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For reviews of the following models, click the following links - Fujitsu U810
HP tx2000
Lenovo ThinkPad X60
Panasonic T5
Fujitsu B6210
Toshiba M400 For other convertible reviews, click the following: |
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As most everyone who checks this site regularly knows, I've made no secret that I prefer a slate model Tablet PC. I've used a slate almost from the introduction of Tablet PCs and like the weight and thinness of them. Now that I've used the Lenovo ThinkPad X41 for several weeks, I'll admit that it's making me like convertibles a lot more than I've admitted before. The X41 is almost as thin as most slates and the weight is also similar. Balance is excellent, unless using the additional battery that fits on the rear. In fact, that battery makes the unit a bit top-heavy when using it in notebook mode, especially if the screen isn't angled at less than vertical. That's one of the few negative things I have to say about the X41 Tablet. I'd have liked to have seen array mics as I tend to use speech a lot with my Tablets. You'll need a headset mic to make the X41 work well with speech. Battery life is adequate with the small battery, but much improved using the 8-cell battery. Although classed as giving about 6.3 hours, real life here was more like 5.5 or so, closer to the specified time if wireless is disabled. The X41 has been a true pleasure to use. The famous IBM ThinkPad keyboard has made the trip to Lenovo without losing any of its comfort. The reputation for this keyboard is well-earned and certainly met my expectations. The screen display is clear and easily read, even from the side. Although not outdoor viewable, the wide-angle allows good viewability with most indoor lighting arrangements. The fingerprint sensor and software worked immediately - easily set up and recognized from that point on. I haven't had the same luck with biometrics on some other Tablets. My wireless network connection was found immediately. Once I added the key, the ThinkPad connected to the network and the internet with no problem at all. Those whom I've allowed to use the X41 have all been impressed. The Lenovo ThinkPad X41 just feels like quality! One user called it the "Lexus of Tablet PCs." As a test, I loaded Windows Vista on the X41 to see how it worked. Although drivers weren't inherent, adding them was simple. Graphics aren't there yet to provide the glass feature that's such a well-hyped feature of Windows Vista, but that certainly isn't the main functionality. Overall, Vista Beta 1 ran better than I would have expected for such an early build on a new piece of hardware. In my opinion, anyone considering a Tablet PC purchase should check the Lenovo X41 Tablet PC. Let me know what you think! (Click on photos for a larger image)
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Fujitsu T4010 Review
The model I tested used the Intel® Pentium® M Processor 745 with 1.80 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, and 400 MHz FSB and 512Mb ram. The Tablet did everything I asked it to do without hesitation. Another 512Mb of ram would make it respond even faster. After taking the machine out of the box, the wizard ran through the setup for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. This allows the buyer to set up accounts as they'd like from the beginning. The 12.1 inch screen was easy to read from almost any angle.
I would have liked to have tried the Indoor/Outdoor screen, but the model I received wasn't equipped with that option. Screen resolution is 1024x768, although it will support up to 1600x1200. Not very practical for most applications since you'll need to scroll to see the entire screen. The T4010 came with Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office One Note 2003 and MS Reader, along with specific Fujitsu utilities. Each has an icon on the desktop so new users can explore easily. The pen has a tether, which is a nice touch as anyone who's ever misplaced the pen can tell you. I've gotten so used to my Cross pen, though, that I admit I didn't use the included pen at all. Since the pen is a necessity with Tablet PCs, it's nice to know there's always a pen handy and you won't walk off without one. Fujitsu recommends using a screen protector to keep the screen from scratching. They include a package of protectors with the unit. Although I didn't use the built-in DVD-RW more than once, I can see where people who need access to CDs or DVDs on a regular basis would like it. It was nice just hitting a button rather than having to dig out the external drive and hook everything up. The drawback - the additional weight. Although a pound doesn't sound like a lot, it's very noticeable when lifting the Tablet with one hand, especially since I'm used to using a slate model. Actually, the Fujitsu T4010 feels about the same as my Toshiba M200.
The built-in Intel pro wireless 2200 was effortless to set up. It immediately found both my 802.11b and the 802.11g networks and once the security key was entered, joined the network with no problem. Bluetooth is also standard. I often use Speech as an input method, so the dual array microphones were a big plus. Battery life was better than I expected. With wireless turned on, I got a solid 4 hours with more time remaining. One minor annoyance I found was that the screen automatically rotated to portrait when the screen was lowered to the keyboard. It isn't a problem since using the screen rotation button turned it back, but there are times that I want to use the Tablet in landscape mode for just a minute, then revert back to the keyboard. Overall, this Tablet PC is impressive! If you want a good, all-around Tablet PC, then be sure to take a second look at the Fujitsu T4010. MSRP: $2249 US. For more information on Fujitsu Tablet PCs, check the Fujitsu Web site. For a comparison of specifications with other Tablet PCs, please check our Comparison Charts.
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