The proliferation of netbooks and even smartphones has all but made handheld PCs like the Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P and the OQO model 02 obsolete. Their downfall is that they're expensive, severely underpowered, and have cramped, uncomfortable keyboards. On the bright side, they run a full-blown operating system and can be palmed and pocketed—almost—like a smartphone. Fujitsu thinks that there's still a market for them, though. The LifeBook U820 ($1,199 direct) is an update to the U810, retaining its handheld/convertible tablet PC form factor. Unfortunately, the so-called improvements—new keyboard layout, higher screen resolution, and GPS functionality—aren't enough to stop the bleeding.
Fujitsu Computer Products of America
http://www.fujitsu.com
- Price as Tested: $1,199.00 Direct
- Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Tablet, Business, Small Business
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
- Processor Name: Intel Atom Z530
- Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- Screen Size: 5.6 inches
- Screen Size Type: widescreen
- Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500
- Storage Capacity: 60 GB
- Networking Options: 802.11g
- Primary Optical Drive: External
