Sony VAIO UX180P Micro PC VGN-UX180P

10 out of 10 - Perfect
PERFECT portable PC - totally portable desktop/laptop solution!!!!! 5 STARS!!!
CNET really should not allow reviews on products from people who have no use for the product, and absolutely no ...
CNET really should not allow reviews on products from people who have no use for the product, and absolutely no intention of purchasing that product. I am sick and tired of all the negative reviews (and ratings) on excellent items from people who have no idea what the item is to be used for, and have no need for it! If I have a need for a product, and it is something that I would buy and use for myself, then I don't need the opinions of people who have no use for the item in the first place, but go to the store and play with the item for a few minutes, then provide their "critique" on how useless the item is to them. When I am about to purchase a product that I think will fulfill a need I have, I look everywhere for reviews from people who have bought the item, and are using it. This information is valuable to me, as I want to know what the pros and cons are, from actual users - I don't need the advertising hype from the manufacturer. The information I need is specific to the product, such as what the product strengths and limitations are, what improvements can be made, what the user likes or loves about the product, and what the user finds annoying. I need this information from someone who actually needs the product they are reviewing, and are making an effort to use the product to fulfill a need. Time and again, I have to sift through countless worthless opinions to get to the reviews I need. For example, on this product, dc137pd's review smashed this wonderful device and all of its capabilities because this person felt that the screen is too small. In this person's own words, they played with the item for 10 minutes in a store, and had to put it down because of the strain on the eyesight. While this would definitely be a reason for some not to purchase the product, I do not think this warrants a rating of "1" on CNET, because 10 minutes with this item in a store is not nearly enough time to evaluate all of the things this item was made to do, nor how well the item does these things. One would think that a "micro PC" would have a small screen. If the screen was much bigger, the unit would not qualify as a "micro PC". If the small screen size is enough to stop a person at the door, then that person obviously does not have a need for a micro PC, and thus has no business providing a "review" on a product they have no need for.

With all of that said, I do own the Sony Vaio UX180P. I bought this PC on July 17, 2006. I use it daily. I purchased a Samsung Q1 in May. I used it for 2 months, but my heart really wanted the Sony. I ended up selling the Q1. I plan to do a review on the Q1 in a few days. Here is my review of the Sony Vaio UX180P:

This device is great! I can do anything on this that can be done on a desktop or laptop PC. I still have not discovered all of the features present on this device. All applications I have installed so far work perfectly within the screen size and resolution. The PC offers several ways to connect to a wireless and wired network, which makes it totally portable, and totally what I expect (actually, more) from a portable PC. This device has totally eliminated my need for a Pocket PC. I absolutely love the fingerprint recognition software/hardware. The buttons are customizable for mouse actions or other keyboard actions. Out of the box, Sony provides great accessories. The technical support has been wonderful. This device is fast becoming my primary PC. I have replaced my Windows Mobile device (Palm Treo 700w, and UTStarcomm XV6700). I have no need for Windows Mobile when I have the full XP Professional operating system in a totally portable device.

Screen size - the 4.5 inch screen is perfect, in my opinion, for a portable device. Yes, everything is small, but it is just what I would expect in a micro PC. For web browsing, most browsers have an option to increase the font size. I use Netscape, and I occasionally increase the font size to make it easier on the eyes. Aside from the small size, the clarity is brilliant. The resolution is great, and everything fits on the screen. Not so with the Q1, with which I had to constantly adjust the screen resolution for different applications.

Internet connection - There are 4 ways to connect to the internet using the UX180P. One can connect using an ethernet cable, for which there is a port located on the included port replicator, or the included dongle adapter. Also, there is a built-in 802.11a/b/g wireless card for Wi-Fi connection. Connection can also be made via bluetooth using a bluetooth cell phone. And then there is the included SIM card for the Cingular EDGE network. Cingular charges upwards of $70 per month for high-speed internet service, which caused me to initially count that method out. But I later found out that T-Mobile also offers EDGE, so I called Sony, got an unlock code from them, unlocked the UX180P, and signed up with T-Mobile for $29.99 per month. If you have phone service with T-Mobile, the high-speed internet service is only $19.99 per month. Between these 4 methods, one is always able to connect to the internet and email while on the go. I would like to see a PCMCIA slot, though. That would enable me to use an air card, from any carrier I choose. I currently have my phone service with Verizon, and I would like to be able to take advantage of EVDO versus the much slower EDGE service.

Battery life - leaves a lot to be desired. Under what I consider normal use (web browsing, email, using office applications), I average a little more than 2 hours. I have a car ac/dc converter, which I use most of the time the PC is in the car, and I dock the PC to the port replicator or plug up whenever possible, but standalone use without power is definitely nothing to brag about. This would cause me to rate the UX180P at a 9.5, if that were possible. But that's not enough for me to drop the rating to a 9, considering all the other wonderful things there are to enjoy on this device. There is an available enhanced battery, which I plan to purchase, or I may just purchase a spare standard battery. If I get the enhanced battery, I will add to this review at a later date to comment on the life of that item.

Cameras - There are 2 cameras - a front-facing camera for web cam use, and a rear-facing camera for taking pictures. I am not much of a camera user (the ones that come with phones and such), but I took a few pictures using both cameras on this device. The rear-facing camera took better pictures, but the front-facing camera held its own.

Accessories - Sony includes some cool accessories. The port replicator is my favorite, and one that I am glad they didn't decide to charge extra for. It includes 3 USB ports, a/v out, a monitor port, a firewire port, and an ethernet port. It holds the PC at a nice viewing angle, and provides power while the unit is docked. I plan to purchase an extra port replicator, as I find myself taking the one I have with me everywhere I go. There is also a very nice carrying case, a VGA/LAN travel adapter, retractible stylus, adapter holding band, wrist strap, and spare pointer caps. Not to mention the ac adapter and power cord. These days, I'm lucky to get a power cord and USB cable with most of my gadgets.

Keyboard - The keyboard is fairly easy to use, once you get used to holding the device and typing. I won't be writing any term papers on this device using the physical keyboard, but it's great for portability and on-the-go tasks, such as email. I rely on the stylus more, since I have been a PDA user for many years. My one lament is that there is no virtual keyboard. I solved this problem by going online and finding a very well built virtual keyboard FOR FREE, which I intend to profusely thank the author for, at this site: http://www.lakefolks.org/cnt/. Now I can call up the virtual keyboard in a pinch, instead of sliding the physical one out. This saved the UX180P from getting a 9 instead of a 10 from me. Still, although it's not a dealbreaker, I think Sony should include a virtual keyboard on this PDA-sized, touch-screen device. There is one on the Samsung Q1, but then again there better be, due to the fact that there is no physical keyboard.

Other - fingerprint recognition. I absolutely love the fingerprint recognition software/hardware included on the UX180P. I had it on one of my Pocket PC's, but the functionality was limited to logging in. On this device, you can use it to get to password-protected websites and applications (once programmed), log in, launch applications, and maybe more that I have not discovered yet. I mainly use it to substitute keying in user id's/passwords on websites. I know that some browsers "remember" the user name/password combinations, but with the fingerprint recognition, you do not have to use that feature at the browser level (you can if you want to). And some web pages are programmed to not allow the browser to remember the user id/password. You can still swipe a finger to access these websites.

Did I mention that I LOVE the fingerprint recognition? Read more
by sharronlambert (see profile) - August 16, 2006

29 out of 29 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 comments posted to this opinion

7 out of 10 - Very good
Hands-On Review!!!
I used this unit for about an hour at a friends house. This friend happens to be the product manager ...
I used this unit for about an hour at a friends house. This friend happens to be the product manager for Sony USA. I have to say it felt well built. Typical sony quality. The Xbrite screen is the same as the U-series but has a slight sparkle effect due to the fact that its a touch screen. I was told it last for about 3 hours with wifi on and heavy usage. I did feel like it was a little bulky. Your not going to slide this in and out of your pocket easily. Its almost too big, OQO had the right shape and size but it was riddled with problems. Also, one thing I need to mention is that its hard to use the keyboard because of the distance between your hands when holding it. The middle keys are hard to hit. You almost need to let go of the sides and hold it from the bottom of the keyboard..very strange and sometimes frustrating because you feel like you will drop it if you do this. Everything else was great. Great wifi range. Great perfomance with processor intensive programs.Overall I think its a very good device minus a few shortcumings. If you have specific questions you can e-mail me at MrFranCopa@yahoo.com Read more
by tim liora (see profile) - May 17, 2006

21 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.

10 out of 10 - Perfect
LOVE IT!!! I highly recommend!
Im sick of reading so many negative posts about his AWESOME computer. i've never posted before, but i felt ...
Im sick of reading so many negative posts about his AWESOME computer. i've never posted before, but i felt obligated to share the good news with everyone. this thing is really amazing...

don't get me wrong; this is NOT the computer you want to sit down with and type a long research paper with. but its perfect for quick emails and beign in touch 24/7. also, don't forget that adding a TV/computer monitor along with a wireless mouse and keyboard makes this baby work like a normal desktop.

I am use my computer in the hospital to make rounds (med student). it is extremely convenient - i can check lab values and keep up with patient records at the bedside when everyone else is having to fight over the few desktops. it fits comfortably in my coat pocket and i just slide it in there and let it go into hibernate mode and the battery life lasts plenty long doing it that way.

the coolest thing about it is going to be the navigation system. i am in the process of getting the power and sound hard-wired into my car so that i can use it as a navigation system and as my music library on the go. i must say i am looking forward to surfing the web/listening to music/and using my navigation device all at once on my next road trip.

overall, i highly highly highly recommend. I have loved it and everyone around me has been amazed by what all it can do.

by the way, its pretty sweet to just swipe your finger and have access to all your password controlled websites...

go buy one! you will be pleased.... Read more
by rbhogan (see profile) - July 17, 2006

11 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 comments posted to this opinion

8 out of 10 - Excellent
I don't own the product but...
So I don't own one but I got to 'test drive' one at the Sony store. Plus I've ...
So I don't own one but I got to 'test drive' one at the Sony store. Plus I've done research and asked sony reps as many questions as i can think of. And i figure if that other person can rate the device on 1 for screen size alone and not being even remotely open-minded i figure hey can review it too. But I'll try to be more informative =)

So..screen size. It's sharp and crisp and the one down side is that if you're zoomed in you can't type. BUT, when it comes to doc, pdf, or adobe files you can scale it to 150 to 250 percent to help your eyes and you can still edit stuff. ALSO, when it comes to surfing the web, just increase the pixilation or whatever to get a larger font. same thing for most applications. I've surfed on my friend's treo, and on my cell phone. Granted the font size is larger but it's almost like you're already working in the "zoom in" mode (which you can't zoom out of). So us "meer mortals" should learn to use our pc knowledge to get around those silly little things.

Typing - I have medium sized hands, for a girl, they're definitely not dainty but not huge either and when i held on to the ux and typed a little somthing in word it wasn't so difficult. My thumbs could touch at the center so i didn't have a problem reaching the keys. Complaint I've read elsewhere: needing to press hard on the keyboard. The one at the store wasn't tough. Maybe, like a new pair of sneakers, you just have to wear them before they feel just right.

Cingular Edge - I wasn't diggin on that too much when i heard about it. But it's just an option. If you have a bluetooth enabled phone you can use that to surf the internet instead of buying a plan from Cingular (which doesn't work well in my neighborhood). I confirmed this with a Sony Rep.

Heat - some devices get really hot after a long period of usage, and I don't remember this device feeling warm to the touch. And since it was at the store it was on for most of the day (i got there around 3pm so give or take a couple of hours). At least that's good.

Weight - I asked the sales person at the store if its alright to stick it in my bag for a bit. Once i dropped it in I didn't even feel it. Being that i'm a college student i have heavy text to carry and my 4lb laptop is too much on top of everything.

Downside - the button on the mouse got screwy (stopped moving on screen) on the one i used at the store. The rep had to remove it and fudge around with it to get it working so who knows. But I'd definitely recommend shelling out the cash for an extended warranty on this baby. Most laptops are good for that first year, after they start messin up.

People just have to remember is that the whole point of this device is portability. So it's going to be designed so that everything you want fits. People want something that doesn't take much room in a bag or pocket, but complain it's too small or too big. They want a keyboard attached for typing but the keys are too small, and it's flush against the device.
pick pick pick... I would have given it a 9 because nothing's perfect but for the screwy button it got an 8

Updated
Now that i have it I think it's great and would probably change my rating to a 9 if i was to do it again. Here's why:

Surfing is great especially in the verticle mode. Especially for emails and pages with alot of data. You get a fuller page.

Key Board - I've gotten pretty used to the layout so i can type pretty fast. but don't get me wrong I have my slip ups, where i press or miss a letter and I really wish there was a Right Shift key. I'm no where close to normal speed but it's doable. If I don't want to slide up the screen I've set a shortcut for the on screen keyboard (with a large font) when I'm in verticle/PDA mode. Very Handy.

My Active desktop calendar (http://www.xemico.com/adc/index.html) has turned this baby into a high powered PDA and it's fab.

School wise this is great, it's light and I can get started on my lab reports while on the train and not have to worry about takin elbow space. Plus i can get my textbooks as an ebook (through ichapters.com) to lighten the load -awesome!

Pen plus is great for writing little memo's on the screen it's very reponsive to my handwritting. but i have to admit it takes some time to get used to the stylus shortcuts as sometimes it doesn't seem to "get" what i'm requesting. (oh yeah and i'm afraid i might lose the small stylus one day so i'm extra cautious)

Battery is great, I have it set to hibernate when I hit the power button. I use and then turn off. so far i've got 2.5-3 hrs. (by the way a short batt is good cuz do you really want to view a tiny screen for 5 hrs at a time? The screen doesnt generally bug me but once i spent that much time and my eyes did feel a bit tired)

And the memory stick option works fine. I use mine mainly for my psp (it's 2 gigs), but what's great is that if my batt dies on my psp i can just use my UX for movies and music.

As for other entertainment I've got location free and was able to watch my shows while vacationing in Philly. Very cool

Oh yeah the speaker on this little guy can get pretty loud.

Wireless - I'm thinkin about unlockin mine and just using my sprint acct but i'm not sure since that's an expensive monthly perk.

Other than that it's been great. oh yeah I got mines off of ebay WITH a 3 yr warranty for the retail price (and it was brand spankin new) so I'm even happier

10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.

5 out of 10 - Average
miniture wonder
I spent about 4 hours thoroughly testing this device at the Sony Store.

Good:
Optional large capacity battery.
Bright screen.



...
I spent about 4 hours thoroughly testing this device at the Sony Store.

Good:
Optional large capacity battery.
Bright screen.
Handy controls on the palm rest.
High resolution screen.
Full Windows XP OS, not a PDA operating system.
WIFI and bluetooth built in.
Wireless cell internet capabilty.
Built in camera, mic and speakers.
Can be connected to a external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Backlight on the keyboard.
Does not get uncomfortably hot in the hand.
Japanese design and qulaity.


Bad:
The keyboard surface feels like one smooth continuous plane the size of a palm. Meaning, by feel one can not distinguish where one key begins and another ends easily. i have to look at the keyboard and carefully press on the one key you want to type. I recommend coating the keys with a thin layer of rubber.

The only cell wilreless that this device offers as a option if Cingular.

The graphics is extremely slow. Panning is very laggy. For example one can set up a virtual desktop of a larger resolution then the hardware screen resolution. Then pan to the areas of the desktop using the mouse. This is extremely laggy and unpractical using the slow Intel graphics chip built into this unit. I can only imagine how slow a graphicvs application would be on this unit if it can not even pan.

Camera, very laggy on the images.

NO SCROLL WHEEL !!!
A big disadvantage when trying to scroll on a word document or a explorer page.

Only 512MB limitation!
What where they thinking. Especially with the new Microsoft OS coming out this year.
A built in obsolesence that will take effect in 2006. Meaning the device is pretty much already obsolete. It should at least have a 768MB limit and preferably a 1GB limit.

Overall the unit feels unresponsive. Why use a Centrino? Combined with a bottlenecked intel miniture motherboard you now have a very portable device that feels very slow. Combine this with a 512MB memory limitation and the next OS due out this year and you'll have a a almost unusable device.

I used this device indoors and the screen was extrememly reflective. It was almost a mirror! Just focus your eyes slightly to the surface of the screen and you'll get a clear image of your face. This unit is not usable outdoors in the sun.

I am seeing a lot of careless design flaws more common in American devices in this Sony.

Conclusion:
For me keyboard that requires you to visually find every key and the lack of a scroll was enough not to buy the device.

I was tempted by the size and the solid feeel of the unit. I loved that everything yo need was already built into the unit (hardware wise).

Sony seems to lack talent when it comes to designing a ergonomic keyboard. They have had this problem since their early days of laptop manufacturing. Never really quite caught on that it was a problem. Everything from the feel of the keys to the layout of the keys feels interferes with its use.

I would of course still go for a Sony rather then a Dell, HP or Gateway which I have discovered are junk both in design and quality.

This is a neat little device for short emails and quick referencing on the hard drive or the internet. I do not recommend this as a main computer. The use of it just toooooo uncomfortable. Wait at least and see if they fix the keyboard and put in a scoll wheel. Read more
by shinklee (see profile) - August 28, 2006

4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
This Little guy Rocks Sony Hits the nail on the head !!
I love this unit its alot faster then the oqo I use to have. This thing is the same speed ...
I love this unit its alot faster then the oqo I use to have. This thing is the same speed of a normal computer. I have it docked right now, And can use it as a full size pc with my wireless keyboard and mouse on my 17inch flat screen. I really am impressed with how well taught this product is. I can honestly say alot of effort went into making this. I can't think of any con's besides the spam software on it. This unit feels very well built. The screen is sharp and bright. The mouse and keyboard are easy to use. The camera's both get a great picture even in low dark. The overall feel of the unit is solid. The speed is very impressive considering the size. It is vista capable just don't plan on running the ultimate version. The docking station is a very nice touch it has a network port, 2 usb ports, And a firewire port. The ux-180p is bootable to any external cd-rom or dvd-rw provided you turn on the function in bios. One thing is don't plan on loading your own clean install of windows on it because I tried and its not going to happen the drivers need to be installed in a certain order but following that order didn't even work after many hours of tech support I spoke to level 2 support and I was informed that the version of xp pro that came with the system was designed special to function on this unit and a retail version wouldn't operate correctly which I found to be very true. Be warned sony supports a clean install but its an error per sony Don't try to load your own os on this unit you will screw it up. Other than all that I really like this thing its not overpriced at all considering what it does and the size I would of paid more.

Good Job Sony Read more
by ordguy1 (see profile) - July 15, 2006

3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
Is much better than I thought
I'm a gadget guy who debated long and hard about this one because of the price. I played and ...
I'm a gadget guy who debated long and hard about this one because of the price. I played and played with in in the store. When I finally decided to buy it, they were sold out. Got it on line for a few hundred dollars less though.

Right now, i have it hooked up to a keyboard, mouse and monitor, whcih works great; just like a regular computer.

I've used it as a stand a lone, which after using a Treo is a pleaure. I have been able to conect on WifFi, cellular and Lan without any problems.

The screen is small, which takes some getting used to, but it is crystal clear and can be magnified. Read more
by lcherney (see profile) - September 17, 2006

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
Extremely Cool-Great First Effort!!!!
I noticed that this unit rated a 7.7 average, but realize dear readers that this average was dragged down ...
I noticed that this unit rated a 7.7 average, but realize dear readers that this average was dragged down by the guy who doesn't own it, but used it for 10 minutes in a store and gave it a "1". I guess that makes him an expert?
I do own this machine and while it has some flaws (What "new" technology doesn't?), overall it represents a great first effort by Sony in the Micro PC genre.
One of the coolest things about this machine is that everybody who sees me using this thing just goes ga-ga over it. Peiple say like "Wow!! What is that??!! That is so cool!!!" If I wasn't spoken for I'll bet I could use it to pick up women? It's as fast as my full size VAIO and the touch screen gives it almost PDA like functionality. The keyboard did take a little learning curve, but once mastered typing on it is fairly easy. If you play alot of PS2 or X box you will have a distinct advantage here!!
One has alot of options for web surfing-wired via the dock, bluetooth wireless via a cell phone, WLAN, and WWAN on the Cingular Edge network. The Cingular thing is big $$$ especially if you don't have a phone account with them. If you really don't need the service, I suggest you skip it. I have the service. It works very well.
I've had one tech support incident with this machine and Sony which was not the units fault, but Sony handled it in a prompt pleasant and professional manner. I think they really wants this product line to succeed and it shows.
Battery life is short-2 hours at best. A larger capacity battery is available.
Overall a wonderful first foray by Sony into the Micro PC market. I'm having a ball with mine and I think you will too. Read more
by galindenba (see profile) - August 15, 2006

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
its what pda's need to be!
Im wrting this review on my VAIO UX and love it!. im an early adopter and live with alot more ...
Im wrting this review on my VAIO UX and love it!. im an early adopter and live with alot more complexities than the average user. but I always found PDAs lacking and my laptop too combersome to carry around regularly. what I needed was something that ran good apps and I could take it any where. THIS s IT! Yes, microsoft issues seem magnified on this ( slow bootup,occasional netork freezes, memory leaks etc.) but hey I live with thse on my lap top. but here is the good news. I have FUll Win Office 2003 compatablity, VPNing is no problem. I use regular sling box software and ful res video capabiity. Ive got tivo togo too1 I'll fill the 30 Gig hard drive for sure! Im warming up to cigular edge connections to the point I dont look for hot spots any more. The only time I use wifi is at home. Speed is realy good and disk acess is Laptop like ( they claim it is vistacapable, but we will see) Get the extended battery you"ll be using it like a PDA but it will act lke a laptop. I used the camera and it worked well enough i left my Cam and video camera at home and I emailed pictures minutes after I sent them coutesy of the edge connection.I even played the video output on the hotel TV ( a nice feature) Through the combo port extender and either net attchment. The screen is bright and resolution is spectacular compared to a PDA and most 12 inch laptops, but i'm 47 and windows doesnt scale well so things are really tiny, but thats why I got progressive lenses. book reader software runs fine and lets you adjust the font. Now I know what Zoom view in Word is for! I also found out what Hiibernate is good for in windws xp. put the UX in hibernate (whch cosumes no power) and then it will come up almost as fast as most WInMobile PDAs (less time for reattachment of wireless netwr connections). Bottom Line if you need full PC laptop but want something that fits in a small camerabag, 2lbs with all the acessories! full windows app compatablty, full web browsing and like your PC apps, this is it!. if all you need is a calendar,contacts, email, and a phone-get a treo or a blackberry. Well im going back to enjoying streaming net radio, while working in excel, while sitting outside nowhere near a hot spot just like all those ads say you can! Go get one!

Acessories you'll need: the bigger battery, anything bluetooth (a larger keyboard, headphones and earpiece are nice), a USB optical drive to load PC apps, burn CD/DVDs etc. The equivalent of a laptop bag, but can be the size of a digicam bag. Read more
by kohnstamc (see profile) - August 24, 2006

2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
1 comment posted to this opinion

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
For those that need a fully functional MS operating system in a very portable form factor
Fist off I don't own this unit.
However I do fell qualified to speak responsibly in review of this
...
Fist off I don't own this unit.
However I do fell qualified to speak responsibly in review of this unit.
I was able to find a working demo of the UX at a local retailer (no wireless data services were available).

With that being said I'm a mobile tech professional and have lots of experience with mobile/portable devices over the years.
I remember owning some of the original palmtop CE devices and its always good to look back at the progress we are making.
HP 200LX DOS Palm Top http://www.palmtoppaper.com/store/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=1
Cassiopeia A-11A http://www.larwe.com/technical/cassiopeia.html

I currently pack:
HX-4700 with Socket Laser Barcode Scanner
Blackberry 8700c
Fujitsu P Series Lifebook subnotebook
Cingular EDGE 3G PCMCIA data card
Standard Olympus digital camera

It should be fairly obvious that the VAIO UX Micro PC until will not appeal to the mass market.
However for those that need a fully functional MS operating system in a very portable form factor I fell this unit is worth serious consideration.

Markets that the UX would be of interest:
Mobile Professionals
System Administrators
Web developers
Mobile sales staff
Mobile route technicians
Medical staff
Field Insurance Adjusters
Early adopting nerds that simply like geek toys
Shipping, receiving, inventory management
Mobile reporting data collection personal
Aggressive online SOHO e-tailers and Ebay'ers.


Advantages for the UX is that you can view most any web content via the internet browser as per your expectation from your standard desktop.
Bit disappointed at my Black Berry 8700c as it doesn't support frames, some flash animations or streaming video.

As well you can now pack a full blown secure VPN/VNC solution that is sub-compact and truly mobile.
Need super portable secure connectivity to your servers running your core business applications, and your email command post you got it all in the UX!
The biometric fingerprint scanner is a very good security feature to have on such a small device for obvious reasons.

Is is well know that people bock at Cingular's wireless unlimited EDGE monthly price point but I can say from personal experience it has the best total US data coverage than any other provider.
If you have a voice plan with Cingular you may be able to get the unlimited data rate knocked down.
I get my unlimited EDGE data plan for $59.99 / month, still a bit high but at least I get excellent coverage across the nation!
When your out on business this is key! What good is cheaper or slightly faster service if it doesn't connect when you need it? Enough said!
If the EDGE is not available it drops to GPRS and keep on working just a bit slower but data still flows.
Of course this opinion is constantly changing due to the wireless wars currently be waged.

Personally I tend to like devices with a physical keyboard for the convince factor.
Regrettably Sony doesn't understand a thing about keyboard form factor on the UX.
OK we understand that the screen needs to slide over the buttons but this is no reason the buttons could not be raised for proper tactile feed back.
The buttons are all flat, even though there is raised bumps on the F and J key I seriously couldn't tell only by close visual inspection.
What the "BLANK" is up with the lack of a right shift key?
Lets see just about all the symbol keys are greatly assisted by a right shift especially when your expected to hold the unit and type with your thumbs.
Better attach that lanyard wrist strap cord and use it.
You don't want to drop your UX.
This makes for ASDGQWERZXCV and ! @ # $ % difficult at best.
Bother some but not a deal breaker at least we have a physical kb on this unit.
I might suggest a small USB or wireless kb for use at the desk or in your vehicle.
If you do your research you might find a wireless keyboard with a built in mouse ball or stick.

Typically I don't care much for moving clam shell parts on cell phone or mobiles as they tend to break or have the possibility of such.
From my detailed inspection of the UX screen slider it appers to be robust (all though Sony doesn't do rugged very well, sexy yes, rugged no).
I have to say the screen slider design seems smarter than any of the swinging Sidekick screens (what a joke!)
Want to see how things hold up just go check out a retail demos they have to be the most abused devices around!
Retail customers don't care and I think some quite seriously try to damage the demo products on purpose out of spite and hate towards the rtailer.

For those that complain about the screen glare go get a decent anti glare screen protector for a few buck and stop complaining.
You'd want one any way to keep the stylus from scratching the UX screen.
The best screen protectors in the industry can be found at:
www.pocketpctechs.com
Pocketpctechs have both versions of high quality crystal clear and ant-glare.
Stop looking at the price and realize the value.
The WriteSHIELD products ROCK!

You can run the full MS Office suite on the UX.
You should be able to manage your EBay/Paypal accounts just fine on this device.
This is very cool.

Battery life in this type of portable is going to be a limited and considered a closely managed resource.
This should go with out saying.
Lets just hope we can find a CLA (12V DC Car Cig Lighter Adapter) for the UX because your going to need it.
I already pack a DC to AC convert brick in my rig for my laptop.
So you can haul the AC power supply around but the CLA would make a simple one cable power solution in the vehicle for the UA.

Better security on business trips, your more likely to haul this little guy with you rather than leaving a full blown laptop in your rental car or hotel!
Better carry on solution for airlines as well.
Service and route technicians can better secure the device than having a vehicle mounted laptop in plain view.

Productivity add on devices:
External keyboard / mouse.
Blue tooth barcode or RFID scanners
Industry specific data logger products
GPS products (all though I suggest a stand alone http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60csx/ )
The list goes on...

Simply amazing form factor just wish that darn integrated keyboard had raised buttons!
At least they back lit the key board keys. Read more
by DelSolSea (see profile) - February 10, 2007

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.