Screen brightness is at the top of the issues list. While the resolution is high and sharp, the brightness can be a problem. A glossy screen adds to the problem when you’re out and about. Secondly, the lack of 3G highlights that tethering over Bluetooth is never as easy as it should be. I had to re-configure the BT dial-up-netoworking connection twice before it worked and then I found out that you can’t connect internal applications on the N82 to the internet via 3G when the BT modem is in action. This isn’t a huge problem but it means that latitude updates stop working while I’m tethered.

The 5.6″ screen has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is fairly obvious as the Fujitsu U/B50N is tiny, lightweight and has relatively good battery life because the backlight doesnt have to be as powerful as on a 7″ device. The disadvantage is that you lose screen area. As I write this i’ve got Firefox pumped up to about 150% magnification. The typing experience is relatively trouble-free but i’m sure I would be more comfortable typing on a 7″ screen. For me, in this scenario where i’ve just biked down from the house to the park, the trade-off is worth it. 1KG of kit is nothing and it fits in an extremely small bag.

As for the keyboard it’s again, another trade-off. The engineering quality is good which means the keys give a good feedback but aren’t too hard to press but you have to concentrate if you want to type smoothly and without errors. It’s way faster than a thumboard though so while it looks much slower and more difficult than a laptop, its faster than many other mobile keyboard designs.

I was wondering if I would like to have GPS on this UMPC but I dont think it would bring much. The Windows platform isn’t geared-up for location based services or navigation so its better to have that functionality on the mobile phone that’s always with you.

Overall, the trade-offs are worth it. I’ve been out an about for a few hours now and still have 3hrs left on the extended battery that im using. I’m even charging my N82 as I write this. Flexibility is the key for creative mobile blogging and this little Fuji works well.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my ‘home made’ hamburger just turned up and it’s looking delicious!