Its Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 CPU runs at 2.53GHz, and it's paired with Intel's PM45 chipset. Along with an Intel WiFi Link 5300 wireless networking adapter, it forms the holy trinity of the Intel Centrino 2 platform. The rest of the configuration comprises 4GB of DDR3, 1066MHz memory, a 320GB, 5400rpm hard drive, and a GeForce 9300M GS graphics adapter.
Specifications:
- Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC3-8500 DDR3 Memory
- 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Display With 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
- Intel GMA X4500HD Integrated Graphics
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/g/n Wireless
- Four USB 2.0, FireWire, HDMI, Type II Card Slot, ExpressCard/54, 3-in-1 Card Reader
- 14.1" x 10.1" x 1.4" @ 6 lbs.
- Vista Business, PowerDirector, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, Norton Internet Security
The design of the E8420 is nothing to write home about, but it's functional. The outside is matte black, while the inside is a dull, stormtrooper grey. Once you open the notebook up you will find a keyboard, which is a good size, flanked by speakers. The keyboard bends slightly when you type, making the laptop seem flimsy.
The 15.4-inch display has a native resolution of 1,280x800. It's also glossy, meaning it's reflective and difficult to see in bright light. For this reason we prefer a matte display. On the right-hand side above the keyboard is an LCD screen that shows information including battery charge, wireless status and hard drive access. Port options on the E8420 are lacklustre. On other Centrino 2 notebooks we have seen eSATA ports and USB ports that allow you to charge accessories even when the notebook is switched off. The E8420 features neither.
Fujitsu LifeBook E8420 battery is very clearly targeted at the corporate market and not the consumers. Even with this focus, the system seems to lack a number of features compared to similar corporate systems from the likes of Dell, HP and Lenovo in this price range. It might be nice that it comes with a limited number of software programs and a modular drive bay, but most consumers won't really notice either of these features.
Supplying more power and better performance with Core 2 Duo processor, the Fujitsu LifeBook E8420 notebook provides a highly flexible platform that can be configured to meet a diverse array of business demands. Coupled with renowned Fujitsu product reliability and durability, this notebook will shorten your return on investment cycle and lighten the load on your IT technical support team.
LifeBook E8420 from Fujitsu is a high-end notebook focused towards demanding business users who require a mobile desktop. Fujitsu offers many processor choices, maxing out with the T9400 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor this model has potential CPU speed of 2.5 GHz. NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS with total graphics memory of 256 MB is a Fujitsu premium graphics card available on the E8420. An integrated web-cam can be used with the Intel Wireless WiFI network, and for additional communication convenience this model has Bluetooth 2.0. For those concerned about security, a fingerprint sensor, along with a Two-level BIOS hard drive password protector is available. Additionally, this model comes equipped with many ports, from HDMI to a Docking port, all provided to help support a demanding business user.
In order to test the battery we set screen brightness to 50 per cent and then played a DVD. This gave us a battery life of two hours and 20 minutes, a good result. The addition of a battery in the optical drive tray should give this laptop great battery performance.
Speaking of performance, you won't be disappointed by the E8420. Our device achieved a very healthy PCMark05 score of 5365, meaning this device should meet the requirements of most demanding office environments. HDD access was particularly quick, and our laptop included a 250GB SATA drive. There is also a 1.3-megapixel webcam mounted on top of the display.
Right side bottom of case squeaks a little (not tight) but make no mistake that I am very pleased with the unit, it's capabilities & overall Fujitsu Product. I have bought high-end Sony, HP, Compact, etc. and am sick of their constant problems, defects and service problems. Ever since Acer took over Gateway that too is a nightmare.
As to technical issues, let me just say without a bunch of techno-bable that the unit is excellent and I have no need for a bunch of low-end consumer bell & whistles (sleep & charge, backlit keyboards, etc.). I much prefer the numerous interface capabilities with different ports and devices; and getting good use out of the dedicated Turbo Ram flash memory button with ANOTHER 4GB DDR3 RAM. I am hopeful Fujitsu will switchover to the 64-bit operating system with the advent of Windows 7; I surely intend to try.
The LifeBook E8420 is a solid machine, with good LifeBook E8420 battery life and performance, but we're still disappointed. Firstly, the E8420 lacks a lot of the features we have seen in the Centrino 2 releases from competitors, such as eSATA, USB charging when the laptop is switched off and the option of an SSD.
Finally the price, at AU$2299, is a real deal breaker. Equivalent offerings from Dell, Sony and Asus all come in a little cheaper, and in some cases offer more features and better performance.
The most likely culprits for this price hike are the discrete Nvidia graphics card, carry case and mouse. However, we see these as unnecessary extras — while a valuable addition like eSATA are noticeably absent. For this reason, we can't recommend the LifeBook E8420.
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