Fujitsu Siemens LifeBook T-3010

Talking of optional extras, you'll probably need to add a second battery to the list, as battery life (especially with Wi-Fi enabled) isn't wonderful. In our real-world test, we used each machine to replicate typical working patterns, including some Wi-Fi usage. The Acer managed only 140 minutes before powering down, and the Fujitsu a slightly more impressive 170 minutes.

The Fujitsu also impressed us with its 'battery bridge' feature that enables you to warm-swap batteries without loss of data and without powering down first. Fujitsu has also given more thought to the problem of heat when held in Tablet mode - the use of suede-like backing material and side vents means that the unit only gets fairly hot rather than very hot in the hand. It's particularly disappointing that the Acer runs hotter, as you're more likely to carry this miniature model around.

While stylish, both models are let down by compromise. When in Tablet mode, the audio is muffled, as both screens fold flat on top of the speaker. Also, the Acer has its PC Card slot on the bottom when in Tablet mode, making it unwieldy when in use; meanwhile, the Fujitsu is too heavy to use as a Tablet for extended periods. The list goes on.

At the end of the day, the Pentium-M processors, Centrino compliance and improved convertible technologies have all helped move these tablets in the right direction, but not enough to convince us that they provide value for money or even, perhaps more importantly, have found a market that needs them yet.

However, if a Tablet is your dream toy, these two are the best we've played with yet. The size and overall feel of the Acer is its main selling point, while the Fujitsu provides a better screen and larger keyboard, making it easier to use.

Author: Davey Winder