I used this for less than a month before deciding I'd prefer something bigger - like a 17" notebook. My loss is your gain.
http://www.micropctalk.com/2007/08/23/sony-ux-the-perfect-google-reader-companion/#more-171
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Sony-Vaio-UX380N.htm
Sony VAIO VGN-UX380N 4.5" Notebook PC (Intel Core Solo Processor U1500, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)
With the arrival of the Sony Vaio VGN-UX380N Micro PC, you'll soon think that laptops are too bulky. Placing full-size computer performance into a pocket-sized package, the UX380N weighs just over a pound and measures 5.9 by 3.75 inches to easily fit in the palm of your hand. It features a 4.5-inch widescreen SVGA screen that ingeniously slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. The pocket-sized UX380N comes equipped with a stylus and Sony's VAIO touch launcher for quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games and music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit.
It's powered by Windows Vista Business and Intel's groundbreaking Core Solo processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life. Advanced wireless capabilities are built right in--including tri-mode Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth--and expansion is a breeze with the included port replicator. It even includes two built-in cameras--one on the front (0.3 megapixels) for VoIP tele/videoconferencing and the other (1.3 megapixels) on the back for taking snapshots. Other technical features include a 40 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, a Memory Stick slot, and a full complement of pre-installed software (from Internet security to Microsoft Works). For added convenience, a docking station with three 2.0 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, iLink (FireWire/IEEE-1394) interface and an AV output comes with the unit, making it easy to connect to peripherals like a full-sized keyboard, display and speakers when back in the office or at home.
Advanced Wireless Mobility
The UX380N features Sony's SmartWi technology, which seamlessly integrates wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth technologies, enabling you to toggle among your wireless connectivity options depending on your surroundings. And with the Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can synchronize and transfer files between the PC and peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs.
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
If you're the ultimate road warrior, you need to access the Internet and check e-mail without having to plug in your Sony Vaio notebook PC, and without cables to boot. Welcome to the world of WWANs (wireless wide area networks). With WWANs, you can access critical network resources and home office files from the front seat of your car, the airport, the local coffee shop, or your recliner at home. Sony Vaio computers use SmartWi technology to access the Cingular Wireless national EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) network.
The G-Sensor shock protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3-D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.
The Basics
- Processor: The Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core Solo U1500 processor offers a 1.33 GHz speed paired with a fast 533 MHz front-side bus and large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core Solo processor delivers enhanced performance for today's demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. And Intel's Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.
- Hard Drive: The 40 GB Ultra ATA hard drive (4200 RPM) is on the small side when compared to full-size notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Sony's G-Sensor shock protection offers an advantage over traditional hard drives by safeguarding the notebook's internal mechanisms to protect against impact and help prevent a loss of data.
- Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of 400 MHz, PC-3200 DDR2 RAM. On the downside, that's the maximum that the UX380N will accept, so you won't be able to upgrade.
- CD/DVD Drive: This Micro PC does not come with an integrated optical drive, but Sony offers an optional, external multi-format DVD burner (VGP-DDRW4).
- Keyboard & Mouse: The hidden keyboard has 64 keys with a 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch.
Screen, Video & Audio
The UX380N's wide, touchscreen 4.5-inch XBRITE LCD has a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (SVGA) and includes control buttons for zooming, scrolling, and a stick pointer, as well as the ability to view in either landscape or portrait orientations. The high brightness level of an XBRITE display means that black tones appear richer and deeper while white tones remain brighter. Graphics and text display clearly and colors appear more lifelike. This Micro PC includes a built-in monaural speaker and is compatible with the Windows sound system. Video and graphics are powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 224 MB of shared video memory.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The UX380N has a single USB 2.0 port, headphone and microphone jacks, Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick DUO and MagicGate functionality), and a port replicator connection. The included port replicator offers three USB 2.0, FireWire, VGA out, composite A/V out, and Ethernet (10Base-T/100Base-TX) connections.
Operating System
The Windows Vista Business operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support.
Dimensions and Weight
Amazingly small, the UX380N measures 5.9 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs just 1.2 pounds with the included standard battery.
Power
It comes with the standard VGP-BPS6 standard capacity lithium ion battery, which provides between 2.5 and 4.5 hours of power (depending on usage). The optional large capacity VGP-BPL6 battery can power the UX380N for up to 9 hours.
What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-UX380N, detachable stand, stylus, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter and power cord, port replicator, Cingular SIM card, soft carrying case, and VGA/LAN adapter. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with 1 year of toll-free technical telephone assistance.
