A Perfect PC For My Purse

I never thought anyone would make a full-blown PC that would fit in my purse, but Sony managed to do just that with its new VAIO UX280P Micro PC. It only weighs a little over a pound, but packs quite a punch with its 1.20 GHz Intel Core Solo Processor U1400. That’s an impressive speed for such a small little thing, and faster than some of the desktop machines that I still see around. The Micro PC’s hard drive is 40GB and it gives you 1GB of memory at your fingertips. It runs genuine Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2, and when Windows Vista Premium hits the shelves next year, upgrading will be no problem.

The Micro PC boasts a 4.5-inch wide SVGA screen that slides up to expose a full built-in keyboard. This allows you to access your favorite programs, music and videos, as you would on your full-sized computer. The device includes a stylus for you to take advantage of its touch screen options with Sony’s VAIO touch launcher. This launcher gives you quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, your favorite computer applications, games and music. The launcher button on the side of the unit activates this feature.

“This model is an achievement in ingenious design,” says Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “With this pocket PC, you can have the same functionality as your office or home PC in a device that fits in the palm of your hand.”

This little computer incorporates Sony’s SmartWi technology, allowing you to wirelessly toggle between your Wireless Area Network (WWAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Bluetooth. WWAN will give you access to Cingular’s nationwide EDGE network, which allows you to connect to the Internet just about anywhere there is cellular coverage. The Bluetooth will hook you up to your wireless peripherals. Additionally, Wireless LAN (WLAN) is available for your Wi-Fi connections at home, office or your favorite hotspots.

The UX Micro PC has two built-in cameras. The one located on the front is for your on-the-go video conferencing or online chats, and the second one on the back is for you to take pictures. You probably don’t want to use the back camera as your actual camera since it’s only 1.3 Megapixels, but it makes a good backup camera.

Sometimes I wish I could log into all my computers with biometrics (i.e. fingerprints or retinal scan). My machines at home aren’t bad, but at work I have to remember a thousand different passwords, and they’re all different. With that in mind, Sony made security a top priority with the Micro, and you can actually log into it with your finger, using the integrated biometrics fingerprint sensor.

Shoot you if your Micro PC hits the floor, but if in case it does, Sony added on an incorporated G-Sensor shock protection. It protects your hard drive and reduces the risk of data loss if you do happen to let it hit the ground. For added convenience, a docking station with three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA, FireWire interface and an AV output comes with the unit. This will certainly enable you to use this as a “regular” computer while you’re at home - plug in a full-sized keyboard / mouse, monitor and speakers

The Sony VAIO UX Micro PC is one of many products that will be featured at the Sony Expo this weekend. Check it out for yourself at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Room, November 3 & 4, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can soon find the Micro PC for about $2,000 at Shirokiya in Ala Moana Center (www.shirokiya.com), Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com) or from Sony directly at www.sonystyle.com.

I won’t be able to fit the rest of my gadgets (PlayStation Portable (PSP), camera and cell phone) along with this new Micro PC in my purse, so looks like I’ll be buying a bigger one soon.