Modern lightweight Tablet PC convertible
(by Kirk Linsky)

In July of 2008 Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation introduced the LifeBook T1010 Tablet PC convertible as part of an announcement that also included another T-Series Tablet PC convertible, the LifeBook T5010, and a number of new and updated notebooks. The introduction coincided with Intel's official announcement of the "Montevina" Centrino 2 platform that combines faster Core 2 Duo chips with Mobile Intel GM45 chipsets and the Intel WiFi Link 5000 series for faster wireless communication.

While all this new Intel technology certainly makes the new LifeBooks faster and more efficient machines, Fujitsu also used the opportunity to add models with the increasingly popular "wide" screens to its Tablet PC convertible lineup. Both new models sport a 13.3-inch wide aspect ratio display with 1280 x 800 pixel WXGA resolution. Unlike the higher-end T5010 that has an active electromagnetic digitizer and your choice of indoor or indoor/outdoor screen, the T1010 has a resisitive touchscreen and there is no outdoor-viewable screen option.

Fujitsu's press release described the T1010's upscale brother, the T5010, as the venerable T4220's successor, and while the economy-priced T1010 Series misses some of the older model's features it, too, can be seen as a lower-priced successor to the T4220. The T1010 is a bit larger and definitely more powerful than the older machine, weighing 5.3 pounds with its dual-layer multi-format DVD writer installed (there is no modular bay). That is still light, but about a pound heavier than the T4220 whose width the new machine also exceeds by more than an inch.

Like the costlier T5010, the T1010 is available with either a Core 2 Duo P8400/P8600 processor with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 25 watts or a faster Core 2 Duo T9400/9600 processor with a higher TDP of 35 watts. The 56 watt-hour Li-Ion battery is good for up to 3:45 hours.

Fujitsu offers 120 to 250GB 5400rpm hard disks. For wireless you can still pick between Atheros (bye-bye Centrino sticker) or Intel. Both support Draft-n for quicker wireless.

Onboard connectivity is even better than before. There are now three USB 2.1 ports, a IEEE1394 "Firewire" port, gigabit Ethernet, a PC Card slot, a Smart Card slot, and a shared Memory Stick/SD card reader. An optional port replicator has four USB ports, DVI, and HDMI.

Compared to the T5010, the T1010 does not have a fingerprint reader or Intel's vPro technology that provides advanced motherboard-base security and remote manageability for enterprise customers. It does, however, come with a Trusted Platform Module, Fujitsu Portshutter data leak prevention software, two-level BIOS and HDD password protection, support for Absolute Software's Computrace computer theft recovery solution, and Smart Card slot.

Pricing for the T1010 starts at US$1,299. The T1010, which has a glossy silver cover instead of the T5010's black, therefore starts at about US$500 less. There aren't as many options, but unless you really need an outdor screen, the only thing that you may really miss is the T5010's active digitizer. If a touch screen works for you, the T1010 is a great bargain.