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Review Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Notebook

Economist. The Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Office Notebook demonstrates that not all business notebooks need to be exorbitant. So, also private user can afford robust workmanship and comprehensive configurations of a business notebook.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Logo

Case

The Amilo Pro V8210's design comes with an interesting color composition. Most of the case is neutrally black, silver linear moldings, which extend over the whole width, divide it optically into parts. This design stresses the notebook's width and its wide screen look.

The light grey keyboard looks interesting, but its color does not optimally fit to the rest of the colors. Those who are sensible to design, discover soon that it is a keyboard unit is off-the-shelf. Well, it does not really mind, somewhere one has to make compromises, because of the low price.

The workmanship could absolutely convince. Searching very painstakingly, one is able to detect some gaps of slightly different size. However, these do not have any impact on robustness or stiffness. On the contrary, Amilo Pro's trough is out of very robust plastics and allows to pick up the notebook without torsions or creaking noises.

In the region of the PCCard slot and the optical drive, the case still yields a little bit under pressure.

The Amilo Pro V8220's display is like the rest of the case very flexural rigid. Even under pressure the display's cover acceptably resists.

The notebook's display is equipped with a ramshorn hook, which is able to keep the display securely closed without any wobbling. The robust hinges allow to adjust the displays' position without any see-saw.

The notebook's interfaces are distributed on all of its sides.

At the front side there are a Fast IrDa 1.1 Port with a transfer rate of up to 4 Mbits, a 3in1 Cardreader and both of the audio ports (microphone, headset). At the left side there are from front to back: a PCCard Slot (Typ I and II), S-Video and VGA out, the vent holes, the power connector and totally at the back a Kensington lock.

In the center of the back side there is the notebook's battery. Left and right besides it there are RJ11 and RJ45 ports (Lan and Modem), 2 USB 2.0 ports, and a docking connector, which allows to dock the Amilo Pro to a docking station, which in turn provides additional interfaces (plus 2x USB 2.0, serial, parallel, PS/2).
In the back region of the right side there are 2 further USB 2.0 ports and the DVD+/-RW (Dual Layer) drive.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Interfaces
Interfaces at the left side
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Interfaces
Interfaces at the right side
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Interfaces
Interfaces at the front side
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Interfaces
Interfaces at the back side

Input Devices

As already mentioned, the Amilo Pro comes with a light-gray board with black letters. The keyboard seems to be simple and robust, and is - besides of the cursor keys, which were slightly moved away from the other keys -, not especially structured in any way.

There is nothing special regarding the size of the keys. E.g., there is an enter key which takes up two rows, a space bar of sufficient size and a variety of slightly bigger function keys.

Typing feels soft and slightly wobbling. The clicking noises during faster typing is are all in all alright. In total, the keyboard is comfortable in use.

The touch pad is designed in "wide screen format" and it seems that it does not have a scroll function at its edges. The pad reacts well and precise and has good floating properties.

The belonging button can be used at their total surface by using an appropriate amount of power. The left button has a clicking noise, which one can hear well, whilst the right button stays nearly quiet.

Above the keyboard there are three additional keys (WLan, browser and mail client) as well as the power switch.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Touch pad
Touch pad
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Keyboard
Keyboard

Display

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 display measurement
Color Diagram

The Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 comes with a non-reflecting 15.4 inch display with a maximum resolution of 1680x1050 pixels in wide screen format 16:10. Regarding, maximum brightness we measured very good 186.1 cd/m² at a good illumination of 80.9%.

The display's measurement diagram indicates a nearly ideal green color curve, but also the  usual deviation of the blue color curve. So, the user perceives warmer colors.

153
cd/m²
169.4
cd/m²
154.7
cd/m²
150.6
cd/m²
186.1
cd/m²
156.9
cd/m²
166.8
cd/m²
176
cd/m²
157.9
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 186.1 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 163.5 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 81 %
Contrast: 169:1 (Black: 1.1 cd/m²)

A measured black value of 1.1 cd/m² leads to a calculated maximum contrast of acceptable 169:1. The display rated grade 7 in the Pixperan test of legibility, which indicates that it is slightly above average regarding its speed of reaction.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Outdoors
Operation Outdoors

Excellent brightness and good illumination and a  non-reflecting display makes it possible to use the  Amilo Pro even in very bright environments, like outdoors. The display keeps free of disturbing reflections.

Outside of an sufficiently big area of operation one can observe more and more false colors the acuter the angle. Looking from bottom to top, the colors turn blue-green, whilst the colors first turn light-red and then white while looking from top to bottom.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Stability to the Vantage Point

Performance

The Amilo Pro V8210 is - at the time of writing - available with three different processors: Either with an rather out of fashion Intel Celeron CPU or a Core Duo T2300 or T2400 CPU with 1.66 or 1.83 GHz. The notebook we reviewed was equipped wiht a T2300 CPU, which is able to provide sufficient power for an office notebook.

Regarding graphics, the  Amilo Pro V8210 only comes with an integrated graphic chip, Intel GMA 950, which yet provides office application with sufficient graphical power. Even light multimedia applications like  DVD playback and older games are no problem for this graphical solution.

The notebook we reviewed came with a 40GB hard disk with above-average measured access-times and transfer rates.

In total, the FSC Amilo Pro comes with a rather moderate hardware equipment, which can be used without problems for Internet, office and similar applications. However, its use is limited when using calculation and graphically demanding applications. Should the 40GB hard disk be to small for some users, they can choose between other models with up to 120GB capacity.

Further information about the video card can be found here or in our comparison of mobile video cards. Detailed information about the Core Duo CPU can be found here.

Please also look at our benchmark list of mobile processors or at our benchmark list of mobile video cards, in order to compare this notebook to other configurations.

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Benchmark Comparison
Benchmark Comparison 3DMark
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Benchmark Comparison
Benchmark Comparison PCMark

» No benchmarks for this notebook found!

» No benchmarks for this notebook found!

No HDD benchmark entry found!

Emissions

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Noise
Noise emissions

Loudness

Of course, the moderate processor and graphical solution has its advantages, too, like low noise emissions. During idle mode or while using Internet and office applications one can  hardly observe any noises.
Time and again, the fan starts to run, emits waste heat and falls silent afterwards again.
Under load we measured a maximum loudness of 42.2 dB. The loudness during DVD playback was yet alright, we measured 35.8 dB.

Noise Level

Idle
30.5 / 42.2 / 37.6 dB(A)
HDD
31.6 dB(A)
DVD
35.8 / dB(A)
Load
0 / 42.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

At the surface one can feel, that it gets clearly warmer. Among others, the touch pad had an above-average temperature. The maximum values were 37.9°C at the top side and 40.6°C at the bottom side.

Upper side

palmwrist: 34.8°C max: 37.9°C avg: 35.4°C

Bottom side

max: 40.6°C avg: 36.7°C

Speakers

Both speakers are at the right side above the keyboard and provide convenient sound. However, the maximum volume is low and as usual for speakers without sub-woofer, the basses are missing.

Battery Runtime

We measured an acceptable battery runtime of the FSC Amilo Pro V8210. It was between more than 4 hours at minimum energy demand and about 1.5 hours under load. During DVD playback the notebook reached a good battery runtime of about 2.5 hours.

Energy Demand

Without load (Idle), min. brightness, without WLAN: 14.3 Watt
+ max. brightness: 19.6 Watt
+ WLAN: Watt
Full load (+WLAN, max. brightness): max. 42.0 Watt

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 25min
DVD
2h 45min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 26min

Verdict

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210

The Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 rated good at nearly all reviews. Just the moderate Core Duo CPU and the Intel GMA 950 video adapter, could diminish the pleasure.

Interesting design, good workmanship and a robust case are marks of the Amilo Pro's case. The input devices are user-friendly and well suited for hard office work.

The matt and therefore, non-reflecting display with a resolution of 1680x1050 pixels could, besides of the stability to the vantage point, however, with an appropriate area of operation, convince  us.

The notebook's performance is optimized for the daily work, but with little reserve capacity for demanding applications. Still, if one does not really need high-performance CPUs, one should not buy them, because they also lead to considerably more waste heat and noises.

Regarding the noise emissions, the Amilo Pro is a shining example. Low noise emissions and passable temperature emissions militate for themselves.

Even the battery runtime is yet appropriate and allows a mobile use of the notebook.

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Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210
Reviewed: Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210

Specifications

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210
Processor
Intel Core Duo T2300 2 x 1.7 GHz (Intel Core Duo)
Memory
512 MB 
, DDR2 PC5300 SDRAM, max. 2048MB, 1x512MB
Display
15.40 inch 16:10, 1680 x 1050 pixel, WSXGA TFT Display, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel 945GM
Storage
40 GB - 5400 rpm, 40 GB 
, 5400 rpm, Fujitsu MHV2040BH: 40GB, 5400rpm
Soundcard
Realtek HD Audio
Connections
PCCard Typ I+II, Mikrofon, Kopfhörer, 4x USB 2.0, VGA-out, S-Video Out, Kensington Lock, LAN, Modem, Docking Konnektor
Networking
10/100/1000 LAN Card (10/100/1000MBit/s), 802.11a/b/g (a/b/g/)
Optical drive
DVD +/- RW Double Layer
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 45 x 360 x 260 ( = 1.77 x 14.17 x 10.24 in)
Battery
, 5200 mAh Lithium Ionen Akku
Additional features
HDD: 40GB, 5400rpm, Fujitsu MHV2040BH, Realtek HD Audio, DVD +/-R (DL) Hitachi HL-DT-ST GWA-4082N,
Weight
2.77 kg ( = 97.71 oz / 6.11 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
1099 Euro

 

Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 surprises with an interesting design...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
Positive aspect of the CPU's low clockrate: The fan is deactivated most of the time and the notebook, therefore, quiet.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...which performance (T2300) is rather limited.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
The Amilo Pro is equipped with anIntel Core Duo processor...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
The non-reflecting display with a resolution of 1680x1050 convinced us.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
The keyboard is light gray and appropriate for long typing durations.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...but also, as usual for office notebooks, a docking port.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...like, e.g., 4 USB 2.0 ports, VGA out and S-Video port,...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
Amilo Pro comes with all basic interfaces...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...and of good workmanship.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...the V8210's case is also robust and flexural rigid...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
Besides its design...
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
...which is nearly unsuitable for a office notebook.
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 Image
The measured battery runtime is reasonable and can reach up to 4 hours.

Pro

  • Interesting design
  • Robust case
  • High-quality haptics of the used materials
  • Good price/performance ratio
  • Hinges work precisely
  • User-friendly input devices
  • Non-reflecting high-resolution display with good brightness and illumination
  • Can be used outdoors
  • Low noise emissions
  • Passable battery runtime
  • Contra

  • False colors at to acute vantage points
  • Moderate performance
  • Similar Notebooks

    Price Comparison

    Ciao Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210

    Bewertung

    Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Pro V8210 - 08/31/2007
    J. Simon Leitner

    Chassis
    88%
    Keyboard
    86%
    Pointing Device
    86%
    Connectivity
    84%
    Weight
    78%
    Battery
    78%
    Display
    88%
    Games Performance
    50%
    Application Performance
    85%
    Temperature
    74%
    Noise
    86%
    Add Points
    86%
    Average
    81%
    84%
    Multimedia - Weighted Average
    J. Simon Leitner, 2007-01-22 (Update: 2013-05- 8)