Fujitsu Means Business with New Windows 8 Notebooks and Tablets
Fujitsu Means Business with New Windows 8 Notebooks and Tablets
A Focus on Business with Five Windows 8 Mobile Workhorses
Fujitsu has just launched a total of three new Windows 8 products and also took the chance to showcase 2 more products updated with Windows 8. Of the five business/enterprise class machines, there are three tablets from Fujitsu's Stylistic line of products. The remaining two products are convertible notebooks (which should be familiar to fans of Fujitsu's products) from its Lifebook line of products, that not only have touch capabilities, but also come with stylus input. All 5 machines feature very robust security features like Intel vPro Technology, BIOS lock, HDD lock, fingerprint sensor, smart card slot, and of course, an optional Trusted Platform Module for better office manageability. We'll briefly touch upon each model and its salient points:-
Fujitsu Stylistic Q572
The 10.1-inch, 820g, Fujitsu Stylistic Q572 tablet PC is the only machine in Fujitsu's new line-up to feature AMD's Z-60 APU. It's basically AMD's answer to Intel's low-powered, system-on-a-chip Atom processors and other mobile processors based on the ARM architecture. We haven't had a chance to test the computing capabilities of AMD's new low-powered chip yet, but we're expecting them to be strong contenders to Intel's Atom processors.
Besides the processor, the Q572 is a fairly standard Windows 8 tablet. It runs the full version of Windows 8 because the Z-60 chip is an x86 processor, so you don't have to worry about application compatibility issues as it can technically run all previous Windows applications (as long as they are compatible with Windows 8 or are able to run in compatibility mode). As for graphics, the Q572 will be relying on the built in Radeon HD 6250 graphics core, supported by 2GB of RAM (expandable up to 4GB). Storage-wise, the Q572 will have either a 64GB, 128GB or 256GB SSD, which means it won't have an issue with read-write speeds. The Q572 also has a very bright, 400 nits, 1366 x 768 pixels resolution display that is protected by scratch resistant glass.
Fujitsu Stylistic QH582
The Fujitsu Stylistic QH582 is a very attractive 10.1-inch, Windows 8 tablet that runs Intel's new Z2760 Atom processor. Its very slim and light (9.9mm, 574g) frame allows Fujitsu to claim that it's the thinnest and lightest water-proof and dust-proof tablet in the world. The tablet's highest waterproof rating is IPX8, which means it can be submerged in water up to a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes, while it's IP5X rating means it can be left in a harsh environment with fine dust particles for 8 hours, and still function normally.
As mentioned by Fujitsu, the tablet should be ideal of field work or in harsh hospital or factory environments. Having such credentials also mean that the tablet can be an ideal companion on holidays where it can withstand some water, dust or fine sand (like on a Phuket beach). According to Fujitsu, even though the tablet can be submerged, the 5-point touch will not work in such an environment. However, as long as the tablet survives being 'dunked', that's good enough for us.
And of course, if you're going to be using in a wet and dusty (like the beach) environment, you'd like to know that the 1366 x 768 pixels resolution, IPS, 5-point touchscreen is protected by a strengthened scratch resistant glass panel (that's not Gorilla Glass).
Fujitsu Stylistic Q702
The last tablet to be revealed, is the 11.6-inch Fujitsu Stylistic Q702. This is the most powerful tablet of the bunch, because it's got specifications that are on par with some of the best Ultrabooks out in the market now. It was actually launched earlier in the year running Windows 7, but Fujitsu has updated this machine to be Windows 8 compatible and sold using the new OS. Physically, there's no difference with the refreshed unit, save for the front facing Windows button, which now sports a Windows 8 logo, rather than a Windows 7 one.
Like many of the new Windows 8 hybrid tablets in the market, the Stylistic Q702 will come with a keyboard dock that not only gives it extra battery life (due to their integrated battery pack), but also adds a number of ports for added connectivity options. The most unique aspect about this hybrid tablet (as compared to the competition in the market), is that it comes fully decked out with hardware security features like Intel's vPro technology, thumbprint reader and offers an optional TPM module. This should be perfect match for deployment in enterprise environments, unlike many other Windows 8 tablets that are simply catered for the casual consumer.
This hybrid PC will also have a 1366 x 768 pixels resolution 10-point multi-touch display, that also allows for pen input, just like the previous two tablets. But this time, the stylus is powered by Wacom technology, which in our opinion, provides a smoother and more realistic writing experience.
Fujitsu Lifebook T902
Out of all the convertible Windows 8 notebooks that have been released recently, only the 13.3-inch Lifebook T902 is not considered an Ultrabook. The first thing that will give that fact away, is its full-powered mobile chip (either an Intel Core i7-3520M, or a Core i5-3320M). Next, is its incredibly thick (31mm) body. But don't be fooled by its dimensions and processor. This convertible notebook weighs 1.8kg, which isn't Ultrabook standards, but it is still fairly light for it's size.
If you're familiar with previous Fujitsu notebooks, then the T902 shouldn't feel like a stranger at all. The screen revolves and tilts using a single, but very robust hinge, which is very similar to previous Fujitsu tablet PCs (as well as some Thinkpad models). An interesting thing to note, is that when the screen is facing away from its user, the keyboard is still functional.
And because its a business machine, you are able to get all sorts of accessories like a modular bay for extra battery life, and a port replicator for additional connectivity options. And if you're the type that falls ill easily, you can even opt for an anti-bacterial, spill resistant keyboard.
During our short hands on with the notebook, we were also pleasantly surprised by the machine's stock keyboard. While the keys were shallow, they also had a quite a bit of resistance. This would make the keyboard extremely comfortable to type on, good for those of us who need to be typing away all day long.
As for those who are concerned about its multimedia capabilities, fret not. This machine has a nice and sharp 1600 x 900 pixels resolution, IPS panel (again, protected by scratch resistant glass) which gives you much more screen real-estate than what a standard 1366 x 768 pixels resolution display can. And in case you're wondering (it is, after all a Fujitsu notebook) this machine will also come with a stylus (Wacom) that lets you coax more functionality out of it.
Fujitsu Lifebook T732
The 12.5-inch Fujitsu Lifebook T732 was launched a little bit earlier in the year, but has been updated to run Windows 8. It's pretty much a clone of the previously mentioned Lifebook T902, but slightly smaller. This convertible tablet PC will feature the same Wacom powered dual digitiser, and can also be easily configured to suit one's needs. Users will be able to include options like a secondary battery, a Blu-ray drive, a DVD drive or a weight saver option.
Product Availability
According to Fujitsu, the above machines will be available in Singapore by the end of 2012, or early 2013. However, they were unable to advise on the prices of the machines. After much prying, we did manage to confirm that prices for these premium business products will not be on par with similar products out in the market. Expectedly, they will be priced a little higher. Besides the fact that they are made in Japan (or in some cases, Germany), the strong Japanese yen also forces these products to be pricier than their competitors.
For more hardware details regarding the newly launched devices, you can get them off Fujitsu Singapore's website, which has been updated to reflect the new products, accessories and other options. Once they are available locally, we'll pursue to review them to give you an idea how they stack up against the competition and if the price is justified. Meanwhile, stay tuned to more tech updates on our main page.