FUJITSU C2210 LifeBook Notebook Computer Review

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(More customer reviews)After weeks of research, both online and in retail stores, I finally found a computer almost perfect for my needs and at a great price. The computer, a well-equipped Fujitsu Lifebook C2210.
I started out wanting a lightweight computer that won't break my back when I travel. But I also wanted a built-in DVD burner as well as built-in USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 ("Firewire", "iLink") ports. Wi-fi would have been nice, too. In the end, I decided what I really needed was a desktop replacement -- which, incidentally, would indeed replace my aging Pentium III desktop.
You can customize the configuration of all the Lifebooks, or buy pre-configured systems from Amazon or J&R or Outpost.com, etc. I purchased a preconfigured system, the "AKW" configuration. Here are my specs:
- Pentium 4 2.0 Ghz Mobile (power saving version of P4)
- 512 MB of RAM (32MB used by video)
- 60GB hard drive (actually 55GB as reported by Windows)
- Gorgeous 15-inch XGA TFT display (no bad pixels)
- Built-in floppy drive (yes!)
- Built-in DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW combo drive
- Built-in Ethernet
- Built-in 56k modem
- Built-in 802.11b wi-fi
- Four (that's 4) USB 2.0 ports
- One IEEE 1394 (4-pin type) port
- Infrared port
- Microphone jack
- Headphone/optical digital out jack
- S-video out jack
- Two (that's 2) PC Card slots (or used as one Type III slot)
- Built-in Secure Digital/MemoryStick slot
- Serial, parallel, external monitor ports
As you can see, this is pretty much the most complete configuration list you can imagine, and it beats most expensive desktops. Fujitsu has packed a lot of power, performance and features in a well-designed package -- the casing is a cool silver, unlike most notebooks which are an ugly black. There is also a small LCD "application panel" that has a very cool blue backlight. It's one beautiful machine, indeed.
The unit weighs 8.3 pounds with battery and DVD burner. The brick-style AC adapter adds another 1.1 pounds to the travel weight. Luckily the AC adapter is auto-sensing voltage switching, so when you travel abroad, all you need to bring is a set of electric outlet plug adapters.
A few minor gripes: so-so video (ATI Mobility Radeon with shared memory); no built-in microphone; and can't use a 2nd battery simultaneously. But these are just minor gripes, and I really didn't expect to have them given the great price on this machine.
According to CNet, the Fujitsu puts in some solid performance numbers (except in the display arena, where it gives mediocre, not great, benchmark results). The display as I mentioned is gorgeous. I would have slightly preferred a 1200x800 resolution, but on the other hand, the standard XGA's 1024x768 display is easier on the eyes, esp. since Windows XP is loaded with eye candies.
The number of ports is really, really impressive. Most desktop replacements these days omit the serial port as well as the IR port, but the C2210 has both. The four USB 2.0 ports are the most I have seen in any laptop, and the IEEE 1394 port will allow me to hook it up to my Sony MiniDV camcorder directly.
The keyboard is quite good, at least for people like me who never acquired a taste for the classic IBM PC keyboard anyway. :) The trackpad feels good under the finger, and there's a scroll lever situated between the two buttons. One good thing about the buttons placement, compared to my previous notebook, a Sony VAIO, is that you won't press them accidentally. Screen contrast/brightness and volume controls are all done via the familiar [Fn]+function key combination. Oh, BTW, the 87-key keyboard is full-size!
So after I opened up the box and took out my new laptop, I was up on the Internet right after I turned on the machine. Haven't tested wi-fi yet, but the well-written manual is making me itching for a try soon.
Fujitsu makes its computers in Japan, which explains why it consistenly ranks high in quality and user satisfaction. This is my first Fujitsu, and I'm already very happy with it.

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