LifeBook T4220 v Toshiba M400

[Thanos]

Greetings,
I have narrowed my choices for a new tablet into these two. I am looking for any input as to reasons to pay $300 more for a T4220 with the same specs as the M400.

Thank You all for your help

[John Hill]

One of the very nice features of the Fujitsu convertibles is that they have a modular DVD. This allows you to remove the DVD and replace it with a "blank" to save weight or install a second battery, giving you longer battery life.

Also, it seems that Fujitsu always has the least expensive memory. I checked both sites and Toshiba only lets you configure to 1x2Gb for $500. With Fujitsu you can get 4Gb for $630.

[vaporware]

Generally speaking, Fujitsu tablet products are the most mature on the market.
They have been developing tablets for a long time and their products are very well thought out. This doesn't seem like all that big a deal but it makes a big difference.

The modular drive bay is a significant differentiator. Not only can you put in another battery but Fujitsu also makes a removable hard drive bay for that slot as well which adds a lot of flexibility to your system.

Another significant feature is the Fujitsu keyboard. In keyboard quality for laptops I find Fujitsu just slightly behind IBM in keyboard feel and ahead of the new Lenovo keyboards (which seem kinda cheap to me).

-Vapor

[geoloser]

I currently have a toshiba m200, and will probably switching to the fujitsu 4220 this fall. I like my toshiba, but the 4220 is very enticing, especially the modular bay for an extra battery, larger hdd, and their greater experience making them. Plus, I'm a little bothered by the lack of updates via toshiba. My docking station will not eject when peripherals are plugged in via the dock and the screen settings (especially for a second display) are always lost. Not a biggie, but I think the 4220 is the way to go IMO...good luck either way.

[geoloser]

Could anyone make accessory suggestions for me for the 4220?

1. Am going with the extra battery for the modular bay. Will it charge when the laptop is plugged in (like a normal battery) or do I need the extra analog charging cable?
2. Anyone have any preference between the two screen protectors offered on Fujitsu's website? One is Vikuiti brand and one is unknown.
3. Anyone with experience on the indoor/outdoor screen (XGA) versus the SXGA?

Thanks a bunch.

[rcxAsh]

I have a T4010, a predecesor of the T4220. For the modular bay battery, on my T4010, it charges in parallel with the main battery. It is also discharged in parallel (this makes sense, so that you don't unecessarily strain one battery more than the other). I would imagine that the T4220 is the same, since it is a newer and more advanced model.

Note that your T4220 might already come with screen protectors bundled... at least my T4010 came with two of Fujitsu's generic screen protectors. They add a bit of extra glare to the screen, I found, but I didn't have to buy them extra.