Fujitsu FMV Note U Challenges Asus Zenbook A14 in the Lightweight Laptop Race
The competition in the thin-and-light laptop segment has intensified with the unveiling of the Fujitsu FMV Note U, a sleek and featherweight notebook that weighs only 1.87 pounds (848 grams). While Asus’s upcoming Zenbook A14 gained attention at CES 2025, Fujitsu’s latest offering edges out its rival in weight, all while running on Intel hardware—an increasingly rare choice in this category.
Powering the FMV Note U is an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, proving that a sub-two-pound laptop can still deliver x64 architecture. However, Fujitsu’s ambitious 36-hour battery life claim requires closer examination. The figure represents idle conditions, while more practical use cases, like video playback, lower the estimate to 15.5 hours. This performance, though decent, places it behind Snapdragon-based laptops like the Zenbook Z14, which excel in efficiency but often compromise on heavy workloads.
Beyond its weight and battery performance, the FMV Note U offers a compelling hardware suite. It features a 14-inch 1920×1200 screen, up to 2TB of storage, 32GB of RAM, and a backlit keyboard. Despite its thin 17.3mm (0.68 inches) profile, Fujitsu includes an impressive array of ports: two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, microSD, and Ethernet. The laptop is also designed for versatility, supporting 7.5W charging from standard mobile power banks, making it ideal for users on the move.
With a starting price of 214,000 yen (approximately $1,370 USD or €1,315), the FMV Note U is expected to ship in Japan within days. While global availability remains unclear, this lightweight Intel-based laptop could be a compelling option for users seeking ultra-portable designs with robust connectivity.