Fujitsu's LifeBook U820 mini tablet now on sale, starts at $999

We're still scratching our noggins in a futile attempt to figure out the LifeBook U820's real purpose on this Earth, but for those who've got it all figured out, you'll likely be thrilled to know that this puppy is now on sale. $999 buys you a mini convertible tablet with an Intel Atom Z530 CPU, a 5.6-inch WXGA touchscreen, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 60GB 4,200RPM hard drive, built-in GPS / Garmin Mobile PC, Ethernet, a webcam / fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth / WiFi and a 4-cell battery. There's also a $1,299 version if that other variant just isn't up to your standards, but at any rate, feel free to punch the read link and have a think before pulling the trigger on either.

[Via jkkmobile]

Fujitsu's LifeBook U820 mini tablet now on sale

[bhtooefr Posted Nov 4th 2008 10:40PM]

1. The U820 *DOES* address that, with 1280x800 resolution. (I'll note that I need to see one in person before I even *CONSIDER* purchasing it - I've seen a U810 in person, and that was near my upper limit for resolution.)
4. I believe the U820 allows use of the fingerprint reader as a scroll wheel.
5. Intel won't allow manufacturers to use a dual Atom in a UMPC or netbook. Would you rather them shoehorn a 10W Core 2 Duo in there, rather than the current 2W Atom, and have like 30 minutes battery life?
6. Chipset limitation there... for low power, they used one of the Poulsbo chipsets, which are limited to 1 gig.

[devwild Posted Nov 4th 2008 11:13PM]

Just in case you didn't know, you can configure the fingerprint reader to act like a scroll wheel. It's far from perfect, and takes some practice to hit it with your finger right, but I find it useful sometimes. Generally I agree with that sentiment. At least a proper rocker on the side of the screen would be nice.

Also, there is an HSDPA model, though personally I prefer handset EVDO tethering (via bluetooth) since it's cheaper for me, and I can add/kill the data feature on my plan at will without extending my contract or signing for a separate two year contract ("BroadBand Access Connect" on Verizon, gets steeper discounts than full BroadBand Access data plans) for the computer's card. It was nice to have for the summer while I was out more hiking, traveling, etc, but now I don't have to pay for it during the winter when I'm at home more. Plus, I can use it with any computer I own.

[welshstew Posted Nov 4th 2008 6:16PM]

If this had a 3G phone slapped inside it, and the ability to call contacts without opening it up - the future would be here now :)

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 20th 2008 12:39AM]

I had the 810 and I realy loved the size and weight of it and I could even type on the keyboard (somewhat).
BUT... the screen resolution is just too high for such a small screen which is why other UMPCs have the 800x480.
My 52 year old eyes had trouble reading the text on the small screen. I had no problem reading the OQO but this have me dificulty reading the tiny text

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2008 8:33PM]

I'd like to see a 9" tablet with 1400 x 1050 resolution. Dunno if they don't do it because of the expense, general readability, or technological limitations. I like my 12 inch tablet with the above resolution b/c you can see the entire width of most websites when in portrait mode. I could handle a lower resolution if someone implemented a "zoom to column width" feature like they have on the iPhone / mobile Safari, but I haven't seen it done (well, at least).

Has anyone seen something along these lines?

[zahidraf Posted Dec 18th 2008 11:13PM]

Quite expensive ............$999 is much
http://www.zahipedia.com/2008/12/18/fujistu-lifebook-u820-a-must-see/