Fujitsu Lifebooks U904 and S904 look pretty awesome

Anyone willing to take a chance on Fujitsu's 15 day return policy?

 

Maybe once the matte version comes out, maybe. I am surprised that there has been no reviews anywhere so far. Does not Fujitsu send out review units like other companies? It seems like they are on purpose keeping these laptops hidden.

There has been pretty much no news on them since the initial announcement : /

 

Yes, it has gone very quiet, and no indication of when they will be on sale in the UK. As an alternative, there is the M3800 / XPS15 with an excellent 15" QHD+ 3200x1800 screen, but it's quite a bit heavier at 2kg, and still has a pretty limited port selection: no ethernet, no VGA, and no docking port (and, I think, no WWAN).

 

They finally showed up for sale in Canada - with bilingual keyboard, of course, unless you pay the premium to customize. Although I might know how to fool the system.

They should send review units to the three of US, since we seem to be the only ones interested! If only they knew my day job and the kind of stuff I do in other industries, they'd probably jump at the opportunity.

 

Seems like it also showed up at 3rd party vendors. Cheapest I found so far for base model is 1485 + free shipping.

 

Have you seen this vid of the U772? Check it out at the 2:20 mark for the keyboard.

Fujitsu Lifebook U772 - YouTube

 

Did the whole thing just shift when he pressed the keyboard? : /

Well as I said I am hoping they corrected most of the issues of the U772 and am waiting for a review to see how things are. Alternatively maybe the s904 might end up better since it is not as thin and has more room. Then there is a new option that opened up recently in the form of the Thinkpad x3 which might have a matte option though one person said release date for it is jan 28th and I don't know if I can endure that long.

So little choices : (, I really hope that Fujitsu fixed those issues.

 

Wow, there's some serious flexing going on there! The keyboard on my Duo 11 isn't great, but at least it doesn't bend like that.
Still no sign of them in the UK.

I'm now thinking more of the M3800/XPS15. It's a bit heavier, but initial reviews are positive, and there isn't much choice for 3200x1800 laptops with a 14"+ screen (which I feel is necessary to make best use of the real-estate).

In this review of the U772, she says "It’s one of the worst Ultrabook keyboards we’ve used."
Fujitsu LifeBook U772 Utrabook Review - Notebook Reviews by MobileTechReview

 

Add a fourth interested person here...this U904 looks pretty sweet, but like you, I can't feel comfortable pulling the trigger without any way to press the flesh, or at least reviewers to rely on. I guess this indicates the challenge lesser-known OEMs have selling their wares. And it's chicken-and-egg: less sales volume = less consumer interest = lack of reviews or hands-on-opportunities = less interest = less sales volume.

Personally I'm pretty adamant about never buying any expensive electronics without at least access to reliable reviews. The devil is in the details with something like a laptop that you use all the time: I find that small little design issues (an ill-placed key, an uncomfortable ridge, etc.) make or break the deal more than the big things like raw horsepower.

So, thoughts on how we might figure out if this U904 is as good as it looks? I checked my local resellers here in New York City; so far, nada.

 

It's not just the flexing... watch the keys as they're being pressed, and then watch a video of pretty much any other ultrabook. There really is almost no travel, and most of it seems to be "absorbed" by the massive flexing!

 

Interesting. I am trying to find a similar review of my Fujitsu P770, and see if they have the same complaint.

The keyboard on my P770 flexes a lot more than I like. However, I get used to it, and it works well enough. Might be the same here.

There is also the consideration of - how much typing will you be doing? Mine P770 is mainly a DJ instrument, with mouse and remote control being the primary interfaces. Secondary use is as a laptop. I have done a moderate amount of typing, and got used to the floppy keyboard with very limited travel. It would be better if it was more solid - the short travel is OK. Can't type as fast with the P770 as on a real keyboard, but that has a lot to do with the smaller keyboard and my not-smaller hands as well as the flexing.

 

This might explain it.
P770: Keyboard stroke: 2.0 mm - http://remarketing.ts.fujitsu.com/shop/images/datenblatt/ds-lifebook-p770.pdf
U904: Keyboard stroke: 1.0 mm - http://www.shopfujitsu.com/pdf/notebooks/Notebook-computer-LIFEBOOK-U904-Ultrabook-datasheet.pdf

 

The Ativ Book 9 Plus also has 1mm keyboard stroke if I remember correctly and it works fairly well so it is not that keystroke is the end of all measurement. It depends on how well they designed it.

 

I agree that it's not the only factor, but it can't help.

 

the u904 made the retina macbook pro 15 seem like a bargain.

 

Guys, it seems they showcased the u904 and s904 so there are short reviews appearing online, keep an eye out.

So far I found:

u904

Fujitsu Lifebook U904. Hands-On with High-End « Ultrabook News and the Ultrabook Database

Fujitsu Lifebook u904 Ultrabook Hands On - YouTube

http://www.fujitsufans.com/fujitsu-forum-2013-a-close-look-at-the-lifebook-u904/
s904

Fujitsu Lifebook S904 Hands-On. 24hrs of Haswell Goodness. « Ultrabook News and the Ultrabook Database

Fujitsu Lifebook S904 in a short Hands On - YouTube



Edit:

So far what I seen and read it doesn't look like keyboard is warping when touched which is already a plus. It also says that there will be a cheaper u904 with i5-4200U CPU and no vpro for non business.

The s904 seems to have an interesting bay that lets you swap in a battery or a dvd drive or empty for less weight.


Edit2:

This one is old but shows off black color versions?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLhFHnmec-Y

Though so far they only announced silver and red.

 

Why is it no one ever tries out the keyboards on these things at a show. Hit keys! Don't be afraid!

I'd honestly order the prebuilt model to try out (I don't like the lower specs, but customizing is just far too expensive compared to literally any other business notebook with these specs), but here in Canada I'd end up with the bilingual model which I don't want at all, so I have to order from the US via a forwarder... but returning anything bought that way is near impossible due to about $100 in extra shipping fees plus 13% tax paid crossing the border.

 

Yeah that kind of ticked me off a bit as only 1 of the reviews tried to hit the keyboard. Though I don't see why he could't just like type a sentence and all.I would have rather then them spending half the video running around looking for the dock to plug in, spend some time writing a sentence into notepad.

I am still waiting on my matte version : /.

 

But of course they're more than happy to demonstrate sliding their finger over a sheet of glass over and over again. Yes - every single touchscreen notebook I've seen does that the same way! But I'm a writer, so show me the keyboard! I can tell a lot from someone typing a little bit - flex, firmness, key travel, noise...

 

The black model looks very luxurious and sleek.
If it delivers on what it promises it blows away the Y2P and ABP+ and the UX301. I hope that they make one of configuration available with the Iris integrated graphics chip.

 

Ok, so some more updates.
The Fujitsu U904 has started to appear in German online stores. The offered configuration is i7/10GB RAM/256Gb SSD. Also apparently there is review by a German publication Computer Bild which rates it as "Good", even toppling Macbook Pro from it's top spot.

 

Starting now to appear all over Europe. Poland configurator page and also showing up on a few UK websites. Not available to order yet - but an indication that it will be hitting European distribution channels pretty soon...

 

Review from ComputerBild 24/2013 attached. In summary it is extremely quiet and powerful - with excellent keyboard and trackpad.

View attachment u904_review.pdf

 

Just had confirmation from Fujitsu UK that 3 models will be available to order before Christmas

EDIT: Suppliers will receive the first batch of laptops in the UK on 25th November.

 

Since I don't read German and that PDF is near impossible to auto-translate... here's a Google translation of some of the text (with plenty of errors).


RED RACER
So many pixels * had until recently only digital cameras : The 14 -inch screen of the Fujitsu LifeBook U904 lit 3200 x 1800 pixels - more than the MacBook Pro Retina and any other ultrabook . What the brand new LifeBook else draufhat reveals the test .

Sharp and quick, not for gamers
How Fujitsu has managed to bring as many pixels on the screen ? Quite simply: the U904 works with the IGZO technology . Uses very small pixels, and so far only came in outrageously expensive 4K monitors to use and it pays off: With its sharp images and rich, contrasting colors , the U904 is a true feast for the eyes . However, the screen reflects strong - typical touch screen * - models . Fujitsu plans to offer in the future a version with a matte display without touch function .

Also, the built-in processor ( Core i7- 4600U ) is on the ball : In collaboration with the lush RAM * ( * 10 gigabytes ) and the very fast SSD * it makes for a brisk operation pace.

For graphically demanding games , the U904 but not suitable : The Game "Heaven" is calculated , for example, only 2 images per second.

Business class
It 's rarely in Ultrabooks : Thanks UMTS module , the Lifebook comes also go to the internet. ( :; Pictured below right price 90 euros ) on board also a connection for a " replicator " is . At about the keyboard, mouse , monitor and a printer can dock . For this purpose the user sets the Ultrabook easy on it.

By the way: The red test model is a special edition , the U904 is also in a subdued gray .

perfect input
And operation ? Overall, it is a real pleasure : on the high quality keyboard makes typing longer texts, fun , and with the large touchpad can precisely control the mouse pointer . For Windows apps * can also use the touch screen that reacts fast and ex - act. For conventional Windows software but it is of limited use : Due to the very high resolution, the buttons are tiny - and correspondingly difficult to hit .

Top: The U904 is in normal operation extremely quiet ( 0.2 sones ) , while video playback even almost silently ( 0.1 sone ) . In the test , the battery lasted on average three and a half hours . This is neat - some similar small Ultrabooks run but longer : for example, abolished the MacBook Air nearly five hours.

CONCLUSION
The Fujitsu LifeBook U904 is a great travel companion : small and light , quiet and fast - except for complex games . Even so , it displaces the MacBook Pro # 1 on the Top 10 However, the customer has to dig deep into their pockets . Even the basic model fails with 1499 Euros, with the tested version will cost 1899 euros even proud .

LIFESTYLE FACTOR
The brushed aluminum casing and magnesium looks chic and is solid : The Aufklappmechanik seems durable , the keyboard does not wobble. The U904 's in red and dark gray.

Wow, the sharp : The screen of the Fujitsu Lifebook U904 is 6 million pixels .

A port replicator is available as an accessory : Who brings more sockets.

The case is so shallow that you have to unfold the network jack.

How fast you can work with the Ultrabook ?
The Core i7 processor delivers high speed at work. Games are too slow because of the high resolution .

How good are sound and image ?
The screen is a stunner - super sharp with crisp colors. Rich sound , but there's only through headphones .

How well the device can be used on the road?
The LifeBook runs almost silently and remains pleasantly cool . The battery lasts about three and a half hours .

Is there anything you need ?
Storage galore: Since you can run many programs at the same time . The software package is missing only one program office .

How easy is it to operate ?
Who knows Windows 8, is easy to navigate . Keyboard and touchpad are great, the touch screen is very accurate.

improvement
integrated UMTS

devaluation
Headphone volume too high

 

You can see the three UK models here:
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=u904+fujitsu&tbm=shop
i5 - 128GB - £1351
i7 - 128GB - £1543
i7 - 256GB - 8GB - £1736
I hope those prices include VAT

 

Some hi-def pics from Tom's hardware, Italy

More pics here.

 

Anyone looking for a review should go here. It's a detailed review of the UH90 (Japan model) which is identical to the U904.

UH90 Review

 

Just noticed that they stocked up on newegg. Too bad it isn't shoprunner eligible.(lets you return items for free)

Also noticed we missed a deal on it for 1498$-150$ for 1348$ through newegg business.

Not identical. you can tell by the keyboard that they are different(not talking about the language). They do share a lot of similarity though, yes.

Though I notice I was right about the weights. They measured it at 1.36kg instead of the advertised 1.39kg when using an ssd. Might be even able to cut down more weight with an msata and an adapter.

The biggest points from the review I see is that viewing angles on this panel is worse then IPS but better then TN. And it has good color gamut and reproduction.

 

Alas, as much as I really like the design, I've decided it's just too dang expensive. I've been eyeing the HP Zbook 14, and even though it's not super high resolution or touch, it's $800 less for similar specs (with 6gb more RAM and an AMD M4100 GPU)... and I don't need the extreme thinness or lightness. I really would like the 3200x1800 screen, but it's not worth $800 to me... especially without a decent GPU to drive it.

 

Is it cheaper in canada? or some coupons? Cause looking here in the US the price seems same if not higher in some cases.

Or you mean the HP EliteBook 840 G1 ?

 

By the time I customize the Fujitsu to i7/10gb/256gb SSD the price is $2877 Canadian. Add on a 3 year on-site warranty (stock on the HP) and the price is $3105. No coupons/discounts are available.

I can get the HP Zbook 14 "Smart Buy" F2R99UT for $2310 Canadian with a proper English keyboard. (Note that you don't want to "customize" the HP - the prices are ridiculous even with the discount code, and it seems you can't get the discrete GPU).

Windows 7 Professional 64 (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8 Pro)
Intel® Core™ i7-4600U (2.1GHz w/ Turbo, 4MB Cache) Processor
14 inch LED FHD UWVA Anti-Glare enabled for Webcam slim (1920x1080) IPS
AMD FirePro M4100
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L 2DM
240GB SATA-3 Solid State Drive
DualPoint Backlit Keyboard
Intel 7260AN abgn 2x2 +Bluetooth 4.0 LE WW
Bluetooth® 4.0 Wireless Technology
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Webcam
1 Secure Digital; 1 Smart Card Reader
Integrated Intel I218-LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000)
3 USB 3.0; 1 USB 3.0 charging; 1 DisplayPort; 1 stereo microphone-in/headphone-out combo; 1 AC power; 1 RJ-45; 1 side docking connector; 1 VGA
3 Cell 50 WHr Long Life Battery
3-year standard parts and labor warranty 3/3/3. Includes HP Elite Premium Support, 24x7x365 @ 866 625 1175

The HP EliteBook 840 G1 is actually the near identical laptop only in a different color, with a consumer versus professional AMD GPU, and the warranty is still 3 years but reduced to depot service. The i7/16gb/256gb/14" FHD anti-glare/8750M/W7P model of that can be had for $1830 at Newegg in the US... but isn't being sold at all in Canada. By the time I add on freight forwarding from the US, brokerage, possible duty and the exchange rate, the savings aren't really worth the hassle.

So, I'm looking at $3105 versus $2310... that's pretty significant.

 

Well, I ended up ordering the HP. Haggled them down to $2261. No, it's not perfect, but then again nothing ever is - and for some reason I seem to be have had a much harder time finding an ideal 13-14" Haswell than any other laptop I've bought before. All in all the Zbook seems to have the best design and combination of features for my particular needs. My only remaining concern in fan noise, but even if it's not great I can just replace it sooner than I typically do.

I looked up what I paid for the Sony Z11 that's slowly failing on me now... and I was shocked. Nearly 4 years ago, this puppy cost me $3980... plus tax! I guess a full-voltage CPU in a compact frame, hybrid graphics and a 512GB SSD were quite pricey back then!

Whenever the new one arrives, I'll be sure to report on it!

 

I was considering the consumer version of the zbook so I can understand. (In the US the consumer version gets an 18% off coupon on customization which makes customizing worth it. Especially since I can chose not to install windows and use my own windows licenses I have lying around). I actually almost ordered it when they had a glitch that the top model with i7 was going for 1000$. By the time I got to the order page they fixed it : (

I am keeping the HP as a backup option but with my experience with previous HP products I am a bit vary. Though I hear the Elitebooks are much better quality then their normal laptops so maybe it isn't so bad.

Right now though I am considering between the Fujitsu and the new thinkpad x1 carbon (rumored to have a high res matte screen).

 

I considered the new X1 for a while. Not sure when it'll actually be out, but decided I wanted wired Ethernet that didn't require a dongle or USB adapter. Also decided I really prefer W7 compared to W8, and as much as like the idea of a retina-style screen, W7 won't handle the high DPI too well and I honestly don't have a quality issue with the 1600x900 resolution on my Z11. Maybe in a couple years when things have progressed further.

I am very wary of HP as well - never owned one of their laptops (I *have* owned printers, one desktop, and still own a WHS system), but hear very good things about their business line. Actually, even the new consumer Spectre 13-3000 seems pretty good. Oh well - different products for different needs!

 

x1 carbon will most likely come out dec/jan is what people are guessing.

To point out, Windows 8 pro comes with free windows 7 upgrade license.(I know the official word is downgrade but I call it upgrade). But I can see your point about the ethernet and the dpi. In a couple of years we might all be using OLED or QLED screens. Technology changes quickly. Reason I am trying for the high res screens is for when I do image design. My current laptop is a 1366x768 and its too horrible to do anything on and have to always switch to my desktop monitor. Which becomes even more of a pain when I am away.

Well anyways good luck with the HP, if it gets to the point where my laptop becomes too much of a pain and I can't wait anymore(and it is getting close) I just might end up joining you. Though I'd probably opt for the 840 version due to the discounts available in the US and I can at least nab a 1080p.

 

The model I'm getting comes with W7P installed, but also has a full W8P recovery disc included so you can always change later. I believe the 840 with the 1080p non-touch screen comes with the same. Plus, it IS anti-glare, which I know you want.

My previous Sony SZ160 laptop was 13.3" 1366x768, and my Z11 is 13.1" 1600x900 (bought consciously instead of the 1080p option) and I agree that 768 isn't near high enough for a pro. I actually quite like 1600x900 in the 13" size, so 1080p in 14" will be similar but perhaps a tad better - I do HD video editing, so it will be nice to be able to see the full resolution.

A quick table of DPI values:

Screen Size	Resolution	DPI
12.5"	1366x768	125
	1920x1080	176
13.1"	1600x900	140
	1920x1080	168
13.3"	1366x768	118
	1600x900	138
	1920x1080	166
	2560x1440	220
	3200x1800	276
14.0"	1366x768	112
	1600x900	131
	1920x1080	157
	2560x1440	210
	3200x1800	262

EDIT: I just checked, and an ETA has actually appeared for my ZB14: November 25th. Not going to bank on it though!

 

Right, now getting back to the Fujitsu U904.
Here is a detailed hands-on review (In Itialian however):

 

U904 is awesome, but i think i am going for T904 though.

 

The audio has too much noise for google translate captions : (

Is that the one that can be used under water?

 

No, that's the U571

 

It seems that s904 (both touch and matte) and other u904 configs have hit other countries. Still nothing in the US though : (

One thing I notice on the S904 is that touch and matte tend to have a savings of around 130$. So more than likely that is how much cheaper the matte version of the U904 will be.

 

Where did you find the non-touch anti glare version???
Here in Germany the touch "premium" version (i7, 10GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is available since about 2 days... I would like the anti glare Version more...

 

Here:
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK S904 (S26391-K390-V100) - Configurator products Fujitsu

To note this is the S904. The U904 non-touch matte will come later. A person earlier said they spoke to support and they said December.

 

News of early shipping are trickling in from all over the net. This chap here got it recently and is quite happy:
https://twitter.com/SvenKutzer/status/401375510036766720

 

What's the color gamut of the IGZO display?

 

Based on the review linked earlier on the Japanese model, it looks like the color gamut is nearly 100% sRGB

Google Translate

 

Very nice! Looks like ~70% Adobe RGB, impressive.

 

News (good tests) about the quality of the keyboard?

For me still the most important thing of an notebook.

 

I think I found a black friday deal on the Fujitsu u904.

NeweggBusiness - Fujitsu LifeBook SPFC-U904-001 Intel Core i5 6GB Memory 500GB HDD 14" Touchscreen Ultrabook Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit

$1,489.00

NeweggBusiness - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!


199 off 999$+


Total: $1290

Ends midnight 11/29


Sorry I found it as late as I did : (