Although the T5010 is designed as a convertible, the unit performs extremely well as a notebook computer, with a few minor complaints, such as the low WXGA resolution and low speaker volume.

As a tablet, the T5010 shows some innovation. For example, when the unit is switched to tablet mode, the optical drive is disabled, which prevents the drive from opening accidentally and perhaps becoming damaged during tablet use. Also, users will find that the heat generated by the CPU exits at the top of the unit, helping to keep users a little more comfortable. The screen does exhibit a little more flex than some would like, but overall the unit has a solid, quality feel.

The pen for the tablet is stored in the top edge of the unit and is very easy to remove or store. A more positive locking system for the pen would be an ideal addition; currently it is a little too easy to remove the pen and possibly lose it.

Performancewise, the unit scored well, posting a 630 overall with PassMark’s performance test v6.1.  Performance is unquestionably enhanced by the incorporation of Intel’s new Montevina processor.

The new processor (and associated chip set) also offers another advantage: increased battery life. Under our real-world rundown tests, we were able to use the system as a tablet and as a notebook during a train ride into New York City and back from Eastern Long Island. That added up to around 4 hours of use without a recharge, and we still had 19 percent of battery life left.

Although Fujitsu may not have created the perfect tablet or the perfect notebook with the LifeBook T5010, the company is on the right track to creating the perfect convertible, and future generations of the product will surely get that much closer to perfection.