11. Conclusions

Fujitsu's Lifebook N6410 is a pretty impressive computer. The giant notebook comes with a 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo CPU, 667MHz DDR2 memory and fast dual 100 GB 7200 RPM hard disk drives with 8 MB of cache and an access time of 10 ms. These components make it impressively fast on the computational side. A very nice 17" (43.2 cm) display and ATI's Mobility Radeon X1400 graphics processor make the N6410 a very good multimedia or games computer. Multimedia capabilities are enhanced by a TV tuner/video capture device and an IR based remote control.

On the down side: The large and heavy notebook's outer case should be made of stronger stuff than relatively thin plastic. The display frame should be better reinforced to prevent twisting and the touchpad feels a bit out of place in its current location.

Though the N6410's battery follows the long tradition of underpowered portable DC voltage sources in massive notebooks, I would have appreciated a battery with enough power to run the computer for more than one and one-half to two hours. Speaking of battery power, if you want a TV tuner/video capture device, consider buying the optional external USB 2.0 device and avoiding the built-in version. You can unplug the external tuner/video capture device from the N6410 and save a good deal of battery life per charge.

The Lifebook N6410 is an almost ideal desktop replacement, especially if you plan to leave it plugged into an AC socket on your desk or on a table in your den or living room almost all of the time. Most of the notebook's weaknesses become irrelevant under these circumstances.

You say you're not planning to buy an N6410? OK, but at least watch out for those pesky hardware Easter Eggs that can turn a sunny day dark as you try to find them and figure out what to do to turn them into tasty omelets. If you have ever seen one of these things or do in the future, write and tell me about it.

Join our discussion on this topic