LifeBook Q2010 (3G)

The Fujitsu Q2010 (3G) isn't the quickest notebook on the market, but it's among the lightest. It ships with a built-in HSDPA (3G) module, which can achieve download speeds up to 1.8Mbps in areas where the 3G signal strength is strong.

The 3G module supports quad-band operation, and can connect to EDGE, GPRS and GSM networks, too. It allows the Q2010 to connect to the Internet from anywhere; all that's needed is a 3G SIM card. Its spring-loaded SIM card reader can be accessed by removing the battery, and it allows for contacts to be read, and for calls and SMS to be sent and received by the Q2010, directly (for calls, a microphone headset should be used for best results, rather than the built-in array microphone, which isn't effective). For the mobile professional, it means being able to communicate online or via phone, through one device.

The Q2010 weighs 1.1kg and its 19mm-thick profile makes it very easy to carry. The 12.1in screen has a native resolution of 1280x800 and is more than adequate for working on documents, presentations and viewing Web pages on the road. The display looked a little soft in our tests and lacked a little contrast. It is not the best screen we've seen but since it is bright enough to use in the daylight it will appeal to some users nonetheless.

The trim Q2010 is also taut; its hard, magnesium-alloy body doesn't flex and its hinges keep the screen stable at any desired angle. For travelling, a hard carry case is supplied. Since it is so thin the base of the unit is sparse. It doesn't have a built-in optical drive and it only has a spattering of ports. A docking station is supplied for free, and it expands the capabilities of the Q2010 once it's back on the desk. For users who want to give presentations, but who don't want to carry the dock with them, a handy dongle is also supplied, which adds D-sub and Ethernet ports.

Because it's such a small notebook, it doesn't have strong specifications. A Core Solo U1400 (1.2GHz) CPU (single-core), a 4200rpm hard drive (80GB), integrated Intel graphics and 1GB of RAM, mean the Q2010 won't handle taxing tasks.

Indeed, in WorldBench 6, the Q2010 scored 35, which means it will take twice as long to finish most common tasks, compared to a notebook with a faster-frequency dual-core CPU. In our worst-case battery test, where we played a DivX-encoded movie off the hard drive, the Q2010's three cell battery lasted only 42min. A six cell battery is also supplied in the sales package, and although it's a little bulkier, it gives the Q2010 over 3 hours of life away from an outlet (3hr 08min in our worst-case battery test).

For security, the Q2010 has an integrated fingerprint reader to protect your sensitive data. To guard against hard drive damage and data loss, a pre-installed program detects shocks and retracts the drive's heads. Its sensitivity can be adjusted.

As a mobile tool, the Q2010 is ideal. It's very light, yet sturdy; its built-in 3G module facilitates Internet access almost anywhere, and is very easy to set up and use. Understandably, it lacks grunt, so it's only good for working on office documents, and keeping in touch with colleagues.