Fujitsu Siemens goes Core Duo, considers UMPC
By Marc Perton 
posted March 16th 2006 1:38PM
posted March 16th 2006 1:38PM
Fujitsu Siemens has added two new models
to its Lifebook line, both with Intel Core Duo processors. The Lifebook S7110 is powered by an Intel Core Duo
T2500/T2300, has a 14.1-inch widescreen display, comes with up to 4GB of RAM, and includes a dual-layer DVD drive. The
Lifebook E8210 is powered by a T2600/T2400, and includes a 15.4-inch display, ATI Mobility Radeon X1400, up to 4GB of
RAM and a dual-layer burner or DVD/CD-RW drive. Both are expected to sell for between $2,000 and $3,000. Fujitsu
Siemens also said that that the company is currently in talks with Microsoft to develop UMPC models, which execs say
they see more as a high-end PDA and less as a full-fledged computer, meaning they don't see it as competition for
Fujitsu SIemens' existing line of tablet PCs.
I definitely think the "high-end PDA" approach is a bad idea. The only thing that will make people want to carry around a device the size of an average book is because it will be a full service computer, a kind of laptop replacement. A fully operable Windows computer in a small tablet form-factor could have a market. A super-PDA that can not fit in your pocket will not.
I clearly live in the wrong country.
Ill take the one on the right!
oh....errr...i mean the "computer" on the right..... sorry :P
Holy McPoop the one on the right is with the fineness. I must cure my yellow fever soon.
I would agree with #1, that that a UMPC needs to be as powerful as a notebook computer. I already carry a PDA w/broadband today, but I need much more power. A glorified PDA won't cut the mustard.
Actually, a 7-inch UMPC screen is not that much larger than a PDA. With some smart design, you could get a form factor that fit into your pants pocket. There are also other carrying options (cargo pants pockets are much larger, jacket pockets, many women carry their PDAs inside their purses anyway, etc.).
They (Fujitsu and probably other big brand OEMs) just don't want to hurt their mainstream money maker, so they will almost never target or price their UMPC such that it delivers power and be at the $500~$600 region.
I'm just waiting for some Chinese or Korean maker to come up with a UMPC with linux built in to whip their battery back sorry!
oh wait, there is already the Nokia 770. But too bad it is not a 7" bugger and does not have hdd built-in.
Maybe Sharp and Nokia should crack their head together to make one like:
1. 6.5~7" transflective LCD
2. 512mb (actually 256mb ram is plenty for linux right?)
3. 20~40gb hdd (upgradeable?)
4. Cover/bag with keyboard via USB or BT.
5. 6+ hr batt life.
All in a 1+ lb package and retail for $499! ;)
Snappy, you forgot 3G wireless.
To #3
I get shotgun on the one on the right!
"Fujitsu Siemens has added two new MODELS to its Lifebook line"
Rather unfortunate wording considering the picture, but they are quite lovely (all four of them) and by and large the comments have remained civil.
Good show chaps!
As for the laptops...4GB of RAM for $2K - $3K ? Wow. Put some kind of AMD proc in there and I'm sold...
No, "up to 4GB" doesn't mean that the base configuration of $2000 (for the 14.1") and $3000 (for the 15.1") have 4GB, only that you can install that much. They'll probably have 512MB/1GB pre-installed, as most other current notebooks.
The Ultra Mobile PC will be a hit with the buisness people who travel by sedan because the professional sales pigs can download NFL, Baseball, Soccer, College Football, NASCAR, Formula One, Soap Operas because of the .ivo file playing compatablity with TIVO and DVD Recorders. It will also be able to be used by school systems because, it uses an operating system that is excepted by school departments and college English departments. Fujitsu also has a great past in tablet computers. The operating system I want them to use is Embedded WindowsXP because of the instant up capablity. They will need to get the battery over 18 hours for the nursing shifts.