Help me buy a computer

So I am thinking of getting a new computer, but not just any computer, a pocket sized computer. I have a PC at home and I don't need anything more really. All I am looking for is an extreme compact computer that can do everything I need and this seems to fit the bill perfectly. I pocket sized PC that can run Vista. Don't know if you guys have seen it but it's been out for awhile so I am trying to find one at a good deal. It's called the Sony Vaio VGN-UX380N. I want your guys' opinions on if I should get this thing or not. It looks great. It's a full on PC with Windows and has a camera, touch screen, QWERTY keyboard, wifi and great specs, and can do pretty much everything I want it to. The only problem is price. I have only found them for about $1000 so IDK if it's worth it. What do you guys think? Have any recommendations for me like any good tablet PCs or anything? Thanks for your replies. I will check back tomorrow.

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SPECS:

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.

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® 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® 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.


2nd Description:

Product description
Sony VAIO 4.5" Widescreen Ultra Mobile PC
Features
Ultra-mobile: The VAIO® UX Ultra Mobile PC is so small and lightweight you won’t believe it’s a full-functioning PC. But this remarkably compact dynamo is designed for productivity on the go. With an integrated webcam, wireless WAN, Bluetooth™ and Vista Business, you will be productive.
Notebook performance: The Intel® Core™ Solo U1500 Ultra Low Voltage processor delivers fast, highly-efficient computing. Intel Centrino technology enhances mobile performance and extends battery life.
The VGN-UX380N features 1GB of advanced DDR2 system memory—enough for all but the most demanding users, gamers and multimedia professionals.
Data travels along the frontside bus. The faster data travels, the faster everything works. This PC has a 533MHz frontside bus.
L2 caches keep data neat, organized and nearby so processors can retrieve it more quickly. This 2MB L2 cache is large, providing a potentially significant boost in performance.
Hard drive: The 40GB hard drive offers enough room to bring along your favorites. This drive’s data disks spin at 4200rpm. The faster they spin, the faster the data is read and written.
Amazing display: This PC really makes smart use of its 4.5” widescreen, 1024 x 600 pixel display. Switch between landscape or portrait orientations to view documents, applications, and media in the best possible way. Maneuver effortlessly using a stick pointer or control buttons for zooming and scrolling.
Go wireless: True mobility is about broad access as much as slim, lightweight design. Enjoy integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless, plus Bluetoothâ„¢ technology that communicates seamlessly with PDAs or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Cingular Wireless WAN card accesses the network from afar, extending your wireless coverage outside the reach of regular hotspots.
Communication on the go: Keep communication personal—even when you’re on the go. With two built-in cameras, plus a microphone and speakers, you’ll be equipped to communicate via VoIP virtually anywhere WLAN or WWAN service is available.
Graphics capability: This notebook features integrated graphics and 224MB of shared video memory—drawn from the main system memory. That’s perfect for everyday activities like casual movie watching or gaming.
Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Business: New tools make sure your PC is up-to-date, secure and running smoothly. Built-in protection against malicious software keeps your PC safe. The elegant Aero™ interface makes it easy to navigate and juggle tasks. And Vista Business lets you connect more securely whether you are sitting at your desk, at home, in a WiFi hotspot—or even using your cell phone to connect to the Internet.
Ingenious design: The integrated keyboard and stylus allow you to choose the input method you prefer. The biometric fingerprint sensor stores your passwords so you can access applications and secure web sites without having to type them.
Easily expandable: The included port replicator makes expansion a breeze, allowing you to instantly add one FireWire and three USB ports, an audio/video connection and more.
Media card reader: Seamlessly transfer images from your digital camera or camcorder with this Memory Stick Duoâ„¢ card reader.
Software bundle:
Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Works 8.5, Office 2007 (60-day trial) and Streets & Trips
Norton® Internet Security 2007 (60-day trial)
Sony VAIO Touch Launcher

Comments

If you want buy it. it took me 20 mins to read it but form all i read its pretty good. it worths the money
 
While it looks fantastic, you have to take several things into account.

First off, what the hell do you need it for? Honestly? a 4.5 inch touchscreen isn't exactly glorious. Unless you are doing some serious business I can't possibly comprehend the reasoning behind the purchase.

Why does it have to be pocket sized? The one you mentioned _isn't_ that small. It's essentially a gamegear. Why not drop the size limitations and get a 7 inch EEEpc?

Why vista? What on earth are you going to do with a pocket pc and Vista of all OS's? You would be better off getting a smartphone if you just want internet/media on the go.
 
It might be well worth it (sorry but... tl;dr) but really 4.5" is not that big... can you see anything at all? I can't see anything from the picture you posted...
 
Does it need to be x86 based? If you're just browsing the web or chatting or music (or all 3 at the same time) consider something such as a jailbroken iPod touch.... or maybe even a Pandora.
 
In repeat of what the posters above have said, what are you using this for? ZWe can't really give you a recommendation if we have no idea what you have in mind.
Also: there's a reason why UMPCs aren't as popular as netbooks. They're too big to fit in a lot of places (your pocket) and don't offer a full, home-row typeable keyboard.

If I were you, I'd just go buy a thin tablet or a netbook like teh ASUS eeePC.
 
That looks really ugly and impractical... like Linki said, you might want to consider getting an iPod Touch. Or a eeePC, but that's not really pocket-sized.
 
4.5" screen with vista? just, lol.

get a high end smartphone like a g1 instead, it even has a near identical keyboard....
 
thanks for all your suggestions guys. I mainly would like it for a bunch of purposes ranging from very fast browsing of the web and secondly but just as importantly playing online games. It's true I don't like the vista operating system but it's not that bad and the screen size doesn't bother me one bit. Some of you have a point, it is really funky and impractical looking but I can't really find anything with that much of a small package that offers so much. And again, it's not like I need it to be that small or anything but I am just trying to look for the smallest possible choice for compact reasons, I will go bigger if need be for a bigger practical device.

so far the main things that bug me with it are, price, shape of the device, and thickness/width of the device.

[quote name='DarkCamui' post='1802333' date='Feb 27 2009, 11:06 PM']http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_tegra_600_us.html wait for this one :)[/quote]
that looks very interesting, i will have to research this more. Thanks for your post.

one last question guys, how much do you think the Sony PC is worth? If I can get it for cheap like under $650 you guys think I should go for it?
 
Honestly, no.

It's old and rather outdated. Most customers are selling them back online... The thought of that clunky bastard for web and games is overkill. Consider playing a WASD game on that thing.. heh.

If size truly isn't an issue, just get an Eee pc. They are pretty freaking tiny in person.
 
[quote name='golden' post='1803433' date='Feb 28 2009, 05:07 AM']thanks for all your suggestions guys. I mainly would like it for a bunch of purposes ranging from very fast browsing of the web and secondly but just as importantly playing online games. It's true I don't like the vista operating system but it's not that bad and the screen size doesn't bother me one bit. Some of you have a point, it is really funky and impractical looking but I can't really find anything with that much of a small package that offers so much. And again, it's not like I need it to be that small or anything but I am just trying to look for the smallest possible choice for compact reasons, I will go bigger if need be for a bigger practical device.[/quote]
Well, I see your point about games. I remember I wanted something like it for games, but ended up getting a netbook (900HA) as a replacement. It's wonderful, and also the smallest netbook available pretty much.

Here is an accurate list of specs of the computer you're looking at (note the battery life esp.)

http://www.umpcportal.com/products/Sony/Va...390N/VGN-UX390N
 
well, sony offers small screens with a huge resolution...and now imagine this is a touchscreen...meh...
+ this one doesn't offer 3G...just edge if I haven't missed something
you should consider something like a nokia communicator or other good smartphones (with real data browsers etc. not like the iPhone...)...you have no features like USB host, but you can do a lot of the things you would do on this sony and it's really portable + you have a always on OS...the sony UMPC has to boot up every time you want to use it (or use standby which will eat battery)
 
Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I think I will hold off on purchasing it then.
 
[quote name='Whodaimen' post='1805116' date='Mar 1 2009, 06:09 AM']Congratulations, one less impulse decision to regret later.

=D[/quote]
ya true. well i wouldn't regret anything if the price wasn't so steep. Do you know anywhere that might have steal deals besides ebay? I already checked ebay and all their products are open and used so there is no telling what kind of internally/software damaged computer i am buying.
 
Unfortunately no.. When it comes to expensive stuff people tend to sell only on high-profile sites. They want as much cash as possible.
 
[quote name='Whodaimen' post='1805431' date='Mar 1 2009, 09:42 AM']Unfortunately no.. When it comes to expensive stuff people tend to sell only on high-profile sites. They want as much cash as possible.[/quote]
alright ok, thanks for your help. maybe i'll find some product with a good deal in the future.
 
[quote name='Pizzaroo' post='1806553' date='Mar 1 2009, 11:29 PM']That Nvidia thing looks freaking awesome.[/quote]
isn't it more of a phone rather than a PC?
 

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