Fujitsu finally gets its Stylistic ST6012 tablet PC out the door

Fujitsu first let out word of its Stylistic ST6012 tablet PC back in September, and we also caught sight of it at the FCC a little while back, but the company has only just now actually gotten the device out the door. Despite the slight delay, however, there doesn't seem to be any changes to the tablet itself, with it still packing a 12-inch WXGA display, a low-voltage Core 2 Duo SU9400 processor, and 1GB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive in its standard configuration. Those looking to max things out can also take advantage of a number of optional upgrades, including an SSD drive, integrated UWB, some Intel turbo memory, a built-in camera, a 9-cell battery, and no less than three different docks. While all those options can easily push things past the $4,000 mark (really), those less demanding should be able to get by just fine with the base $1,999 model.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

[Flashpoint @ Dec 16th 2008 7:03PM]

FIRST of all... That thing is nice !

[BenDy @ Dec 16th 2008 10:43PM]

If 1 percent of people bought this thing then they wouldn't even know what to do with all the money!

[FLaSHBaCK @ Dec 16th 2008 7:03PM]

only $1'999? I'll buy 2 please! Really, why not just go with a netbook where its going to cost you a hellofalot less than this. And who needs a processor that fast on a tablet....kind of useless.

[iofthestorm @ Dec 16th 2008 8:10PM]

Seriously, 1GB RAM default for a machine that costs 2 grand? And this is a slate style tablet PC, i.e. no keyboard, so it's practically useless for 99% of people.

[page87 and counting @ Dec 16th 2008 10:37PM]

I know!!!! it's almost like they priced it high because they were planning on a small production run targeting 1% of people!

Clearly it's common sense that products targeted to a limited audience should be priced extremely low!

[G1 now, tossed the iPhone 3g... @ Dec 16th 2008 10:42PM]

@FLaSHBaCK: as of this posting Flashpoint with his clever "FIRST!!!1!!" posting is still ranked neutral, while you are currently low ranked...

Low ranked before a "First!" Wow, time to start thinking before you post....

[lnx @ Dec 16th 2008 7:04PM]

I'll stick to post it notes for that price.

[HedonismBot @ Dec 19th 2008 1:15AM]

At that price? What kinda post-it are you using?!

[Oleg Prosalov @ Dec 16th 2008 7:05PM]

Formatting issues?

[loocas @ Dec 16th 2008 7:13PM]

My geek side screams "GIMME GIMME!", then my reason tells me "WHAT FOR?!".

[Kris120890 @ Dec 16th 2008 7:15PM]

Seconded

[Mobius_1 @ Dec 16th 2008 7:20PM]

My geek side is winning...

[KAIKAI @ Dec 16th 2008 7:26PM]

sorry my wallet side is kicking both of their ass's

[Jimmy Jones @ Dec 16th 2008 7:31PM]

My geek side lets me keep my 2 ground in my bank account happily!! without any hickups .......

[John @ Dec 17th 2008 1:08AM]

my spelling things correctly side is weeping.

[bob sakamano @ Dec 16th 2008 7:23PM]

For $2000 more I will do everything for anyone who wants to purchase one of these.... I'll be your full time concierge.

[loocas @ Dec 16th 2008 7:30PM]

You're cheap...

[BJ is Gooder @ Dec 16th 2008 7:40PM]

I don't mean to sound like a troll offering a lame opinion with nothing real to say but...

This thing is stupid.

[steffan @ Dec 16th 2008 8:10PM]

$2000? Really? ORly?

Glad I bought my HP Tx2050z for $650.

[Boards of Canada @ Dec 16th 2008 8:31PM]

nice indeed but way too expensive. Fujitsu is always expensive though... they have the high-end market here in japan.

I wish Asus or dell make one like that with Atom and a 499$ price tag.

[No1 @ Dec 18th 2008 11:08PM]

A 7 to 10 inch NetSlate would just be wonderful :-)

I'd even settle for a RemoteSlate, just for remote controlling a desktop from the couch or light surfing in bed :-)

[LloydChiro @ Dec 16th 2008 8:40PM]

I bought a Fujitsu Slate about four years ago. Fujistu Stylistic ST5020. I still use it everyday as my main computer. I don't have the docking station; I use a picture frame holder I bought from an art store for $15 to hold it as a stand. It came with a infrared keyboard and mouse that actually works really well. I had to buy an external DVD drive--I never use it. I still use my stylus as my main input device, unless I need to type out more than one sentence. I also have the 9-cell battery, which use to have phenomenal power duration--now it lasts about 15 minutes. To buy a new battery, it would cost me at least $100. I'm torn about that.

My slate also has 1gb RAM/80gb hard drive. To think that four years later it is no better is hard to believe. The price certainly didn't go down.

If I were to do it again, I would buy a convertible tablet, rather than a slate. It's rare when I walk around and computing at the same time. And, when you sit, recline or stand to use the computer, most of the time you need a keyboard.

However I will say that the slate form factor works well with Railroad Tycoon, Civ III and even with video editors (just slowly.)

[Pingles @ Dec 17th 2008 11:49AM]

I have a Fujitsu Slate from several years ago and use mine every day as well. I happen to be one of those lucky people where the handwriting recognition works better than I can type.

The Slates are great for folks who sketch and want something light to carry around.

Like LloydChiro I am also surprised that the price hasn't dropped since I bought mine. That doesn't seem right.

[Fanfoot @ Dec 16th 2008 10:29PM]

Okay, this looks pretty nice. Certainly the right form factor (though maybe horizontal would make more sense). Too expensive though, and probably still too heavy.at 3.5lbs with the 6 cell battery.

Seems like a netbook version would make more sense. Use Atom to get adequate speed while dropping power requirements and price. Use a smaller battery to reduce weight, given the power savings of the Atom. Maybe a 4 cell would do. Switch to a cheap PCIe-based SSD like the Runcores for the Dell/Eee series in a 64GB size. Allows it to get thinner and lighter, but bumps the cost up a little.

Seems like that would make more sense. You might even be able to get the cost down to the point where people would buy one for their living room coffee table... Just make sure there's an IR port on the top and it could even double as a big-ass remote.

[Give up the lights @ Dec 16th 2008 11:03PM]

for 2000 bucks they can hoop my dick

[Frank @ Dec 17th 2008 1:00AM]

I currently use the Fujitsu T2010 convertible tablet PC. And if I had the money and need a new PC then I would buy this slate tablet PC? Why, because it is the best slate available at the moment, looks good and gives you everything you want/need.
@All those netbook fanatics:
Can you use a netbook for 11 hours with only a single battery. Does your netbook have WLAN, BT, IR, UWB? Has your netbook such a perfect display with an IPS panel as the Fujitsu does? Is your netbook as fast as the Fujitsu which allows you to run every program your want and even play many 3D games because of Intel latest IGP? And can you write with a pressure sensitive pen on any netbook screen? I don't think so, but that's why some people buy this slate.
They want to replace paper with it, write on it, take their notes with it, draw sketches or images with it and want to use this tablet PC as their main computer.
And why does ASUS or whatever company not porduce such a slate for 400$? Because it's impossible to produce such a device for such a low price. Just count: Intel Centrino 2, Display with IPS-Panel, solid construction not everything just made of plastic, Wacom digitizer and that only a few people would buy such a device, because the rest wants a useless gaming notebook or a not too expensive netbook, which is useless after one or two years, not so this tablet PC, it will stay useful, and if you want to sell it in 2 or 3 years you will still get a lot of money for it, more than 1000$ definitely.

[good grief @ Dec 17th 2008 1:59PM]

Can anyone point out where Fujitsu says this has an IPS panel?

Their site claims a mere 160 degree viewing angle.

[Ravenadsl @ Dec 17th 2008 11:20AM]

I currentley own the SaharaSlate I440D ($1000) and its the same spec as this $2000 is way to much for this slate

[Magnet @ Dec 17th 2008 3:59PM]

This thing is BEAUTIFUL. A very well thought out and well put together system. For a select market it is worth every penny. Because of the nature of my work, I am looking forward to purchasing this unit as soon as I can comfortably afford it.

Just one nit to pick:

Why, oh WHY is the optional cam on the BACK of the slate? To me, this makes no sense. I cannot see myself using this behemoth to snap tiny 1.3 megapixel images as a replacement camera. A 1.3 megapixel WEB camera is great, but when it's located on the back of the unit its usefulness is limited. I must be missing something.

Am I missing something?

[Magnet @ Dec 17th 2008 6:40PM]

Strange, but another site reported that the camera was at the back of the device.

According to a 'help file' on the purchase screen: "The camera is located just above the display in the center. "
source: http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com/www/content/products/notebooks/help_me_choose/camera.htm

Phew! This is a must-own device! Truly a thing of beauty.

[nycstern @ Dec 17th 2008 5:50PM]

I use a couple of Stylistic tablets that I bought over eBay for not much money ($150 for a 4110 and $250 for a 5120). I think they're great, though admittedly not for everybody. I look forward to these 60xx series tablets hitting the used markets in a few years with a 90% markdown.

[SeiSteve @ Dec 18th 2008 7:59AM]

Guys

I have had Tablets and Tablet laptops and would use the slate every time. If you are going to write then a convertible tablet is just too heavy to carry around easily (I cried when I sold my Toshiba M4... probably the best convertible tablet in the world, but way too heavy) and carrying a portable keyboard keeps the overall weight very small.

Having just ordered this machine I can confirm the camera is on the back and the web site labels it up as a conference camera (madness I agree).

Bottom line is that we all purchase the machine that suits our business and as a Consultant, and Trainer then a tablet on the desk connected to a project is perfect, and to know have a machine that is capable of crunching numbers as well... nirvana has arrived for me.

[Magnet @ Dec 18th 2008 12:27PM]

You're so fortunate! I'm looking forward to purchasing this when I get enough capital together.

Do write a small review if possible!

[MBN @ Dec 19th 2008 1:01AM]

I'm still using my HP TC1100. I wish someone would make a slate with detachable keyboard again! It's the best form factor for me, offering ultimate versatility! This looks like a beauty, but no keyboard?