Fujitsu refreshes the notebooks of the LifeBook N, U and P series

The general consensus about the CG water cooler is that companies are going to be launching really cryptic products today, but Fujitsu is doing the exact opposite with three new laptops and we like it.

The most notable is the 16-inch (16:9 LCD) LifeBook N7010 and its tiny 4-inch touchscreen embedded just above the keyboard. Its main function is to act as an app launcher, but you can drag and drop applications store items that require very little space, such as A 2.26 GHz Intel C2D processor, a shock-mounted HDD (up to 320 GB), an ATI Radeon HD 3470 graphics card and a Blu-ray drive handle the basics. An HDMI port, an integrated e-Sata port, a Memory Stick/SD slot, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, a detachable dust filter, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a gesture-enabled touchpad round out the features of this $1,499 and up (Starting Price) Laptops starting next week.

Next up is the 1.32-pound Atom-powered LifeBook U820 Convertible Mini. Fujitsu pushes the device with its 5.6-inch screen and built-in Garmin GPS software and all that entails (turn-by- turn, voice, etc.), really as a GPS alternative. I think I'd rather pay $400 for an HP Mini 1000 and drop a couple hundred on a real GPS, and then shell out over $1,049 for the U820 .

Built-in GPS receiver and Garmin Mobile(R) PC software - preloaded with US and Canada maps, millions of destinations and points of interest, turn-by-turn directions and route planning.

Lighter weight starting at 1.32 pounds.

Powered by the Z-series Intel(R) Centrino(R) Atom(TM) processor that supports lower power consumption, fewer chips, VT technology and built-in support for 1080p HD video decoding.

An additional row of keys and a new overall keyboard layout to better simulate a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Retains security features like fingerprint sensor and BIOS lock and adds a Kensington lock slot to prevent physical theft.

Now offers up to 7.5 hours of battery life(3) with 4-cell battery or 3.5 hours(3) with new 2-cell battery option.

Hard disk drive up to 120 GB or solid state drive up to 64 GB.

Improved screen resolution with WXGA display.

Improved video quality with a webcam with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels (640×480).

— Priced from $1,049(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration or customize their LifeBook U820 mini-notebook using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu website and select retailers/ E-merchant(2).

— Preinstalled with Windows Vista(R) Business or Home Premium, offers plenty of power for working, accessing an office network, checking e-mail, conducting video conferences, watching downloaded films, listening to MP3 files, to play games, surf the web, take photos or stay in touch with family and friends.

— Convertible form factor offers keyboard, touch or pen input.

— Zoom utility for easier viewing.

— Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.

— Stay connected on the go with Atheros XSPAN(R) wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/draft-n) or optional wireless broadband (available Q1 2009).

And last but not least, the LifeBook P1630. I'm not sure I see the point of this article when it costs $2,179.

Improved performance and battery life with the latest Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology with dual-core Intel(R) Core(R) 2 Duo SU9300 Ultra Low Voltage processor and Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a . ) /b/g/draft-n).

Up to 6.15 hours(4) with the high-capacity battery option - an hour longer than its predecessor.

Optional wireless broadband (available in Q1 2009).

1.3 megapixel (640 x 480) resolution webcam.

— Priced from $2,179(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration or customize their LifeBook P1630 convertible tablet with the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through Fujitsu's direct seller, the website and channel partners and select retailers/e-tailers(2).

— Compact convertible tablet weighing just 2.2 pounds with an 8.9-inch WXGA touch-sensitive widescreen display with high contrast ratio and exceptional viewing angles.

— Magnesium alloy top and bottom for added durability and protection.

— Solid state drive option.

— Advanced security with Fujitsu Portshutter(TM) software to prevent data leakage and integrated biometric fingerprint swipe with Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA).

— Optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.