For the most part netbooks abide to a uniform list of components, and the Fujitsu M2010 is no exception. An Intel Atom N280 running at 1.66GHz sits atop the Intel 945GE chipset, accompanying 1GB of memory. It's standard netbook fare, and has a sufficient amount of power to keep the XP experience responsive and smooth. It handles basic spreadsheets and Word documents with ease; however, just don't count on it's capacity to run HD video or games more complicated than Tetris.
A couple of characteristics surpass the netbook benchmarks. The six-cell battery offers enhanced battery life, at the price of added weight ( 2.8lb or 1.3kg ),while the 5,400rpm drive is a step up from the usual 4,200rpm netbook drives. Yet this didn't help with performance, with the M2010 a little slower than similar netbooks.
The Fujitsu M2010 Is more than likely targeted at school children, and with that being said, it will be therefore subjected to more bumps and scrapes than the common netbook. It ought to be able to manage the rigors of the schoolyard well, as the build quality is outstanding. There's very slight keyboard flex, and the entire unit feels sturdier than the majority of the netbooks I've seen. According to Fujitsu, the lid can resist a load of 440lb ( 200kg) , more than the combined weight of several schoolyard bullies. Fujitsu has put its money where its mouth is, covering the M2010 with a two-year warranty. This is two times the warranty of other netbooks, and to many users will justify the M2010's slightly higher price. What's an added hundred dollars if it means you don't need to acquire a brand new netbook?
The 10.1in screen has a native resolution of 1,024 x 575 and is vivid enough for outside function. Sitting on top of the screen is the expected webcam, while a set of stereo speakers are tucked away inside the case. They provide higher-than-average volume, though still don't rival a decent set of dedicated speakers.
The keyboard feels nice and solid but is a little cramped. It might be fine for a child's small digits, but adults will find it uncomfortable when used for extended periods. The touch pad is very responsive and accurate, while the two buttons below require above-average force to click.
Three USB ports are incorporated, one more than found on most netbooks. Bluetooth 2.1 is also integrated into the M2010, a surprising addition that could come in helpful.I would have preferred this was left out though, as I believe the money could have been spent instead on better WiFi. Only 802.11 b/g is supported, with no sign of the much speedier 802.11n.
As mentioned previously, the M2010 ships with Windows XP Home, which is getting a little long in the tooth bearing in mind Windows ? Is just around the corner. Given the modest hardware specs, Vista would be too demanding, but it will be interesting to see whether the M2010 can handle Win ? With the taxing Aero features disabled.
Taking into account the specs aren't quite as impressive as some of the newer netbooks in this range, it'd be simple to overlook the M2010. Those who do so would also miss its exceptional build quality and reassuring two-year warranty, making it a safe option for kids who might be a little rough with it.
