14 DAY TRIAL // It was for sure that this year's CES main attractions were the wireless technologies and the appliances that made heavy use of them. Although less expected than the wireless devices, the ultramobile computers made a strong appearance at the event.
Asustek's second-generation Eee PC failed to show up at the event, although the company promised to showcase it during the show. Fujitsu is determined to compensate Eee's absence with one of its own small-form factor "giants": the Fujitsu LifeBook U810.
Those who can not stand the small keyboard on Asustek's Eee will be disappointed, as the LifeBook U810 comes with even a smaller one, since the computer is more compact than the Eee. Despite its tiny and fragile aspect, the ultra-mobile personal computer is pretty aggressive. Fujitsu claims that its UMPC can run Windows Vista in all of its flavors, but a Windows XP version of the notebook is also available.
The notebook is powered by an 800MHz Intel A110 CPU with one GB of RAM and a hard-disk drive of 40 GB. Fujitsu's LifeBook U810 includes built-in support for AT&T's 3G network, as well as a resistive, stylus-based touch-screen. The unit sports a thumbstick on the right size, but the left and right click buttons are situated on the left-hand side.
What's more interesting is the notebook's LCD display, as it can be twisted and flipped backwards just like a tablet PC. Some other worth mentioning "goodies" are the thumbprint scanning biometric device and the built-in 0.3 megapixel webcam.
The unit is a comfortable alternative for those who expect more from an ultra-mobile computer than can the Eee provide. Fujitsu's LifeBook U810 is more robust as compared to the Eee, while the resistive touch screen can eliminate the pain of introducing data using a small keyboard. The U810 model will start shipping in March at an estimative price of $1,000.