Hi all,

I know we are all on the TR-series, but I am wondering ....
which alternative to the TR would you buy?
Panasonic W/R/Y-series, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Samsung, others ...

Your opinion might help me -and many others- getting the next ultraportable!
Thanks a lot

If there is a notebook userbase as rabid as Vaio users, its Thinkpad users.  I don’t personally like the styling, but take a look at the X40.  Or better yet, just check out the reviews here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Notebooks/4521-6527_7-5021302-4.html

I think all of them have a video clip review.  I wonder what kind of changes Thinkpad will go through now that they’re being made by Lenovo.

X505 :drool:

Fujisu, craftsmanship is inpeccable.

thanks for the link. Would you include the Vaio S-Type in this crowd of the ultrap[ortables? After all it has a powerful CPU, graphics board and large HD together with a well readable display! I am personaly inclined towards the S-Type (for the above reasons) or Panasonic 14” ToughBook for it’s design (especially the CD-Drive solution). The missing 6-pin FireWire is a pain in almost all of the ultraportable! Built-in BT, WebCam and mic are also nice. This “completness” gave the preference to my TR5. I only wished it had a better CD-Drive (a slot like my Apple PB or a compartment like Panasonic) and a little slimer!

I would definitly consider Fujitsu P7010 / T70H (in Japon)

Fujitsu is truely the closest to TR! What about the screen; is it comparable to the TR’s? Only lacking BT which can be easily added!
A non-favourable comment was made above on the craftmanship/build-quality!
Any users comment on Panasonic?
Again my choice is still S-Type, if it was not the noise fan!

Technically a notebook is considered ultraportable if its 3-4 lbs.  S-Type is 4.12 lbs, which would classify it as a thin and light device.  Thats backed by the fact it doesnt have a 10” screen or ULV cpu.

@jashsu
I agree, but ... I do not mind having a larger screen if the weight still less than 2 Kg and also do not mind the CPU class if the battery lasts more than 3 hours in practical use!
I have the Vaio S1 at work, the screen is very good, speed is satisfactory, touchpad buttons are too hard and the fan is noisy. Again, I consider the 6-pin FireWire important and BT very welcome additions!

Any opinions about Panasonic ToughBook? Nobody mentioned Samsung X10, any opinions of owners/users?

I haven’t used a ToughBook myself, but take a look at cnet’s video review.  I don’t like the way the outer chassis flexes so easily like that.

[quote author=“everbrave”]Fujitsu is truely the closest to TR! What about the screen; is it comparable to the TR’s? Only lacking BT which can be easily added!
A non-favourable comment was made above on the craftmanship/build-quality!

Fujisu, craftsmanship is inpeccable.

Hehe, I think you meant this comment, impeccable means having no flaw, or perfect!

In regards to the Fujitsu P, I just got one 2 days ago, and I love everything about it, EXCEPT for the fan noise.  I personally can deal with the fan noise, but when I am going to take it with me to lectures, I don’t want it making a lot of noise.  I haven’t tested it out in class yet, so I’m not sure about that.
The screen is definitely comparable to the TR, only after a couple of hours, I feel that looking at large monitors seems strange to me.

And the machine still feels fast when I lower the processor speed.  The 7200rpm drive I put in really helps a lot.

I think in the end, you can’t go wrong with either.  I really like the TR as well, but I didn’t like how I couldn’t really customize it, and how expensive it would be to buy an extra battery.

jashsu, I did read/watch the review of Cnet. In general, the users are the real reviewers! They are unbiased and can report on their long-term use experience especially with regard to wear, reliability, fatigue etc.
Thanks for the prompt response.
best regards

@hshau
sorry, I mis-read “inpeccable” (impeccable) as “inacceptable”! Fan noise is what holds me back from the S-Type!

did you add BT over a USB dongle?

Have fun with your Fujitsu

BTW, where are you located?

Regards

[quote author=“everbrave”]@hshau
sorry, I mis-read “inpeccable” (impeccable) as “inacceptable”! Fan noise is what holds me back from the S-Type!

did you add BT over a USB dongle?

Have fun with your Fujitsu

BTW, where are you located?

Regards

I think you’d be taking your chances with the Fujitsu then, it ranges from almost quiet to sort of loud.  I’m fine with the fan noise at home, because I have about 10 case fans in my desktop, and I’ve gotten really used to fan noise.  It just bothers me a bit for if I’m in lectures at school, but I have yet to determine how that will play out.  Plugged into AC, it seems to go on and off, so I just clock it down to 600Mhz.  It doesn’t feel sluggish though, even at 600MHz, so its fine for me, and I don’t notice the fan as much.  But the fan is on a lot more at 1.1Ghz, but I haven’t extensively tested it yet.  I’m trying to cut down on some non-essential XP running in the background to try to stop the fan from spinning up so much, but I haven’t gotten through all of those as well

I have no use for BT right now, so I haven’t added any dongles.  I’ve read of people using SD and CF modules for BT,. but I myself have not.

I’m located in Canada

Just go for the S series.. S360 and above is great!..  I’ve compared the Fujitsu, Toshiba.. man the S still looks well built..  Try going to Fry’s Electronics or Bestbuy and see the difference… the rest are plastic but the S is definitely the bomb, I mean the exterior is metal.. not the type that will explode but the type you’ll say wow..  same goes with the price as well when you see it.. hehe

What about the fan noise in the S360, any improvements? The processor speed is higher, i.e. more heat!

Any experience?

Thanks and regards