In 2009 we reviewed more than 130 notebooks and netbooks, rating each according to design, performance, usability and more. We usually focus on individual systems, but over time we’ve been able to identify trends based on the vendor. Now it’s Fujitsu’s turn in the spotlight. Evaluating this brand is somewhat difficult because we only received three systems from the vendor in 2009. Though we don’t have a huge sample to work with, we were still able to glean some insights when considering the notebooks in relation to each other and the competition. Check out Fujitsu’s strengths and weaknesses then sound off in the comments and tell us what you think of the brand and about your own experiences. Without your input, our report card will be incomplete.
Strengths
Fujitsu’s focus is mainly on business notebooks. Though we only saw one in 2009 — the multitouch, convertible LifeBook T4410 tablet – the average star rating for those we saw in 2008 was 3.5, the same rating the T4410 received. Overall the business systems we’ve seen are solid performers, FPCBP121 , FPCBP121AP and last year’s offering also pleased us by being affordable for a tablet.

The two touch-enabled systems we saw last year both offered a good experience when working with our fingers and the stylus. It was also nice to see Fujitsu catching up a bit with the competition and introducing multitouch in their full-size tablet convertible.

Weaknesses
Though the company produces solid, decent notebooks, we’re rarely wowed by them. The three systems we saw last year had some good qualities but nothing that made them stand out from the crowd in their respective categories.

We were also disappointed that the laptops were behind the curve in terms of features and functionality. The M2010 netbook looked nice and performed well yet had a sub-par keyboard and tragically short battery life. Given that netbooks from 2008 were able to best Fujitsu’s 2009 offering in these areas (not to mention on price) this was a disappointing showing at best.

Fujitsu has also been a bit behind the curve when it comes from design. While other business notebooks were updating their looks with new colors and brushed metal cases, making the T4410 looked a bit dated.

Report Card
The M2010 netbook received the lowest star rating of the three: 2.5. The LifeBook U820 mini notebook is next with 3 stars, and the Fujitsu Lifebook T4010  notched the highest with 3.5. Fujitsu received a decent grade of B- in our Tech Support Showdown, way up from a grade of D+ in 2008.

Last year Fujitsu’s US notebook division updated 24 of its existing models and released 9 new platforms. At CES the company announced eight new LifeBook laptops and tablets for the coming year. With super-fast USB 3.0 around the corner and the inclusion of Core i5 and i7 chips in the newest crop, we’re hoping that Fujitsu will be able to distinguish itself in the market in the coming months.

Now It’s Your Turn
Do you own a Fujitsu laptop? Owned one in the recent past? What does Fujitsu get right and where does the company need improvement? Tell us how you’d grade Fujitsu and explain why in the comments.