The Fujitsu Lifebook UH900 review shows it is an expensive but very powerful machine

One of the most expensive UMPCs out there, this one packs more punch than anyone else of its category – in performance

The latest Lifebook U series from Fujitsu is a clamshell mini notebook having an extra small screen of 5.6-inch. But that doesnot stop it from running a 2GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, Windows 7, multi-touch and a fast SSD. This one also incorporates a GPS, and the Japanese version even comes with WiMax.

Jenn from Pocketables.net got a sample for reviewing and found out the system to be very powerful for its size and shape. No doubt they got the best configuration possible offered only in the Japanese market that runs a 2.0GHz Intel Atom Z550 processor, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 30GB SSD, Windows 7 Home Premium and sports a 5.6" touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels with 16M colors and multitouch capabilities. It weighs only 0.48kg with a dimension of 8.3" x 4.2" x 1.1".

Design and Build quality

The UH900 has a form factor pretty similar to that of Sony Vaio P, only smaller, with buttons on both sides of the monitor, and a chicklet-style keypad that could be too big for mobile-like typing and too small for netbook-style writing. The plastic quality is not nice and looks cheap. The matte finish will prevent fingerprints and grease though. It has a dark brownish shade with a silver line running along all the sides on both the monitor and keyboard sides. Jenn finds out the UH900 is extremely lightweight.

Touch screen

The 5.6-inch screen supports multi-touch (2-points), which means one can hate the keyboard if he wants. This, combined with the high resolution screen, gives a pleasant experience – but only if you are used to it. Otherwise some people might find operating in such a small screen difficult. Also the screen being resistive, doesnot respond the fastest. But otherwise the touchscreen quality is good – as Jenn reports.

Body

Unlike the build quality, the hardware configuration is enviable, and can put any UMPC to shame. There are five buttons (three on left and two on right), which can be activated/deactivated from the App panel. The trackstick is present on the top right above the keyboard and comfortable to operate with its rubbery texture. The mouse buttons are present on the top left. Jenn finds them pretty accurate.

On right are the WiFi switch, air vent and the power out, on the left side are the microphone port and yet another air vent (there is a bigger one at the back too).So basically all the I/O ports including the USB ports, a VGA/LAN adapter port, speaker grill, and SDHC card are situated on the front side. The webcam is situated like the Vaio P but little lower which makes it really uncomfortable to be able to click a complete picture easily.

The keyboard is tough, although not spacious and gives the right feedback. Touch typing is comfortable although takes a little getting used to thanks to the smaller size keys. The size is little bigger for thumb-typing, so you might have to really stress to reach over the middle keys.

Connectivity

Jenn reports of the Japanese version with WiMax, which will be great, but no GPS there. The usual 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 are presnt though.

Performance

Now we are starting to talk. This is where the UH900 really smiles, and especially the Japanese version that comes with a much better 2GHz Z550 processor. There were no hiccups as reported by Jenn. The GMA 500 has made video experience smooth but HD is still out of question.

The 2-cell 1800mAh battery is only good for about 2-2.5hrs, although a 4-cell battery is available, but be ready to pay in excess of $1000 with this one.

Overall it seems like the device can be good for travelling with if you get the 4—cell battery, and the performance outweighs the build quality. The Japanese version is costlier than the US one ($999) at equivalent of $1180.