Fujitsu Computer Systems Corp. says it's now three for three: The 1.2-inches-thin LifeBook P7230 is the company's third notebook under three pounds and, Fujitsu brags, the lightest and smallest ultraportable with a modular drive bay. The latter can hold a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo or DVD±RW drive; a weight-saving module; or a second battery pack that boosts the laptop's rated battery life from 6 to 9.75 hours.

Starting at $1,699, the P7230 combines Intel's 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400 processor and 945GMS integrated-graphics chipset with a 10.6-inch widescreen (1,280 by 768) Crystal View display and up to an 80GB hard disk. A fingerprint sensor and TPM module add security and password-skipping convenience, while the 82-key keyboard offers a near-desktop experience with 18mm pitch and 2mm key stroke. Available in either Leather Black or Leather White, the LifeBook provides V.90 modem, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, and two USB 2.0 ports as well as PC Card and flash-memory slots. Options range from Bluetooth as well as 802.11g wireless to an integrated Webcam and 2GB of DDR-2/667 memory.