Sony VAIO VGN-UX380N 4.5-inch Laptop (Intel Core Solo Processor U1500, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)

I love my Sony Vaio UX380N Micro PC. The graphics dispaly on it is awesome. It's sleek, sexy design has helped me get tons of dates ( just kidding, LOL). Even running Vista Business, it is lightning fast. I have mine tweaked out; even found a way 2 add RAM & make it much faster. The connection is awesome as wll. It comes with an array of accessories, including a very handy carrying case that can be easily attached 2 my belt & carried on my side. Please don't pay any attention 2 othes when they tell you that its slow, has terrible graphics, is a waste of money, is very unuseful, & boring. The people that are saying this obviously have no idea of what they are talking about. It comes in way handy 4 lying down, & when you don't feel like dealing with a regular sized laptop. This is a full fledged computer. And the UX even has its own webpage dedicated strictly 2 its UX name. That page is micropctalk.com. On that page you can find information, blogs, feedback, & even drivers 4 the UX model.

There are a couple of thinsg that I am really not happy with about this little gem of a device though. The first one is the battery life. The battery lie, unless you have purchased the Extended Battery, does not stay charged up long at all, & you really only get about 45 2 50 mins on a full charge. That makes me sad, & really lessons its portability. On the other hand though, if you have another $200 or so, you can purchase the extended battery 4 it, which holds a charge, according 2 its documentation, of 4 1/2 2 6 hours. I plan on getting the Extended Battery very soon. Also, it uses the old Cingular EDGE Network, which, although I have not tried it, is relatively slow. But I mainly use wireless broadband connections, so this really isn't a big deal with me as of yet. It really all depends on the person & their needs.

All in all, & tu sum this up, I love my Sony Vaio VGN-UX380N, & I am quite happy with it. I am using it more & more everyday. One thing 2 point out; if you buy one of these model computers, I suggest that you also buy a Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo 4 your UX as well. I opted 4 the 4 GB one, which I recommend at least that. I put many of my downloaded songs on, & then enabled the ReadyBoost function on it. Enabling that function allowed me 2 still have my music And use the rest of the 3.5 GB as extra RAM. lIn short, using ReadyBoost & the mem stick pro duo, rather than having 2 rely on the mere 1 GB internal RAM that is installed in the laptop, The 3.5 Gb of memory from the mem stick with ReadyBoost enabled, is added 2 the 1 gb internal RAM, making it boot up with much more RAM than usual. So now, my UX380N boots up at lightning speeds.

If you are seriously thinking about getting one of these lil guys, you cannot go wrong! Go 4 the Purchase! You won't regret it, & you will be very glad you did! Thanks For Listening,


Brian

(+) very nice design
(+) touchscreen functions work well
(+) decent screen size. very nice screen with high resolution.
(+) provided accessories

(-) slow. needs cpu upgrade & faster disk. more RAM would be nice.
(-) weak antennas. needs "n" upgrade.
(-) have 2 carry peripheral devices, so defeat the small size.
(-) small & crampy keyboard. typing is hindered by the raised edge.
(-) feel thick in your hands. should be slimmer like the OQO-2
(-) I HATE SONY BLOAT WARES. had 2 format hard drive & reinstall everything (make sure you have all drivers when do so).
(-) i wish the memory slot is SD.
(-) short battery life (1.5-2.5 depending on settings). need extended battery 4 meaningful on the road use.
(-) sliding screen scratches keyboard.


*** unless you absolutely are a technophile who love Sony products, i would not advise purchasing this UMPC. i had both this & the OQO-2. personally, i like the OQO-2 more. BUT i barely used these due 2 the slowness, the small screen size, & syncing data. having an EDVO-enabled WM cell phone or the iPhone takes away the ultramobility functionality of these UMPC.

i bought this + the extended battery + MemoryStick. big mistake / waste of money. sold them both on eBay.

What a disappointment!

The UX-machines keyboard is almost impossible 2 type on, performance is very weak (very slow). The screen is way too small. There is no wire modem connecton (even on the stand). There is no CD/DVD drive. There is only one USB port. LAN connector is a separate "plug-in" thingy.

I do need a compact computer, so, I got the UX 2 replace an older 10"-screen laptop. However, when I need 2 work on the UX, I end up with plugging in an external screen, external keyboard, external mouse, external DVD drive. So, the set-up looks like a spider lying on my desk. I used 2 have a 10" screen ¾ normal size keyboard laptop, with built-in DVD. That was way MUCH better, than this UX toy! And the regular compact laptop was a lot more convenient 2 carry - no parts & pieces: all-in-one & ready-to-go, which is not the case with the UX.

In addition, I had 2 clean re-install the OS, re-partitioning the hard drive, 2 get rid of all of these Sony garbage programs that clog the memory & dramatically slowdown the computer.

Resume: Get a compact (10"-11" screen) laptop, which has EVERYTHING built into it (DVD drive, LAN, modem, etc), otherwise you will end up with carrying a lot more weight & pieces

I'm more than impressed with my Sony VAIO VGN-UX380N 4.5" Laptop. It's surprisingly usable 4 such a small machine. What I like best about it, is that I a nearly fully usable computer anywhere I go. I use WiFi at home or at hotspots, & when there is no open WiFi, I plugged in my T-mobile SIM card 4 easy EDGE data access. (You have 2 call Sony 4 a SIM card unlock code 2 get T-mobile 2 work as it's ready 4 Cingular, they also have the full unlock procedure on their website.)

I'm used 2 using a BlackBerry, so the keyboard is no problem 4 me. I wind up using my thumbs 2 type mostly. (Plus, You can always add a bluetooth or USB keyboard).

As far as Windows Vista, I have other Vista computers, & I've got 2 say Sony did an excellent job making sure driver compatibility issues were ironed out. If you are afraid of buggy Vista, never fear this computer runs Vista with no problems.

I'm a computer consultant, & I've seen many small PC's which are built terrible without any consideration of hardware engineering, however this guy has good ventilation & has features like built in hard drive protection when it gets jostled around.

My two complaints are, (1) it comes preloaded with lots of crapware (like many other PCs do). I killed all the crapware, & did some googling 4 procedures on optimizing Vista, & it runs fast & efficient & (2) It uses Sony's proprietary memory sticks which cost more than traditional SD cards. (Then again everything Sony uses Sony's Memory Sticks).

I also found out that it disables the EDGE modem when you have the cover 4 the SD card removed. Which had me stumped 4 awhile trying 2 get the EDGE modem 2 work. I suppose that is a safety feature =)

Hi Everybody,

First, let me tell you what it is:

- 1.33 Ghz. Core Solo Intel processor.
- 1 Gb RAM.
- 1 320*200 pixels Motion Eye integrated camera on the front 2 be used as a webcam (the best i've seen 2 date. By far better than my Macbook pro's iSight)
- 1 1.x Mega Pixels integrated camera on the back intended 2 take picture & it even has a "capture" button but... the software leaves something 2 be desired.
- Biometric reader which beyond letting you login 2 windows, it's supposed 2 be used as your password assistance everywhere... i can't make it work the way it should...
- Integrated mouse & keyboard.
- 1 USB 2.0 port
- Microphone & headphones ports
- Memory Stick DUO PRO port
- Dock Port
- Integrated wireless lan, Bluetooth & EDGE wan technology (the same sloooooooooooow service you get on a GSM phone like iPhone when out of Europe 2 connect 2 the internet, UMTS should be better but. let's face it, we're far away from Europe in this matter)

Whar comes with it:

- The computer.
- The papers.
- One Wired Lan & VGA out port in case you need it on the run (it connects 2 the dock port & it's a reasonably small cable). I spent hours trying 2 know if i could attach an external projector 2 do a presentation or 2 connect 2 LAN or both.... well with this included adapter you can & because you're reading this, if this was a concern now you can use those researching hours 4 something more productive like... sleeping? :)
- One port replicator Dock station with 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 VGA port, Wired Lan RJ-45 ethernet port, A/V out, 1 four pins IEEE 1394 firewire port.
- A very practical carrying case that you can attach 2 your belt (i didn't know this & bought the very unpractical & expensive leather case which i won't use anyway)

What i like:

- It's ULTRA sharp screen... make no mistakes, it's wonderful. I just can't emphasize it enough.
- It's design, let's face it... it looks great!
- It's usability, despite it's small sized keyboard ,it's designed 2 be used by your thumbs just like the rest of the computer.
- Finally... It Works!

What i don't like:

- It's an ultra portable computer but lacks of worldwide assistance & warranty.. which is a veeeery stupid policy from Sony... My MacBook Pro has Worldwide coverage like almost any premium priced portable just because it's portable so you can be here today & there tomorrow... & still be covered. but let's face it, Sony it's not a monopoly in consumer electronics just because the stupidness of some of their management. :(.
- Battery Life.
- Memory Stick instead of SD which adds no value but anyway... this is a Sony product & has 2 be as proprietary as it can be.
- Time you spend explaining almost all the people around you that it's not a PDA... yes... it works with Vista... Yes it has a Hard Drive... Yes, it's a complete computer.... No, it doesn't works with Windows Mobile nor Symbian... but anyway it's not the product's fault... it's just because it's so small which is it's main advantage.

My final comments:

- With the Dock, you can have a complete computer in your hands when on the road & a desktop PC when you're in home or office, even both. Just connect your monitor, wired or wireless keyboard/mouse & everything you should connect 2 USB/Firewire ports & you're done!
- The keyboard as well as the computer itself it's veeeeery well designed 2 be used with your thumbs. You can manage the mouse, the typing & everything with your thumbs & believe me, it works, most people complaints about it's tiny keyboard because it's small 4 their fingers & bla bla bla... but it is not designed 2 be used like your everyday keyboard, it's designed 2 be used on the road, while walking, etc. If you need 2 have a better keyboard with you when you're on the road & you can spare a table, i really recommend iGo stowaway bluetooth keyboard (formerly a think outside product). I have it & it couple veeeeery well with this computer... it even has an stand 4 the computer while typing.
- Prepare psychologically 2 explain 2 people what it is (the computer) everywhere you go but, if you like showing up... it's a very good tool 4 that. (i don't particularly like that)

Final words:

- If you like it & understand what it is... just buy it, you won't regret!
- If you need top performance because you're a serious gamer, just don't bother looking, at least 4 that use, buy a PSP which is cheaper & made just 4 doing it (gaming)
- If you want 2 have a veeeeeeery advanced iPod or i might say... Walkman... remember it only has 40 gigs & Microsoft Vista which is HUGE... but you can find 1.8" toshiba hard drives from 100 gigs 2 120 gigs & maybe when you read it 200 or more gigs that you could use 2 upgrade your Vaio. Just as a curious comment, it uses the very same type of hard drives iPods uses.
- if 40 gigs are not too much, just imagine 30... because it has a 10 gigs restore partition. My recommendation, make your restore DVDs & then reduce this partition 2 it's minimum... BTW, this partitions lies hidden somewhere...

If only Sony had ears 2 listen 2 their customers... This should be a 7 stars product, even on a 5 star scale but... even when i like Sony, i can't understand why such an advanced & innovative company can make earing aid buds at least 4 internal use.

PP

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 2 reveal it. This keeps the PC compact in size & saves you the mind-numbing chore of using a stylus 2 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 & much more. You even get two ways of connecting 2 the Internet. You can do it via a Wi-Fi HotSpot that supports 802.11a, b, or g; or if you subscribe 2 the service, you can connect via the Cingular Wireless National EDGE Network. 40GB 4200RPM EIDE HDD with G-Sensor Shock Protection 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 - Silver Note - When you first turn this machine on, you will have 2 wait ONLY 5-6 minutes before you use Windows Vista.

With the arrival of the Sony Vaio VGN-UX380N Micro PC, you'll soon think that laptops are too bulky. Placing full-size computer performance into a pocket-sized package, the UX380N weighs just over a pound & measures 5.9 by 3.75 inches 2 easily fit in the palm of your hand. It features a 4.5-inch widescreen SVGA screen that ingeniously slides up 2 expose an integrated keyboard. The pocket-sized UX380N comes equipped with a stylus & Sony's VAIO touch launcher 4 quick access 2 functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games & music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit.

It's powered by Windows Vista Business & Intel's groundbreaking Core Solo processor with ultra-low voltage 4 extended battery life. Advanced wireless capabilities are built right in--including tri-mode Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN, & 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) 4 VoIP tele/videoconferencing & the other (1.3 megapixels) on the back 4 taking snapshots. Other technical features include a 40 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, a Memory Stick slot, & a full complement of pre-installed software (from Internet security 2 Microsoft Works). For added convenience, a docking station with three 2.0 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, iLink (FireWire/IEEE-1394) interface & an AV output comes with the unit, making it easy 2 connect 2 peripherals like a full-sized keyboard, display & speakers when back in the office or at home.

Advanced Wireless Mobility
The UX380N features Sony's SmartWi technology, which seamlessly integrates wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN & Bluetooth technologies, enabling you 2 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 & wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great 4 closed office environments). The integrated wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology lets you access the Cingular Wireless EDGE network 2 extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks & hotspots (a Cingular SIM card is included; see more about WWANs below). And with the Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can synchronize & transfer files between the PC & peripherals such as cell phones & PDAs.

Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
If you're the ultimate road warrior, you need 2 access the Internet & check e-mail without having 2 plug in your Sony Vaio notebook PC, & without cables 2 boot. Welcome 2 the world of WWANs (wireless wide area networks). With WWANs, you can access critical network resources & 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 2 access the Cingular Wireless national EDGE (Enhanced Data 4 Global Evolution) network.

A WWAN uses long-range wireless connections -- the same networks as cellular phones -- 2 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 2 the PSTN (public switched telephone network), which you may have used -- or still use -- 2 dial into your ISP (Internet service provider) or reach your company's network. On a WWAN, however, you use wireless connectivity 2 reach your carrier's data network instead of plugging into a phone jack & dialing into your ISP. Each mobile device communicates with the public carrier's base station, providing coverage across entire states, regions, & countries via cell phone towers.

Security & Safety Features
Sony's line of Vaio UX micro-PCs take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor & proprietary hard disk drive protection software 2 ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient & secure way 2 protect your computer & the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger. It also stores passwords 2 secure web sites you visit, so authentication & access are quick & easy--you only need your fingerprint.

The G-Sensor shock protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable 2 loss or damage. When the built-in 3-D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up 2 secure its position & protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique 2 VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

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 & large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; & a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU & RAM, & a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core Solo processor delivers enhanced performance 4 today's demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3-D & 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography & gaming. And Intel's Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache & bus design 4 enhanced performance, responsiveness & power savings.

• Hard Drive: The 40 GB Ultra ATA hard drive (4200 RPM) is on the small side when compared 2 full-size notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Sony's G-Sensor shock protection offers an advantage over traditional hard drives by safeguarding the notebook's internal mechanisms 2 protect against impact & help prevent a loss of data.

• Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of 400 MHz, PC-3200 DDR2 RAM. On the downside, that's the maximum that the UX380N will accept, so you won't be able 2 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 & 8.6mm pitch.

Screen, Video & Audio
The UX380N's wide, touchscreen 4.5-inch XBRITE LCD has a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (SVGA) & includes control buttons 4 zooming, scrolling, & a stick pointer, as well as the ability 2 view in either landscape or portrait orientations. The high brightness level of an XBRITE display means that black tones appear richer & deeper while white tones remain brighter. Graphics & text display clearly & colors appear more lifelike. This Micro PC includes a built-in monaural speaker & is compatible with the Windows sound system. Video & graphics are powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) & provides up 2 224 MB of shared video memory.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The UX380N has a single USB 2.0 port, headphone & microphone jacks, Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick DUO & MagicGate functionality), & a port replicator connection. The included port replicator offers three USB 2.0, FireWire, VGA out, composite A/V out, & Ethernet (10Base-T/100Base-TX) connections.

Operating System
The Windows Vista Business operating system is designed 2 meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly & 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 2 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 2 deliver new levels of efficiency 4 any business user. This new interface makes it easy 2 navigate through the operating system & from application 2 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 & documents.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools & technologies 2 help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting 2 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 2 manage & monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, & other activities.

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

Dimensions & Weight
Amazingly small, the UX380N measures 5.9 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) & 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 & 4.5 hours of power (depending on usage). The optional large capacity VGP-BPL6 battery can power the UX380N 4 up 2 9 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-UX380N, detachable stand, stylus, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter & power cord, port replicator, Cingular SIM card, soft carrying case, & VGA/LAN adapter. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with 1 year of toll-free technical telephone assistance.