Sony rolls out pocket-sized Micro PC

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May 16, 2006

Sony Electronics has introduced a "pocket-sized" device claimed to offer "full-size computer performance." The VAIO UX Micro PC runs Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 on an Intel Core Solo Ultra Low Voltage CPU, weighs about a pound, and sports a 4.5-inch 1024x600 touchscreen display.

(Click here for slightly larger image)

In contrast to the recently introduced Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPC) (aka Origami) devices, which rely on handwriting recognition and an on-screen touch keyboard for text input, the Micro PC features a QWERTY keyboard that slides out from beneath the screen (which makes it half an inch thicker than typical UMPC designs -- see table, below).


Keyboard extended	Profile

(Click each image for larger view)
The unit also comes with a stylus and Sony's "VAIO touch launcher," said to enable quick access to frequently used functions. It's not clear whether the device provides handwriting recognition as a standard feature, although Sony could certainly provide handwriting recognition capability using proprietary software or via Windows XP Tablet Edition, as OQO recently did with its mini tablet device.

Comparing mini tablets

The following table compares a few key specs of several mini tablet PCs that have been announced over the past year or so. Of note, Sony's Micro PC is smaller and lighter than Samsung's Q1, one of the first UMPCs to ship, but has a higher resolution (though smaller) display.

Mini tablet comparisons
Device	Size (in.)	Screen size (in.)	Resolution	Weight
Sony Micro PC	5.9 x 3.7 x 1.5	4.5	1024 x 600	1.2 lb
Samsung Q1 UMPC	9.0 x 5.5 x 1.0	7.0	800 x 480	1.7 lb
OQO	4.9 x 3.4 x 0.9	5.0	800 x 480	14 oz
DualCor CPC	6.5 x 3.3 x 1.2	5.0	800 x 480	1.1 lb

Summary of VAIO UX Micro PC specs

Sony lists the following key features and specifications for the VAIO UX Micro PC:

Processor -- Intel Core Solo, clocked at 1.2 GHz; 945GMS chipset
Memory -- 512 MB PC2-3200 400 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Display -- 4.5-inch SVGA (1024x600) LCD with touchscreen
Storage -- 30 GB ultra ATA hard drive with G-Sensor shock protection
I/O ports:
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- USB 2.0
- port replicator connector
- Audio -- built-in mic and mono speakers, mic and headphone jacks
Expansion -- Memory Stick media slot, supports optional memory stick DUO media with MagicGate functionality
Wireless:
- integrated wireless WAN for access to the Cingular Wireless national EDGE network
- 802.11a/b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth
dual built-in cameras
- front -- 0.3 Mpixels
- back -- 1.3 Mpixels
Integrated biometric fingerprint sensor
Estimated battery life -- 2.5 to 4.5 hours
Dimensions -- 5.9 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches (150 x 95 x 38 mm)
Weight -- approximately 1.2 lbs

"With this pocket PC, you can have the same functionality as your office or home PC in a device that fits in the palm of your hand," said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing of the Sony Electronics U.S. division.

Availability

The VAIO UX Micro PC is expected to be available in July for about $1,800, according to Sony.

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