theconsumR.com

If you’re in the market for a stylish notebook (with excellent portability), the R400 from Toshiba is what you’re looking for. The R400 (starting at $2,799)offers the standard tablet PC experience. It gives you the full ability to: write on the computer and translate what you’ve written into usable text, synchronize your mobile device with your PC and connect to almost any wireless Hot Spot. The most obvious problem (with it being so portable,) is that it really lacks any sort of stand-alone capability. This is most likely caused by having no CD/DVD drive. This can hardly act as a replacement desktop because it greatly impacts the ease of installation for most programs.

The Lifebook T4220 from Fujistu picks up where the R400 falls off. Starting at a much more reasonable $2,085, it is about $700 cheaper than the R400 and has much more to offer. Although it may not be as cosmetically appealing, it certainly makes up for it in terms of functionality. This tablet includes a CD/DVD burner and comes with loads of extras! Those extras include a media card reader (for memory card from your digital camera,) a built in microphone, screen protectors (w/micro-fibre cleaning cloth), recovery media and many more.

Just so you know...

Extremely Poor Out-of-the-Box for Toshiba™

We were horrified to discover that, Toshiba sent us their notebook in such a poorly packaged condition. Out of the box, none of the material that was included (i.e. product catalogue) was relevant to the laptop, and the packing itself was less than acceptable. We suggest that you talk to Toshiba and get insured shipping, because otherwise you may be left with a laptop in a thousand pieces.

Every Detail Perfect

Every single element from the system, to the software, to the packing was perfect from Fujitsu. They packaged the system without forgetting a detail and went beyond what was expected. We certainly did not expect any computer manufacturer to include a screen cloth or screen protector, but more importantly: usable software. Many manufacturers forget that we only want what we will use.

Fingerprint Reader Extraordinaire

The Fujitsu finger print reader was much easier to setup and was a lot less hassle to use. Although the Toshiba finger print reader was still functional it took a lot more work to get it to accept your finger print.

Summary

In summary, you really have to decide what is most important to you. If you are buying this notebook as a replacement for your older laptop, the R400 might not be what you’re looking for. If you’re buying this notebook because you need an exceptionally stylish notebook, than the T4220 might not be for you. It’s now come down to the choice between style and functionality. What ever you decide; one of these notebooks might be for you!

The Break Down:

Credentials Given:

Fujitsu T4220 -- Best Overall Tablet PC and ConsumR Excellence Award

ConsumR Excellence Award:

Fujitsu shows unsurpassable excellence in product development, product presentation and product support. We are proud to award Fujitsu Canada with our ConsumR Excellence Award, for the Best Tablet PC.

Toshiba R400 -- None.