The Bottom Line
Pros
- Large Hard Drive
- Dedicated Graphics Processor
- Reasonably Priced
- Fingerprint Reader Security
Cons
- Very Heavy
- Limited Software Bundle
- TV Tuner Only Included with More Expensive Model
Description
- Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
- 160GB 4200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 17" WXGA (1440x900) LCD and ATI Radeon Mobility X1400 Graphics with 128MB Memory
- v.90 56Kbps, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g Wireless
- Five USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, Type II PC Card, Fingerprint Reader and 4-in-1 Card Reader
- 15.9" x 11.6" x 2" @ 9.9 lbs.
- Windows XP MCE 2005, MS Office 2003 Trial
Guide Review - Fujitsu LifeBook N6420
1/10/07 – This review is based upon the FRCM60992 that is Fujitsu's least expensive version of the LifeBook N6420. In order to get the price down for the unit, Fujitsu dropped a number of features from their flagship desktop replacement model. Most notable of these is the integrated TV tuner, software and memory. Those wanting the top of the line can even get an HD-DVD compatible drive and a larger hard drive, but those are all in a different model.
What really sets the LifeBook N6420 apart from other desktop replacement notebooks is the storage capabilities. Most desktop replacement systems tend to come with 80 to 120 gigabyte hard drives. Fujitsu instead packs a large 160GB hard drive into this system to provide plenty of storage space. The drawback to this is that the drive spins at a slower 4,200rpm rate that does decrease performance.
The 17-inch display panel provides the standard 1440x900 resolution that is found in most destkop replacement notebooks. The ATI Radeon Mobility X1400 graphics board claims to have 256MB of memory but really it only has 128 dedicated with an additional 128MB available from system memory to assist it. It is a step up from the integrated solutions found in most notebooks today but still not something one would want to rely on for PC gaming.
The big drawback to the LifeBook N6420 is its size and weight. The dimension are slightly larger than the average desktop replacement but nothing too dramatic. The weight is another matter though. At nearly 10 pounds, the LifeBook N6420 is about 20 percent heavier than the average desktop replacement. This certainly will be a factor for anyone who will be carrying the notebook around with any sort of frequency.
