Just got my S6231 from P-1 WOW!

Yesterday the FedEx truck arrived with a long awaited package from Portable One. My new S6231!!! It was shipped on the 24th, but got hung up in Memphis due to the crappy weather over the weekend. I have heard and read so much about this Notebook that I sat in almost a nirvanic state as I opened the package. So neat, so clean, so perfect?? P-1 had added a 60gb HD and a single 512mb stick of memory in place of the twin 256's and I swear, you couldn't tell that the package had been unsealed. The folks at P-1 are so great I can't begin to tell you, but more on them later. After unpacking everything from the carton I laid it all out and gazed with amazement at the most awesome small form factor notebook I have ever seen. This is not my first notebook by any means. I've had an array of Dell's, HP's and the like, but nothing that comes close to the quality and workmanship of the Fujitsu! The 6231 is light as a feather and solid as a rock! Ok, enough with the cliche's. I have come to love this notebook. It has performed flawlessly for the past two days as I loaded this and that and personalized it just for me.

The first thing that happened when I booted up was an immediate acquirement of my wireless network !! No settings, no fiddling, just, "you are now connected to a wireless network!" Bada Boom! Done! I opted for Win XPPro SP2 and it came with Media Player 10 already installed. Had to rip a couple CD's just for fun! 5 minutes max! The battery life in this baby is unbelievable! I was ripping and syncing music today (to my new Creative Zen Micro)for almost 4 hours before I got the "recharge warning". I was gonna buy a spare bay battery, but now, maybe not! I heard a couple complaints about a spongy keyboard...Not on this baby! Solid! Heat problem on bottom...Not any more than any other notebook that I've ever had. If they don't get a little warm, they're turned off! This thing has got vents all over it. The fan is so quiet I had to put it up to my ear to hear it. Fujitsu applies a soft, almost felt, pad over the warm areas so they never touch your delicate skin! I love this notebook! The screen is wonderful, so bright and sharp. P-1 tossed in a full 3 yr warranty from the factory and free shipping. They are such great folks to deal with. Now get this, One of their wheels called me on Monday just to make sure I was satisfied with my purchase. Satisfied? It doesn't get any better than this! I have never felt this positive about a vendor. Thanks for listening to my rant! I'll do a more technical review later if you want...Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Ace

 

Lazyace,

Congrads on the new laptop!! You sound excite and rightly so....if you have the time I would love to hear a more detailed review...I am glad to hear about the keyboard.

Can I ask you one question??

Any reason why you went with the S6231 over the larger screened S7010??? I really want to find out why people are buying mostly the S6231 [ ]. Oh and I will most certainly buy from Portable One as well...they sound like a winner!

Thanks and have fun with your new toy [ ],

Flyboy

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>SP2 and it came with Media Player 10 already installed.<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>Cool, I was not able to get an answer to this from the previous two 6231 purchasers here.

-David

 

David, Just to be perfectly clear. If you opt for XXP over XPH ($100) you will get it as an image from Fujitsu and it might not include WMP10, but it's a free download from MS. P-1 will install the retail version of XXP with the accompanying software CD for $145 instead, if you specify that. In any event, WMP10 is the easiest framework I've found to do all of my media work. It seems to work flawlessly with all formats, except Apple's, that is, and there are work arounds for that. For music purchases just download the plug-in of your choice (Napster, Musicmatch, WalMart, etc.) They all work from within WMP10.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by drw

 

Flyboy, I'll make it easy for you. You couldn't go wrong with either choice - S7010D or S6231. It's like choosing between two beautiful women (no offense intended, Ladies). I just had no need for a fingerprint scanner or a pointing stick or Giga-bit networking. The 13.3" screen fits my needs perfectly for mobile use and I like the "slightly" smaller size and weight. Also, the free 3 year warranty was attractive. The most important thing to consider, in my view, is the vendor. Portable One is top shelf! And no, they don't pay me to say that. Talk to them and ask their advice. I'm sure they will steer you in the right direction. Happy Holidays - Ace

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Flyboy

 

Thanks a bunch Ace,

Nice to have confirmed what I guess I already know [ ]. Guess I will just have to deside what size I will need. Again enjoy your laptop and please report in again when you got the time [8D].

-Flyboy

 

I ordered a s6231 from p1 a week ago, and it got delayed at memphis too! I haven't received it yet because it has to ship to canada

 

Man, I can't wait until mine ships! I have another week to wait. I will also post a review of mine, hopefully, with some pictures too.

 

Please elaborate on why you feel that it is "solid as a rock" because, honestly, I did not get that impression. I saw the S62XX and the S70XX at FRY's several times, and my impression of flimsiness was one of the things that kept me from going for one. The top cover was very flexible and pliable (made me worried about the scree) and the plastic around the keyboard had some sag to it.
I am comparing it to an IBM T42 when I say this.
Please elaborate on why you feel this way.

Also, I am thrilled that you are happy with your purchase, and in NO WAY am I being negative about it. I just want to know your true thoughts.

Also, I did see the P series and thought that it was much more solid.

Thanks.
Andrew
Austin, TX

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by lazyace

 

You have to understand that IBM sets the bar pretty high when it comes to keyboard quality. The Fujitsu is very good though and compared to something like a Dell or HP, it is solid as a rock, while the IBM might be as solid as titanium or something of the sort.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

I totally agree with Brian ,(IBM does set the keyboard bar very high). Maybe I should modify my statement to, "Solid as a limestone rock"! The IBM keyboards are first rate; albeit the Fujitsu's are very good! I teach computer skills in an elementary school computer lab and I have seen many children who "tap" the keyboard as if they were trying to stamp out ants on the playground. I am a light touch typist and never apply enough force to even flex a keyboard. I try to teach the same techniques, but alas, some kids have to "poke" at the keys as if they were punching holes in the table. IBM's (or maybe antique Royal typewriters) for them, by all means! Regards, Ace [8D]

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by aamsel

 

Not much plastic in the 6231. Mainly a magnesium alloy. Very nice!! Regards, Ace[8D]

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Flyboy

 

I know in fact that some of the IBM's are made of titanium (X series) but is the S6231 made of magnesium or plastic? I just do NOT want to get another plastic notebook or a plastic feeling one.

Thanks,

Flyboy

 

good to hear...enjoy Ace!

Thanks

Flyboy

 

I just placed an order of a S6231 from P-1 too. I ordered it with a 5400rpm harddrive. I am just wondering how I am able to tell if it is indeed a 5400rpm harddrive but not a 4200 other than opening the bottom of the laptop. Can I find the speed of the harddrive somewhere from the BIO or XP? thanks a lot. Can't wait any longer for it to arrive.

 

From my experience and several others I have had contact with, I would put my trust and faith in Portable One that what you ordered and paid for is exactly what you will receive. You will, indeed, be very happy with your purchase! Regards, Ace

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by jerjer

 

If they send you a wrong HD from what you ordered then you can always take them to court and maybe get a couple of more laptops [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Karim

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by jerjer

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>If you opt for XPP over XPH ($100) you will get it as an image from Fujitsu and it might not include WMP10, but it's a free download from MS. P-1 will install the retail version of XXP with the accompanying software CD for $145 instead, if you specify that.<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>I would rather XP SP2 be included in the image as it shows confidence from the manufacturer. SP2 broke my belkin usb bluetooth software installation on one lappy.

 

I was not just referring to the keyboard when I spoke of "solid as a rock". Yes, the IBM keyboards are more solid, but so is the casing material. As I said, the plastic (or whatever it is called) around the keyboard and the top cover that houses the LCD is MUCH MORE flimsy on the Fujitsu models, even more so on the S series models than the P series (which is smaller and more solid). I like a LOT of what the Fujitsu models offer, but I don't think you can compare solidness to the IBM. Now, for overall "build quality" I don't know how to truly evaluate that, since build quality can be deceptive, and I am not a mechanical engineer.

Andrew
Austin, TX

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Brian

 

Lots of manufacturers have not gone to SP2, since systems are reported to boot and operate more slowly with it installed (20 percent range). Confidence doesn't have much to do with it.
Several reviews of SP2 have stated that we are now waiting for the service pack to service pack 2.

This Service Pack 2 comment is for notebook/desktop machines.

For Tablet PC's, service pack 2 is an extremely important upgrade.

Andrew
Austin, TX

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Lots of manufacturers have not gone to SP2, since systems are reported to boot and operate more slowly with it installed (20 percent range). Confidence doesn't have much to do with it.
Several reviews of SP2 have stated that we are now waiting for the service pack to service pack 2.<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>Go ahead and wait then. For me, I'd rather stay up to date with my updates, and not worry about which to install and which not to install. And if you turn off automatic updates because the update you want to avoid is sp2, you're gonna miss the fix for it. The fixes come so frequently now, I have it all done automatically at 3am when I'm asleep.

-David

 

@aamsel

do you have really high standards? i ask that because from what i understand, the fujitsu S series build quality is much much better then Dell and Hp/Compaq.

If you didnt buy the fujitsu because of it being "flimsy" then you must really hate the Dell's and Hp/compaq notebooks.

I had a chance to see a S6231 the other day and i thought it was amazing. It is FAR better then the compaq V2000 and Hp Dv1000 and much nice looking then the Dell700M

i would buy one right now but i just realize i have to buy books for spring in like a week.[ ]

~RaNDoM

 

Yes, I have high standards.
Correct, I don't like Dell (at all) or HP much.
"Flimsy" was my first impression, after spending 5 minutes with the notebook. Not a true judgement, since not enough time was spent with Fujitsu's. I still like a lot about Fujitsu.
Warranty costs too much for too little, though. Too much money just for accidental screen damage, which isn't a full accidental damage coverage.

Andrew
Austin, TX


<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by RaNDoMMAI

 

I'm sorry if I'm posting in the wrong thread. I too want to buy S6231, probably before the winter ends but can't seemed to find any Fujitsu dealers in my area. I live in Washington DC and can drive maybe 30+ miles to a store just to get a feel of the laptop before I make the decision. Does anyone know any stores in DC area? I've looked at CompUSA, Best Buy local comp stores and etc...but none of the computer stores that I know of carry Fujitsu brand. My zipcode is 20016 if that helps. Thanx much in advance.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by aamsel

 

http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecommerce/store_locator.jsp?store=Reseller

just click on Washington

 

Notice that I originally said:
"Also, I did see the P series and thought that it was much more solid."

Andrew
Austin, TX


<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by attritionghost

 

Richards computer in Northern Va is an authorized Fujitsu repair place. They have demos of most of models.

SDM

 

any idea how long it takes, after it ships, to receive the lappy? mine shipped on the 6th of january from Osaka Japan. Now it says its in Kentuky somewhere. I'm in new jersey.