MarkO

Hi there....

Thinking about upgrading my laptop to a newer version. In particular, I'm considering the Fujitsu Lifebook P2.

If I spec one of these with a 20Gb drive (which I'll replace immediately with a Toshiba 60Gb drive), 384Mb of memory, no floppy, a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and a copy of XP Home (I already have XP Pro) then I can pick one up for $1629.

The spec includes a 1280x768x16 screen, 8Mb ATI Mobility video chip, wireless lan, 10/100 ethernet, 56k modem, all in a package that's about the same size as an A5 paperback, and weighing 3.4lbs.

So, the question is, what other alternative sub-notebooks should I consider?

suba

tosh portege?

naturbo2000

Sony PCG-U1

Sweeeeet!

MarkO

Looked at the Portege, but the spec isn't as good despite costing more. The only real advantage is that it's got a 933Mhz PIII instead of the 867Mhz Crusoe. But since that's not a huge difference...

[Edited by MarkO - 9/23/2002 6:17:59 PM]

MarkO

Indeed - quite a remarkable machine. However, having owned a Sony picturebook before, I'm not so keen - their customer service left a lot to be desired. But the main issue is that whilst the Vaio's light, it's only about 30% lighter than the Lifeboox-P2, but it has a much lower-res screen, no CD/DVD drive (meaning you have to buy an external drive which expensive and a PITA to carry about).

Also, at the price you quote on that site it's expensive - remember, the price of the Fujitsu machine above - including the 60Gb drive upgrade - would be about $1850 - so about £1250!

chiark

Libretto 100CT P166, does what you need

MarkO

Might struggle a bit running Unreal Tournament on the train, tho'.

Rob Walker

I'd maybe look for one with a better graphics chip. My laptop uses the Ati Mobility one and its pish.

8mb is pretty small for graphics memory these days.

Although if you don't want to do anything graphical then it might not matter to you.

Cheers
Rab.

MarkO

Yeah, I know - my current laptop has a 4Mb ATI Mobility-M chip, and it's not blinding. Having said that, it's perfectly sufficient to run UT at a decent frame rate, which is what I want. Yeah, but unless somebody brings out a 3lb subnote with a built-in DVD and a decent screen with a GeForce2Go built in (unlikely, for the money I want to spend) I'll just have to make do. Exactly. Most of what I do isn't particularly graphics intensive, and the machine obviously is for portability, and not gaming power.

MarkO

Righto then. Guess if nobody can come up with a better suggestion, I'd better go ahead and order one.

suba

wait! wait! wait! last one which is something completely different

JVC!

MarkO

Oooooh. That little JVC's quite sexy. Downsides I can see are that it has no built-in optical storage (so no good for watching DVDs on the train), and the screen res is quite low (compared to the P2110, which boasts 1280x768). It's also fairly expensive.

The Fujitsu still has it by a nose for me.....

gregh

Is this to big (it's what I use)

http://www.compaq.co.uk/products/not...n410/index.stm

otherwise this is small, but now EOL so some resellers may have them for good prices

http://www.compaq.co.uk/products/not...n200/index.stm

[Edited by gregh - 9/24/2002 6:04:30 PM]

druddle

Get the Fujitsu Siemens one, but I would say that cos I am biased. Fujitsu Siemens Computers are European, Fujitsu Computers are Asia-Pacific and US.

Link for Lifebooks.

P.S. Have you thought about a PocketLOOX ?? They are ace too !!

Dave

[Edited by druddle - 9/24/2002 6:21:11 PM]

MarkO

The one I want is made by Fujitsu, not Fujitsu-Siemens.

MarkO

Greg, the first Compaq's a bit too big.

The N200 is a nice machine, but the Fujitsu's got a faster processor (albeit a Crusoe), and a built-in DVD/CD-RW in a unit the same case size as the N200 without the docking station (which contains the optical drive). Also, the N200 doesn't have wireless, and has a lower-res screen. Not a bad idea, though.

MarkO

Cheekily edited there, druddle.

I'd love a pocket Loox - I'm considering one of them to complement the Fujitsu P2110 if/when I get it. Depends on how big this year's corporation tax bill is, though.

Currently looking at ordering the Lifebook P2100 from here - seems they're prepared to ship internationally.

chiark

If you ever chop the P series you've already got (haven't you) let me know please . I'm a collector of unpowerful small computer hardware

[Edited by chiark - 9/25/2002 8:35:59 AM]

gregh

what about the HP ones???

http://www.hp.com/notebooks/us/eng/p...able/index.htm

The latest Intel Pentium® III-M processors, improved graphics controller, and stylish design make the one-inch thin Omnibook 510 the best choice for ultimate portability.

• Integrated 802.11b wireless LAN on selected models.

DominicA

maybe a little too big for you, but, http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...latit_c400.htm

druddle

MarkO - make sure you get the warranty situation clear. Make sure that as the Lifebook is out of its "region" the warranty is still valid.

Dave

MarkO

I've already got two potential buyers lined up, but if they fall through you'll be the first to know! [/quote]what about the HP ones???[/quote]The HP 510 looks nice, but it doesn't have a built-in DVD/CD drive. Considering it's slightly heavier than the Fujitsu without the expansion base (with the optical drive) that would make it too big/heavy. Yeah, definitely too big/heavy, and that's without the optional DVD drive.

Keep the suggestions coming though.

MarkO

Good point. Should be okay, though, as they have a 1-year international warranty, and I've got a mate in the US would could act as the owner in case of a claim.

My current Fujitsu Loox was bought as a Jap import via the US (through Dynamism so I've done this sort of thing before.