Fujitsu Tablets Ready for Windows 8

Fujitsu is wasting no time in building PCs to work with Microsoft’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) impending Windows 8. Its latest two tablet offerings, Stylistic Q702 and the LifeBook T902 convertible tablet PC, run Windows 7 Pro but are upgrade ready come October when Windows 8 is released.

The Stylistic Q702 is a business hybrid tablet well-suited for vertical market users in health care, education and retail, according to the vendor. Powered by third-generation Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) i3 or i5 processor, it weighs 1.88 lbs. and features an 11.6-inch dual digitizer, multi-touch display for pen or touch input and a detachable keyboard that turns the tablet into a traditional notebook.

Its batteries can hold a charge for nine hours of operation, and the unit includes USB 2.0 and 3.0 as well as rear- and front-facing webcams. The Stylistic Q702 also includes a suite of security features such as a biometric fingerprint sensor and other embedded mechanisms. It sells for $1,099.

The LifeBook T902 convertible tablet PC, meanwhile, is a refreshed version of Fujitsu’s LifeBook T901, featuring a 13.3-inch wide screen — the largest available with touch and pen support, according to the vendor. It weighs in at 4.1 lbs., lighter and thinner than the earlier model, and is powered by Intel’s i5 or i7 processor with up to 11 hours of battery life. Users can swivel the display to convert the unit into tablet mode. A security suite includes a Smart Card slot, biometric finger sensor and other technology. It is priced at $1,899.

Both systems will be available starting in Q3 2012, according to the company.

Nick Parker, new Microsoft corporate vice president, OEM division — who recently replaced Steven Guggeheimer — called Fujitsu a “great partner,” and said it was “great to see their continued innovation on Windows tablets.”

Fujitsu announced the new tablets at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 in Toronto. While both devices are likely to compete head-to-head with Microsoft’s planned Surface tablet, the kicker for Fujitsu may be the focus on business customers in specific vertical segments.

So far, given HP’s recent scuttling of its Windows RT plans, the response to Surface from industry PC heavyweights Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) and Lenovo has been remarkably muted. With the controversy swirling around Windows RT, it will be interesting to see if Microsoft’s enthusiasm for other OEMs’ Windows 8 tablets garners a bit more gusto from the vendor.