Liking my new work toy.
Written: Jun 28 '07 (Updated Jul 02 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, light, great form factor, bundled with useful software
Cons: Screen could be brighter, gets a little warm, slow hard drive, no optical drive
The Bottom Line: Overall, I'm very pleased with this device. It's definitely fit my needs for a small portable work machine.
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| davlav's Full Review: Fujitsu LIFEBOOK P1510D (APZ0230308600010) Tablet ... |
Overview:
I bought this convertible tablet about a month ago to use at work for keeping track of meeting notes and such. I wanted something small that I could enter text and drawings via stylus or pen. I considered a couple UMPCs as well as regular tablets but liked the Fujitsu convertible form factor best.
Model Info:
I purchased the Lifebook P1510D. Fujitsu recently released a follow-up device called the P1610 which improves on several aspects (which I'll touch on later in the review). Not to get bogged down in specs, but here is how my device is configured:
1.2GHz Pentium M processor
512MB RAM
Windows XP Tablet OS
8.9" Screen capable of 1024x600
30 GB 4200rpm hard drive
Internal WiFi
Bluetooth (optional)
Extended Battery (optional)
Hardware:
The P1510 is a very small and light laptop that weighs 2.2lbs with the normal battery (2.5 lbs with the extended battery in mine). It's about the size of a small hardcover book. It has two USB ports, CF and SD card slots, ethernet and phone line ports, headphone and mic inputs, and a monitor out. It also has a fingerprint reader.
The built-in mouse is a point stick (no room for a pad) and of course you can use the touchscreen as well. The screen can rotate from notebook to tablet configuration. Although the swivel is very sturdy there is no locking in either position. So the screen can get a bit wobbly - but I haven't really had issues with that.
The keyboard is a standard laptop layout. The keys are very small so some might find typing on it tiring after a while. But that's par for the course on a device this small.
This laptop does have a small fan but can still get rather warm. It's not enough to cause damage or injury to either table or lap, but it can get a little uncomfortable.
Performance-wise, the laptop is fine for what I need it for. You don't but this kind of device to run games or other heavy software. The hard drive is a little slow and that definitely has a limit on performance. I notice some lag on applications such as Lotus Notes, but overall performance is adequate. I'd recommend getting the 1GB RAM installation if possible. I'm considering upgrading mine. The P1510 only has a single DIMM slot, so to upgrade means buying a single 1GB chip and then finding some other purpose for the old 512MB chip.
The screen has good resolution and works well in most lights. It could be a little bit brighter and can get washed out in high light levels. The touch screen also works well but you have to be careful placing any part of your hand on the screen when writing with the stylus. The machine is small enough that I can just lay my hand on the frame around the screen but someone with smaller hands might have problems. The screen on the P1610 is supposed to have taken steps to address both of these issues.
Overall, I've been very satisfied with the extended battery. If I set up the power settings for how often the system goes to standby and keep the WiFi off when not in use, I can get at least 6 hours of operation on one charge. I also like the extended batter since it extends the amount of space that I can rest my hands on while typing.
There is no optical drive (CD/DVD) on this device. Obviously, it would be hard to include one and keep the small form factor. I think Fujitsu sells an external drive, but I do not have it.
Software:
My laptop came with Windows XP Tablet and based on the performance described above, I think I'd be leery of trying to install Vista on this machine.
The P1510 came with a few extra software packages that I've found handy:
1. EverNote: This is a nice note-taking software that I've been using for my work notes. I compared it to MS OneNote and found I liked how EverNote organizes the notes better. Much more organic. I use this in conjunction with another package from the same company called...
2. RitePen: Good handwriting recognition (if you're neat). Has trouble with tech phrases and acronyms, but overall does well.
3. OmniPass: This is the software that allows you to use the fingerprint scanner. Works well and is easy to set up (once installed). For convenience sake, I ended up setting up two fingers for scanning - my left thumb for notebook mode and my right index finger for tablet mode.
I also ended up downloading a freeware program call Sticky Notes that I found great for keeping on-screen notes. Between this and EverNote, I'm on my way to eliminating a good portion of the paper on my desk.
This tablet also came with a package called DialKeys that does on-screen keyboard configurations. But after trying this a little I did not care for it. The touch screen requires too much of a sharp contact (as if with a stylus or fingernail) to really use this effectively. You'd need a screen sensitivity more like an iPhone screen to really use something like this.
No productivity suite (Office, Works) was included. I installed a personal copy of Office 2003 and have not had any issues with the performance of those apps.
Documentation is so-so. I had trouble getting OmniPass installed since I couldn't find where it was on the disks. Ended up having to call the Fujitsu support line who were very helpful.
Summary:
Overall, I'm very pleased with this device. I was able to purchase it as an open box item for just under $1000. I would suggest the P1610 due to the improved screen, but the P1510 is still worth a look if you can find a good deal. It's definitely fit my needs for a small portable work machine.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
davlav
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 in Cars & Motorsports |
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Member: David
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 12 members
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