Given Japan's idiosyncratic personal data protection laws and a current obsession with privacy, these computers offer security against unauthorised access by including a fingerprint reader that can also replace password logins for OS or applications. The USB port can also be locked so that only devices approved by an administrator can be connected and used.
The FMV-U8240's right-hand side
As well as wired Ethernet, the FMV-U8240 sports a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, but I searched in vain for a Bluetooth function. Given that USB, CompactFlash and SD cards are all available, maybe this won't prove too much of a loss, but the ability to use a cellular phone as a modem via Bluetooth or to print wirelessly using built-in hardware seems a surprising omission. On the other hand, there are cellular and PHS adapters available, and public Wi-Fi access is becoming more prevalent in larger cities in Japan.
The FMV-U8240's left-hand side
Battery life is rated at about four hours of use, but an optional high-capacity battery can double that figure.
The chipset is Intel's Ultra Mobile Platform 2007 using the A110 processor clocked at a modest 800 MHz - though the slower clock speed does mean that the semi-rubberized non-slip case doesn't get too hot. A 20GB hard disk stores data, and ¥144,000 (just over £600) buys you the model with 512MB of memory and XP installed. For ¥164,000 (£685) you get a full gigabyte of RAM, and this is also the price for the Vista 1GB model.
Fujitsu LifeBook FMV-U8240 ultra-mobile PC
COMMENTS
Zaurus anyone?
This is very reminiscent of the (now discontinued) Sharp Zaurus, with it's twistable screen, CF/SD ports, and diminutive keyboard, although with a bigger footprint. Although I love my Zaurus, this is definitely a tastier bit of kit - especially as this has wifi, a wider screen, and isn't restricted to running Linux, NetBSD, or OpenBSD.
I wonder how long it'll be before it appears on these shores...
hmmm...familiar
looks like a nice piece of kit. Reminds me of my old HP Jornada PDA (the really old ones with full keyboards) just a lot nicer. Hes right though, that keyboard would take a lot of getting used to.
Fujitzu Siemens UMPC @ WinHEC
Hi
I have been at WinHEC this week. They had this wee Fuj on display. Looks like a nice piece of kit. Gates' keynote referred to UMPC's quite a bit, he used a number of them incl the Fuj in his speech.
If the £ price quoted turns out to be true, i'll be having one. I love my Fuj P1610 tablet jobbie.
I took so photies of the fuj umpc and for the specs PDF, but I think the register has everything anyway. Maybe they were also at WinHEC??
Cheers
Nigel
US Keyboard on the WinHEC sample
Hi
There was a US keyboard, and english langugage win on the WinHEC unit. (have pics if required). Unit is no longer in its display cabenit since this is the last day and exhibitors have packed up!
I never got to play with it unfortunately.
If the register wants em send me an email and i'll send em back.
Nigel
