LifeBook T580 Build & Design

Keyboard and Touchpad

Fujitsu packed an 82-button spill-proof keyboard into the little T580, and things are predictably cramped as a result and require time for familiarization even though the layout is standard. The keys have a slight texture and crisp stroke, and they emit a quietly audible clank when pressed. There are various shortcuts and hotkeys — many of which I errantly accessed when getting to know the convertible — but overall, typing is pleasant, and the keyboard won’t hinder business users clanking away at documents all day.

A small and slightly recessed two-button touchpad is located underneath the keyboard in the usual spot. It functions well even though none of the fun display touch controls carry over, and it is responsive, even to the lightest touch. The pad itself has a pleasant ribbed texture and the keys require only a shallow stroke.

Input and Output Ports

Fujitsu crammed a number of ports and inputs into the T580, with the only major exclusions being an ExpressCard slot and optical drive, which are acceptable tradeoffs for mobility.

I’m sure business users will like the full-sized HDMI port, which they’ll find useful for presentations. But they may find themselves wishing Fujitsu included another USB port, as the T580 only sports two. Most netbooks today have three USB ports. In addition, both are USB 2.0, which is not surprising, but we think it’s time for business units to start shipping with USB 3.0.

There is also a fingerprint scanner located along the display trim. Fujitsu was good enough to include the security software as well, so users can lock the T580 down biometrically out of the box.