Fujitsu just stuffed Intel's latest Atom chip, the 2GHz Atom Z550, into the FMV LU C50N UMPC, the Japanese LOOX U version of its U2010 / U820 UMPC. Of course, the processor breaks through Microsoft's restrictions on XP for netbooks, so out of the box you'll have to take the performance hit of Vista, and then perhaps get in on some Windows 7 RC action to really feel the speed boost. Other specs include just about anything else you might imagine could or couldn't fit into this form factor -- including a 5.6-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen.

[Via jkkmobile]

Not that Fujitsu's totally new to the netbook arena or anything, but we've got to hand it to the outfit's design team on this one. The newfangled LOOX M netbook is definitely handsome, even though the innards contain a list of hardware components that we could rattle off in our sleep. Ready? Here goes. A 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive (yawning yet?), WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, three USB 2.0 sockets and a multicard reader. If you're suddenly overcome with déjà vu, you're definitely not alone -- 'tis a shame Fujitsu has the nerve to charge ¥59,800 ($611) for something that's no more advanced than the original line of Eee PCs.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Sure, we're getting Fujitsu's U2010 convertible UMPC Stateside pretty soon as the LifeBook U820, but we're crazy jealous that our friends in Japan are getting this hot tokidoki version, labeled as the LOOX U / B50N. Same kit underneath, but we'd bet that exclusive limited-edition skin will command a premium -- now if we only had pricing info, we'd know whether or not to get our clandestine grey-market importers on the case. Anytime, Fujitsu.

[Via Pocketables and tokidoki]

Fujitsu's marvelously light LOOX U50XN -- better known as the U810 here in the States -- just keeps getting better. Apparently, to-be owners in Japan can now snag one with an oh-so-coveted 64GB SSD, though all the other specs look to remain identical to what we've already seen. 'Course, adding such a fine piece of hardware won't come cheap -- as a matter of fact, you'll be forced to cough up an extra ¥95,000 ($887) for the privilege. Oh, and the unconfirmed word on the street has the new drive option coming stateside in March, but don't bet the farm on that just yet, alright?

[Thanks, Paul P.]

Just in case Fujitsu's colorful new line of LOOX U50XNs weren't enough for ya, the outfit is also giving a vivid facelift to its LOOX T70XN. This ultraportable sports a 10.6-inch LED-backlit display, a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U7600 processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, between 80GB and 100GB of hard drive space, and Intel's GMA950 graphics set. Moreover, this bad boy can get up to 13.8-hours of battery life when hooked up with optional cells, and connectivity shouldn't be an issue considering the built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, 56k modem, 4-pin FireWire, twin USB 2.0 sockets, multicard reader, and audio / in outs. This well-spec'd little machine can be had right now for around $2,650 depending on options, but it's the nine color choices that are likely to give you the most pause when ordering.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.

Fujitsu looks to be clearing house with its latest round of laptop upgrades, announcing a slew of new models packing various degrees of improvements. Standing out the most from the pack is the ultraportable Loox T70U (pictured above), weighing in at a mere 2.6 pounds with a 10.6-inch XGA display, 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400 processor, Intel 945GMS Express chipset, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD burner, built-in webcam and, perhaps most importantly, a promised 10.4 hours of battery life. Also announced in the same form factor are the Loox T50UV and Loox T50, which dial things back to the Celeron level and cut a few hours off the battery life. For those not as concerned with portability, Fujitsu's let loose a number of new models in its Biblio line, including the MB75U, MG55U, MG50U/V, and MG50U, all packing 14.1-inch XGA displays and processors ranging from a lowly Celeron M430 all the way up to a Core 2 Duo T5600. Rounding out the lineup is the Loox P70U/V convertible tablet PC (check it out after the break), with an 8.9-inch WXGA display and Core Solo U1400 processor, and the "WEB Mart limited model" Loox Q, with a 12.1-inch display and the same Core Solo U1400 CPU. Look for the whole lot of them to be available later this month (in Japan, of course) with prices ranging from 180,000 to 280,000 Yen ($1,500 to $2,300).