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View Full Version : Akihabara News Reviews the Sony Vaio UX90PS with 16GB Flash Integrated


Ekkie Tepsupornchai
07-26-2006, 09:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.akihabaranews.com/review-69-X.html' target='_blank'>http://www.akihabaranews.com/review-69-X.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Last month we shot 2 video reviews of Sony's latest UMPC-like wonders, the UX50 and the UX90. Sony then released a limited version of the UX90 (1.2GHz CPU) with 16GB of flash RAM HDD, so we decided to take this device for a spin and check if the few additional bucks are really worth spending. We won't spoil the pleasure of watching the 14 minutes video review but what we can tell you rightaway is that despite our mixed feelings about the UX50 and UX90, we are now really impressed by this flash RAM based version and we are really looking forward to see more devices like this !!!"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_akihabara_VAIO_UX90_200607.jpg" /><br /><br />Here it is people! Sony's latest UX Micro PC nicely sweetened with 16GB of integrated flash memory as opposed to the traditional, boring, moving-parts-infected hard drive. Check out the 14-minute video review that Akihabara News put together, and as a courtesy, we politely request that you contain your drool while viewing! We're trying to run a germ-free shop here. ;)

Typhoon
07-26-2006, 10:41 PM
Has anyone watched the review? ...Simply amazing.

jlp
07-26-2006, 11:18 PM
How to render a tiny keyboard even less readable?

Paint it in black :roll:

whydidnt
07-27-2006, 12:32 AM
This is a nice example of why we aren't seeing many new PDA only devices. The next generation of UMPC's will probably be smaller than the UX - probably OQO size and MS will have figured out the user interface - presto no need to have "digital assistant". We'll just bring the whole machine with us.

The UX180P has one of the best, if not the best screen I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. It puts dedicated DVD and PMP devices to shame in this regard. I can't wait until a 32 GB Flash model is available.

Jonathan1
07-27-2006, 12:59 AM
I think there was a combined total of about 5 minutes where the reviewer went off on Japanese TV being crap. :lol:

PS- Get these things under a grand and I will buy one tomorrow.

Nurhisham Hussein
07-27-2006, 01:21 AM
How to render a tiny keyboard even less readable?

Paint it in black :roll:

It's backlit, if you must know ;)

Arqentus
07-27-2006, 01:39 AM
Now, this is coming close to what i'm looking for. Close but not yet there. Found my x50v to small for work, but my 15" laptop way to heavy, big, and just inconvenient.

All it needs is a better GPU ( the 950 is a bit slow for any serious *kuch* work aka gaming ;) ), a bit larger screen ( 6" looks about right. ), and a definitive price cut ( 2000$ = no way in hell. Well, in reality i already payed it if i combine the laptop &amp; PDA prices + extra's ).

I can't wait for the next generation of UMPC's using the low voltage Core 2 Duo CPU's.

On that day, bye bye laptop &amp; PDA. Daim, i'm getting tempted already. Daim you technology germs in my body! :)

Typhoon
07-27-2006, 02:47 AM
Now, this is coming close to what i'm looking for. Close but not yet there. Found my x50v to small for work, but my 15" laptop way to heavy, big, and just inconvenient.

All it needs is a better GPU ( the 950 is a bit slow for any serious *kuch* work aka gaming ;) ), a bit larger screen ( 6" looks about right. ), and a definitive price cut ( 2000$ = no way in hell. Well, in reality i already payed it if i combine the laptop &amp; PDA prices + extra's ).

I can't wait for the next generation of UMPC's using the low voltage Core 2 Duo CPU's.

On that day, bye bye laptop &amp; PDA. Daim, i'm getting tempted already. Daim you technology germs in my body! :)

But a 6 inch screen can't fit into the pocket, or can it?

I was thinking what would be a good idea is that if companies out there would come out w/a laptop convertor for these UXs. Like, stick the UX into a laptop case w/LCD, and you got yourself a 13" screen laptop or Tablet PC.

I have also noticed that flash memory prices are dropping fast. Anyone have any idea if flash drives will be released at affordable prices anytime soon?

SecureGSM
07-27-2006, 03:29 AM
I had a chance to play with one of these little wonders recently. It is all excellent. One issue though turned me off this device:

screen resolution of the 4.5" is set at the 1024 x 600 and this is seriously makes for me this device impossible to use without constant zooming in and out.
Set you 15" LCD panel at approx. 3400 x 2000 resolution to have good example of what UX90 /UX180 screen resolution is like.
I remember discussion threads regarding usability of Toshibas E800 4" screen at VGA 640 x 480 screen resolution. I guess, that with 1024 x 600 that issue becoming seriously concerning on UX90/180 devices. Of course, this is my personal opinion after all.

Typhoon
07-27-2006, 03:36 AM
I was surprised the reviewer didn't test coming in and out of hibernation. And what about an improved battery life?

Eriq Cook
07-27-2006, 05:12 AM
I need a mop. Somebody get me a mop.

ricksfiona
07-27-2006, 06:21 AM
I was surprised the reviewer didn't test coming in and out of hibernation. And what about an improved battery life?

Yes, I was surprised that he didn't talk about this... Will it last all day?

This is how the UMPC's should've turned out. It's a joke how many problems UMPC makers are having turning out a good, decent product. I would have mine in my hands by now if problems didn't keep coming up...

Sony: Keep up the good work!

Nurhisham Hussein
07-27-2006, 06:39 AM
screen resolution of the 4.5" is set at the 1024 x 600 and this is seriously makes for me this device impossible to use without constant zooming in and out.


Unlike Windows Mobile, you can play with the DPI settings in WinXP. Most users apparently like between 120 to 150 dpi for the UX, in contrast with the 96dpi default level. I have my U8G (the previous generation Sony MicroPC) set at 120dpi. Basically what this does is increase the font size throughout the system, without fiddling with custom appearances.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai
07-27-2006, 04:41 PM
I was surprised the reviewer didn't test coming in and out of hibernation. And what about an improved battery life?
Yes, I was surprised that he didn't talk about this...
The reviewer certainly could have done more with the video review. It's a nice video but I think he only makes use of visual presentation for about half of that 14 minutes. The first time I was watching the video, I had my volume muted (since I'm at my workplace... I just wanted to get an idea of what was there) and all you see for the first 5 minutes are the units sitting side by side with the reviewer's hand occasionally waving and pointing at things. :)

I'm sure we'll hear more soon about the battery life and hibernation behavior... this certainly has the looks of a killer device!

Arqentus
07-27-2006, 06:49 PM
But a 6 inch screen can't fit into the pocket, or can it?

I was thinking what would be a good idea is that if companies out there would come out w/a laptop converter for these UXs. Like, stick the UX into a laptop case w/LCD, and you got yourself a 13" screen laptop or Tablet PC.

I have also noticed that flash memory prices are dropping fast. Anyone have any idea if flash drives will be released at affordable prices anytime soon?

To be honest, when you look at the wasted space around the screen, they might have been able to use a 5" at leased for it.

Now, about pocketable ... i personally see a lot of better use in the leader case that the UX90 used, that you clip to the side of your pants. Carrying a PDA or UMPC in your pants is like carrying a cell phone in it. It gets in the way as you sit, hard to remove when you sit ( unless you carry army pants and in those you can fit a device way larger then the UX90).

For me, it looks way more useful, and easy'er to carry, when using clip-on or belt case to the side of your body. You can grab it with ease, no money, keys etc you might accidentally scratch it with, when you "forgot" it was in your pants etc...

Now, if Sony used one of those flip designs ( the one that you can use as a laptop, or pda ( those that flip open like a Laptop, can turn 180°, and flip back with the screen on its back in PDA mode ). If they used that design, the UX90 was able to use 6" perfectly. And it allows for a larger keyboard, sinds that mechanism used a lot less product space.

That's why 6" is a very possible size in my eyes.

I'm kinda interested to see what OQO comes up with, now that there high end market has seen a wordy competition :)

Ekkie Tepsupornchai:

Here's a review of the UX90 ( with HD ) vs the OQO, with battery times:

http://meansquare.info/UXReview/vsOQO2.html

Note: its done with power management turned off. The Flash harddisk is support to increase the battery time with 13%, while i read somewhere else, that the person talked about a hour extra time ( if he had the extended battery, it makes sense ).

jlp
07-27-2006, 10:16 PM
How to render a tiny keyboard even less readable?

Paint it in black :roll:

It's backlit, if you must know ;)

Indeed, I know. However in most cases lighting is bright enough to make the backlight inefficient and not bright enough so you can see small dark keys well.

For example the HTC Universal (mini laptop type) comes both in black or white/light colored. The Vodaphone version is like the latter. But you don't have the choice of color in priority. Rather you have to take the one that's available from your operator.

jlp
07-27-2006, 10:18 PM
Personnally I'll wait for the OQO Model 02, hoping they'll put a 6" screen displaying 800x600 and a larger backlit keyboard.

Arqentus
07-28-2006, 06:33 PM
I noticed some people complaining that 16GB is to low. To be honest, it can be solved very easyly. Take the 30GB HD model, and place the OS on the CF card. If you see that SD card alone can be up to 4GB for 70$ O_o

Ofcourse, i don't know if the bootup is possible from the bios out.

In reality, you don't need more then 4GB of space for programs etc. Over the years, i have always used a 3 or 4GB partition for a PC, and the rest is mostly for data you access not so frequent. The same principle applies to the UX90 / OQO serie. So you can have the same effect with a HD based UMPC if it supports booting from a CF/SD or whatever memory card it supports.

Note: Most do support USB booting, but thats a bit more troublesome.

Typhoon
07-30-2006, 07:33 PM
You're saying that the OS can be installed and booted from the CF or MS card? I thought I read that you can't do that...

And does anyone know if it is being displayed at Best Buy or Circuit City? I know they have it on the oline stores. It is annoying calling them you know, if you ever had the experience. You are on hold for a really long time, then they put you on hold again, and again, and again...

Arqentus
07-30-2006, 11:02 PM
You're saying that the OS can be installed and booted from the CF or MS card? I thought I read that you can't do that...

And does anyone know if it is being displayed at Best Buy or Circuit City? I know they have it on the online stores. It is annoying calling them you know, if you ever had the experience. You are on hold for a really long time, then they put you on hold again, and again, and again...

Like i said, i'm also not 100% sure, but in principle, its the same as USB booting, and we know the UX90 can boot from USB ( Function + F2 during boot for the bios, and enable USB booting is there ). It just need to be supported in the bios, and in most cases its not.

On the other hand, you can trick the system in doing it. Place a bootloader + a driver that enables the SD/CF slot on the HD, and install your OS &amp; other tools on the SD card. Then your system will access the HD, load the driver, and start booting from the OS. In theory, it can be done. Let the HD spin down after 1 min, e voila. You have the same effect.