 has been on the FedEx delivery truck for the past 4 hours, so it should be here very soon!

Despite the general consensus about Vista on mobile devices, I think I'll be really pleased with its performance too. I may have to tweak it a bit, but I honestly don't think I can ever go to back to XP. This may change when the U810 and the XP discs are in my hand, of course, but at the moment, I can't imagine downgrading.

How do you use the keyboard most often? Thumb typing in UMPC mode or index- and middle-finger typing in laptop mode? Have you been able to touch type on it?

[thax]

I hear you about the going back to XP after you get used to the look of Vista.

I spend most of the time typing in highly modified index/middle/ring+thumb with one eye down. Since all the keys besides spacebar are the same size, touch typing is out for me.
I replied on the more recent U810 topic before seeing this, so I posted here too, sorry to spam you. I first ran into your site after seeing your Mylo reviews last year when I got mine.
Keep up the good work!

thax

[Nathan]

Hi there,

I bought a U810 as soon as it was available from Fujitsu, plus I got the leather case, an extra battery and the docking bay. Then immediately installed Ubuntu Linux on it and use it as my primary computer. It really does quite nicely for all my purposes as a Computer Science major, plus lets me do demonstrations and presentations really really well. I am quite happy with it.

Nearly everything works completely out of the install, with the exception of the Touchscreen, however there is work being done on that, and I anticipate having Touchscreen functions before the end of the year.

[Logan]

lol Jenn, you are going to hate yourself when I tell you you can get a "best" new OQO 02 with pen and extended battery for $1000. E-mail me if you would like to know. (Don't want it to be sold out as I would like one.)

[Jenn]

Thanks for sharing that, Nathan. I love hearing about UMPCs being used as primary computers. Do you connect to an external monitor more often than you use the U810's display? When I used my UX180P as my primary PC, I always had it docked and hooked up to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This defeated the unit's intended purpose and mobility, but I loved knowing that if I wanted/needed to, I could easily just undock it, put it into my purse, and head out the door with my whole computer.

@ Logan: All that for just $1K? Wow! That's an amazing price. I'm actually really happy with my U810, though, and have just spent way too much on a handful of new devices while in Vegas last week (not to mention the Nokia N810 I bought before I left), so my gadget budget is more than maxed out right now.

I hope you're able to get yours :-)