vincent nguyen

Ever since Microsoft announced the “Origami” ultra-portable PC this past March, everyone was talking about how cool it would be to have a fully-operating computer right in your pocket, anywhere you go. But as devices neared their release date, we began to be less and less impressed with what we saw; devices that were supposed to run all day on a single charge only lasted 2 to 3 hours; just long enough to watch one DVD. The processing speed was lower than anticipated, the 256 MB of RAM present could barely hang on, and the devices overall were a huge letdown from what we had anticipated. However, it looks like we might finally have our first UMPC worth getting excited over, thanks to Sony and their impressive VAIO computer line.

The Sony VAIO Type U, which we covered yesterday as now being confirmed, will be available in two editions, the UX50 and UX90. Both devices will feature Intel processors; the UX50 will feature a Core Solo U1300 @ 1.06 GHz while the UX90 will contain a Core Solo U1400 @ 1.2 GHz. On both models, a Celeron processor is optional as a replacement processor (probably to save money). The new VAIOs also feature the built-in keyboard underneath the sliding screen, either a 20 or 30 GB hard drive, a 1.3 megapixel camera/webcam, Wi-Fi a/b/g capability, Bluetooth 2.0, and USB 2.0. Battery life for the devices should be around 3-3.5 hours, according to Sony’s specifications.

So what makes this UMPC so different? Well, the design is clearly of a different nature than the UMPCs we’ve seen thus far; rather than use Windows XP Tablet Edition with Touch Pack to create an on-screen keyboard, Sony opted to build a real keyboard right into the device. This, in turn, should make the Type U much easier to operate than the touchscreen-based keyboards seen on other UMPCs. The use of Windows XP Professional might have a marginal effect on battery life; in any event, using XP Pro means that users don’t need to learn new applications to take their new toy out for a spin. Finally, the VAIO Type U sports the first current-generation Intel processor in the form of the Core Solos, replacing the outdated Celeron M and Pentium M processors found in other machines. All-in-all, the VAIO Type U has what it takes to make these new devices truly useful; what remains to be see is whether or not this is the device to pave the way to glory.