The ultra-small Fujitsu LifeBook U810 UMPC is expected to arrive here in the US on September 18. Hmmm. Maybe this should go on my Christmas list as a stocking stuffer? It’s about the right size, isn’t it? 🙂 The 5.6″ WSVGA (1024×600) display is a bit small for my 40plus eyes, but I can manage–just have to bring out the glasses. Gizmodo and CNet have more.
The U810 sports a touch screen like most UMPCs–I’m guessing a resistive version. I’m becoming more partial to an active digitizer and capacitive touch combination of digitizers. Why? The active digitizer can collect precise pen movements, ideal for taking notes and drawing. The capacitive touch digitizer is sensitive to the contact of skin which gives a more sensitive and fluid “feel” to touch contact. It’s more sensitive than most resistive digitizers, but from my short experiences with them I think they produce fewer false contacts–particularly as you vary the contact pressure on the surface with your finger.
Actually, the version of this UMPC that looks extra nice will be out in 2008. According to press accounts in February 2008 the U810 will have an HSPDA version available for the AT&T network. For me, that’s when this device will really be sweet. I can see using it for live broadcasting via UStream.tv among other things. Maybe I need to postpone Christmas until February. Hmmmm.
Oh, and as part of a growing trend you can pick up an U810 with either Vista or XP Tablet Edition. The starting price is $999. I’m not sure which OS that is for. It’s a tough call for me. I like the Vista environment better–particularly the new wireless configuration UI. It’s much improved over XP’s. XP, however, often offers a tad bit better battery life and on some machines a tab bit better launch/shutdown experience. It partially depends on how you have VIsta configured. Usually I “mobilze” it by disabling the sidebar and indexing, for instance.
Fujitsu is also updating their 12 inch T2010 Tablet PC. It goes on sale this Tuesday for $1,599. I’ve always been partial to the Fujitsu Tablets (I own one of their slates), so this may be a good machine for me to upgrade to. I’ve been thinking about it or a Lenovo. It’s a tough decision. The Lenovo is so sleek and comes with two built in digitizers as an option, which is something I’m liking more and more. If only the Fujitsu had a dual digitizer option. Ah, so many choices, so little money.