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    fujitsu s6210 or mac?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by seidmania, Oct 21, 2004.

  1. seidmania

    seidmania Notebook Enthusiast

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    i just posted a query about the s6210, but i'm curious if folks
    think that a Mac might be a better way to go. i need something
    light (les than 5 lbs.), fast (at least 1.5 or 1.6 MHz, or the
    Mac equiv.), with great battery life (up to 5 hrs), and a work-
    anywhere (e.g. CrystalView, Xbrite) screen. so far what i'm down
    to is the fujitsu s6210/6220, or possibly the sony vaio s150/170/230 series. i haven't worked on Mac seriously since the mid-90s,
    and don't know if they have anything that would fit the bill
    any suggestions?
    thanks.
     
    seidmania, Oct 21, 2004
    #1
  2. cdnbacon

    cdnbacon Notebook Enthusiast

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    You might want to check out the Apple PowerBook G4 12 inch model, the same as what I have. 1.33 MHz is more than adequate for most tasks in OS X, weighs 4.6 pounds with battery, has around 4 hour battery life (depending on what you're doing), and the LCD screen looks great! I guess it depends on your needs.
     
    cdnbacon, Oct 21, 2004
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  3. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    The problem with Mac is always going to be software and peripheral compatibility. If you can live with those issues, it might be a good fit for you. I actually considered the powerBook line before I realised they had no support for my Sierra Wireless AirCard. That's a problem for me.

    Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com
     
    Brian, Oct 21, 2004
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  4. cdnbacon

    cdnbacon Notebook Enthusiast

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    But if the PowerBook has built in Airport and Bluetooth wireless, why the need for a Sierra Wireless Aircard? I have had very little trouble with peripheral compatibility with my PowerBook. Most of the time you plug it in, and the built in drivers work fine.
     
    cdnbacon, Oct 21, 2004
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  5. bernp

    bernp Newbie

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    I own a Fujitsu s6210 and here's my take on the product:

    screen: great: can be viewed anywhere

    keyboard: great: comfortable, large keys, feels sturdy

    touchpad: great: not bouncy even when my fingers get sweaty, middle button can be used as a scroller

    battery life: good: about 4 hours with lightly-lit screen, about 3.3 hours with screen at maximum brightness (in both cases, while using the CPU a lot)

    quality of contruction: good: great for the screen and keyboard/touchpad area, but the plastic feels a bit cheap underneath

    fan: fair: a little bit noisy when it runs at full speed, but rarely turns on

    DVD-CDRW: fair: a bit noisy

    speakers: fair: about average quality for a laptop this size, need external speakers for decent sound though

    heat: fair: about body-temperature on the left side of the keyboard, but can become higher than 60C under the laptop

    linux compatibility: great, everything is auto-detected under knoppix and works as well as in windows except for the memory card reader at the front
     
    bernp, Oct 27, 2004
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  6. MistaMuShu

    MistaMuShu Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got a chance to compare a Fujitsu S6210, an ibook 12", and a powerbook 12" at a local Frys. The best screen is definately the S6210 by far. It's brightest setting makes everything crisp and legible. Both the macs were very capable, but it was obvious the powerbook would break my wallet. The ibook has a sturdy feel to it and speed wise I had no problems with it. The Fujitsu has the added bonus of allowing a second battery, and being lighter.

    I guess if money isn't a problem, go for the Fuji, but otherwise I'm all for the ibook. If you can get an education discount, a 12" ibook costs $950 pretty equipped
     
    MistaMuShu, Oct 29, 2004
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