Sony VAIO VGN-UX390N 4.5-inch Laptop (Intel Core Solo Processor U1500, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB Flash Drive, Vista Business)

(+) 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).
(-) short battery life. need extended battery.
(-) 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 takes away the ultramobility functionality of these UMPC.

UX390N have a better performance compress old model, but 32GB Flash Drive too small. Sony did not support creating the recover CD, even you use Sony iLink CD/DVD burner. Hate this.

Pretty good computer but not easy 2 configure. too complicated, has a lot of hardware & adapters on it.
runs a bit slow on Vista therefore might want 2 invest on extra copy of Win XP Pro, or Tablet PC 2 run satisfactorily. Also, invest in external USB DVD drive, keyboard, mouse & of course external monitor.
It needs experienced computer user, not kid.
The drivers alone 4 this machine 4 Win XP are about 140MBytes. over 30 individual drivers. gotta scavenge the internet as far as Australia 2 find all drivers. sony does not list XP drivers.
it needs touchpad drivers or the stylus pen won' t work very well.
Small harddrive though. Invest in external drives, sony memory stick, etc, etc
expensive product overall.

The screen is very hard 2 read, especially if you have the presbyopia problem that people usually get after they are 40 years old (this is difficulty in seeing small things up close).

There is a Zoom in/out, but it is useless because one cannot enter data when it is in use.

A scroll wheel would have been nice 2 view things when not using a mouse (the thumbpad mouse that comes with it, is kind of awkward 2 use (controlling the mouse pointer is hard).

Cnet review said 2 lower the resolution 2 read it easier, but many apps do not work with a lower resolution. In addition, even at high resolution, some apps have popup screens that are off the edge of the screen & you can't scroll 2 it (ie: lets say you are adjusting preferences in Internet Explorer - or any program - the little popup window that comes up, you can't click the OK button because its off the screen. So your pref changes don't get saved).

The keyboard keys should have been raised, not recessed. Its very hard 2 type on it.

A solution I've found 2 browse the Internet is 2 use the free Opera internet browser. It will adjust webpages 2 fit the screen, yet using a larger type.

I do use this with an external monitor & a wireless mouse & a Think Outside keyboard which works very well. However, there goes your portability.

Just really really bummed about not being able 2 read the screen...

I've had a 380n (identical twin 2 the 390 but with a conventional hard disk) 4 about 2 months now, & 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 & upgrade 2 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 & start over without the extra partition.

(4) Increase the display DPI setting 2 150%. Makes everything bigger & more legible on the screen.

(5) Install "RitePen," a free & 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 2 write that 20-page document.

Once again, a remarkable machine, with great potential. Go 4 it.

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. 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 2 wait ONLY 5-6 minutes before you use Windows Vista.

Featuring cutting-edge flash memory, the black Sony VAIO VGN-UX390N Micro PC is an ultra-portable, full-functioning PC small enough 2 fit in your pocket. Taking the PC 2 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 & 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 2 expose an integrated keyboard. The pocket-sized UX390N 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 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 UX390N 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 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 32 GB of flash memory (NAND) storage is on the small side when compared 2 traditional notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Faster & more reliable, flash memory provides a rapid boot-up & quicker access 2 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 2 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 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 UX390N'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 UX390N 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 UX390N 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 UX390N 4 up 2 9 hours.

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