Fujitsu’s 10 and 13-Inch Convertible Tablets Feature Multitouch and Pen Input

In the long, lean years between the first Year of the Tablet (2003) and the present day, Fujitsu is one of the few companies that has kept the convertible tablet faith alive. Even though the second coming of the tablet doesn’t usually include a keyboard, Fujitsu still believes in bringing consumers the best of both worlds. Today, Fujitsu announced two Lifebook tablets: an update to the 13.3-inch T901 and the new 10.1-inch T580. But before you make any assumptions about that second model, take a close look at the specs.

Fujitsu hopes to bring some cred back to the convertible space and finally make a netbook-sized model we’ll love. The Lifebook T580 may be just 10.1 inches and weigh just 3 pounds, but there the similarities to a netbook end. For one, you will not find Atom (or Windows 7 Starter) inside — this machine packs a Core i5 CPU and Windows 7 Professional.

The WXGA LED-backlit display is multitouch, yet also accepts pen input (a resistive screen we can love?). Plus, consumers have the option to pick a solid state drive for even faster performance. We’re definitely interested in seeing if Fujitsu can pull this one off. A truly netbook-sized machine that offers notebook-level performance and tablet functionality may be exactly what the market has been looking for.

The Lifebook T580′s price tag is fairly high — $1,149. Will the power and performance be worth it? We can’t wait to find out. If you can’t wait, either, it’s available right now via Fujitsu’s webstore and retailers.

For those seeking a bigger canvas, the 13.3-inch Lifebook T901 promises a light weight, no-compromise tablet experience. This tablet also sports a WXGA LED backlit display with pen capabilities; multitouch is an optional add-on. Under the hood you’ll find Intel’s next-gen Core i processors and Nvidia graphics with Optimus — the first convertible tablet with the technology. A modular bay supports hot-swapping a second battery or hard drive, for those times when you need extra power or extra space immediately.

The Lifebook T901 starts at $1,899; expect to see it in the Spring.