There is not much to say about the graphics card. The Sandy Bridge processors houses an IGP (Integrated Graphics Processor) called the Intel HD Graphics 3000. This chip uses the fast 3MB Level 3 cache of the CPU. If more memory is needed, the chip uses system RAM. The core frequency of the IGP in our test model is 650 MHz and in Turbo mode the chip boosts to 1200 MHz. The Intel IGP supports DirectX 10.1 and the 4.1 Shader model. Asus K43SJ Battery
In comparison to its predecessor, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD Graphics, our Sandy Bridge IGP offers more performance. The performance lies at the same level as entry-level graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce 310M, if not a bit below. Asus K43SR Battery
We would not describe the Intel HD Graphics HD 3000 as a gaming graphics card - at least not for the latest, demanding 3D games. Still, neither the Lifebook E781 nor the IGP is designed to make gamers happy. The IGP provides sufficient performance for older and less demanding 3D games, but even modern games like Anno 2070 can run fluidly at low settings. Simulation games such as Fifa 2012 can be playable of medium settings. Asus K43SV Battery
First things first: the Fujitsu Lifebook E781 is never completely quiet. The hard disk is always audible. The noise emission remains below a comfortable 33 dB as long as the fan is not spinning. Periodically, while the laptop is performing standard office tasks, the fan will automatically switch on. This level of noise emission is not loud, but in the office it might be noticeable and can be distracting to sensitive users. At full load, the fan turns up and becomes quite loud: 41.4 dB. Thankfully, the fan maintains a constant speed and does not erratically turn up and down. In contrast, a lot of other models are much louder. While playing DVDs, the laptop is comfortably quiet: the HDD emits 37.4 dB and is clearly audible, but the speakers are loud enough to drown out the noise. Asus K43SY Battery
The Fujitsu Lifebook E781 remains cool while idle, including the hand-rest regions. The laptop surface remains below 30 degrees C even after hours of typical use. On the other hand, the bottom of the laptop can heat up significantly at a hotspot at the middle of the upper border. At full load, the notebook can heat up to 50 degrees C at the hotspot - too hot for skin contact. The power adapter heats up even more: 56.3 degrees. The temperatures at the top of the notebook remain in a comfortable region and users who place the laptop on a table should not have any problems. However, we can conclude that the model is not fun to use on the lap. Asus K43T Battery
Dull and weak – that is how the two speakers placed above the keyboard sound. Volume is enough to cover a large living room, but the sound quality is a nightmare for music lovers. We recommend the use of external speakers for music fans, but the placement of the audio jack at the front can restrict free work space. The speakers are barely good enough for watching movies, but the user should not expect a grand cinematic experience from a business notebook, anyway. Asus K43TA Battery
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Battery Life
The Lifebook E781 is quite conservative when it comes to power consumption. The 15.6 inch model consumes no more than 15.6 watts at maximum brightness. Overall, the power consumption hovers around 13 watts. At full load, the power consumption can rise up to 68.8 W, but this is only achievable while the battery is charging simultaneously. While the notebook is off, it consumes only 0.2 watts and in Standby mode use up to 0.7 watts. Asus K43U Battery
The moderate power consumption means that the Fujitsu Lifebook E781 has a good battery life, which is especially important for a business notebook. Although the laptop cannot last an entire workday even under ideal conditions, it has a good run time of more than 7 hours. In everyday use, the laptop lasts between 4 to 5 hours. The laptop is great for DVD playback as it can last up to 4 hours while playing a movie at maximum brightness. Even long movies, such as "Dances with the Wolves", will not be a problem on this model. At full load, the laptop goes into Standby mode after one and a half hours. Asus K53 Battery
The Fujitsu Lifebook E781 is a full-blooded business notebook and it has our recommendation. The biggest strength of the well-configured model is the display and its size and resolution are perfect for business users. In addition, the matte display is bright and offers a lovely contrast and great viewing angles. The good keyboard, reliable touchpad and fast mouse buttons all make the laptop very ergonomic. Let us not forget: the multitude of interfaces offered on the model are absolutely necessary for business users. Laptop maintenance is very easy and the modular slot will help users customize their notebook. Asus K53 Battery
The Lifebook E781 has great mobility thanks to its low weight, UMTS module, and long battery life.
The review model lands at an expected level in terms of performance: all office tasks are accomplished with ease. However, gamers and video editors will find this laptop too slow for their needs as the E781 lacks a discrete graphics card. Of course, not installing a discrete graphics card, drops the price of the laptop considerably and increases the battery life. Asus K53B Battery