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General discussion

Fujitsu Notebooks

Oct 18, 2004 2:37PM PDT

Looking through the forum for guidance on a lightweight notebook. Recently saw one from Fujitsu in their S series at a local Fry's store; 512 of memory (2 256 DIMM's), 40 GB, Centrino, 13.5 bright screen, 3 USB ports, integrated wireless, etc. Similar configuration to the X1000 from HP. The vendor says Fujitsu has been in the notebook business for many years and is very reliable. Appreciate any input. Thanks
LJ Brown

Discussion is locked

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Re: Fujitsu Notebooks
Oct 18, 2004 3:11PM PDT

I did find several references on the forum after I posted the initial note. Concerns seems to be over shared video ram. I understand the concept but will the shared memory make a big dent in the computer performance for standard use, ie surfing,email, spreadsheets, etc, vs high end graphics and games?
LJ Brown

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Re: Fujitsu Notebooks
Oct 22, 2004 7:52AM PDT

go with a Sony VAIO if you want real portability. check out the new T-Series notebooks on www.sonystyle.com

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Re: Fujitsu Notebooks
Oct 23, 2004 11:52PM PDT

Fujitsu notebooks have had some good reviews from people and they are still made in Japan (like Panasonic VCRS but not TV's --those are Mexico for many).

Some Fujitsu models over $2000 have dedicated video RAM but not the models you are looking at.

I have looked at them at the Concord, CA Fry's and the Crystal Series LCD is nice and similar to the newly available HP or Compaq Briteview option nearly across the board on custom order models at hpshopping.com.

Fry's is one of the only retailers that carry Fujitsu though.

You will be ok with shared video memory if you will really NEVER play most demanding games or not use Photoshop or Autocad,etc later as you can never go back and upgrade later on a notebook (you can always do it on an desttop with an open expansion slot).

If you like this type of smaller lighter notebook check out the brand new HP DV1000 at hpshopping.com with DVD/CD playing with the computer off and an integrated remote control (but shared memory also).

See X1000forums.com for any and all questions about the Compaq X1000 series (which I have) or the sister HP ZT3000 series.

You are better off ordering these or any HP/Compaq custom at hpshopping.

See the best ordering specifications and and all available discounts at X1000forums.com (many of which apply to any HP or Compaq custom order model at hpshopping).

I bought my Compaq X1360US retail at Circuit City and I got a good price on it (sale price and HP rebate) but I could have saved more and gotten better specifications (64mb dedicated video memory instead of 32mb dedicated) by ordering custom as I found out later at X1000forums.com

You can only get the bluetooth internal option online, you can order a DVD burner (multiformat) option only online, you can get the HP Briteview XGA LCD in many cases only online (some models have it in stores but I haven't seen it yet for X1000/ZT3000) and also you can get 1 year free HP financing online, student discounts, $100 custom order rebate, etc.

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Re: Fujitsu Notebooks
Oct 23, 2004 11:56PM PDT

I go to Fry's Electronics nearly every week for their outstanding sale prices on Flash memory, Flash drives, printers, DVD's, computer memory, etc. but you can get a better deal on a notebook or desktop (and you can customize it) at HP/Compaq or Dell if you insist (or some Toshiba models online).

But if you really do want one of the Fujitsus and can live with the shared memory then get it at Fry's as at least they have the 15 day return policy and they are the only retailer for Fujitsu I know.

But you can custom order the HP or Compaq (any model) though Costco.com and get a 6 month return policy though Costco.