Sony mylo 2 on sale

All five of you who have been waiting patiently for Sony to upgrade its mylo Personal Communicator should be pleased to learn that the revised internet tablet has finally gone on sale at SonyStyle. With its high-res 3.5-inch touchscreen, 1GB of storage, and improved Flash support, the $299 mylo 2 does indeed offer a number of attractive feature bumps over its predecessor -- however, we're still a little wary of how Sony's positioned this product in the market. But hey, what do we know: apparently they pushed enough first-gen units out the door to give this restyled number a shot. Starts shipping on the 28th, in either white or black, says Sony.

[Thanks, Michael E]

[vdogg89 @ Jan 25th 2008 9:07AM]

why would I pay 300 bucks for this when it has 1 gig, when i can simply buy an iPod touch and get 8 gigs

[Reid Harrington @ Jan 25th 2008 9:16AM]

iPod doesn't have qwerty keypad...

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jan 25th 2008 9:28AM]

Even though it's touched-based, the iPod Touch still has the basic QWERTY lay-out:

http://adamsalamon.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/itouch.jpg

[Jon @ Jan 25th 2008 10:02AM]

800x480 resolution screen. HVGA is so 2002 (Sony had a HVGA PDA back then). Besides the Mylo2 has Skype support, removable battery and more importantly expansion slot.

[vdogg89 @ Jan 25th 2008 11:17AM]

reid,
the iPod does have a qwerty keyboard you idiot. And it works far better than any device with plastic keys.

[joey @ Jan 26th 2008 11:58AM]

Did anyone foroget to mention, the ipod touch is NOT A PHONE!!!!!

[Jon @ Jan 25th 2008 12:41PM]

@vdogg,

LOL. You are clearly deluded to think that any virtual keypad can replace a hardware one.

[justin @ Jan 25th 2008 1:04PM]

the only thing that would make an iphone better is the option for a physical qwerty keyboard. i don't think the mylo2 will be a huge success but at least it's headed in the right direction.

i don't see this trumping the iphone though.

[Thrillcekr @ Jan 25th 2008 1:50PM]

Kinda what I was thinking. Pretty stingy on the flash. The iPod Touch seems like the better deal and I thought even it was lacking a bit in the storage department for the price.

Also, to the poster that claimed the touch doesn't have a keypad, you're wrong. It's just not a traditional one. I don't own one but I played around with one a couple of times and it's pretty simple to use. I'd venture to say it's every bit as fast and easy as a physical keyboard with a little practice.

[bobartig @ Jan 25th 2008 2:09PM]

The iPod Touch/iPhone touch keyboard is every bit as fast as a mini thumb keyboard pad, and its corrective spelling algorithms are outstanding compared to other mobile input schemes.

The main disadvantage are that 1) The on-screen keypad eats up significant screen real estate when active, and

2) You cannot type without looking at the screen. Hardcore thumbpad typists can usually hit most of the keys without looking, although I have less faith that that will be an option with the Mylo, as it lacks the bumple keys of a treo or blackberry.

Mylo and iPod Touch definitely occupy the same product space, and both have their strengths and weaknesses. I think the iPod Touch has a lot of significant advantages over the mylo, and along with other browser pads, like the Nokia and Archos pads, they will limit its adoption to a tiny, obscure minority.

I don't think mylo 2 is motivated by any success mylo 1 had, it was a real dog of a product. I think its just indication that this is a product space that they really want to be in. In true sony style, they will beat their heads against a brick wall over and over until something sticks. Usually, that something is brainmatter, but occasionally they hit pay dirt with market share.

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jan 25th 2008 3:20PM]

I find it funny that my comment was marked down.

My first comment was in response to Reid's comment about the iPhone/iPod Touch not having a keypad. While there isn't a keypad, there is still an on-screen keyboard and you can't take that fact away. Whether you want tactical buttons or not is a whole other debate.

What is keeping anyone from comparing Apple's touch-screen products to Sony's Mylo 2 product, anyway? Both gadgets obviously have wifi and multimedia capabilities, it just depends on what you're going to do with either of them.

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jan 25th 2008 3:22PM]

Tactile* (not "tactical") would be the correct term, sorry.

[Poom @ Jan 26th 2008 2:00AM]

vdog, there is Memory Stick expansion slot... Yeah, you do have to pay extra, but it's quite hard to find a device with memory card option and 1GB internal...

Liquid Fusion, read Jon's comment. -_-" Being persistent in making yourself look correct would only make you look more stupid.

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jan 26th 2008 4:05PM]

Excuse me? I'm not trying to correct myself, only trying clarify what I said for dense fools such as yourself.

*shakes head*

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:14AM]

@ vdogg89
because it is not an ipod and can do things an ipod can't. I don't even see where you get an ipod comparison.

[Dan S @ Jan 25th 2008 9:36AM]

Maybe I missed something, but what can it do that an ipod touch can't?

[Skemo @ Jan 25th 2008 9:39AM]

Display flash? Tactile keyboard? Skype support?

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:41AM]

Possibly connect to the PS3 in the near future!!!

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:46AM]

Sorry I wasn't referring to the ipod Touch. I was only referring to every other ipod. But to answer you, it may have future connectivity to rempoteplay with the PS3.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:18AM]

Is it like the cool thing to hate on Sony(gizmodo envy)? Obviously this little thing that no one wants created a huge buzz over the web. It seemed like a frequently reviewd CES item. If Engadget is going to be a Sony hater, might as well go back to Gizmodo. At least their hatred for Sony is obvious and not wormy.

[Anthony @ Jan 25th 2008 9:58AM]

It does seem they're specifically down w/ this. I am surprised since, besides the open platform, the new mylo does a lot that the beloved N810 does. I'm seriously considering it- *IF* I can figure out how to play DIVX or even not since they say it's MP4 compatible. Looks like a capable PMP that also has great internet access.

[nojok3 @ Jan 25th 2008 10:05AM]

I was very much excited for the Mylo 1, but I didn't waste $300 on it. Considering my cell phone (Palm Treo 755p) does everything this does and more its not worth it. If you have $300, I'd simply go with an iPod touch.

From reviews that I have read, the web browser has severe problems and crashes when two programs are opened. I'll pass.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 10:09AM]

I have a Nokia 770 right now. It's a fun device that hits a lot of the right places but is horribly underpowered. Because of that I've wanted an 810 too but the price is just a little to steep for me. I saw the Mylo 2, it's price, it's improvements over the last gen (that screen rocks) and then remembered that not to long ago:

“Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer told an audience in Tokyo that Remote Play is only the beginning of the PS3's external connectivity. The Bloomberg news service reports that the executive said his company plans to eventually link up the PS3 to mobile phones and a range of other unspecified electronics.“

I had to buy one :)

Also Sony just got the PS3 DivX certified and I think I heard rumors that they plan on doing the same for the PSP. Is the Mylo next? hmm.

[John @ Jan 25th 2008 10:44AM]

I've never heard of this thing before, but upon first glance, it looks like it was designed for a 15 year old boy. Bright blue home screen with a neon-orange keypad in Spider-Man typeface with green and blue lights on the edges? I think real businessmen want a phone that doesn't look like its a Toys-R-Us Spider-Man candy dispenser.

Also, that was a lot of hyphens.

[jeremy @ Jan 25th 2008 11:49AM]

maybe engadget is part of the great blu(ray) conspiracy. they wanted to support red but since warner (owned by Time Warner, which also owns Engadget's parent companies)went blu they had to hang their head in shame that they work for 'the man'.

[Homeboy @ Jan 25th 2008 9:21AM]

800x480? That's a very nice resolution. Not only that buy it has a proper keypad as well, the price ain't bad either. I'd say this is one very desirable product but it will most likely be a flop since Sony won't market it proper and not only that but 1GB is very little for a $300 product.

[ME @ Jan 25th 2008 9:24AM]

I would be all over this if it had 8gb and bluetooth (to pair with a 3g cell phone), would gladly pay 100 more for that.

[Anthony @ Jan 25th 2008 9:59AM]

Buy an 8gb memorystick. Less than $100. 3G. Well that's a no go.

[matthew @ Jan 25th 2008 9:30AM]

needs either bluetooth or Wimax (in the future at least)

these things are useless to me if i have to search for wifi access. i dotn' mind teathering to my phone or even paying monthly for a good speed wireless internet service, but i'm not gonna resort to wardriving or paying t mobile so i can sit in starbucks with my overpriced coffee

[Alessandro Massone @ Jan 25th 2008 9:33AM]

They HAVE to get rid of that crappy Spiderman font.

[Jeff @ Jan 25th 2008 10:40AM]

Maybe Spider-man needs to get rid of the Sony font.

It *is* a Sony font. Who do you think released Spider-man?

People really need to put the whole font thing to bed. A company can never re-use one of its own fonts?

[nebulus @ Jan 25th 2008 3:22PM]

Ok typography lesson 101 if the font looks the same but isn't the same then its not the same font!

PS3 - Spiderman, very similar possibly the same.

Mylo (Vaio UX and several others) - Spiderman, very different just look at an E as an example.


I'm guessing a load of opticians are falling short of their targets, and now I can see why..

[Andrew Fong @ Jan 25th 2008 3:59PM]

Of course Sony can reuse (or use a variation of) one of its fonts. It'd just be nice if the font didn't scream "too hip for my own good".

[NHAnimator @ Jan 25th 2008 9:34AM]

"But hey, what do we know: apparently they pushed enough first-gen units out the door to give this restyled number a shot."

Not saying it's a bad unit - never used one. But that's not necessarily a good reason to keep dumping money into the product. (See: Caddyshack)

[tsw @ Jan 25th 2008 9:35AM]

ya, add 8gb internal memory, and you can add 8gb extra, not bad. The web browser is not as good as the Nokia N800, only supports Flash lite. Looks nice, except seems kinda thick. The iPod touch will steal the show as far as quick intuitive usability except for the lack of keyboard and volume buttons. The resolution is great, same as Nokia N800, but the Sony is a closed platform.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:36AM]

@ Alessandro Massone

That Spiderman font is also the "Playstation" font.

[Alessandro Massone @ Jan 25th 2008 11:03AM]

I know. The point is that that font was formerly only Spiderman's. They used it for the three Spidey movies, then pushed it for the Playstation 3 logo, then here.

@Jeff: It's okay to use some font again and again BUT not a font like this. I mean, this is really obtrusive. It's okay for a film logo, kinda works for a console branding (while feeling already 'old' and pretentious, there) but for a keyboard? Yahkt. They really have to stop with that, the mylo is quite ruined by that 'o-my-I'm-so-sci-fi' keyboard font imho.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 11:30AM]

@ Alessandro Massone

To be honest I'm not so hot about it it either.

Now that they have used it on the Mylo 2 I figure it is foreshadowing to further PS3 connectivity.

[mypetridish @ Jan 28th 2008 1:32AM]

@Alessandro Massone

So you have a degree in fontology? Come on man just shut up and let them do as they please. Who are you to say "it's okay for this to be used for movies, but not for gadget"? Anyone who decides on buying a gadget for the right font is a dumbo anyways.

[TX30000 @ Jan 25th 2008 12:33PM]

The VAIO Type U also has the same font on their keys.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:37AM]

@ Evan Blass

O Btw, these started shipping on the 1/24.

[Kevin @ Jan 25th 2008 9:51AM]

It has a memory stick pro duo slot, meaning up to 16gb at the moment.

[J @ Jan 25th 2008 9:56AM]

what they need to do is throw that kind of screen (800X480) into the PSP slim...release an attachable hardware keyboard, and throw in bluetooth as an extra bonus and they'll be flying off shelves faster than the DS lites.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 9:56AM]

I may not be your regular user but everywhere I go (for long periods) has wifi. My home, school campus, work, my families and even some of the bars I go to. Yes it sucks that it doesn't have anything but wi-fi, (even my old ass Nokia 770 has bluetooth) but I can see how it works for my general life. I already got one of these, should be here on Monday and I'm going to take a trip in the next few weeks. I'll have to evaluate how well it works in that situation.

[Constable Odo @ Jan 25th 2008 10:04AM]

It does seem nice, but 1GB of memory is a bit too small. All new devices should have SDHC slots to get that 8GB goodness.

I had read that this device does not allow you to add applications, so that's one thing less it can do than an iPod touch even if it does need to be hacked.

[jalapeno @ Jan 25th 2008 10:05AM]

I think the Nokia N800 or N810 are a better open source alternative to this thing.

[binaryfiend @ Jan 25th 2008 10:20AM]

Even though I am buying this thing I have to agree. I can't see a huge development scene growing around this device but who knows, look at the PSPs customs firmwares and such. Long shot though. I have a 770 and I love it sept for its sloow speed. I'm buying this because I have lots of other Sony products and it fits. I have a Vaio, a PSP and PS3 so I already have the Memory Stick. Big advantage for me.

[iceman2654 @ Jan 25th 2008 10:16AM]

Originally...
"All five of you who have been waiting patiently "

What's with all the hate against Sony? I've noticed alot of this kind of remarks in other articles....

[Oinquer @ Jan 25th 2008 10:22AM]

ohh well...sony prolly refusing to give them 1 of the new vaio's for reviewing (and keeping later...) hehehe...

[deedeedee @ Jan 25th 2008 10:37AM]

Its not hate against Sony, lots of people worry/wonder what the heck Sony was thinking putting out this half-a$$ed device.

Mylo is a horriblly positioned device in the market, it has no spotlight feature whatsoever, it does every thing every other device does even Sony's own PSP can do 70% of its functions (keyboard/touch screen is nice though), and the fact that it does not support MSN messenger is going to hurt its sales outside of the US. Although supporting Facebook/Youtube etc, web surfing are sluggish, probably just like the PSP.

So basically, Mylo = PSP - game function - UMD drive + Keyboard + touch screen + 1GB Memory + $100

and I say, no freaking way dude! I really wish Sony could have put the sources they put in Mylo on the PSP, Mylo 2 is no doubt a high quality device but it will fail just like the 1st one.