Fujitsu Lifebook E554 Notebook Review

For the original German review, see here.
Fujitsu's Lifebook E554 is a classic, 15-6-inch sized business laptop. All components expected in such a device are installed: a docking port, TPM, modular design, fingerprint reader. Our review sample additionally sports a 3G modem. The laptop will seem very familiar to regular readers of our page because it strongly resembles the Lifebook E754, which, however, plays in a higher price league. While the Lifebook E754 is a member of the premium business range, the Lifebook E554 is a model of the business mid-range.
The prices for the currently available E554 models range from 600 to 1000 Euros (~$716 to ~$1194). Thus, laptops like HP's ProBook 650 or ProBook 655, Lenovo's ThinkPad L540, and Dell's Latitude E5550 are rivals of the Lifebook E554.
Case
The design of the Lifebook E554's casing is largely identical with that of the Lifebook E754. However, the casing of the E554 is a bit thicker. The reason for the different price ranges of both laptops is found in the casing's material. While some parts of the E754 are comprised of a magnesium alloy, the E554 is completely made of matte, black plastic. Consequently, the E554 is approximately 300 grams heavier than the E754. The wrist rest of the E554 features a grooved structure, and the surfaces of the display's back and bezel are roughened.
Two small maintenance flaps are on the E554's underside: The first conceals the working memory, and the hard drive is behind the second one. Fujitsu also uses a modular design for its E554, i.e. components such as the battery and optical drive are compatible with other Lifebook E models.
The laptop's build is absolutely acceptable and does not give reason for complaint. The base unit is largely resistant against pressure. The casing only yields slightly on the keyboard's right and below the touchpad. This is common for most laptops. However, the base unit can be warped a bit too strongly for our taste. We would have expected a higher stiffness here. The same applies to the lid. A very evident difference to the magnesium-reinforced lid of the Lifebook E754 is definitely noticed. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position and only rock marginally. Opening the lid with one hand is only possible with jiggling and some finger acrobatics.
Connectivity
The Lifebook basically features all interfaces that a modern laptop should have. Positive: all three USB ports operate in the USB 3.0 standard. Users who need additional USB ports should look at HP's ProBook 650. HP installs a total of five USB ports. Our review sample cannot offer a SmartCard reader, but it is optionally available. Like HP's ProBook 650 or ProBook 655, a serial port is found on the E554's rear. It is still of importance in the business sector, e.g. for maintaining cash systems.
Communication
The user will find several options for connecting to the world. One is the Wi-Fi module. Our review sample sports Intel's Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260, which supports the 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi standards. Thus, both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands can be used. We did not experience problems with the Wi-Fi connection. The connection between the Lifebook and router proved stable within a radius of 15 meters. A Gigabit Ethernet chip is available for wired connections. It is the well-known model from Realtek's RTL8168/8111 family. This chip is installed in most of the laptops that we have tested.
Our review sample also allows connecting to the Internet via a mobile network using the installed 3G modem. An LTE modem is optionally available. Not all Lifebook models are equipped with a 3G/LTE modem. The Lifebook also sports a Bluetooth 4.0 chip, which is part of Intel's Wi-Fi module. This, for example, enables a wireless connection between the laptop and a smartphone. Finally, a word about the webcam: Fujitsu installs a model that can record videos with resolutions of up to 1280x720 pixels. Though it will not create any artistic masterpieces, its quality is absolutely sufficient for videoconferencing.
Security
Of course, the laptop must have corresponding security features since corporate customers are Fujitsu's primary target group. Thus, the laptop is shipped with a Trusted Platform 1.2 module. A fingerprint reader is also integrated. Furthermore, the device's BIOS supports Computrace, which, for example, allows remote deleting of data.
Accessories
Besides a quick-start poster and the usual warranty information, the Lifebook comes with several DVDs. 3 Windows recovery DVDs (Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit, Window 7 Pro 64-bit, Windows 7 Pro 32-bit), and two DVDs with drivers and additional software. Fujitsu also offers multiple optional accessories, such as a port replicator (S26391-F1387-L100) for about 120 Euros (~$143).
Operating System
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) is preloaded on our review sample. Recovery DVDs for Windows 7 Professional (32/64-bit) and Windows 8.1 Professional (64-bit) are included.
Maintenance
The Lifebook does not offer any exceptional maintenance options. Only two small covers that enable accessing the working memory and hard drive are available. There is also a small slot closed with a flap that makes it possible to access the space between the heat sink's fan and cooling ribs. The dust that accumulates here after a while can be removed easily this way.
Warranty
Only a 12-month warranty is included on Fujitsu's Lifebook E554. We see this annoying custom in many business laptops, for example HP's ProBook 650 or ProBook 655, Dell's Latitude E5550 and Lenovo's ThinkPad L540. The Lifebook's warranty period and services can be upgraded. A five-year collect & return warranty, for example, costs approximately 160 Euros (~$190).
Input Devices
Keyboard
The Lifebook features a chiclet keyboard. However, Fujitsu does not treat the keyboard to a backlight. This does not look different in contenders like the ProBook 650 or ProBook 655, ThinkPad L540 and Latitude E5550. That is too bad because a backlight will be in great demand in the target group. The keys of the Lifebook's keyboard have a lightly roughened surface and a short drop. The pressure point is basically clear, but Fujitsu has blundered with the keyboard. The keyboard's middle yields very evidently while typing on it. It seems as if a strut has been forgotten, and it worsens the typing feel. Better things can be expected from a business laptop in this regard. The keyboard in Lenovo's ThinkPad L540 shows how it should be.
Touchpad
Unlike the Lifebook E754, the Lifebook E554 does not feature a ClickPad but a conventional touchpad including dedicated mouse buttons. The pad has a surface area of approx. 9.5 x 5.8 cm. Fujitsu uses a roughened surface for the pad, which does not have an adverse effect on use. The fingers glide easily over the pad. The Pad supports multi-touch and thus enables using gesture control. The mouse buttons have a short drop and a clearly audible and palpable pressure point.
Display
Fujitsu has installed a matte, 15.6-inch screen in our review sample with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness of 230.7 cd/m² is rather low. In view of the Lifebook's purchase price, the screen should be brighter. We deem a rate of 250 cd/m² as the minimum. Dell's Latitude E5550 (319.9 cd/m²/Full HD) and Lenovo's ThinkPad L540 (289.7 cd/m²/ Full HD) stand out in this regard.
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Brightness Distribution: 78 %
Center on Battery: 251 cd/m²
Contrast: 816:1 (Black: 0.31 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 8.31 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.89
ΔE Greyscale 7.88 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
35.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
39.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
56.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
37.82% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.26
Fujitsu LifeBook E554 HD Graphics 4600, 4210M, Samsung SSD PM851 128 GB MZ7TE128HMGR | Dell Latitude E5550 HD Graphics 4400, 4310U, Lite-On LCS-128L9S | Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-B-112 HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075 | HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S | HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | HP ProBook 655 Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142 | HP EliteBook 755 G2 Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | |
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Display | 77% | 39% | 36% | -8% | 30% | -2% | 36% | 47% | ||
Display P3 Coverage | 37.82 | 67.8 79% | 53.5 41% | 52.1 38% | 34.8 -8% | 49.82 32% | 36.97 -2% | 52.4 39% | 56 48% | |
sRGB Coverage | 56.7 | 97.5 72% | 76.7 35% | 75.3 33% | 52.4 -8% | 72.3 28% | 55.3 -2% | 75 32% | 82 45% | |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 39.1 | 69.8 79% | 54.8 40% | 53.2 36% | 35.95 -8% | 51.3 31% | 38.21 -2% | 53.8 38% | 57.9 48% | |
Screen | 35% | -23% | 19% | -71% | -50% | -33% | -28% | -26% | -11% | |
Brightness middle | 253 | 343 36% | 303 20% | 257 2% | 199 -21% | 269 6% | 197 -22% | 209 -17% | 195 -23% | 335 32% |
Brightness | 231 | 320 39% | 290 26% | 269 16% | 182 -21% | 264 14% | 186 -19% | 200 -13% | 201 -13% | 312 35% |
Brightness Distribution | 78 | 88 13% | 85 9% | 78 0% | 76 -3% | 78 0% | 82 5% | 81 4% | 87 12% | 85 9% |
Black Level * | 0.31 | 0.36 -16% | 0.7 -126% | 0.25 19% | 1.47 -374% | 0.9 -190% | 0.63 -103% | 0.64 -106% | 0.54 -74% | 0.61 -97% |
Contrast | 816 | 953 17% | 433 -47% | 1028 26% | 135 -83% | 299 -63% | 313 -62% | 327 -60% | 361 -56% | 549 -33% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 8.31 | 3.15 62% | 11.58 -39% | 5.69 32% | 9.74 -17% | 12.12 -46% | 10.48 -26% | 9.33 -12% | 11.16 -34% | 10.51 -26% |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 7.88 | 3.65 54% | 13.65 -73% | 6.08 23% | 11.26 -43% | 13.75 -74% | 10.68 -36% | 9.36 -19% | 12.02 -53% | 12.39 -57% |
Gamma | 2.26 97% | 2.62 84% | 2.59 85% | 2.43 91% | 2.62 84% | 2.59 85% | 2.31 95% | 2.27 97% | 3.05 72% | 2.48 89% |
CCT | 6371 102% | 7101 92% | 13248 49% | 5840 111% | 12294 53% | 13228 49% | 12387 52% | 10124 64% | 14187 46% | 16146 40% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 35.7 | 63.3 77% | 51.12 43% | 49 37% | 33 -8% | 35.2 -1% | 34.7 -3% | 47.9 34% | 53 48% | |
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 97.4 | |||||||||
Total Average (Program / Settings) | 56% /
47% | 8% /
-6% | 28% /
24% | -40% /
-54% | -10% /
-26% | -33% /
-33% | -15% /
-21% | 5% /
-9% | 18% /
5% |
* ... smaller is better
Both the contrast of 816:1 and black level of 0.31 cd/m² of the Lifebook's screen are good. That is also true for the screen in the Latitude E5550 (953:1; 0.36 cd/m²). The rates of the ThinkPad L540 (433:1; 0.7 cd/m²) can at most be called acceptable. The Lifebook's screen cannot reproduce either the AdobeRGB or sRGB color spaces; the coverage rates are 35.7% (AdobeRGB) and 50.9% (sRGB) here.
The screen's average DeltaE 2000 color shift in state of delivery is 8.31. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. The screen does not exhibit a bluish cast. However, the grayscale reproduction could be better. We achieved an obvious improvement via calibration, which reduced the DeltaE 2000 shift in the grayscale from 7.88 to 1.97. The color shift also dropped to 4.8 and then only missed the target range marginally.
Fujitsu does not explicitly state what kind of screen is installed in the Lifebook. However, the stable viewing angles point to an IPS model. Thus, the screen can be read from every position. The laptop can be used outdoors owing to the matte surface and good contrast. The screen's low brightness might cause problems in very bright surroundings, though.
Performance
Fujitsu's Lifebook E554 represents a 15.6-inch business laptop from the mid-range price segment. The processor installed in our review sample provides more than enough power for business routine. The model that we were provided with is available for around 950 Euros (~$1133). Multiple other configurations are also available. The currently lowest-priced model of the E554 line costs approximately 650 Euros (~$775). The buyer then gets a Core i3-4000M processor, matte HD screen (1366x768 pixels), 4 GB of working memory, and a 320 GB hard drive.
Processor
The Lifebook E554 is powered by an Intel Core i5-4210M dual-core processor (Haswell). It is a standard mobile processor with a TDP of 37 watts. The Dell Latitude E5550 contender, for example, sports a ULV processor (TDP: 15 watts). The Lifebook's processor operates with a base clock of 2.6 GHz that can be boosted up to 3.1 GHz (both cores) and 3.2 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo is also used. The processor always performed the CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmarks with its full speed (3.1 GHz). That was the case in both AC and battery modes.
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
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Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
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Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
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Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
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Browsermark - 2.1 (sort by value) | |
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WebXPRT 2013 - Overall (sort by value) | |
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* ... smaller is better
System Performance
A smoothly and swiftly running system is expected from a laptop based on a Core i5 processor and solid state drive. The Lifebook does not disappoint in this regard. The PCMark benchmark scores are also very good. Dell's Latitude E5550 clearly lags behind the Lifebook and other contenders such as Lenovo's ThinkPad L540. The reason is Dell's laptop sports a ULV processor that operates considerably slower than the standard mobile processors in the Lifebook and ThinkPad.
PCMark 7 Score | 4451 points | |
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2723 points | |
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2651 points | |
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3838 points | |
Help |
Storage Devices
Data is stored on a solid state drive from Samsung in Fujitsu's laptop. It is a standard-sized 2.5-inch model. The SSD has a capacity of 120 GB. Approximately 95 GB of that can be used. When the capacity needed for the Windows installation is subtracted from that, the laptop's owner has roughly 65 GB available. The drive does not inevitably have to be replaced should this capacity get tight. The modular bay in the Lifebook can be furnished with a second hard drive. The corresponding module costs about 36 Euros (~$42) - naturally without a hard drive.
The read rates of the installed SSD are good. However, the write rates are far from ideal. This is likely due to the SSD's relatively low capacity. Not all channels of the controller can be addressed. Higher capacity versions of the PM851 SSD should provide faster times. However, the SSD is not a top model then, either. Nowadays, considerably faster models are available, such as Samsung's SSD 840 Evo.
Fujitsu LifeBook E554 HD Graphics 4600, 4210M, Samsung SSD PM851 128 GB MZ7TE128HMGR | HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S | Dell Latitude E5550 HD Graphics 4400, 4310U, Lite-On LCS-128L9S | Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Bullman C-Klasse S i7 15FHD Dirtbook HD Graphics 4600, 4810MQ, Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB | |
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AS SSD | 2% | 15% | 21% | 64% | |
Seq Read | 468 | 494.9 6% | 474 1% | 515 10% | 506 8% |
Seq Write | 135.8 | 300.1 121% | 315 132% | 248.3 83% | 496.6 266% |
4K Read | 33.14 | 19.7 -41% | 24 -28% | 27.2 -18% | 39.16 18% |
4K Write | 94.9 | 46.9 -51% | 44 -54% | 69.4 -27% | 120 26% |
4K-64 Read | 347.4 | 237.5 -32% | 365 5% | 360.5 4% | 335.2 -4% |
4K-64 Write | 107.8 | 195.5 81% | 277 157% | 187.4 74% | 231.3 115% |
Access Time Read * | 0.145 | 0.12 17% | 0.1 31% | 0.08 45% | 0.06 59% |
Access Time Write * | 0.04 | 0.074 -85% | 0.09 -125% | 0.04 -0% | 0.029 27% |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics Card
Fujitsu does not offer a dedicated GPU for its Lifebook. Instead, Intel's HD Graphics 4600 core is used. It supports DirectX 11.1 and clocks with speeds ranging from 400 to 1150 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark results do not reveal any surprises and are on the common level for this graphics core. The Lifebook E554 reaps in a better score than the Lifebook E544 based on the same CPU-GPU combination because the working memory in the E554 operates in dual-channel mode. Thus, the graphics core can be utilized better and achieves higher results. If a second working memory module was installed in the Lifebook E544, it would achieve equal scores.
3DMark 06 Standard Score | 6355 points | |
3DMark 11 Performance | 1040 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 47406 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5192 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 653 points | |
Help |
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook E554 | |
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E | |
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE | |
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk | |
HP EliteBook 755 G2 |
Cinebench R10 - Shading 32Bit (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook E554 | |
Fujitsu Lifebook E754 | |
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E | |
HP ProBook 655 | |
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk | |
HP EliteBook 755 G2 |
Gaming Performance
Computer games are not the intended field of use for the Lifebook. Nevertheless, its owner can risk playing various games. The hardware in Fujitsu's laptop manages to smoothly render many games using a low to medium resolution and low quality settings. More should be possible when the game does not have high hardware requirements. That would, for example, be the case in Counter Strike: Global Offensive.
low | med. | high | ultra | |
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Tomb Raider (2013) | 57.6 | 26.8 | 15.2 | 8.5 |
BioShock Infinite (2013) | 40.7 | 19.6 | 16.1 | 5.3 |
GRID: Autosport (2014) | 98.4 | 36.6 | 17.2 | 12.5 |
Emissions
System Noise
There is nothing worse than a fan that produces distracting noises while working on a PC/laptop. Unfortunately, this kind of fan is installed in the Lifebook. It emits a subtle hum that gets very annoying. Fortunately, the fan is not permanently active. It is usually disabled in idle mode, and the laptop is silent. The fan naturally speeds up considerably during load. We measured a noise level of 38.2 dB in medium load (via 3DMark06) and 42.8 dB in full load (stress test via Furmark and Prime95). These rates would be acceptable if it were not for the humming noise. Lenovo's ThinkPad L540 produces less noise during load, just like Dell's Latitude E5550. It benefits from its energy-efficient processor.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 29.3 / 29.3 / 29.3 dB(A) |
DVD |
| 36.5 / dB(A) |
Load |
| 38.2 / 42.8 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Temperature
A positive consequence of the fan's high speed compared with the contenders is the casing's low temperature development in our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour). We ascertained a maximum temperature of 37.6 °C directly under the heat sink. The Lifebook will not cause any heat-related problems. Neither Lenovo's ThinkPad L540 nor Dell's Latitude E5550 exhibit exceedingly high temperatures, either. The Lifebook performed the stress test in both AC and battery modes in the same manner. The processor clocked with 2.6 GHz, and the graphics core operated with 850 to 900 MHz.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 30.1 °C / 86 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.6 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.6 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25.8 °C / 78.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (+1.8 °C / 3.3 F).
Speakers
Fujitsu installs the stereo speakers above the laptop's keyboard. They have a very thin yet clear sound. There is absolutely no bass. The clear sound predestines the speakers for videoconferencing. Users who want to listen to music or watch a video should use headphones or external speakers.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The idle power consumption of the Lifebook is clearly below 10 watts. We usually see these kinds of rates in laptops based on Haswell ULV processors. The power requirement climbs to normal rates for the hardware platform during load. Dell's Latitude E5550 equipped with a ULV processor is considerably more power-guzzling than the Lifebook especially when idling. However, it consumes less power during load because it can then make use of its energy-efficient processor.
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Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Battery Runtime
The Lifebook's battery lasted for 16:28 hours in idle mode. Rivals like Dell's Latitude E5550 (8:43 h) and Lenovo's ThinkPad L540 (6:31 h) are drained sooner. Idle mode is simulated using Battery Eater's Reader's test; the screen operates in minimum brightness, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the radio modules are off. The Lifebook shuts down after 1:37 hours of load. Dell's Latitude (1:18 h) and the ThinkPad (1:33 h) lag behind that. The load runtime is ascertained with Battery Eater's Classic test using maximum screen brightness, the high-performance mode, and enabled wireless modules.
A charged battery kept our Wi-Fi test running for 6:22 hours. The Latitude (6:05 h) comes short by only a few minutes while the ThinkPad (4:58 h) cannot compete with its rivals. Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds using the energy-saving profile, and a screen brightness of approximately 150 cd/m² in this test. We check the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H. 265 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The Lifebook lasted 5:43 hours. The Latitude (6:22 h) tops that by a few minutes.
In total, the Lifebook can offer very good runtimes. Replacing the DVD drive installed in the modular bay with a second battery would even increase them a bit.
Fujitsu LifeBook E554 HD Graphics 4600, 4210M, Samsung SSD PM851 128 GB MZ7TE128HMGR | Dell Latitude E5550 HD Graphics 4400, 4310U, Lite-On LCS-128L9S | Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S | HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | HP ProBook 655 Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142 | HP EliteBook 755 G2 Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Toshiba Satellite Pro R50-B-112 HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075 | |
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Battery Runtime | -15% | -29% | -3% | -32% | -22% | -27% | -37% | -36% | -16% | |
Reader / Idle | 988 | 523 -47% | 391 -60% | 898 -9% | 461 -53% | 559 -43% | 493 -50% | 416 -58% | 550 -44% | |
H.264 | 343 | 382 11% | 189 -45% | |||||||
WiFi | 382 | 365 -4% | 298 -22% | 362 -5% | 258 -32% | 316 -17% | 288 -25% | 270 -29% | 234 -39% | 315 -18% |
Load | 97 | 78 -20% | 93 -4% | 103 6% | 100 3% | 84 -13% | 65 -33% | 94 -3% | 112 15% |
Verdict
Fujitsu's Lifebook E554 serves its owner with a decent amount of computing power that is more than sufficient for everyday use. A swift solid state drive ensures a swift-running system. A high-contrast IPS screen is also installed. It could be a bit brighter, though. Furthermore, the laptop barely heats up and provides very good battery runtimes. Unfortunately, Fujitsu has blundered unnecessarily in two points, which lessen the laptop's overall impression. We would first mention the humming fan in our review sample. Fortunately, the fan normally remains inactive during routine use. The second fault is found in the keyboard. Fujitsu has basically installed a decent keyboard, but it yields obviously in the middle. That will very quickly annoy prolific typists.