Which small Notebook to choose

I am really happy that I have found this site!
I am looking for advice and re-assurance so that I may make a purchase that will suit all of my needs/desires.
I am just a self taught computer user and don’t follow all the latest trends in software or chips, etc.
I am a travel agent and I travel internationally two or three times per year and want to have my files with me, do some work and record travel notes, etc.

My desktop is a 5 or 6 years old Compaq Presario 5721 with Windows 98, Intel II Pentium Processor, 191.0 MB of RAM, 32-bit. I have been quite happy with the performance of this computer as it handles our business chores adequately.
The programs that I run are MS Office 2000 and Sabre Airline Reservation System via web access, no games or entertainment programs. Attachments are a HP scanner and HP PhotoSmart printer.
I also have a IBM ThinkPad with Windows 98, Genuine Intel x 86 Family 6, Model 8 Stepping 3, 64.0 MB of RAM 32-bit. I have never liked this laptop, too slow and much too heavy for international travel.

I don’t know the difference between Intel Centrino mobile technology or Pentium M processor ?

I have been looking at purchasing a lightweight Notebook and have seen in retail stores, three lightweights ;
- a Fujitsu S2020

- a Sony Vaio PCGV505EC61 Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology 1.50GHz, 60GB Hard Drive 512MB DDR
SDRAM MS Windows XP Home, Integrated 802.11b and g Wireless LAN, DVD-RW / CD-RW-ROM drive

- an ASUS S5200NE Penium4 Centrino 1.0 Ghz Ultra Thin Su Key Feature • Ultra Low Voltage Intel®
Pentium® M Processor 1.0GHz and Intel Centrino Mobile Technology for improved battery life • Featherweight
2.8lbs, less 1" thin • 12.1-inch TFT LCD • Built-in wireless • 40GB Hard drive • Microsoft Wi...

The store that showed me the Asus also sold Fujitsu and I must admit that the Asus being $500.00+ less that Fujitsu P5020 here in Canada is weighing on my mind.

I have since discovered Panasonic Toughbook CF-W2 Notebook Computer online but it is almost $700.00 more than a Fujitsu P5020.

Now that I review the specs, I would like to see a Fujitsu P5020 as my desire for some reasons is toward a Fujitsu P5020 but I have no opportunity of seeing or trying a P5020.

The size and weight of the Fujitsu 5020 are the primary reasons for my initial attraction to this machine.

I have some questions/concerns about features of Fujitsu 5020;
What is the difference between LifeBook P5020 Series With Intel Centrino and P5020D Series
Intel Pentium M processor?
Do I need 256 MB Upgraded? I do not see the option with the few Canadian retailers where I see the Fujitsu 5020.
Can I have three or four files open such as MSWord files open, be on the web and checking email with a Fujitsu 5020? I do this now with no problem with my desktop, but worry about speed with a notebook as my IBM Thinkpad experience is so discouraging.

As I have looked more into the features of Fujitsu 5020, I am pleased to see that it has Headphone and microphone jacks. So I’m thinking wow I can transfer my very small music collection to mp3 files. I know that I can transfer CDs directly to mp3 files, but how does one transfer cassette tapes? I am also planning to purchase a Creative Labs Zen Touch player later this year or next year.

I also see software Sonic RecordNow and Intervideo WinDVD. Can I voice record directly to computer and transfer from my JVC digital camcorder to PowerPoint for example?

My goal is to use the Fujitsu 5020 as my primary computer so that when I leave my office I have all my work and files with me and leave my old Compaq Presario 5721 as my backup machine? Is this a feasible goal with such a small notebook computer?

Thanks for reading my ramble here and I will really appreciate any replies to increase my computer knowledge.

 

Well, your ThinkPad is really old if it's running Windows 98 and has 64MB of RAM (which I find hard to believe it even runs Win 98 with) and you should expect terrible performance with those specs!

You seemed to have been interested in 3 thin and light notebooks when first starting typing this post, then you changed your mind mid-post and jumped to the Fujitsu 5020...so I'll focus on that!

However, now you are interested in a Fujitsu P5020. To use it as your main computer is possible, realize it's small and designed more to be a travel companion or a computer you carry between work and home. These sub-notebooks have cramped keyboards and make sacrifices to stay small, such as using a slower processor as well. The P5020 is definitely nice, and one of the few sub-notebooks that has an internal optical drive (the IBM ThinkPad X30 has a media slice, which means the drive is external) but you have to be aware the keyboard and screen are going to be much smaller than you are used to.

One suggestion I have is to get a docking station for the Fujitsu P5020 that allows you to dock the Fujitsu P5020 and then use a larger screen or attach a more comfortable keyboard for doing work when at home or in the office. There's a lot of posts already in the forum covering this notebook, just search around to find more

 

I have a 5020 and love it. Anxiously awaiting the P7000 to see if it's enough for me to upgrade. A couple notes...the keyboard is smaller in some areas, but the letter keys are not much smaller than standard. Fujitsu doesn't offer a docking station per-se for this model, but they do have a USB port replicator. I don't think it offers much value though, plugging in monitor, power and USB cables isn't all that tough. At the desk I use a 19" LCD and a Logitech Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. For me, it's the perfect blend of functionality and portability.

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

 

I say the Fujitsu P5020D is the best to choose from. It is so sexy, the magnesium coating. http://www.laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FPCM20206-512&Category_Code=PS2&Product_Count=4

look at it and you will fall in love with it right away. I think the hot swapping of battery is really really useful. Sony Tr doesn't like up to their name. THey say their battery is 6 hours but in fact is only 3:15, but P5000D have battery life a bit over 5 hours ( with power saving mode on). So i suggest you to get that

Xin

 

To Travelman:
I have had 4 to 5 laptops over the years. First, try to determine what is most important to you.

There are 3 things I can guarantee.

1.Every opinion you read is just that! All of us have our biases, preferences, etc. What may be good for me may not be for you. The more you learn, the better decision it will be.

2. There is no perfect unit out there. It would be nuclear powered w 10,000 Meg of Ram with 1000G disk and weigh leass than 2 lbs. also with a screen that was large enough for your needs-- and sell for $1000. or less.

3. Whatever you get--in 1 yr there will be a hugh price reduction and there will be something better out there.

These things are put together by the company on the label. The screens are made by very few cos. The drives also by 2 or 3 companies. So the Fujitsu or any other 'name' may relate to warranty and service quality more than anything else!!
That can be important to a purchaser! Its a matter of how much to pay for what!
It isn't as difficult as it seems if you are able to priortize your desires.

After saying that!!"Now which color case should I get"!!!


SDM

 

Travelman, don't consider the Sony V505 series. Look at its successor, the Sony S-Series instead. It's lighter, has a larger screen, is thinner, has better specs, and looks better than the old V505.

Compaq Presario 2800T
Pentium 4-M 1.6 GHz - 15" UXGA
512 MB RAM - 40 GB
ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 64 MB
Bought in 2002.

 

you meant to say 10GB RAM and 1TB HD, right?
<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by SDM

 

I was only joking! Nuclear?? Ram?? Drive?? Whatever!! I think most will get my drift!!

SDM