Product Description

The Micro PC is a new class of computer that drastically increases the portability of a full-featured PC into a hand-held device. The VAIO(R) UX Micro PC features a 4.5" wide high-resolution touch screen display. A stylus is stored conveniently on the backside of the PC. Text entry is a breeze with a hidden thumbable keypad. Just slide the LCD screen up to reveal it. This keeps the PC compact in size and saves you the mind-numbing chore of using a stylus to type. Like I said, this is a full-featured PC. You get a powerful Intel Core Solo processor, 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, 40GB of hard drive space and much more. You even get two ways of connecting to the Internet. You can do it via a Wi-Fi HotSpot that supports 802.11a, b, or g; or if you subscribe to the service, you can connect via the Cingular Wireless National EDGE Network. 32GB NAND Flash SSD (Solid State Drive) - It's like the flash memory in your cellphone, no moving parts! 4.5 Wide Touchscreen Native Resolution - 1024x600 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Graphics with 224MB of shared memory (memory is shared with the main system) MemoryStick Media Slot - supports Memory Stick(R) DUO media with MagicGate(TM) functionality Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, & 1 USB 2.0 Wireless LAN - integrated 802.11a/b/g Wireless WAN - via Cingular Wireless National EDGE Network with SmartWi technology (optional service required) Integrated Bluetooth Support Unit Dimensions - 5.91 (w) x 3.74 (h) x 1.5 (d) Unit Weight - 1.2 lbs. Color - Black Note - When you first turn this machine on, you will have to wait ONLY 5-6 minutes before you use Windows Vista.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1394 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-UX390N
• Released on: 2007-01-30
• Dimensions: 3.74" h x 5.91" w x 1.50" l, 1.20 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Solo 1.33 GHz
• Memory: 1000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 40GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 4.5

Features

• Amazingly small micro PC fits in your hand--4.5 inch LCD touch screen and hidden keyboard
• 32 GB flash memory storage, 1.33 GHz Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core Solo U1500 processor, 1 GB RAM
• Tri-mode WiFi (802.11a/b/g), wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) with Cingular SIM card, Bluetooth connectivity
• One built-in USB 2.0 port and Memory Stick slot; includes port replicator with three USB, one FireWire, Ethernet, VGA out, composite A/V out
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Business

Amazon.com Product Description
Featuring cutting-edge flash memory, the black Sony VAIO VGN-UX390N Micro PC is an ultra-portable, full-functioning PC small enough to fit in your pocket. Taking the PC to the next level, the UX390N stores data on 32 GB of solid state flash memory, instead of a traditional spinning disc drive. Weighing just over a pound and measuring 5.9 by 3.75 inches, it easily fits in the palm of your hand. The UX390N features a 4.5-inch widescreen SVGA screen that ingeniously slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. The pocket-sized UX390N 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 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 UX390N 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. The tri-mode wireless LAN is compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). The integrated wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology lets you access the Cingular Wireless EDGE network to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots (a Cingular SIM card is included; see more about WWANs below). 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.

A WWAN uses long-range wireless connections -- the same networks as cellular phones -- to provide access across a large geographic area. In comparison, a WLAN (wireless LAN) covers only one or more buildings located close together. The use of wireless connectivity on a WLAN is simply an alternative to the PSTN (public switched telephone network), which you may have used -- or still use -- to dial into your ISP (Internet service provider) or reach your company's network. On a WWAN, however, you use wireless connectivity to reach your carrier's data network instead of plugging into a phone jack and dialing into your ISP. Each mobile device communicates with the public carrier's base station, providing coverage across entire states, regions, and countries via cell phone towers.

Security & Safety Features
Sony's line of Vaio UX micro-PCs take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient and secure way to protect your computer and the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint.

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 32 GB of flash memory (NAND) storage is on the small side when compared to traditional notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Faster and more reliable, flash memory provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications while improving battery life. Flash memory is also more reliable than hard disk memory, mainly because there are no moving parts. Since data is written to stationary flash memory instead of a spinning hard disk, you have less risk of hardware problems with the hard disk when you're on the move.

• Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of 400 MHz, PC-3200 DDR2 RAM. On the downside, that's the maximum that the UX390N 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 UX390N'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 UX390N 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. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions and Weight
Amazingly small, the UX390N 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 UX390N for up to 9 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-UX390N, 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.

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Customer Reviews

Some performance info
I've had mine for 2 weeks now and I love it! Most of the time I used it docked, connected to a 20" FP monitor at 1600x1200 and use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (Logitech diNovo - also awesome product). Set up like this, it works like a regular PC, though obviously a bit underperforming for this price compared to a desktop. However, you can't expect desktop performance from something that fits in your pocket. Not yet anyway.

But, it is while away from the desk that it really rocks. I use it in the car when my wife is driving, in front of the TV during American Idol's many many commercials, waiting at the doctor's office, etc. In two weeks I have probably logged 16 hours on it portable and am more impressed as time goes on, rather than less.

I have the same feeling as the other reviewer regarding the resolution. It is right on the edge of where I can see it. When my eyes get a little tired, late at night, it takes a bit longer to focus them on it. But once they do, the screen is amazing. 1024x600 is awesome. Anything less than 1024 really won't do anymore. Most software and websites want that much these days, and I hate scrolling left to right.

Now, I titled this performance. Since Winows Vista has this nifty "Windows Experience Index", I believe that all PC makers' marketing stuff should tell you what this is for their machines so you can really compare one to another. For my VAIO, I get:

Processor: 2.9
Memory (RAM): 4.3
Graphics: 2.0
Gaming graphics: 2.7
Primary hard disk: 5.2

That Primary hard disk number is important, because I keep reading about how impressive this NAND drive is, performance wise. 5.2 is a great number. But just to compare:

My Dell laptop has a 7200rpm HDD and it gets 4.4
My Dell desktop (brand new) has a 7200 rpm HDD and it gets 5.3

So, significantly faster data transfer than the laptop (and, btw, most laptops come with 4200rpm drives which would be even slower) but about the same as a desktop. My point is that the NAND drive performance is impressive, but not revolutionary.

One last word, on battery life. I have gone from full to empty several times in the past few weeks. I never really timed it, but it seems like about 2 to 2.5 hours with just regular usage.

Great machine after tweaks
I've had a 380n (identical twin to the 390 but with a conventional hard disk) for about 2 months now, and am more impressed with it every week. Sony has made some major blunders with this machine, but they're fixable:

(1) The machine runs "okay" on Vista, beautifully on XP. If you're technical, rip out Vista and upgrade to XP. Sony won't help at all with the drivers, but you'll find them in a neat little package (along with a lot of friendly support) at micropctalk.com.

(2) Sony loads up the system with loads of Crapware. Uninstall it.

(3) Sony loads up the hard drive with a hidden recovery partition. If you're technical, create a backup disk (Sony says how, or buy it from Sony), then erase the hard drive and start over without the extra partition.

(4) Increase the display DPI setting to 150%. Makes everything bigger and more legible on the screen.

(5) Install "RitePen," a free and amazingly accurate stylus-to-text interpreter. Now you have a perfectly functional touchpad.

(6) Get an Igo bluetooth keyboard ($50). Now you have a fully-functional keyboard when you need to write that 20-page document.

Once again, a remarkable machine, with great potential. Go for it.

Great Little Machine
I just got my new Sony yesterday.

First impressions:

It feels amazing to have a whole Windows Vista machine in the palm of your hand. It's kind heavy though... it ain't no cell phone... don't plan to hold it up high for long periods.

The experience is what I think one day our cell phones will give us. In fact after a day with the machine, going back to my Windows Mobile 5 phone for a moment (HTC Hermes) felt like a major step back.

A cheapo case and the port replicator come in the box - so don't feel the need to add them to your cart.

I got the WiFi working immediately. Range seems to be good. Very nice to be able to connect to my main iTunes service and play music from the little device. Can't wait to try Google Earth.

I plugged a Cingular SIM card in with access to a data plan and I was running via my GSM/EDGE account within minutes. There's a lot of Cingular sign-up / activation stuff - I just skipped it.

The screen is very dense. You eyesight needs to be excellent to be comfortable. I just hit 40 and my previously excellent near vision is getting a little cranky. I feel like I'm on the edge of being a little stressed by how small it is..

I love the fact that it's a touch screen. This totally rocks. These days I find it really strange if I can't press a button on an LCD screen with my finger or a pen.

Vista sure comes with a LOT of extra stuff. A lot in a bad way. There's Corel Paint, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, etc. I started to wonder about all this when I saw that of the 32G of Flash there was only 7G or so left! Removing it takes a long time too - really long.

This is my first Vista machine. Now I get what the Apple v. Mac ads with the security guard are all about. Everything I want to do with /program files or /windows results in a pop-up. "someone wants to do X". Funny. And a little annoying when that someone is me.

Cameras seem servicable, but not great. Sadly I'm not going to be able to leave my actual camera at home. I'm sure it will be fine for Webcam / random snaps.

Performance subjectively seems pretty good. Eclipse bounces up and down OK.

Amazingly to me the fingerprint device works well. You don't need to type in your password to log in - just brush a fingers across the sensor and you're in.

Haven't checked DVD performance yet.

I got this machine so I didn't have to take my enormous laptop on a couple of trips I'm planning in March. I think this is going to work very well.