Buzz
Fujitsu FMV UH-X 2023 is a highly portable laptop model, especially suitable for those seeking utmost portability when on the move. This year's version builds upon what the UH-X 2022 has achieved, while also introducing new improvements, some visible externally, while others lie within the machine's shell.I've previously shared with you the reasons to invest in the Fujitsu UH-X 2022 laptop for work-related travel purposes. When the UH-X 2022 emerged, it was among the lightest laptops in the world, with a sturdy frame and nearly no compromise on essential connections. In 2023, Fujitsu FMV UH-X continues that story.
Fujitsu manages to maintain a weight of 878 grams in both the 11th generation Intel Core (Tiger Lake) and 12th generation (Alder Lake) processors, while in this year's new version - FMV UH-X 2023 - it's slightly heavier by 10 grams, totaling 888 grams. Personally, 888 grams still feels very lightweight to me. As I mentioned in the previous article, even a few hundred grams can make a significant difference when you have to carry a backpack and walk around 10 kilometers every day, but 10 grams surely wouldn't be noticeable.
This year, Fujitsu offers the option of a touch screen for the FMV UH-X, with this version coming in a Frost Gray color. The touch screen has similar specifications to the standard version, notably still featuring an anti-glare coating. The model I'm using is the non-touchscreen type because I don't have the need for touch functionality. This screen has been expanded to 14 inches, increasing by 0.7 inches compared to the previous generation. Upon visual comparison, the main changes are in the slimming down of the bezels on both sides and the bottom, making them much thinner. At first glance, you might only notice that the FMV UH-X 2023 has slim bezels, but when placed next to the UH-X 2022, the impressive difference becomes apparent. Another highlight is the upgrade from a 16:9 aspect ratio to 16:10, meaning a wider display area.
The body of the UH-X 2023 is nearly as wide as the previous version, while the additional length is on the shorter side. The difference in width is not significant, similarly, it's hard to notice the difference if you hold each machine separately. This is understandable because the screen has been upgraded from 13.3 inches to 14 inches. Overall, the machine is slightly larger and thicker, but the weight has increased by only 10 grams, which is quite impressive.
The hinge mechanism on the UH-X 2022 has been replaced with a larger, continuous hinge on the UH-X 2023. The thin bezel at the bottom edge provides a new experience: when the screen is tilted at a certain angle (of course, comfortable for work), the bottom bezel is practically borderless, meaning it hides the edge, giving the impression that the screen seamlessly emerges from the body of the machine.
The four rubber feet, especially the two pads at the corners of the screen hinge, are larger in size and no longer have screws passing through them as before. This makes it easier to open the machine for component replacement or upgrades. As mentioned, the FMV UH-X 2023 adds an additional fixed screw to the frame compared to the previous version, with a different placement, including two larger screws than the rest.
The speaker placement is slightly shifted to the right instead of being evenly distributed and centered on the machine, and the screw positions on this side are also uneven. Another difference from the UH-X 2022 is that this year's model's speakers will be located on the D surface, connected to the motherboard, whereas previously they were always within the machine frame.
The laptop's mainboard this year is neater, with densely arranged components, while the cooling system has undergone a significant upgrade. The UH-X 2022 only used one cooling fan with a power of 1.7 W (5 V @ 0.34 A), and 2 heat pipes but only one led heat to the aluminum block. Fujitsu has upgraded to a cooling system with 2 fans on the FMV UH-X 2023, supplied by Toshiba, with one fan being the C-324C, slightly larger in size than the C-325C, with a power rating of 1.85 W (5 V @ 0.37 A). Real-world experience shows that the temperature when performing heavy tasks (such as photo editing in Lightroom) is cooler and more comfortable on the FMV UH-X 2023.
Another heat-emitting component of the laptop is the SSD, positioned slightly to the right on the FMV UH-X 2023, meaning that if you use an external mouse, it will be less affected by heat. Additionally, the Intel Core i7-1360P CPU is positioned in the center instead of off to the left as in the previous generation, combined with 2 cooling fans, it efficiently dissipates heat into the environment, reducing heat on the left palm rest area as well as the WASD key area.
The integrated battery capacity remains at 64 Wh for both UH-X 2022 and UH-X 2023. In theory, battery life should improve even though the capacity remains the same, with the 2022 model lasting up to 12.3 hours, while the new model lasts up to 15.5 hours. In reality, the machine runs cooler and the battery lasts longer. I use a mix of tasks intermittently, but I've noticed that the FMV UH-X 2023's battery lasts longer, partly because of the new machine.
Both models feature soldered RAM chips on the motherboard, however, the RAM specification for UH-X 2023 is LPDDR5-6400 while UH-X 2022 is LPDDR4X-4266. Users cannot upgrade the RAM and there are no other options available in the Vietnamese market. Personally, I believe that 16 GB of RAM is sufficient for the tasks that the FMV UH-X is capable of serving, focusing on high mobility.
The integrated camera or webcam has been upgraded to Full HD resolution instead of HD, and it also features a physical security cover - Privacy Shutter - which is easier to open and close than the old style. The webcam on the UH-X 2023 also adds AI effects for a better video calling experience.
The connectivity ports and functions are the same, but the change lies in the memory card slot. On the UH-X 2022, I really appreciated the SD card slot, ideal for transferring and editing photos taken with a camera. FMV UH-X 2023 only has a microSD slot, which is quite limiting for those like me who often use SD cards. Of course, I can still choose to buy a high-speed microSD card and use it with a card reader to address this issue.
The keyboard and touchpad of both generations remain unchanged, with the keyboard providing comfortable typing experience with a 1.5 mm travel distance. I usually carry a thin mechanical keyboard for work trips, but when necessary, I can still type comfortably on the laptop keyboard. The multitouch touchpad with separate left and right buttons is something I still prefer using, although clickpads are nearly dominating nowadays. The feeling of controlling the cursor with one finger while the other is ready to click commands is comfortable and convenient for me.
Overall, after transitioning to the Fujitsu FMV UH-X 2023, my feelings are still the same as the first day - the sensation of using a slim, lightweight laptop, perfect for frequent and long-distance travel. The improvements Fujitsu has applied to this year's UH-X generation are truly worthwhile, from performance, temperature to a range of small to big conveniences. The only thing I don't like - perhaps the only downside - of the new generation is the loss of the SD card slot, replaced by microSD. However, that's not enough to diminish the comfort and enthusiasm of using the FMV UH-X 2023.
Upon first glance, the exterior of the 2023 UH-X exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fujitsu logo has been subtly relocated to the corner, sporting a smaller size compared to its prominent placement in the previous generation.
