Done deal... Fujitsu ordered

After much research and testing of notebooks, and helpful advice from this forum, we finally made our move...Ordered the Fujitsu S6120D-2 [ ]

Specs are:
1.6 Ghz Pentium M
512 MB
40 GB hard drive
DVD/CD-RW combo drive
802.11b/g wireless LAN
XP Home
3 yr Warranty

Can't wait for delivery next week!

 

I couldn't resist a bit more digging for information on the model/processor I passed up--the Athlon XP-M 2100--which comes with the Fujitsu S2020C. (I'm what marketers refer to as a "high involvement" consumer [:I])

There don't seem to be any reviews out there on this Athlon processor--or at least benchmark comparisons to the PM 1.6 Ghz. [ ]

Could a 1.6 Ghz Pentium really be faster than the Athlon cited above, running at 2.1 Ghz?

I am a bit worried that I might be paying more for less performance. The S6120C with the PM is $300 more than the S2020C with the Athlon. (On the other hand, the Pentium model comes with a three-year warranty versus a one year for the Athlon, and that's worth something).

Anyone out there with advice on which way to go? It's not too late to change my order. [ ]

 

This was one model I looked at very closely. I did see some benchmark comparisons and with the s2000 vs s6000 configured virtually the same the s6000 had better performance in virtually every field as well as much improved battery life.

If you do searches / review for the s2000 you wont see very many positive ones, however you will find a lot of positive for the s6000. I think you definately made the right choice by going with the pentium m.

The penitum M is the first and currently only processor actually designed just for notebooks, the ahtlon m and mobile pentium 4 are both desktop processors shrunk down and stripped down to fit in a laptop.

 

I had the S6120 for a month long period and will also say you made the right decision -- it's simply a great notebook. Very light, good battery power, and a nice clean look in addition to good performance. With the 1.6 GHz Pentium M and 512MB RAM you'll be happy with the performance.

The 3-year warranty is big too...that's usually an extra $250 - $300 option on any laptop in which it's not standard, so certainly you've gained some value there.

 

Accendo,

The answer's a resounding YES. The PM 1.6 is indeed faster than an XP 2100. The 2100 actually runs at a clock speed of 1.73GHz. Keep in mind that the PM 1.6GHz, though with just a clock speed of 1.6GHz, is close to a P4 2.66GHz and XP 2500 (1.87GHz clock speed). So the real competitor to the 2100 is the Celeron M 1.2GHz.

Don't worry, you're not paying more for less performance; you're paying more for more performance. The extra $300 isn't too bad, considering that you're getting a superior CPU (tech- and performance-wise) AND a 3-year warranty (which is crucial). In terms of performance and battery life, you made the right decision.

 

Thanks everyone!

Your messages are a resounding affirmation that we chose wisely. I can sleep easier now--plus I don't need to worry about changing our order. [ ]

I'll submit my thoughts about the new toy once it's arrived.

 

I've decided after many weeks of researching and testing to get the Fujitsu S6120-2 model as well [ ]

I'm just waiting for the new S models to come out (hopefully by the end of this month) so I can get this model at a cheaper price. I live in Canada though so I'm not sure if the newer model will arrive the same time it does in the US. Anybody able to give me answers to that?

And one more question for Accendo, just wondering why you chose 802.11b/g over the normal Centrino-Intel 2100b. Which brand was this one and is it trustworthy?

 

I chose the 6120D (802.11 b/g) over the 6120 (802.11b) because it was my understanding that the "g" standard allows for much higher throughputs--plus I dislike marketing gimmicks like Centrino. I've heard very positive reviews of the 6120D's wireless capabilities.

I'm also in Canada and curious about the S7000 series. The specs look good--particularly the DVD Super Drive. In most respects, though, I prefer the specs of the S6000. It's smaller and you can get the non-Centrino version. Plus, if I wanted the DVD drive, I could upgrade. Hmmm...

 

I guess I will go with the S6120D version as well over the normal S6120. I was just uncertain of the brand and the preformance of this wifi. Do you still have links to the review of the S6120D wifi capabilities so I can read up a little more information for myself?

Usually do fujitsu notebooks arrive later in Canada than it would in the US? I need to get my notebook before the end of April and I'm not sure if the S7000 will come out the same time as it will in the US (which is around end of march or early april)? Canada always seems to be delayed for me [V]

I'm interested only in the S6000 as well but I'm just waiting for the S7000 series to come out so I can purchase the S6000 at a cheaper price (probably depreciate $200-300 canadian dallors).

Thanks in advance accendo!

 

I'm trying to get information on the S7000 release date and will post when i have it. I think the refreshed S2000 was released in Canada and the U.S. simultaneously, but not positive.

I doubt you will see a $200-300 depreciation in price on the current model. Odds are, the S6000 will be phased out and they will offer a $150 rebate or some such on the leftover S6000s, just as they did on the old S2000s.

On the Wi-fi reviews...No online stuff. Just conversations with various computer sellers (none of whom are beholden to Fujitsu).

Anyone else have knowledge about the wi-fi in the Fujitsu 6120D?

Peter

 

httpftp,

The "Centrino" moniker just means a notebook that has this combo: a Pentium M, an Intel chipset, and an Intel Mini-PCI Card. Any notebook that uses a PM and an Intel chipset but employs a non-Intel Wi-Fi card can't be called Centrino - Intel won't allow it. Everything has to be Intel for "Centrino" to be used.

Until a month ago or so, the Wi-Fi card in Centrino notebooks was exclusively of the 802.11b variety. But a 802.11b/g Centrino version is indeed now available, but I've seen only one notebook that has it.

Clearly, if you want the best Wi-Fi, you should opt for a b/g card. Because virtually all "Centrino" notebooks today come with just a 802.11b card, you should simply get a notebook that has the b/g standard (which would make the notebook non-Centrino). Centrino's just a name - it does not make any notebook that carries the name superior to another that is without the label. In fact, it's preferable to get a non-Centrino notebook because it'll have superior Wi-Fi (g compared to b).

As for the Fujitsu in question, it uses an Atheros Mini-PCI card. Here's the link:

http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com/www/products_notebooks.shtml?products/notebooks/s6d_series_features_benefits

Wondering who uses Atheros? Check out this link and you'll find out:

http://www.atheros.com/partners/partnering.html

Here's another link that will clear up any Wi-Fi confusion you may have:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3244_7-5021297-2.html?tag=txt