I hope I get this right, I'm a newby here --my first post, but thought I'd join the discussion about the N5010 if that's OK. I pre-ordered a Fujitsu N5010 through Global Computers Laptops Inc. around the first of December. I received it yesterday (1-5-04). I bought the same configuration as jmkay03, (P4 3Gig, DVDRW....) except I did upgrade to 768 megs of memory and an 80 gig 5400 HDD. I would have opted for the 60 gig 7200, but I needed the extra space. I initially began browsing the forum because of the Sager 4780, which I was going to buy until coming across the 5010. I also have looked very closely at HP and Toshiba's 17 inch laptops.
After owning 7 laptops over the years I concluded that I just didn't like them and would not purchase another one --because of the screen. Small, pale, dull... Although the screens have gotten much bigger, still they still aren't as beautiful as a good quality desktop monitor. In the computer stores -they all seem to have that "laptop screen" look. I didn't care for the prospect of staring at one all day at work, let alone coming home and playing games on it or browsing the WEB. Although I have seen two screens that I actually liked (at Fry's) --the Fujitsu N3010 and a 16" made by Sony (I forget the model) Both very nice, but they had other features or limitations I didn't like. But then came the N5010. The specs on the screen were mezmorizing --600:1 contrast and 350cfm brightness. I couldn't pass that up, and I'm very pleased about the purchase. It's a scary thing buying a laptop you've never seen, esp. dropping $2170.00--takes faith, or at least a good return policy. My first fear was with the whole dead pixel issue. But then the rep at Global computers told me they have "the best dead pixel policy on the planet. One bad pixel anywhere, and we'll replace the screen." They are both a Fujitsu Reseller and an authorized Fujitsu repair center. So I trusted them, placed the order, and --here are a few comments about the computer itself:
Initial Observations -- When the unit arrived (I have plenty of pictures but don't know how to post them --If someone wants them or wants to post them, let me know; I'll email you some) I, like jmkay, noticed that it is a large unit. I expected that as they just don't put 16 inch screens on tiny laptops. It is a beautiful unit --black and silver styling with a solid look and feel to it. but then there's the screen. It's, well... perfect. After using it a while, I turned back to my 17" NEC monitor on my desktop (which I've always liked) and it looked dreary --dull and comparatively fuzzy. I'll never go back to a desktop. It is brighter than anything I've seen, but it's the contrast that is most noticeable. The blacks are completely totally black. The whites are bright and colors are vivid. There were no dead pixels anywhere (which is good as I would have returned it promptly). Overall, I was thrilled with the purchase.
28 Hours Later -- I've been using the N5010 all day and have had a chance to load in some graphics programs, a video editing program, and a few games. Here's what I've noticed:
Bluetooth --While the 5010 has great WI-FI built in (a+b and g), it has no bluetooth. In the end, no biggie --I popped in a new 3Com Bluetooth PCMCIA card (which slips completely into the unit and is virtually undetectable), and in a few minutes I had synched with my bluetooth cell phone (which has unlimited internet access) and can now surf the web anywhere I go. I'm writing this wirelessly on the 5010 now. Which leads me to the keyboard, which is the quietest I've had in a laptop. It is smooth and and responsive.
SD Slot -- I bought the MRS. a digital camera for Christmas (because I had been wanting one) which uses SD cards. The 5010 had a nifty card reader on the right beside the keyboard. I popped in the card and 80 photos popped right up. But beware, as it only reads SD cards and Sony memory sticks. If you have another kind of memory, you'll be out of luck (though you can cheaply purchase PCMCIA memory card readers to fit your needs).
HEAT -- I have noticed the unit warming up --the fans cycle on and off as needed, which are not bothersome or louder than other comparable units (in my opinion). As to the heat, I also have no concerns as it is not uncomfortably hot (at least not on my unit) and is what I would consider typical for a unit of this power and size.
GHOSTING --none that I have been able to detect. I play games with my kids so you may laugh at my selection. Barbie looks just fine, and Tombraider worked great as well. A brief stint with the Matrix game and StarWars Racer and they look and play fine.
Negatives -- 1. The keyboard is toward the back (as with most laptops) but because of the size of the unit, the "wrist rest" area is actually a little too large for my comfort. I would have preferred pop-out legs on the back to lift up the back of the unit a bit, but there are none. 2. Speakers. The speakers are clear and seem sturdy enough, but lets face it, they're tweeters. No Base. Zip, zero, nada. I've been spoiled on 5 point surround sound and hefty subwoofers for too long. However, a quick hook up to desktop speakers or an inexpensive pair of earphones and problem solved. Still, a subwoofer would have been nice. I would suggest Fujitsu put one in the included power adapter; it already weighs about 30lbs, so what will a few more matter? 3. Stickers. I know this is a small gripe, but they put more stickers on this thing than a race car. Getting them all off without leaving that sticky glue all over the surface was a bit of a hassle. 4. Integrated Floppy Disk Drive. What a complete waste of space. Does anyone use those anymore? Why, they could have added another tweeter instead.
Conclusion: Feel free to ask questions, as I have probably forgotten to mention many things. I haven't run any speed tests yet, but will soon. Overall, the concerns that I mentioned are all minor. The unit looks great, runs very fast, has a solid, quality feel to it, and has a screen like no other. While it's not a perfect laptop, it is the closest I've seen to date.
After owning 7 laptops over the years I concluded that I just didn't like them and would not purchase another one --because of the screen. Small, pale, dull... Although the screens have gotten much bigger, still they still aren't as beautiful as a good quality desktop monitor. In the computer stores -they all seem to have that "laptop screen" look. I didn't care for the prospect of staring at one all day at work, let alone coming home and playing games on it or browsing the WEB. Although I have seen two screens that I actually liked (at Fry's) --the Fujitsu N3010 and a 16" made by Sony (I forget the model) Both very nice, but they had other features or limitations I didn't like. But then came the N5010. The specs on the screen were mezmorizing --600:1 contrast and 350cfm brightness. I couldn't pass that up, and I'm very pleased about the purchase. It's a scary thing buying a laptop you've never seen, esp. dropping $2170.00--takes faith, or at least a good return policy. My first fear was with the whole dead pixel issue. But then the rep at Global computers told me they have "the best dead pixel policy on the planet. One bad pixel anywhere, and we'll replace the screen." They are both a Fujitsu Reseller and an authorized Fujitsu repair center. So I trusted them, placed the order, and --here are a few comments about the computer itself:
Initial Observations -- When the unit arrived (I have plenty of pictures but don't know how to post them --If someone wants them or wants to post them, let me know; I'll email you some) I, like jmkay, noticed that it is a large unit. I expected that as they just don't put 16 inch screens on tiny laptops. It is a beautiful unit --black and silver styling with a solid look and feel to it. but then there's the screen. It's, well... perfect. After using it a while, I turned back to my 17" NEC monitor on my desktop (which I've always liked) and it looked dreary --dull and comparatively fuzzy. I'll never go back to a desktop. It is brighter than anything I've seen, but it's the contrast that is most noticeable. The blacks are completely totally black. The whites are bright and colors are vivid. There were no dead pixels anywhere (which is good as I would have returned it promptly). Overall, I was thrilled with the purchase.
28 Hours Later -- I've been using the N5010 all day and have had a chance to load in some graphics programs, a video editing program, and a few games. Here's what I've noticed:
Bluetooth --While the 5010 has great WI-FI built in (a+b and g), it has no bluetooth. In the end, no biggie --I popped in a new 3Com Bluetooth PCMCIA card (which slips completely into the unit and is virtually undetectable), and in a few minutes I had synched with my bluetooth cell phone (which has unlimited internet access) and can now surf the web anywhere I go. I'm writing this wirelessly on the 5010 now. Which leads me to the keyboard, which is the quietest I've had in a laptop. It is smooth and and responsive.
SD Slot -- I bought the MRS. a digital camera for Christmas (because I had been wanting one) which uses SD cards. The 5010 had a nifty card reader on the right beside the keyboard. I popped in the card and 80 photos popped right up. But beware, as it only reads SD cards and Sony memory sticks. If you have another kind of memory, you'll be out of luck (though you can cheaply purchase PCMCIA memory card readers to fit your needs).
HEAT -- I have noticed the unit warming up --the fans cycle on and off as needed, which are not bothersome or louder than other comparable units (in my opinion). As to the heat, I also have no concerns as it is not uncomfortably hot (at least not on my unit) and is what I would consider typical for a unit of this power and size.
GHOSTING --none that I have been able to detect. I play games with my kids so you may laugh at my selection. Barbie looks just fine, and Tombraider worked great as well. A brief stint with the Matrix game and StarWars Racer and they look and play fine.
Negatives -- 1. The keyboard is toward the back (as with most laptops) but because of the size of the unit, the "wrist rest" area is actually a little too large for my comfort. I would have preferred pop-out legs on the back to lift up the back of the unit a bit, but there are none. 2. Speakers. The speakers are clear and seem sturdy enough, but lets face it, they're tweeters. No Base. Zip, zero, nada. I've been spoiled on 5 point surround sound and hefty subwoofers for too long. However, a quick hook up to desktop speakers or an inexpensive pair of earphones and problem solved. Still, a subwoofer would have been nice. I would suggest Fujitsu put one in the included power adapter; it already weighs about 30lbs, so what will a few more matter? 3. Stickers. I know this is a small gripe, but they put more stickers on this thing than a race car. Getting them all off without leaving that sticky glue all over the surface was a bit of a hassle. 4. Integrated Floppy Disk Drive. What a complete waste of space. Does anyone use those anymore? Why, they could have added another tweeter instead.
Conclusion: Feel free to ask questions, as I have probably forgotten to mention many things. I haven't run any speed tests yet, but will soon. Overall, the concerns that I mentioned are all minor. The unit looks great, runs very fast, has a solid, quality feel to it, and has a screen like no other. While it's not a perfect laptop, it is the closest I've seen to date.
I see you took the plunge in with me as well..After talking with Fujitsu representatives about the vastly new 5010 and its comparison to the N3, I was sold!
1.73" thick? 10.34lbs? this thing wasn't quite designed for mobility was it?!
