While our test unit lacked 3G connectivity, it is available as an option. Our unit did have a gigabit ethernet port and Atheros 802.11n/g/e Wi-Fi capability. Bluetooth is also available. Because of the T580's compact size, it offers only two USB ports, but it does include VGA-out, an HDMI port, an ethernet jack, and an SD card slot for flash memory cards.

Our test unit had only a 160GB, 5400-rpm Seagate drive--perfectly adequate, but you might consider the 128GB SSD upgrade, since the unit will likely be carried around on your arm more regularly than in a padded case.

Fujitsu's software bundle includes Microsoft Office Starter, Roxio Creator LJ, and the aforementioned Windows Surface Touch Pack. The main manual is in a PDF file on the system, but it's excellent, including detailed descriptions of how to use the tablet and touch interfaces.

The biggest downside, though, is the price. The base configuration, which includes 32-bit Windows 7, a fairly slow CPU, just 2GB of RAM, and the 160GB hard drive, is nearly $1000. That's a really steep price for adding a touch interface. In the end, this is a pretty intriguing system, but it needs to be slimmed down--both in bulk and in cost--to compete in a world of netbooks and iPads.