Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.

Low-Voltage Athlon: Peppy Processing

AMD's XP-M chip powers the Fujitsu LifeBook S2000.

Mick Lockey

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

Fujitsu's LifeBook S2000.AMD has made a name for itself with fast, affordable desktop and consumer notebook processors; now, the company hopes to parlay its low-voltage Athlon XP-M processors into similar success powering thin-and-light notebook PCs.

I looked at one of the first laptops to use one of AMD's new CPUs--a preproduction model from Fujitsu's LifeBook S series, the LifeBook S2000. This notebook came equipped with a 1.47-GHz Athlon XP-M 1700+ (the top low-voltage Athlon XP-M is an 1800+). Though it couldn't match the dazzling scores we've seen with Intel Pentium M/Centrino-equipped notebooks, the S2000's PC WorldBench 4 score of 107 trumped those of some slightly heavier 2- and 2.2-GHz Pentium 4-M portables. Lasting 3 hours, 4 minutes, its lithium ion battery held out nicely, too.

The S2000--configured with 512MB of SDRAM, a 60GB hard drive, built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b), an 8X DVD-ROM drive, a 24X/10X/24X CD-RW combination drive, and the Windows XP Home operating system--costs $1539; and at 4.3 pounds and 1.4 inches thick, the unit fits right in among its thin-and-light brethren. It has an attractive silvery-blue case and sports a bright 13.3-inch LCD screen. Its combo drive is tucked into a modular bay that also accepts a second lithium ion battery or optical drive (pay another $20 to get a USB 1.1 floppy drive, if you need one).

Although it's designed with smaller function and page-control buttons, the laptop's keyboard has large, well-spaced keys, which made even my typing fast, smooth, and accurate.

Overall, the Fujitsu LifeBook S2000 portable should appeal to road hounds who are looking for a basic, well-designed, and relatively fast alternative to a thin-and-light notebook based on the Pentium 4-M processor.


SUMMARY
Fujitsu LifeBook S2000



(Preproduction unit, not rated) Small, stylish notebook with an AMD Athlon XP-M 1700+ chip.
Price when reviewed: $1539
Current prices (if available)


  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No
 
 

Dell Fast Track

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

PC World's How To Buy Laptops Guide

Sponsored Links