E8020 Software

I am thinking of buying a E8020 as a replacement for my desktop PC. However, I am wondering of how Fujitsu distribute SW on their units. Does the package include Windows install CDs or is it just an recovery image? I want a system without any proprietary hidden partions (like IBM), where I can upgrade the disk if I want to.

The package include Norton qhost for backup. Does that mean imaging the entire 80 GB HDD for every backup?

Any general thought of the E8020 series? The specs speaks for themselves, but what about build quality, keyboard, SXGA+ display etc...?

Thanks!
kmo

 

All of Fujitsu's notebooks come with an image installation DVD.
There are no hidden partitions.
And there is a driver & applications CD that runs on any windows, so you don't need to have Fujitsu's copy installed.
You can partition the drive as you wish, the restoration software would recognize that you have multiple partitions, and would ask you if you want to fully format the drive and make it into one piece, or keep your partitioning system and just format and reinstall on C:

On mine I upgraded the HDD, did my own partitioning, and installed a different copy of winXP. And everything is great. I only used the drivers and apps CD for the hardware that windows doesn't recognize, and there are no available drivers for online. And to install the hotkey applications (Fn keys and media keys).

Just a note, Fujitsu come with no bloatware. only things installed extra are acrobat reader, norton AV, quiken, and word 2003.

As for build quality check this review.

 

A friend purchased 2 E8020's for his kids. I believe that he did get the CD's. You should check with Fujitsu. I have seen the machines and have a couple of comments:

1. As received, the keyboard has a fair amount of flex on the right hand side. Fujitsu was eventually able to fix this.

2. He got the SXGA+ screen. Very nice, but very small fonts in native mode. If desired you can set the display to large fonts. This helped him alot (his kids didn't need it) and still kept the display sharp.

3. Consider the E8020D, it has the atheros wireless card which is considered (on this board) better than the Intel card.

I would recommend that you also consider contacting PortableOne. Even though I have not purchased anything, they have been most helpful in answering questions, etc. They are very well regarded on this board. They also have indicated to me that they can fix the keyboard flex problem prior to shipping. FWIW, when I buy, it will be from them.

Also, take a look at the new C1320D. It seems to have much of what the E8020 series has. It may be cheaper and appears to have a higher capacity battery option.

Harvey