Fujitsu reveals UH900 UMPC with multi-touch screen running Windows 7
Fujitsu has been at the forefront of UMPCs for a while with their exceptional U-series of devices with a legion of loyal fans including the team here at Pocketables. In our recent holiday wishlist feature, Chris mentioned how he was hoping for the release of a successor to the U820. And it looks like Fujitsu was listening, as they have today revealed their latest entry into the UMPC market.
Although not a direct successor for the U820, the UH900 represents the company’s first new product in the category for over a year and should be very eagerly anticipated. Featuring a more conventional clamshell design compared to the U-series’ convertible tablet form factor, the UH900 has a 5.6-inch touch screen supporting multi-touch with a resolution of 1280×800. Other headline features include a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530, 2GB of DDR2-533 RAM, Intel US15W chipset with GMA500 graphics processor, a 62GB SSD, b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, the option of inbuilt 3.5G connectivity, an SD card slot, two USB ports, a webcam, and a light weight of 17.6oz (including battery). The device has the following petite dimensions of 8″ x 4.2″ x 0.94″ (WxHxD) and comes installed with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Other information available at this time indicates that the UH900 will have a 1800mAH battery lasting for about 3 hours. An “ECO” button is included although it is currently uncertain how this affects the battery life with the assumptions being that it either guarantees 3 hours or is able to extend it beyond 3 hours. Apart from the ECO mode, a set of other thermal touch buttons are included around the bezel of the screen for changing resolution, launching media applications, and vertical page scrolling.
Some of the design features of the U-series have also been carried over such as the TrackPoint and mouse buttons, and the provision of a stylus for the touch screen. In line with the new product’s stylish design, the UH900 will be available in three colors: Mocha Black, Fiery Red, and Vintage Gold.
Details on availability and price have yet to be officially confirmed, but the UH900 model without 3.5G connectivity is likely to appear this month with the 3.5G model coming at the beginning of next year. It is currently unknown if this information is valid worldwide or only in Japan/Asia.
Prices are also not known at this time, but Hong Kong-based ePrice has stated the new Fujitsu will be available for HK$12,980 (around US$1670) and launch on December 17th. This figure is likely to be lower when it actually hits the market, possibly around HK$10,980 or US$1400.
I don’t think I’m the only one who is excited to hear about this new UMPC from Fujitsu. I was always an admirer of the U-series and how it achieved such a usable, flexible, and compact design. My first impressions are that the UH900 certainly has potential, but it reminds me quite a bit of a slightly smaller, thicker VAIO P. I am excited by the addition of the multi-touch screen, but am concerned that the screen has a slightly higher vertical resolution than the P on a smaller screen area. This could lead to problems with legibility, as the Sony’s screen is already around the limit of comfort. Lastly, though still unconfirmed, the early indications of price are extremely high. We will be keeping a keen eye out on the official launch dates and prices from Fujitsu in the coming weeks.
What do existing owners of the U-series and the rest of our readers think of the UH900?
