Fujitsu LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX Notebook Packs External HD550v 1GB Graphics

Fujitsu's latest external-graphics notebook has been revealed, the LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX, offloading its ATI Mobility Radeon HD550v 1GB video card to make for a more portable main unit.  Based on May's original AH530, complete with optional Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, Blu ray or DVD drives, up to 8GB of RAM and up to 500GB HDD, the AH530 GFX gives desktop users an alternative to the standard notebook's Intel HD GPU.

There's also WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI, VGA, gigabit ethernet and a spill-proof keyboard, while battery life is rated at up to 3hrs.  It's not entirely clear whether that's when using the external graphics or the internal chip; in contrast, Fujitsu say the regular AH530 can manage up to 4hrs.

The end result is a 15.6-inch notebook that weighs 2.5kg and yet offers reasonably potent graphics crunching potential, as long as you have the external card with you.  That last point, though, may be the biggest stumbling block for buyers: while optional external graphics make sense for an 11.6-inch ultraportable, there's plenty of choice when it comes to 15.6-inch mainstream notebooks with discrete GPUs.  We'll have to see how Fujitsu price the AH530 GFX in order to figure out how competitive it will be when it drops at the end of the month.

Press Release:

Fujitsu's LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX Model Provides High Graphic Performance

New notebook with external graphics and fast processor provides high performance at a competitive price

Munich, August 27, 2010 —

Fujitsu today introduces a new model of the LIFEBOOK AH530 featuring an external graphics card with dedicated 1GB video memory. This completes Fujitsu's line-up for the all-round notebook segment, with a choice of models to meet every need. The LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX is designed for users working with demanding graphics, pictures and video applications, combining high performance and a slim and stylish notebook package at a competitive price.

LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX model users will experience the power of external graphics for demanding graphics applications and video, thanks to the on-board ATI Mobility Radeon HD550v graphics with a dedicated 1GB video memory. Users can choose between a Blu-ray Disc™ drive or a DVD-drive, and LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX models are equipped with the new Intel® Core™ processors that deliver smart performance adapted to user needs, for a faster and more responsive user experience.

Most notebook users will agree that the viewing experience is just as important as the speed of the processors. Just like the standard LIFEBOOK AH530, the GFX model features a 15.6-inch (39.6cm) high definition glossy LCD in widescreen format, and an HDMI output for viewing content on an external display.

The LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX model has a slim design in two stylish colors: glossy black and ink blue. Designed for function as well as style, the keyboard is resistant to spills for extra reliability and offers a full numeric keypad for high usability.

The new LIFEBOOK AH530 GFX model is available for pre-order now across the EMEA region, with the first shipments planned for end of August.