Sony Vaio UX180P Micro

Thus far the UMPC concept has been just that, a concept. The hardware has been less than compelling, as manufacturers worry more about price point than producing something people want. To be fair, I enjoyed the Samsung Q1 at times and think it has a future with certain niche markets. Now Sony has come out with a second or third attempt at the UMPC market, depending on how you count their machines, and in typical Sony way, paid less attention to price than to features and functionality. Where the Samsung Q1 skimped, Sony splurged, releasing the most full featured UMPC, or Micro PC as they call it, to date. Say hello to the Sony Vaio UX180P.

Specifications

• Dimensions - 5.91"(W) x 3.74"(H) x 1.27-1.50"(D)
• Weight - 1.2lbs
• Intel Core Solo Processor U1400 (1.20GHz , 2MB L2 Cache)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 128MB dynamically allocated shared RAM/Video memory
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2)
• 4.5" Wide SVGA LCD, Touch Screen (1024x600)
• Intel 945GMS Chipset
• Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11a/b/g)
• Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) accessing Cingular Wireless National EDGE Network
• Integrated Bluetooth Technology
• 30GB 4200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive with G-Sensor Shock Protection
• 512MB PC2-3200 400MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Microphone jack, Headphone jack, Built-in microphone
• Memory Stick Duo Media Slot
• 1 USB 2.0 port, port replicator connector, DC-in
• 64 keys with 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch keyboard
• Thumb-pointer
• Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
• Mouse Left, Mouse Right, Scroll, Magnify Screen (Zoom In/Out), Capture, Center Button, Wireless LAN On/Off, VAIO Touch Launcher
• Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (Standard Battery: 2.5-4.5 hours)
• 2 Built-in Cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels)
• Supplied accessories: Cingular SIM Card, Standard Lithium-ion battery, AC Adapter, Port Replicator, 4-pin i.LINK interface, 3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA-Out, A/V-out and DC-in, Soft Carrying Case, Power Cord, Stylus, VGA/LAN Adapter - Ethernet, VGA-Out and A/V-Out, Strap

Design

As is the case with the entirety of Sony's product line, the UX180 is all about style. There's not a person, young or old, that I showed this to, who wasn't blown away. The entire package is tremendously sleek, given all the features that are jammed into this tiny package.