1. An Ultra Light That Works

Fujitsu's Lifebook P1510D ultra lightweight laptop with Microsoft Tablet PC in Tablet PC orientation. The stylus is 4.3" (10.92 cm) long; the laptop is 9.3 x 1.46 x 6.57" (23.6 x 3.71 x 16.7 cm).

Fujitsu's Lifebook P1510D ultra lightweight laptop with Microsoft Tablet PC in its traditional open clamshell orientation.

WARNING: When shopping for a Fujitsu Lifebook P1510D with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC, be sure you're not getting the version with Windows XP Professional. XP Pro is still an option on the P1510D.

In October of last year MobilityGuru looked in depth at Fujitsu's ultra light, ultra small Lifebook P1510D laptop. At the time we were impressed not only with the device itself, but with the way Fujitsu had incorporated basic stylus functionality into the unit. Stylus capabilities turned what many might consider an impossibly small laptop into a viable near pocket sized computing machine.

We reported in that story that Fujitsu was working on upgrading the P1510D to the Windows XP Tablet PC OS and expressed our interest in seeing whether the upgrade made the laptop better or worse. Well, we've seen the new P1510D and we can report that Tablet PC significantly enhances the little laptop.

In our October 2005 story we were so impressed with the P1510D, its basic stylus functionality and Fujitsu's innovative approach to ultra lightweight laptop technology that we awarded it our Editors Choice Award. Here's what we said.

"Fujitsu's Lifebook P1510D is a small but fully featured laptop that converts into a very functional non-Windows XP Tablet PC tablet computer complete with stylus. The P1510D is competitive with a range of larger laptops in processing power, memory speed and disk performance. It did well in our comprehensive set of benchmarking tests when compared to other laptops in its class.

Some will find the P1510D's keyboard a bit too small, its joystick mouse a challenge to master or its 1024 x 600 display a bit short on height. However, the display size is really no big deal. As for the mouse and keyboard, most users will be able to get used to their small size - or can rely on the stylus for input instead.

If you're looking for a laptop you can stuff almost anywhere in a backpack, carry bag or purse, the Fujitsu Lifebook P1510D is for you. If you want to dazzle your friends with a small, beautifully designed and highly functional mobile computer, then this laptop is also for you."

In the October review we gave the P1510D our Editors Choice Award saying, "For its innovation and functionality, MobilityGuru presents its Editors Choice Award to Fujitsu and its Lifebook P1510D."

Not to be boringly repetitive, but we're trotting out the old Editors Choice Award again. This time we're giving it to Fujitsu for upgrading the P1510D to Tablet PC and thus adding significant functionality to its ultra laptop.

We're also giving the Editors Choice Award to Microsoft for its innovative, but often underrated and misunderstood Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system.