Sony Introduces Slick Ultraportable UX Micro PC

You can get a full-blown ultraportable notebook for $1800. But one of those won't replace the cool IT factor you get with Sony's VAIO UX Micro PC. This $1800 handheld unit may not be for everyone, but for those with bottomless pockets who need a full-featured ultraportable, the UX Micro PC--due out in July--is worth a look.



The VAIO UX Micro PC weighs just over a pound, and sports an Intel Core Solo CPU and a 4.5-inch wide SVGA touchscreen with Sony's Xbrite technology (stylus included). The cleverly designed unit's screen slides up--just as you've seen in cell phones--to reveal an integrated keyboard designed not just for thumbing messages, but for comfortably entering information with two hands.

The UX Micro PC provides wireless access via Sony?s SmartWi technology, which makes it easy to sap among wireless WWAN (via Cingular's EDGE network), wireless LAN, LAN, and Bluetooth connections. The unit also features two built-in cameras--one up front for on-the-fly video conferencing, and a second a and another located on the back of the unit, for taking photos.

The bundled docking station provides added flexibility, with three 2.0 USB ports, ethernet, VGA, FireWire, and AV output. Other built-in features: A VGA adapter (useful for connecting to a projector), USB ports, and a biometrics fingrprint sensor.