The Pi 3540 is a Centrino 2 laptop, so it benefits from excellent wireless connectivity. 802.11b and g networks are supported, as is 802.11n high-speed. Software is pretty impressive, too. You get the Microsoft Works productivity suite, which includes word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, plus you get a copy of Nero Essentials S to help you write CDs and DVDs.
Performance
Despite being a Centrino 2 laptop with a
relatively fast CPU, the Pi 3540 is an average performer. It clocked a
mere 2,380 in PCMark 2005, which is pretty lame considering the
similarly priced Samsung Q210
racked up 5,184. 3D performance isn't so hot either. It scored 2,259 in
3DMark 2006 which, to its credit, is a tiny bit better than the Samsung.
Battery life is pretty average, too. It lasted 1 hour 30 minutes in our CPU-intensive Battery Eater test, and 2 hours 35 minutes in the less intensive reader test. That's pretty lame compared to the 3 hours 14 minutes and 5 hours 28 minutes achieved by the Q210.
We have to give props to Fujitsu Siemens for the Pi 3540's extremely quiet operation. You can barely hear the thing when it's running -- and that's nothing to do with the gimmicky 'quiet mode' button above the keyboard, which seems to serve absolutely no purpose.
Conclusion
The Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pi 3540 is a fairly average laptop with
above-average looks. It doesn't excel in any particular area, but it is
pretty affordable, so for that it earns our respect. However, if you're
after a faster, lighter, longer-lasting -- albeit uglier -- Centrino 2
laptop, you'll be better off with the Samsung Q210.
Edited by Nick Hide
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Witamserdecznie 16 October 2008
Good: New design; Quiet; Stays cool most of the time; Very good specification; Good quality speakers; eSATA; 2 microphones;
Bad: Screen has problems when viewing from an angle; 3 USB ports; Weight; Leds may be iritating at night;
Comment: I am very satisfied with this purchase.
The only thing that irritates me, and I must be honest that it can be very painful issue, is that when screen is seen from an angle than it is not clear – loses colours very easily (even at 10 degrees – horizontal angle). It can be problematic to find right horizontal angle to see those bright colours. Vertical angles are rather ok. It is surprising that Fujitsu Siemens did such a failure with this screen, I used to have Fujitsu Siemens Amilo M1425 and there angles were incredible – 70 degrees and could still see font clearly. Except that are no major constraints. One small misunderstanding – there is no need for a key reducing fan speed as this laptop is very quiet even used for gaming.
Laptop has eye pleasing design, works very quiet and stays cool during everyday use. When gaming it heats slightly (still is cool) but the heat is under fingertips – keys are worm, but part under palms does not heat that significantly, which is very good when working long hours on a laptop. Screen has bright colours and it is a pleasure to watch movies. I was very happy when checked speakers – are of good quality, I would even say higher than standard laptop speakers. Decent web cam and two microphones – I did not have a good chance to test those but two microphones seemed to be a good idea when checking skype conversations. White keys are very pleasant to look at and similar with the cover, there is no need to write Fujitsu Siemens and also Amilo but that is not a big issue.
3 USBs may not be enough for some users. There is a problem with taking out memory cards from the slot – it should work in a way that you press it and it pops out and not that you have to use your nails to try to get it out. Keys have a good sensitivity level and writing is pleasant. Touchpad also at a decent level.
Laptop has a very good specification for this price. I spent some time searching for a model that would be good for multitasking and demanding 3d software and this has good results on 3dmax. Vista is a terrible operating system and is a huge minus that is on this laptop, but as is on most of the today’s laptops then that is not a discussion. You just need to get use to seeing: windows has stopped responding…
In the end I would gave it a mark 8 – angles are irritating with this screen. New design from Fujitsu Siemens and this high specification is great for this price especially that I bought it for 649 and now is for 599 (Comet.co.uk)
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