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Fujitsu's 8.9-inch Lifebook P8240 Vista tablet: 32GB SSD at just 2.1-pounds
Damn, if you've gone tablet and thought Fujitsu's ultra-portable Lifebook T8140 was hot, then you'd best check their P8240 before opening your wallet. It's not the most powerful convertible in the world with a max configuration sporting a Core Solo U1400 proc and Intel GMA 950 graphics. What it lacks in power however, is more than made up for in portability: 8.9-inch, 1,280 x 768 LCD; up to 32GB SSD or 80GB disk; up to 9.1-hours on extended battery or 4.3-hours in a wee bit of kit weighing just 2.1-pounds. Windows Vista Business will cost ya ¥270,000 (about $2,188) out the gate. %Gallery-4395%[Via Small-Laptops, thanks D.C.]
HP Compaq 2710P ultralight Tablet PC
HP's rolling deep with the lappies today, and while most of them apart from that monster they call the HDX are nothing special, they did announce that new ultralight Tablet PC we'd been hearing about, the HP Compaq 2710P. This one weighs in at 3.6 pounds and has a 1280 x 800 pixel, 12.1-inch widescreen active digitizer display, an Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor, 100GB hard drive, up to 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n, optional EV-DO or HSDPA module, and an ExpressCard/54 slot. OS options include Vista, XP, and FreeDOS.
Fujitsu's Santa Rosa-based Lifebook T4220 tablet hits the FCC
As you've no doubt noticed, we're hardly lacking for Santa Rosa-based laptops these days, but Santa Rosa-based tablet PCs have so far been a fair bit harder to come by. That looks like it's about to change, however, with one of the first now coming to us from Fujitsu by way of the FCC. Like the company's other T4000 series tablets, this one boasts a 12.1-inch display along with built-in Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and it gets its processor upgraded to a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 (other specs are still a bit light). As with most of these other Santa Rosa leaks, however, there's no official word on pricing or availability, although we don't expect we'll have to wait too long for that.[Via PC Joint]
HP Compaq 2710p tablet PC coming in July?
HP Compaq's tablet range is the latest to get a new machine, this time in the form of the 2710p tablet PC which is apparently the replacement for the tc4400. Specs are very sparse for this particular model -- apparently all the source could dig up was that it'd come with 802.11n wireless and, wait for it, an optional webcam configuration. Other than that, this aluminum metal (at least, the render looks like real metal) tablet is due to hit sometime around July this year. So, what's next from the sieve that is HP's laptop department?
Dell Tablet PC coming this Fall?
We've been hearing rumors about a possible Dell Tablet PC pretty much since the day the first Tablet PCs went on sale, is it finally going to happen now? None of this is officially confirmed or anything, but jkOnTheRun (which has tons of cred when it comes to this stuff) reports that Dell is probably going to roll out a Tablet PC sometime around September or October of this year and that it will most likely be a convertible-style Tablet based on the Latitude D420 and come with a widescreen display and optional WWAN.
Algiz intros ruggedized Algiz 8 tablet PC
While there's certainly no shortage of ruggedized tablet PCs out there (or laptops, or UMPCs), upstart Algiz seems to think there's enough room for it to squeeze itself into the mix, recently announcing its beefy Algiz 8 tablet. According to the company, the device is "dedicated to defend and protect," although it may be somewhat hampered in that task by its low-power 1.0 GHz ULV M Processor, which gets complemented by an 8.4-inch SVGA display, a 40 GB hard drive, and a maximum 1GB of RAM. On the upside, that should translate to some decent battery life, which can be further extended thanks to its hot-swappable 5800mAh battery. It also looks like you'll get plenty of connectivity options to choose from, with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as optional GPRS/CDMA connectivity and GPS should you decided to haul it into uncharted territory. Unfortunately, there's no word on how much it'll cost, nor is there any indication of when it'll be available -- although, judging from the image above, we wouldn't expect it very soon.[Via Navigadget]
OQO Model 02 now shipping
When you're waiting on a signature device like the decked-out OQO Model 02, you're REALLY waiting on it, so the anxious gadgetheads who've been watching this one like a hawk will be delighted to learn that the pocketable powerhouse is finally shipping. After a slight delay -- which must have been torture for pre-order customers, we're sure -- the $1,500+ Model 02 is now available either directly from the company or through "select enterprise and retail channels," and still comes with the option of EV-DO goodness from either Sprint or Verizon. That 3G connectivity is obviously gonna cost ya, though -- that is unless you're the lucky winner of our birthday cake contest (to be announced shortly), in which case your culinary skills have already got you covered.
Hands-on with Motion Computing's C5 medical Tablet PC
It was only a pre-production model, but we managed to get hands-on with the C5, that medical-centric Tablet PC that Motion Computing announced about a month ago. Obviously meant for healthcare professionals rather than regular consumers, but the C5 is definitely one fine-looking machine. Click on the gallery for a handful of hands-on shots.%Gallery-2306%
Motion Computing LE1700 Tablet PC gets official
Sure, we pretty much had it all from the FCC's mouth, but now Motion Computing has come clean about its new LE1700 slate tablet, along with pretty pictures and a couple new deets. First off, prices start at $2200 for 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo and $2000 for 1.2GHz ULV Core Solo versions of the tablet. Options for built-in EV-DO and view anywhere or WriteTouch (finger touchable) 12.1-inch SXGA+ displays will jack the price, and the standard 512MB of RAM will need a considerable boost to handle pre-loaded Vista. Potential accessories include the pictured convertible keyboard and a USB keyboard with a touchpad built-in. If you're not ready for Vista, or not ready to spring for a RAM upgrade, Windows XP Tablet PC is also an option. Luckily, a/b/g WiFi comes standard, as do plenty of other laptop frills, and there's a good amount of room to grow here -- up to 4GB of RAM and an optional 7 hour extended battery.[Via Laptop Mag; thanks Rob B]
Gateway's imminent new tablet PC
Amongst the circulating rumors regarding Gateway's fate comes the information that Gateway is looking to update its Tablet PC range with a new model featuring a finger print scanner and an ambient light sensor. All we have to go on at the moment is a PDF manual which unfortunately doesn't list any specifications beyond the standard ports (they're very standard: VGA, Ethernet, PC Card, a Memory Card slot, FireWire, and USB) and the aforementioned ambient light sensor and finger print scanner -- which interestingly, but probably uselessly, doubles as a trackpad when the tablet is in tablet mode. Aside from that you'll note that the screenshots are of the machine running Vista, and not a lot else. Expect this machine to get some sort of C-class designation, which incidentally both Gateway and Acer have used for their tablet PCs.
Motion Computing's Core 2 Duo-powered LE1700 Tablet PC
Thanks to GottaBeMobile, we've just learned of a pretty high end Tablet PC from Motion Computing called the LE1700, which features, among other goodies, a 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 12.1-inch SXGA+ display. These specs alone would make the unannounced slate pretty exciting, but Motion's also throwing in a fingerprint reader, built-in accelerometer, dual-mode digitizer, and three wireless radios: a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and hottest of all, HSDPA mobile broadband. We'd love to drop a price and release date on you too, but seeing how all this info is courtesy of the FCC, that just ain't gonna be possible. Stay tuned, though -- we're sure this tablet will be popping up again.Update: For the nigglers out there, this model can also be configured with a Core Solo processor, and both low-power CPU's should provide you with satisfactory battery life.[Via GottaBeMobile]
Fujitsu's LifeBook P1610 reviewed
It's sexy, it's small, but is it any good? Laptop Mag took Fujitsu's LifeBook P1610 out on the town and they sure seem to think so. Despite the "cute" comments they received on the street, there's enough going on here to suit the demanding road warrior that wants to pack light. Notably impressive on this 8.9-inch screened unit is a "remarkably usable" keyboard, along with a quite impressive LCD, which might be a bit squint-inducing at 1280 x 768, but fended off ambient light quiet well. With a Core Solo processor, 1GB of RAM and an 80GB HDD the reviewer found performance to be quite good under Windows XP Professional, though Vista Business is also an option. The 3-cell battery musters a respectable 3.5 hours of battery, but a 6-cell battery doubles that time, and the 5 additional ounces aren't going to ruin your day when the laptop only weighs 2.2 pounds initially. There's no touchpad, and the stylus isn't of the fancy RF variety, but the pointing stick and included plastic stylus both worked quite well for input, and the convertible tablet switches quite nicely to tablet mode. Other perks include a PC card slot for adding 3G data, and a refreshingly small palm-sized power brick -- Fujitsu doesn't seem to have cut many corners. The main complaint of build quality is a weak latch that doesn't do much to secure the tablet in slate mode, but shouldn't be a deal breaker. As Laptop Mag warns, this form factor obviously isn't for everyone, but if it is you can't go far wrong with the P1610.
TabletKiosk's Sahara i400 series does it up slate style once again
TabletKiosk sure does love its slate PCs, and we're especially liking this new Sahara i440D. It's not exactly for the power users in the house, with an Intel Celeron M ULV 423 processor at the helm, but it makes up for that with its diminutive 0.98-inch thickness and 3.3 pound carrying weight. There's also room for up to 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM, so while your apps might be a bit on the sluggish side, at least you can run lots of them. Up front there's a 12.1-inch XGA screen with a 179 degree viewing angle, but where the i440D really shines is with its connectivity, including Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, two USB 2.0 ports, firewire, eSATA, gigabit Ethernet, a PCMCIA slot and cradle connector. There's also a fingerprint reader and room for a 6-cell battery. No optical drive or keyboard, of course, but the fancy screen can switch between being a pressure-sensitive digitizer and a resistive touch screen, so your fingers can at least keep busy leaving prints all over display. Configurations start at $1,795 for the i412T with 512MB of RAM, a 60GB HDD and Windows XP Professional and ramp up to the $2,295 i440D with 1GB of RAM, an 80GB HDD and Vista Business. Pre-loaded Linux is also an option. TabletKiosk should start shipping these in March.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Asus's Vista Special Edition tablet PC, for execs only
Looks like Microsoft is upping the stakes of its in-house Vista-related goodies considerably, following up its custom-made Vista soft drink with this specially designed tablet PC courtesy of Asus. Sharp-eyed readers will no doubt recognize the tablet as Asus's recently released R1F model, although as the above shot courtesy of Sean Alexander shows, it's been hit with the Vista branding stick, sporting that shiny new logo we'll all be seeing a lot more of soon. Alexander also got word of a few leather-bound models floating around, but wasn't able to spot 'em first hand. From the sound of it, however, the tablet appears to be otherwise unchanged from the plain-old R1F, with the same widescreen display and enough power to show of Aero and other Vista features to their fullest (check it out it action after the break). Not surprisingly, these should prove quite a bit harder to get a hold of than a can of Vista lemon lime, with the tablet PCs strictly reserved for a "select number of partners."[Via jkOnTheRun]
Fujitsu updates Loox, Biblio laptops
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).
First shots, impressions of Origami Experience
If you hadn't heard, Origami Experience is the sexy new program launcher that Microsoft is prepping for Vista-based UMPCs and Tablets, which along with providing a fresh new way to get at your apps lets you browse and play your media in an all-inclusive environment. We've finally gotten our first look at the software (more shots after the break), thanks to a post full of screenies over at the Origami Team Blog. The Tablet nuts over at jkOnTheRun got to view it live and found Experience to be speedy, intuitive and helpful, with convenient menus, easy customization and all-important finger-friendly operation. Looks like there isn't just one purtiful touch-based portable OS game in town.[Via jkOnTheRun]
NEC's ShieldPRO Tablet PC: as tough as it is ugly, almost
Look, it's fine to claim your wares can handle drops, spills, pressure and dust. Who doesn't aspire to a sense of unkempt ruggedness now and then? But if you've got the 'nads to drop it or bath it in a tub of sparkling water for press shots, well, our mustachioed public servants should probably take notice. Sure, NEC's new ShieldPRO Tablet PC isn't the prettiest girl on the block, but she'll do ya right when the going gets tough: 90-cm (nearly 3-foot) drops to concrete, -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) temps, dust, sand, water... no problem, this pup brings a 54 Ingress Protection rating. The Magnesium Alloy chassis measures in at 48-mm (1.89-inch) thick and up to 3.5-kg (7.7-pounds) to protect a 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400, up to 2GB of memory and 60GB of disk, a 1024x768 12.1-inch display, 8-hour battery, and a variety of in and outs. You can even opt for a Linux pre-load and Solid State Disk for added robustness. This slab is yours nicely spec'd for about ¥300,000 or $2,600 starting January in Japan. [Via Impress]
Fujitsu launches Stylistic ST5100 Tablet PC lineup
While the specs on this current generation of Tablet PCs all start to bleed together after a while -- you know, Core Duo ULV processors, XGA screens, etc. -- the style war isn't over by a long shot, and we're definitely digging this "Stylistic" look from Fujitsu. The new Stylistic ST5111 and ST5112 Tablet PCs sport U2500 procs, 4GB max RAM, 100GB SATA HDD and Intel 950 integrated graphics. Connectivity aplenty is available, including WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, Firewire and a PCMCIA slot. Fujitsu is matching Lenovo and Apple's shock sensing tech for hard drive protection, and there's security snazziness galore, making these a decent bet for the business set. The main difference between the two models is the 10.4-inch screen on the ST5111, while the ST5112 gets a whole 12.1-inches of real estate, yet each laptop still manages the same 3.5 pounds of weight and 6 hours of battery life -- with an option for a 9-cell battery with 9 hours of juice. It all sounds pretty snazzy, until you peep the pricetags: the ST5111 "base configuration" will cost you a cool $2,429, while the ST5112 only bleeds you for $2,199. Both should be available now.[Via laptoping]
Hands-on with Lenovo's X60 Tablet PC
We already showed you a review of the thing, but now we've got an X60t of our own, and we thought you'd give you our impressions, along with a nice bevy of pictures of this tablet in the flesh. As always, you can find the pics after the break, so lets get on with the impressions. Tablet PC Review was no liar when it complemented the build quality of the X60t: the unit is a rock. The keyboard feels wonderful, the hinge is solid and even the TrackPoint "nipple" (of which we're not normally a fan) works great. The pen is solid, and when writing on the screen there's just the right amount of friction to make pen-based input feel just right. Aside from an overly zealous complement of pre-loaded, taskbar-hogging software, our only real problem was with the battery life, but it was a big one: the stock 4-cell battery choked out at around 1.5 hours of use for us. Granted, the display was at max brightness (which is plenty bright), and WiFi and Bluetooth were on, but it was still rather disconcerting to be able to visibly watch the battery meter lose percentage points, and then have the thing conk out altogether at a supposed 8 percent of battery left. So, if you can spring for the 8-cell, or stand to live without wireless or a backlight, the X60 comes highly recommended as far as Tablet PCs go, but we do have that minor caveat. Keep reading for the pics.
Lenovo's X60 Tablet PC reviewed
Lenovo's ultraportable X60 has gotten plenty of love, so there are some naturally high expectations for this "X60t" tablet incarnation, and it looks like they were pretty well founded. Tablet PC Review has already been putting the brand new tablet through its paces, and it seems to definitely come out on top. In fact, most of the biggest gripes about the laptop are directly related to the Tablet PC OS: slow startup, inconsistent input options, etc.. Performance gets a big bump from that of the X41, though the size of the laptop has increased a bit to accommodate a faster HDD and the extra USB and Firewire ports available on the X60t. As for actual functionality, Lenovo really lent its polish to the proceedings: the pen input feels just right, the XGA MultiTouch (finger-based input allowed) display is bright and quite usable, the SXGA+ (non-MultiTouch) option is great as well, and the keyboard feels ThinkPad-great. Of course, road warriors need not apply. The price of entry is steep, and "features" like a mono speaker slapped underneath the computer make it obvious where Lenovo's priorities lie. Battery life just OK for the ultraportable set, the 8-cell battery hits around 5 hours at average use (quite a bit under the 7.5 hour rating), but pushes the weight over 4 pounds, while the 4-cell battery manages 2.5 to 3 hours, but maintains ultraportable status. Other little gripes like an EV-DO hump at the top of the screen and no optical drive (you'll need to spring for the $200 base station) should make you weigh your options carefully, but after the dust settles it's pretty clear that the X60t is one of the best made tablets on the market, and should please the ThinkPad and/or Tablet PC faithful quite well.
