gadgets

Measuring up with a 10.1-inch screen size, the slate-beating Lifebook T580 squeezes full-size notebook features and technology into a smaller, lighter and lower-priced package.

It's billed as the flexible alternative to working on a slate - removing the frustration of slow responses by packing much more processor power, and delivering convenient practicalities for everyday working, such as a keyboard, two USB slots, SD card and SmartCard readers, a webcam, and outputs for both VGA monitors and high-definition HDMI displays.

Weighing just 1.4kg, the new baby T580 converts from a notebook to a touch screen tablet PC with a simple twist of the unique bi-directional rotatable screen. This provides a full touch screen experience including support for four-finger multiple touch, and enables fingertip control for up to 14 different gestures, as well as touch-based double-tapping, scrolling, magnifying, and rotating. A Dual Digitiser delivers the highest accuracy and pressure sensitivity when working with a stylus, and the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system recognises handwriting in 26 languages, plus voice commands.

Even in direct sunlight, the screen display is bright and clear thanks to high-definition LED backlighting with an Ambient Light Sensor that automatically adjusts display brightness, while a smear-proof coating means no distractions from fingerprints.

Working outdoors or on the road no longer means compromising on connectivity as the T580 is packed with optional embedded 3G/UMTS (combined with GPS), WLAN, and Bluetooth. The latest Intel Core processor technology ensures a responsive and fast processing system. In addition, convenient buttons allow fast access to often used applications and provide an easy way to check remaining battery power. Security features include a biometric fingerprint sensor and Fujitsu's Advanced Theft Protection solution.

So the Lifebook T580 packs more disk space, more memory, more connectivity options, more security, and more than double the processing power than a slate. It's also the lowest-priced tablet PC in Fujitsu's line-up.