Just don't call it a
UMPC. Like the "we don't need no stinkin' WMCE" days of yore, Sony is launching into a new market segment with little regard for the generally accepted Microsoft or Intel standards. They have just announced their new Vaio UX Micro PC, which seems more akin to an
OQO device than a UMPC. For starters, this unit obviously has a hardware keyboard, which doesn't seem that bad of decision given the difficulty of using current-gen UMPC keyboards. The UX is also powered by a full on Core Solo processor (don't ask us how they got it in there), and runs Windows XP Professional.
As rumored, the device also includes Bluetooth, WiFi, WWAN (EDGE connectivity) and a fingerprint reader. Along with the front camera for video conferencing, there is a camera in the rear for snapping pics, and the UX also can plug into a VGA adapter for powering an external monitor. The 4.5-inch screen is capable of a 800 x 600 resolution and accepts stylus input. We're not sure if the UX has another pointer device, but the unit can be docked to allow for desktop use, including VGA, Ethernet, IEEE-1394, three USB 2.0 ports and AV out, so you can use a regular mouse in those situations. We wish Sony would mention their battery life predictions for this mini beast, but they did let us know that the UX will be out in July for around $1800.
[Thanks, Stan]
posted May 16th 2006 1:18AM
i think i will have to start saving up for this, this looks like it would be a great companion for my 2 PSP's, 'specially with the 2.0 usb ports. and 30-60gig's, perfect for my legal iso's and homebrew games, i have about 20 gig's worth already. The price, well a bit steep but hey I thought that of the psp at first, but now I have two. This would be great for switching files on the move and checking out the new tech here at engadget and hacks/homebrew at pspupdates. Dang to bad I'm on sick leave.............
I saw some dude with one of these on a cross-country flight, about a month ago. It was grey (pre-production?). He watched a lot of video on it. It's quite a chunky thing. It looked very cool indeed.
It's 1024x600 (WSVGA) on 4,5", guys. Not 800x600...
$1800 for 512MB of RAM and a 30GB hard disk?
You've GOT to be kidding me. Obviously the Apple fanboys with big incomes (or rich parents) will snap these up, but as someone else pointed out, the price kills it for the primary segment, someone who wants an ultra-portable for under $999.
If Dell sold this thing it would cost $999 before coupons and could be had for $799 within a couple of months.
And I bought a U750p about 1.5 years ago...
The question is: Does it worth the upgrade? The u750 has a 5' screen ...
Wish I could see it fo real, or read a full review of the beast!
I'm a little disappointed by the size of the screen. I'd hoped it would be 7 inches like the early leaks about this device. It seems too small to use a lot. Maybe just for email , diary and task management. But very little data entry could be done usefully with it I think.
The press release makes me think the main driver for the screen size has been to get the device as small as possible so it's "a pc that can fit in your pocket." .. and your hand. I know from experience that its easy to drop ultraportables if they're too big for your hand.
I wonder too if the size of the screen is actually a result of the decision to go with a thumbpad. Ergonomically, can people (especially Japanese people with small thumbs??) stretch to use a keyboard wider than 4.5 inches?
I think it will sell, but its turning out to be an interesting year for ultraportables, so who knows what will come out next.
If that keyboard is really backlit I'm nearly sold on it though!
This is where we've come from, the original U
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/PCOM/PCG-U1/Images/wallpaper_pop_03.jpg
i got the mini cooper of vaio, the pcgsrx87.
but now i want the smart of vaio.
lol
WOW!
I was gonna buy a PS2, but now this thing comes along.
If I remember correctly, I think this thing has a Memory Stick port somewhere (If it has a CF Slot then it would be sweet). Would be nice for dumping digital photos/movies off my memory stick to this portable Vaio, and to view them, of course, on the screen.
If the battery life is OK (Meaning over 4 hours) then I can see purchasing this.
http://pcgsrx87.googlepages.com/
Here's some hands-on images. It also states (from the Babelfish translator) that there will be a 16GB NAND flash version late June. I'm sure this will drive the prices way way up but it's a interesting alternative if you want maximum battery life and a "0 spindle" device.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fpc.watch.impress.co.jp%2fdocs%2f2006%2f0516%2fsony4.htm
The real world images really show how small it is for a full blown XP machine that doesn't run on a crappy Celeron or Transmeta proc.
I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about the price. The OQO is $200 more than the Sony and it doesn't include a lot of the features.
This is exactly what I was looking for as I want a device that I can carry around with me everyday and keep in my bag. With WWAN access, I'm all set and even better if it Cingular allows voice option via Bluetooth.
It's exciting to see some technology pushing from Sony after the disappointment of the PS3 details last week. I'm looking forward to some hands on time when it hits the NYC Sony store!
An interesting link can be found here:
http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/Concept/Vision/index.html?product=typeU
All that sex, running Windows. What a shame.
Okay, wow, finally. I remember when I first heard about the Sony U series. I had just missed the American offering of the u750 by a few months, and was super-disappointed. I then proceeded to quest on ebay, but every time I found one, I either missed the end of the auction, was outbid, or the price went too high for my taste. Then Sony announced they were ceasing production of all U's except the U8 and the u50, I believe. I figured it portended the death-knell of the U series, and the US was s**t out of luck by default because everyone knows Asia always gets the coolest gadgets first. Then, I just read about the UX yesterday, and no joke, my voice was cracking as I read the article. I am in love with the U series, from the oldest efforts (though cute, they are kinda bleh by now) to this latest deliciousness. I already intend to save up. I just wish Sony would make a U with an integrated optical drive. The TX is the next-smallest currently available Vaio. Give it a few years, and I'm sure Sony will be able to come up with something. I'm not crazy about the screen size either. Almost an inch smaller than the previous U's, but don't count out einen schmeedle due to his small size. To paraphrase dialogue of the knife fight scene between Geena Davis and Craig Bierko in The Long Kiss Goodnight, when Geena sees Craig's small pocket knife: "Oh honey, only four inches?!" "You'll feel me!"
It can be use as mobile phone?
I notice people saying it seems great except for the price... I am surprised that $1800 is considered to be a high price. This is about an average price for a decent laptop, and most really nice laptops cost much more. This is a very small laptop, basically. Are people assuming that, because it is small, it should be priced like a PDA?
The vgnux17gp will be available in Australia soon.
How can I make this version usable on the new G3 850MHZ
network that will be operational next year.Or should I be looking at another UX model.
This thing sounds PIMP! I just have to save up!
this thing is PIMP!
Not sure why only 1 ilink port on port replicator - as this doesn't have a DVD drive and to create DVD's directly from a digicam I woul dneed 2 ilonk ports (1 for DVD drive which is optional and 1 for Digicam)... a built in drive would have been advantageous..
Is there any Data Card option like as other laptop where we can insert a data card to connect to internet.
Not bad for a sony product. But what's up with that antenna sticking up there like a sore thumb. I can see that breaking off easily.
http://www.laptopbatteryclub.com/
I am holding a UX50 in my hand now. Learning how to use it so I can teach the owner.
I am not that impressed with it.I find it difficult to work on it except when I dock it to my home desktop. For the same price I can get a decent laptop that is as small as I want it to be. However this is for the gadget freak who has deep pockets.
Beware this model comes only with Japanese manual. I have been scouring the web for the past 2 days hoping to find an English manual. Hope someone can help. One really needs a manual to use this machine effectively. By the time I get to know the full features by trial and error, I will tripping over my own beard.If anyone wants to no more details pls let me know.
I am hoping that someone out there has found an English manual for the Vaio VGN-UX50.
Thanks
Please i will like to ask if.... can u please help me get the Sony Vaio UX Micro PC.... if you can get it.... e-mail me: slims.mensfield@gmail.com .....you full name and address....and the lat cost of the item.......... so that i can go on in giving you the money through western union...... then i will send you my information too.....
Regards,
Mensfield Slims.
i like it.i really like it.i think i should by one but it is so expensive.