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Sony U-70 Micro PC Reviewed

Posted by michael on from the finger-cramps dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "jkendrick has posted a detailed of review of Sony's dream handheld, the U-70. Slightly bigger than a PDA, with a SVGA screen, 20Gb hard drive, and 1GHz Pentium-M processor, this device could replace your PDA, laptop and desktop. The price is high, though. Oh to be rich (or at least richer than I am...)"

170 comments

  1. The "guts" of the U-70 by Joseph+Vigneau · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's what the machine looks like with the case removed. Quite compact.

  2. Size by Klar · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Seems like an odd size, and the buttons(or whatever that is) near the screen look weird to use, hard to tell from the pic though.

    --
    Boxing Equipment Reviews
    1. Re:Size by Da_Weasel · · Score: 1

      Weird? You must be referring to the "Ctrl-Alt-Del switch".

      Hey Sony here is a clue: If the OS you choose requires that you add a special switch to handle crashes, it time to look for an alternative.

      "Ctrl-Alt-Del switch" WTF were they thinking!?

      --
      If you must!
    2. Re:Size by RMH101 · · Score: 1

      of people logging on to NT based operating systems?

  3. It's interesting... by Sheetrock · · Score: 3, Insightful
    But for that price, it should be able to handle some common storage device like CD or even DVD media. Half the reason of wanting something like this is so that you can easily watch movies or listen to music (although I suppose one could do the latter with MP3).

    20GB in a handheld does sound pretty good. I always worry about how you get these things repaired, though, especially when they're on the cutting edge like this.

    --

    Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.
    -- Dr. Spock, stardate 2822-3.




    1. Re:It's interesting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Why people want CD/DVD drives in an ultraportable device is beyond me. I mean, there you have this small, beautiful device. Are you really going to bring your CD collection along? Why don't you just copy 1 or 2 movies onto the harddisk? And if you want to load more on the go, I'm sure a drive which you can leave at the hotel would be a much better choice than making this bulkier and heavier.

    2. Re:It's interesting... by doctor_no · · Score: 3, Informative

      It's a basically a ultra-compact PC, it has four USB 2.0 ports as well as a Firewire port. You can obviously just connect an external CD, HDD, or DVD+/-RW, ipod, whatever, to it.

      For multimedia, it should also run any app or codec that is available for WinXP, if they could get the price below $1,000 I'm sold.

      But the U50 and U70 aren't available in the US, these guys sell them here, but they charge $1999 for the U50 and $2599 for the U70. Yikes.

    3. Re:It's interesting... by Mordaximus · · Score: 1

      In doing so you've added at least a full inch to the length of the device, and the big attraction of the device is it's size.

    4. Re:It's interesting... by DrCash · · Score: 1
      20GB in a handheld does sound pretty good. I always worry about how you get these things repaired, though, especially when they're on the cutting edge like this.

      You don't get it repaired. If it breaks, you ship the thing back to Sony, or wherever you bought it from. And *hopefully* you've bought one of their expensive *extended warranties* that they want you to buy with it so that they can ship you a new one. Otherwise, you're screwed!

      So if you don't spend boo-coo $$$ on the extended, you better pray that nothing happens to it after the regular.

      Of course, it would be nice if they would have stuck with the *old days*, where you could get something electronic repaired inexpensively from your local mom-and-pop shop, or something. But the big corporations don't like this. Instead, they can skimp on parts and make things that are more or less disposable, such that when and if it does break, you just ship it back to them,... that makes it easier for them to collect more of your money in an extended warranty,... Gotta love capitalism!

    5. Re:It's interesting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      derek.cashman@gmail.com

    6. Re:It's interesting... by basics · · Score: 1

      didn't you know? It is better the end than mend.

    7. Re:It's interesting... by Sloppy · · Score: 1
      Half the reason of wanting something like this is so that you can easily watch movies or listen to music
      I think it's pretty funny that some people know what other people want to use their computers for. And this proposed app is particularly amusing: someone will buy a computer with 5" screen to watch movies! WTF? ;-)

      If they built an optical drive into this, then the app you have in mind would be served, but then n% of the users would have paid more for something they only used once (e.g. when they install an OS) and the machine would be physically larger.

      If you want something with a DVD player, I bet Sony sells many different models of computer, one of which I'm sure is large enough to contain such a drive. And as a consequence, it'll probably have a larger screen, too.

      --
      As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
    8. Re:It's interesting... by Eccles · · Score: 1

      In doing so you've added at least a full inch to the length of the device, and the big attraction of the device is it's size.

      Must...resist...obvious..jokes...

      --
      Ooh, a sarcasm detector. Oh, that's a real useful invention.
  4. Not sure about the idea by Dominatus · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I like having a PDA and a laptop, I use them for completely separate purposes.

    Combining a phone and a PDA sounds good, because both are items I keep in my pocket. My laptop, however, I use when I want most of the experiences of my desktop, away from my desktop. This includes the keyboard.

    Small keyboards and small screens are OK for PIM, checking email, and what not, but any more than that and it get's ridiculously tedious. I know there is a market for this kind of thing, but I'm probably not very interested.

    1. Re:Not sure about the idea by Klar · · Score: 1

      Not to mention gaming while at a meeting.. I mean that thing isn't gunna be able to play Doom3 when it comes out... you might actually have to listen to what your boss is saying during a meeting..

      --
      Boxing Equipment Reviews
    2. Re:Not sure about the idea by amliebsch · · Score: 4, Interesting

      My dad has been waiting for something like this for a long time. He works in production control at a local manufacturing plant, and while he does a lot of work at his desk, he also has a great need to access spreadsheets and data on-the-go on the shop floor. A tablet PC is too big and too expensive, and a PDA isn't quite enough (he uses one, but the screen is too tiny to display spreadsheet data). This seems just perfect, especially if you could get/build some kind of docking solution.

      --
      If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.
    3. Re:Not sure about the idea by Marxist+Hacker+42 · · Score: 1

      Looks good to me- but then again I use a PDA regularly at work, and having twice the screen resolution real estate would be nice.

      --
      SJW: a person who perceives an injustice, and while correcting it, commits a greater injustice.
    4. Re:Not sure about the idea by Dominatus · · Score: 1

      I'm not saying about that, they are already rolling out PDAs w/ PocketPC that will have VGA res, that's awesome. But is all the RAM and HDD space necessary for a device that can't do that much due to size limitations (comfortably)

    5. Re:Not sure about the idea by Dominatus · · Score: 1

      Hey guess what... Linux works on PocketPCs, isn't that amazing?

    6. Re:Not sure about the idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A tablet PC is too big and too expensive,

      This costs 2-3 times as much as a tablet PC.

    7. Re:Not sure about the idea by zonker · · Score: 0

      looks to me like sony is overestimating the market for this thing. i have a feeling that unless it becomes thinner and lighter it will disappear into the history of consumer electronics as an 'interesting gadget before it's time (and reason to exist)'...

      --

      Large print giveth, and the small print taketh away

    8. Re:Not sure about the idea by Pieroxy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Nothing prevent any constructor from building a "UC" as a PDA/cellphone, with crappy screen and keyboard. When you're home, you plug your DVI and USB keyboard/mouse in and you're done.

      That's just what I'm looking for for so long now. I think it's still a little early, but I'm sure we'll get to it pretty soon.

      Imagine: Everything in one box the size of an iPod: Phone, PDA, desktop, laptop, etc...
      You just plug it into it's station at home and... bang! Keyboard, screen and all the rest are as big as you want them to be. You can even have additional storage (CD/DVD/HDD,...)

      You can even have a "portable station", the size of an actual laptop which will add some of these features as well as some more battery power.

      --
      Write boring code, not shiny code!
    9. Re:Not sure about the idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Your dad needs a Zaurus SL-6000L.

      A PDA sized laptop. It comes with hancom's spreadsheet program (a remarkable Excel copy), and their MSWord editor. And WiFi of course. And Opera. It's Linux based.

      I have literally stopped using my laptop since I got mine. Battery life is fantastic. It easily gets through the day on one charge.

      I'm posting this from my sundeck with one.

    10. Re:Not sure about the idea by Dominatus · · Score: 1

      Oh really, then lets see you order some of these Sony's without WinXP? This discussion is over.

    11. Re:Not sure about the idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm sorry, but your response was not accepted.

      Reason: The discussion was over.

  5. Sony.... by wobedraggled · · Score: 1, Troll

    No thanks, thier hardware has slid down in quality steadliy... I'd rather get an OQO...

    --
    Ubuntu- Linux for human beings.
    1. Re:Sony.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, I'd love to get an OQO too. I'd also like to play Duke Nukem Forever.

      This machine is out, and fulfills much of the promise of the tiny handtop vaproware.

    2. Re:Sony.... by doctor_no · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If you're worried about quality why would you bother with the OQO? Cheap Sony-basing aside, Sony is a company that at least has shipped a product.

      OQO has made years of promises, has no reputation for quality (good or bad), and has specs that are already outdated before its released. We can make a fair comparison of between the Sony U50/U70 and the OQO if and when the OQO hits the market.

    3. Re:Sony.... by JTMON · · Score: 0

      Mod parent up please, he's right. Why would someone go with a no name, won't be there for warranty repair company vs. Sony...yeah Sony hardware is not as robust as it used to be but you at least know they will still be around!

    4. Re:Sony.... by shyfabian · · Score: 1

      If I had a need for one of these I'd probably go with the oqo as well. IMHO the built-in keyboard on the oqo raises the usability 10x that of the sony. If you have to place the sony unit on a flat surface and unfurl some compact keyboard you might as well just use your laptop.

  6. Slightly? by glamslam · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If that's slightly bigger than a PDA, then I guess PDAs have gotten alot bigger since the last time I checked into them.

    This thing looks too big for a carry-it-everywhere device, but too small for anything more than basic functionality... so I guess I'm wondering, "What's the point?"

    1. Re:Slightly? by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "This thing looks too big for a carry-it-everywhere device, but too small for anything more than basic functionality... so I guess I'm wondering, "What's the point?"

      Niche market. Mainly business types that travel a lot. My uncle's probably the perfect customer for this product. He needs a small laptop that he can use on a plane, he needs small and mobile as possible, and he's got the money to spend on making his life as comfortable as possible.

      Nothing wrong with it not being everybody's cup of tea. If the price was right, I wouldn't mind having one that I could tote around the office. I've ordered a TabletPc for that, though.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    2. Re:Slightly? by mblase · · Score: 3, Interesting

      If you look at this picture, you'll see that it's still sized to be easy to carry in one hand. It looses something in usability this way, granted, but it's not too big for anything except your pants pocket.

    3. Re:Slightly? by Dr.+Manhattan · · Score: 1

      No kidding. People complain about how big the Palm III series was; this thing's huge. You won't be just sticking it in your pocket anytime soon. And even 6 hours of battery life is limiting. My Palm only needs battery changes every couple of weeks at most. I suppose if you really need a laptop, this thing would be more convenient, but sheesh...

      --
      PHEM - party like it's 1997-2003!
    4. Re:Slightly? by Nogami_Saeko · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Looks like about the same size as the Newton, which is far too big for a PDA in my books.

      For my money, the Vaio TR-series is vastly more useful in a slightly larger form factor, has built-in optical drive, full keyboard, etc.

      N.

      --
      "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence." - Charles de Gaulle
    5. Re:Slightly? by southpolesammy · · Score: 0, Troll

      Ummm....let me reword this a bit....

      Niche market. Mainly business types who will request a demo from the vendor to place on their desktop as the coolest new toy that our department is looking at, but will never use, nor even attempt to learn how to, nor even give to line employees who actually might find a use for the toy. Will never use on the plane because it's still on the desk (and still powered off). Will continue to use latest, greatest, and most powerful laptop that the company provides to create Word documents, while line employees continue to be frustrated with 4 year old technology running 5-6 year old OS's. Will eventually take the toy to a meeting, probably offsite, will lose the toy, and end up having to pay the vendor full price for the item. Vendor will then happily place the newest toy on said business type's desk ASAP, thereby ensuring the cycle repeats itself ad infinatum.

      (No, I'm not bitter, and I've never seen this happen before, why do you ask?)

      --
      Rule #1 -- Politics always trumps technology.
    6. Re:Slightly? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


      Niche market. Mainly business types that travel a lot. My uncle's probably the perfect customer for this product. He needs a small laptop that he can use on a plane, he needs small and mobile as possible, and he's got the money to spend on making his life as comfortable as possible.

      If you have this level of porability, you lose easy input methods for the standard applications. So this would be great for looking up data or modifying a few numbers on a spreadsheet, but it would suck for anything requiring a real-sized keyboard.

      Sure you can bring your own keyboard along, but that is still not nearly as comfortable to type on as an attached keyboard (and also you lose your portability advantage).

    7. Re:Slightly? by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Insightful

      "If you have this level of porability, you lose easy input methods for the standard applications."

      True, but we're talking about 6-figure PowerPoint artists, here.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    8. Re:Slightly? by jaredcat · · Score: 3, Informative

      I have one of these things and I love it, but yeah, you're right... Its too big to carry everywhere like my phone (because it wont fit in a pocket), and its no-attached-keyboardness makes it too difficult to do real work on it without using the dock or carrying around the tiny external usb japanese keyboard. It ends up being more like one of those tablet PCs that everyone was talking about a couple of years ago.

      Mostly I use it for web surfing in Starbucks, AIM while I'm walking around my house (its lite enough to carry everywhere at 1.2lb-- just too bulky for carrying everywhere outside of the house), and watching ripped DVDs in airplanes, and thats fine.

      Maybe I should just get a new tiny USB keyboard with english letters on it? What have handspring/treo/ipaq people come up with?

    9. Re:Slightly? by MacGod · · Score: 1

      If that's slightly bigger than a PDA, then I guess PDAs have gotten alot bigger since the last time I checked into them.
      This thing looks too big for a carry-it-everywhere device, but too small for anything more than basic functionality... so I guess I'm wondering, "What's the point?"

      Size-wise it reminds me a bit of the Newton. And while I personally found it a bit large (I prefer my small PalmOS device), some people still use the Newton daily (my dad for one). So, as an in-between device, I'm sure it'll still have a good niche market to slide into.

      Don't try to think of it as an overly-big PDA, or really, even an ultra-tiny laptop. Instead, imagine it as a hybrid of the two. You don't need an Unreal-capable laptop, but you do need more power than a PDA. Think inventory setups, cataloguing, medicine, inspections etc

      --
      "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one " -Albert Einstein
    10. Re:Slightly? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Look into one of the indestructable keyboards. Handy when the person next to you spills their coffee ;-)

    11. Re:Slightly? by guard952 · · Score: 1

      Why not get a 12" PowerBook

    12. Re:Slightly? by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      No touch screen. Plus, Sony's is still smaller. I used to have a very small Toshiba Protege. Despite being like 10" wide (if that big) because it folded into an L, it was still difficult to use on a plane. Damn those seats are small.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    13. Re:Slightly? by tehcyder · · Score: 1
      LOOSES
      loses

      Why is this spelling mistake so common?

      --
      To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it
  7. Tipical by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    S.D.E. before any comments

  8. 3 minutes and its already slashdotted... by mrfibbi · · Score: 0, Redundant

    next.

  9. Ummm... by okmnji · · Score: 1, Interesting

    How much is it, anyway? Yes, I RTFA... so it can run StarCraft, the five year old laptop in the closet collecting dust could do that too (well, slowly, but it can do it).

    1. Re:Ummm... by Cpt_Kirks · · Score: 2, Informative

      I wondered how much, too.

      Dynamism has them at $1899.00 for the U50 and $2649.00 for the U70. Which is about what I thought when I read the article.

      Maybe, if Sony ever sells them direct in the US, the price may drop about $500.

      Damn nice toys.

    2. Re:Ummm... by ballwall · · Score: 2, Insightful

      This page from Sony Japan lists the U70 at 210,000 yen, or $1892.55 in USD.

      Basically they're charging $750 to reinstall the OS. I need to get into the import business.

  10. Wi-Fi on-off switch is nice.... good design by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I like it - evry nice design. I could happily see myself using one of these pretty heavily with some nice syncing with my desktop. I want one...

    I would particularly like the Wi-Fi on-off switch. I'm fed up with dodgy software solutions to that.

    1. Re:Wi-Fi on-off switch is nice.... good design by CountBrass · · Score: 1

      Try OSX. That has WiFi built into the OS and you can turn it on/off reliably from the desktop.

      --
      Bad analogies are like waxing a monkey with a rainbow.
  11. Obvious Question... by tilleyrw · · Score: 2, Insightful

    When will someone port NetBSD/Linux/your-OS-of-choice to run on it?

    --
    This post encoded with ROT26. If you can read it, you've violated the DMCA. Handcuffs please, sergeant.
    1. Re:Obvious Question... by Lando+Griffin · · Score: 0

      NetBSD will probably run on it as-is. Plain old x86 CPU driving the thing, after all. I am sure they didn't get too exotic with the video/sound/networking hardware.

    2. Re:Obvious Question... by Dominatus · · Score: 2, Informative

      It's standard x86 hardware, BSD/linux already runs on it.

    3. Re:Obvious Question... by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      "When will someone port NetBSD/Linux/your-OS-of-choice to run on it?"

      Out of curiosity, would Linux support the touch sensitive screen? That been done yet? What about over in the TabletPC arena that uses Wacom digitizers?

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    4. Re:Obvious Question... by jkendrick · · Score: 1

      That's next :-)

      --
      jk
    5. Re:Obvious Question... by Cpt_Kirks · · Score: 2, Informative

      There are Linux drivers for the various Linux PDAs about.

      So drivers should be available soon.

    6. Re:Obvious Question... by Bruce+Perens · · Score: 2, Informative
      I run Linux on my U101. It works fine, except ACPI. I'd assume this is a descendant of the U101.

      Bruce

      --
      Bruce Perens.
    7. Re:Obvious Question... by jc42 · · Score: 1

      ... and eventually we'll learn that, like the Tablet PC, it was for sale running linux in Asia a year before it came to market in the US. But it won't be sold with linux in the US, because that was a requirement for the license to sell it with Windows in the US. Americans will have to pay the MS tax and install linux themselves if that's what they want.

      Anyone know how it's being sold in Asia? I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it's available there with a number of different OSs, for different markets. You can probably get it with iTron, too, but not in the US.

      --
      Those who do study history are doomed to stand helplessly by while everyone else repeats it.
  12. OQO Could be better... by CommanderData · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If only the OQO would update its specs. It's an antique and it's not even available yet. I'd put at least:
    1) 1Ghz Pentium M (instead of Transmeta)
    2) 512MB RAM (instead of 256MB FIXED)
    3) 40GB Hard Drive (instead of 20GB)
    4) 802.11G (instead of B)
    5) USB 2 (instead of USB 1.1)
    6) Compactflash and SD card slots (None available)

    I Guess based on this list the only things I really like about the OQO are the form-factor, built in keyboard, and the transflective TFT for indoor/outdoor use. I really wish it wasn't going to be such a POS due to lousy specs, I'd be first in line to get one...

    --
    Urge to post... fading... fading... RISING!... fading... fading... gone.
  13. I'm waiting for it all to be combined by LeahofRivendell · · Score: 1

    I'm waiting until we can combine a PDA, laptop, cell phone, wrist watch, T.V. remote, car keys, wallet all down into one compact device. I call them the other personal unit.

    --
    I are winner
    1. Re:I'm waiting for it all to be combined by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Would you like to see my unit?

    2. Re:I'm waiting for it all to be combined by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, except for the laptop, NTT DoCoMo is working on a technology based on Japan's railpass system that they hope'll do most of that. Check the latest MIT Tech Review for details.

  14. Ow by Apiakun · · Score: 1

    My Eyes! My Eyes! This color scheme... oof.

    1. Re:Ow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I know! When did /. get an "IT" section? And why do we need one?

  15. Re:oh my god! by spoonyfork · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    poo and cubicle-taupe

    +1 Insightful. This is the new it.slashdot.org. All I see all day at work is poo and cubicle-taupe so now my slashdot blends right in.

    --
    Speak truth to power.
  16. Picture of the unit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    here

    1. Re:Picture of the unit by wickersty · · Score: 1

      hahaha if there was ever going to be a reply to that pic, that was the one.

  17. Awesome.... by static0verdrive · · Score: 1

    Sweet! An mp3 player!

    I wonder: if, by the time you packed a USB mouse and k/b, and all the stuff you'd need for a LAN party, you'd be carrying all that much less weight than a laptop for the price difference?

    --
    ========
    77 77 77 2e 6d 65 6c 76 69 6e 73 2e 63 6f 6d
    1. Re:Awesome.... by DrCash · · Score: 1
      I wouldn't want to use that computer to play games, though! The screen is way too small and I don't see how the sound would be good, either. Not to mention that they've probably skimped on the graphics card, too (Doom 3 probably wouldn't even run - at least according to the specs I've seen).

      Yes, this thing is definitely meant for very specific users - I don't even think Sony is thinking of selling more than 10,000 of them (if even that many). This is very similar to the Toshiba Libretto, which came out in the late 1990s and was very similar in size. The Libretto was neat to look at, and play with, and it was a great little *gadget*. But even for your average businessperson, it was almost just too small to use, even on a plane (unless you had really small fingers).

      I wouldn't even go so far as to call Sony's device a notebook. It's more of a, "Super PDA," or one might use the term, "notebook replacement," (like one refers to a "desktop replacement" notebook PC).

    2. Re:Awesome.... by really? · · Score: 1

      Don't know about these units, but here in Japan Toshiba sold a LOT of Librettos. I used to see tons and tons of them in Akihabara when they were comming off their lease.

      --

      "Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are the dead." A. Huxley
  18. What's with the ultra ugly color scheme? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Light barf on white is not a good color selection...

  19. It just does not seem practical by DarKnyht · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The idea for a portable device is the ability to quickly turn it on and use it. This appears to be using a version of XP, which to me sounds like a boot sequence to start it. Does not make it very practical for keep track of PDA type stuff.

    If it is intended for a laptop, why in the world would you want to restrict yourself to a screen that size and require yourself to have to buy extra hardware for it? The concept of a laptop, at least as I saw it, was to have everything you need built in. So the device doesn't quite fit in there.

    Outside of Novelty, I just do not see a practical need for this. Reminds me sort of the HP Jornada Windows CE devices that were built like mini-laptops.

    --
    Voting them all out of office, now that's change I can believe in.
    1. Re:It just does not seem practical by Wicked187 · · Score: 1

      They could easily (and probably do) use the hibernation/suspend feature to boot more quickly. But I see your point.

      --
      Politics, Life, and More on my Aspiring for the Future
    2. Re:It just does not seem practical by mobby_6kl · · Score: 1

      from the article:
      [...] a Standby button on the top of the device that puts the U into standby, and also resumes it. It takes maybe two seconds to either enter or resume from standby mode by hitting this button. It's lightning fast. Hibernation mode only takes a few seconds longer with my unit entering or resuming from hibernation in less than 10 seconds.

      Also, you have everything bult in, you can type with the on screen or fold-up keyboard which comes with the device.

    3. Re:It just does not seem practical by Elwood+P+Dowd · · Score: 2, Informative

      The idea for a portable device is the ability to quickly turn it on and use it. This appears to be using a version of XP, which to me sounds like a boot sequence to start it. Does not make it very practical for keep track of PDA type stuff.

      Modern PCs have a "sleep" function that uses minimal amounts of power while avoiding boot time when you need to use your computer.

      There are many valid complaints about this device. Boot time isn't one of them.

      --

      There are no trails. There are no trees out here.
  20. difference between computer and pda is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    the size of keyboard and screen. the cpu, memory, harddrive etc can all be shrunk. but the moment you shrink the keyboard and monitor, it becomes a pda and not a pc. that is why an old pentium-II 300 MHz, 256MB, 8GB hd machine at my home and still in use is a full blown pc (and is used as such). but sony u-70 with all its cpu, ram , hd is not. there is no way i will use u-70 to vnc to my unix box at work or do remote desktop connection to my windows box in office.

  21. The Sales Person's Dream by Wicked187 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I can tell you right now, sales people will love this, because it is light... the down-side is that IT support for this is going to be horrible. Sales people are going to ask all kinds of silly, hypothetical questions about this and demand answers. The problem is, they are not going to be any more productive with this, because they just do not like to be productive, it's their nature.

    --
    Politics, Life, and More on my Aspiring for the Future
    1. Re:The Sales Person's Dream by DrCash · · Score: 1
      Actually, in terms of sales success, they probably would be more "productive" with it, but not in the sense that you and me think of the word. They would be more productive in the sense that when they're doing a demonstration for a client and whip this ol' bad boy out, the client will go, "WOW!" and it will immediately generate a response by them that tells them that this salesperson is slick and organized, and on top of things (it will also probably help the poor slackers get laid, too). So in the long run it might actually generate something like a 10% increase in sales success rate, nothing more.

      However, in terms of real productivity, like generating reports and doing serious work, there will probably be a -25% drop in productivity, just due to the nature of the beast. So in the long run, I'm not sure if it's worth it.

    2. Re:The Sales Person's Dream by dave420 · · Score: 1

      Why is IT support going to be horrible? It's an XP box, so it can be fixed remotely, should anything go wrong. Is this another ridiculous jibe at microsoft? :)

  22. The price: it's no PDA by mblase · · Score: 5, Informative

    The U70 will ship on 29 May for around ¥210,000 ($1871). Sony will also offer a lower spec. model, the U50, for ¥179,000 ($1595), which contains just 256MB of memory and a 900MHz ULV Celeron processor. It ships with Windows XP Home Edition.

    -- from the Register

    1. Re:The price: it's no PDA by Wicked187 · · Score: 1

      You realize, though, there will be import fees. That will likely be $2200/$2000 for the U70/U50, repsectively.

      --
      Politics, Life, and More on my Aspiring for the Future
  23. slashdot'd??? by infonick · · Score: 3, Informative

    the page looked like it would /. so i made a mirror complete with the gallery. the server seems to be holding up thou.

    here it is anyway:

    THE U70

    --

    You are confusing me with someone who cares.
    1. Re:slashdot'd??? by jkendrick · · Score: 1

      You're going to kill my server :-(

      --
      jk
  24. Good....now some $$$ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Great stuff...I hope the box comes with some $$$ to pay off the credit card debt after buying this stuff.

  25. Seen this before by Vanayr · · Score: 0, Troll

    Seen this before, it's called a Newton 2100. I miss my Newton =(

  26. Obligatory Joke by reclusivemonkey · · Score: 1

    But will it run OpenBSD?

  27. anyone else think that its funny... by chrisopherpace · · Score: 3, Funny

    This unit has a built-in three finger salute, to quote:


    Around the sides:
    Compact Flash slot
    Memory Stick Pro slot
    Hold switch
    Standby button
    Ctrl-Alt-Del switch

    --


    Bored? Why not join a decent mess
    1. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by CommanderData · · Score: 1

      I'm know that you're just making a joke here, but in case you didn't know it has become standard practice to put a single easily accessible button for Ctr-Alt-Del on Tablet PCs. My M200 has one, and I use it regularly in tablet mode (cue the M$ sux and BSOD jokes here)...

      --
      Urge to post... fading... fading... RISING!... fading... fading... gone.
    2. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by teidou · · Score: 1
      This unit has a built-in three finger salute, to quote:

      ...

      Ctrl-Alt-Del switch


      No, not particularly. Most large-scale Windows rollouts require Ctrl-Alt-Delete to bring up the login.

    3. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Ctrl-Alt-Del switch is used to log into Windows. It is not easy to hit all three keys on a virtual keyboard.

    4. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by VertigoAce · · Score: 1

      It wouldn't surprise me if that is intended for logging in (if you happen to enable the ctrl-alt-del to log in option).

      IIRC ctrl-alt-del is handled differently from any other keypress so normal apps don't respond to it. This makes it harder to fake the log-in screen since you're app won't recognize the ctrl-alt-delete and pop up a log-in box. This causes problems with poorly written remote desktop programs that aren't capable of sending an artificial ctrl-alt-delete to log in to a remote box (the app can't capture it, so it has to have an option to send it when necessary).

    5. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by Raptor+CK · · Score: 1

      It's a Windows system. It runs XP. It may even be part of a Windows Domain.

      Which key combination does Windows wait for to bring up the Domain Login Dialog?

      Ctrl-Alt-Del.

      I'd pity the person using this system when this switch breaks. Nice toy, but no easy way to log in. D'oh.

      --
      Raptor
      "Procrastination is great. It gives me a lot more time to do things that I'm never going to do."
    6. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by Cereal+Box · · Score: 1

      This might actually be funny if you were talking about Windows 98. As other posters have pointed out, Ctrl-Alt-Del is used to log on to Windows. Also, as far as I know, Ctrl-Alt-Del WON'T restart Windows no matter how many times you press it. So clearly it's not there for rebooting purposes.

    7. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by chrisopherpace · · Score: 1

      Ah yes, for the old "this is to protect your password, only Windows can intercept this keystroke" deal. Not very useful, IMHO. Kind of like placing an electrified barb wire fence around a perimeter where there is a wide-open tunnel under the main gate.

      --


      Bored? Why not join a decent mess
    8. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by chrisopherpace · · Score: 1

      Everyone is aware this is just a policy that can be edited, correct? Its not that useful of a feature anyways, due to the numerous vulnerabilities that Windows has. In any event, if an attacker can get as far as to display a page requesting a login (presumably at boot), you're already hosed anyways. In any event, having a mobile device tied to a domain would be a pain, always having to select "logon to local computer" at boot.

      --


      Bored? Why not join a decent mess
    9. Re:anyone else think that its funny... by teidou · · Score: 1

      I agree; it's just that the machines do come with Windows XP and that's how most people set it up.

  28. Reverse Freudianism by gbulmash · · Score: 4, Funny
    Only in gadgetry will men proudly step forward and proclaim "Mine's Smaller!"

    --
    Start a happiness pandemic
  29. I Want It Naked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Do they sell a naked U-50/U-70? Otherwise, it will be the same problem:

    Do you accept the terms of this EULA? Click: No

    1. Re:I Want It Naked by Cpt_Kirks · · Score: 1

      I Want It Naked

      Heh. Don't we all!

  30. It can by wiredog · · Score: 1

    it has a USB port. Plug 'n' Pray.

    --

    Best Slashdot Co
    1. Re:It can by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      "it has a USB port. Plug 'n' Pray."

      That's so.. 1998.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
  31. Is the price a secret? by John+Jorsett · · Score: 1

    First the /. intro makes an allusion to the "high price" and then the review says, "That makes the price much easier to swallow," but then doesn't say what it is. Would it have been too much trouble to actually STATE HOW MUCH IT COSTS? /Grumble

    1. Re:Is the price a secret? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the time it took u to create and post your grumble, u could have clicked the links provided in other posts and found the prices: $1999 & $2599. ;-)

  32. Overpriced by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would I pay that kind of money when I could get several old and faster laptops for *much* less money?

    1. Re:Overpriced by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why would I pay that kind of money for an old laptop when I could get a faster, new desktop for less?

  33. Color Scheme and Firefox by tilleyrw · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    1. Yes, the current color scheme (a leight beige) ... sucks. Use a more positive color such a blue (remember?) and contrast the text.

    2. Why can't Mozilla Firefox render the page correctly? The left column (with the username, preferences, etc.) overlaps the comment area.

    --
    This post encoded with ROT26. If you can read it, you've violated the DMCA. Handcuffs please, sergeant.
    1. Re:Color Scheme and Firefox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      1. Yes, please.
      2. It's a Gecko thing. Press back, then forward and it renders ok. There are numerous duplicate bug reports on this issue.

  34. It's cool, but here is what I'd like to see.... by StressGuy · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Would it kill battery consumption to have it output to virtual display goggles? What would really make this attractive to me is if I could take it on an airplane, plug in a trackball and virtual display goggles and work on things like AutoCAD drawings or Word documents on a full sized virtual screen without taking up the entire tray table or trying to get the screen/lid to unfold and not bump into the seat ahead of me.

    How hard would it be to make something like that?

    --
    A goal is a dream with a deadline
    1. Re:It's cool, but here is what I'd like to see.... by way2trivial · · Score: 2, Informative
      Like glasstrons? I've used my glasstrons on my toshiba laptop with a'v out to get 4 hours out of my laptop..



      I looked like a dufus tho

      --
      every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
  35. Just in case... by Antihero77 · · Score: 5, Informative
    The entire article text:

    Japan has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to mobile devices, especially computers. Importers such as Dynamism, Kurns & Patrick, iCube, and Kemplar have stepped into the void for these innovative devices that US consumers crave. While Japan has been producing very small laptops for a few years a lot of interest has been sweeping the internet recently about ultra-portable computers. Slightly bigger than a PDA but much smaller than even the smallest laptop, UPCs have been anxiously awaited by consumers. Devices like the OQO and FlipStart have been vaporware for years and yet they stay in the news and anxiously awaited by many prospective buyers. The manufacturers of both device are claiming they will be released late this year.

    It was into this climate of consumer clamor for ultra-portable devices that Sony entered and surprised everyone with their announcement of their U-50 & U-70 UPCs. Slightly larger than a PDA yet packing an entire Windows XP powered laptop smashed inside it's small case, the two Sony UPCs were not only announced without prior information leaking but Sony has actually released the devices in Japan. The first units hit the market in Japan months before the other two UPCs mentioned above are expected to be released. Unfortunately, if you don't happen to live in Japan then you'll have to obtain one of these little PCs from an importer like the ones mentioned above.

    I have been using a U-70 for a few weeks now, and I have been totally impressed with the thoughtful design Sony has put into this computer in almost every way. So, can you use one of these UPCs in your everyday mobile lifestyle? Read on to see how it works for me.

    Photos and screenshots of the Sony U-70

    What you get in the box

    The Sony comes in two flavors, the U-50 & U-70. There are three differences between the two models which are otherwise identical. The U-50 comes with a Celeron 900 MHZ processor, 256 MB of RAM, and Windows XP Home Edition. The more powerful U-70 comes with a Pentium M processor running at 1 GHZ, 512 MB of RAM, and Windows XP Pro Edition. Of the three differences noted above the amount of RAM is probably the most significant, as anyone running Windows will certainly attest to. The different processors might exhibit different battery consumption too, but I don't have two devices to compare. So what do you get in the box? The specs:

    U-50 / 70
    Internal:
    20 GB hard disk
    CPU (one of the two mentioned above)
    256/ 512 MB RAM
    Around the sides:
    Compact Flash slot
    Memory Stick Pro slot
    Hold switch
    Standby button
    Ctrl-Alt-Del switch
    1- USB 2.0
    DC in
    Docking connector:
    Hold switch
    WiFi on/off switch
    Power switch
    Headphones jack
    Front of the device:
    Three mouse buttons (L, M, R)
    Three indicator lights
    Zoom button
    Rotate button
    5" LCD screen (landscape orientation default)
    Scroll pad with Enter button
    Track point stick with Enter button
    Tools button
    LCD brightness button
    NextText button
    External:
    1800 mAh standard battery
    Docking cradle
    I/O connector
    4 - USB 2.0 ports
    1- i.Link port (fire wire)
    DC in
    Plastic stylus
    Mini surf board style
    VGA/ Ethernet dongle
    Fontopia style headphones with remote control (LCD display)
    Sony AC adapter
    Fold-up USB keyboard (Japanese and Engl

    --
    and now Tom with the weather...
  36. When will they ever learn. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The price issue is THE issue.
    The lesson of the PocketPC seems to be totally lost on these companies. Small will be totally hip as soon as it is cheaper than the hundred dollar box anybody can put on their desktop. Until then, it will be sold in units of a few thousand at most.

  37. here are a lot of pictures... by ptorrone · · Score: 3, Informative

    i took a lot of pictures of the unit i reviewed...

    1. Re:here are a lot of pictures... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't be postin' pictures of your unit around here. We have enough trouble with the goatse guy!

  38. portability in multiple sizes by mblase · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I don't really like multi-gadgets, even ones as cool as this, for the simple reason that they always get the size wrong somehow. There are three types of "portability" that I usually come across in business:

    1) hand-sized -- the mobile phone, which fits easily into any pocket and is comfortable to grip with the whole hand, but is unsuitable for reading more than about twenty characters per line.

    2) palm-sized -- a small notepad or PDA, which can be easily gripped between the thumb and finger for reading or writing but still fits into a large, flat pocket in my coat or pants. GameBoys fit into this category as well.

    3) tablet-sized -- a large pad of paper or a laptop PC screen, possibly a Tablet PC, but not a laptop computer (too thick and heavy).

    A phone is simply too small for displaying large quantities of text, no matter how high the resolution. Contrariwise, a palm-sized PDA is too wide to be useful as a phone. And the idealized Tablet PC, complete with handwriting recognition and an all-day battery in a 1-lb. package, is still being pursued by many companies because it takes a screen that size to display more than a small amount of text or spreadsheet data.

    But no matter how much you fold and hinge a device, it's nearly impossible to turn a gadget designed for one of these form factors into another form factor. And any device that tries to sit halfway between two of these form factors -- like the Treo smartphones or this Sony U70 -- generally fails to attract widespread interest. Most people find it easier to carry two devices that are correctly sized to two different form factors than to try to use one that uses neither.

    1. Re:portability in multiple sizes by bobaferret · · Score: 1

      I really think the solution to all of these problems was seen in the final fantasy movie. Everything had a 3d/holographic display and motion tracking. Aren't some of the newer 3d displays getting close in this area. Where the user can percive something sticking out deom the device. Those redlaser keyborads seem pretty good at motion tracking. I think the whole Idea of having a physical "screen" is a dead end. Overlay my reality with something and track how I interact with it.

      and run in 640K of memory :)

    2. Re:portability in multiple sizes by narcc · · Score: 1

      and run in 640K of memory :)

      Yeah, 640k ought to be enough for ... oh, nevermind.

      --
      Required reading for internet skeptics
    3. Re:portability in multiple sizes by Sloppy · · Score: 1
      A phone is simply too small for displaying large quantities of text, no matter how high the resolution
      The solution may be to move the display off of the device, to something worn on the user's head. Imagine a hires monitor built into glasses. Yum.

      They could even be sunglasses, so you'll look cool.

      --
      As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
    4. Re:portability in multiple sizes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What a great sig. Tip 'o the hat to you.

    5. Re:portability in multiple sizes by bitflip · · Score: 1

      Boy, did you hit the nail on the head. Manufacturers don't seem to get it: you need different sized displays, and different sized input devices.

      Personally, I think they should be able to pull it off by making communication possible and transparent between devices.

      For me, the perfect combo would be a watch (for scheduling and other reminders, with minimal input, but it goes everywhere, and can be built more durably), a PDA/phone (for more detailed output, and simple input, but is more likely to be left behind), a laptop (plenty of display and input, but not very portable), a desktop (multimon! big keyboard!), and a server (for everybody).

      When any of these gets in range of another, they should get together and update accordingly.

    6. Re:portability in multiple sizes by kraut · · Score: 1

      >A phone is simply too small for displaying large quantities of text, no matter how high the resolution.
      While this obviously depends on personal preferences to some extent, I'd have to disagree. Whenever I go on holiday I make a point of copying two or three Baen (http://www.baen.com) Free Library books on to my P800 Smartphone - it's much lighter than carrying a bunch of paperbacks around with you, and I must have read at least a dozen novels on it now.

      --
      no taxation without representation!
  39. Hmm.... by otis+wildflower · · Score: 1

    It's missing bluetooth, which is IMHO mandatory for cordless kybd/mouse sans dongle, and there's no camera.

    However, it could be the perfect Linux PDA: full programmability and USB master integrated. Plug it into a USB hub with GPS receiver, HDD, etc, and you'd have a nifty car/bike PC..

  40. PSP? by polyp2000 · · Score: 1

    I wonder if some of the parts on this thing (eg the screen) are the same as will be used in the PSP ; it would make good sense to reap some of the research costs for that piece of hardware on their other product lines.

    --
    Electronic Music Made Using Linux http://soundcloud.com/polyp
  41. This Won't Change Much by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It will be the PDA Phone that really evolves handheld/walk-about computing. My Jornada 540 holds my appointments fine until I can make phone calls with it too. SMS + GPRS + PDA = VERY attractive.

  42. Can you bump the memory up??? by Mistah+Blue · · Score: 1

    Now that I have moved from consulting into engineering, yet still do onsite work at customers I have found that having 1G of RAM in my laptop is not sufficient to run what I really need. I need 2G of RAM. So, while the size and of this would be great for this Road Warrior, unless it can hold 2G of memory, it won't help me.

  43. ugh handhelds STILL dont get "it" by netsavior · · Score: 1

    this handheld is great except it has very little advantage over a laptop... untill a device has a built in querty keyboard, it cannot be an "on the move" hand held. Graffiti is obviously only good for 1-10 letters at a time... Onscreen keyboards Ditto foldable keyboards basically require a desk to operate (especially if there is no rigid connector between the device and keyboard) I have Tmobile hotspot and a Wired PDA, I still use the Sidekick at airports despite my 800k connection on the pda and the way crappier browser on the Sidekick. Sure I occasionally set up my foldable wireless keyboard at a table, put the PDA on the stand and go to town sending e-mails to this boss and that boss, but when everything is said and done, it is just as much of a pain to use the PDA as the laptop. Try balancing a keyboard that trys to fold itself back up and typing, while trying to view your tiny screen and balance the pda on your knees... it does not work. this device (indeed most PDAs) would be perfect with a thumb querty keyboard. Without it you can do Nothing at 2x the mHz as my current hand held! yay!

    1. Re:ugh handhelds STILL dont get "it" by JonKatzIsAnIdiot · · Score: 1

      Your problem is with the keyboard, not the PDA. PDA's are meant to be used with one hand holding the device and one hand doing the input. Yes, Graffiti takes some getting used to, but anyone capable of handwriting can do it. My nine-year-old son was able to form letters after I showed him how. Including a thumb keyboard wastes space that could be better used to display data and using an external keyboard incurs other problems that you are familiar with. If you used that device as it was designed, your experience may improve.

    2. Re:ugh handhelds STILL dont get "it" by netsavior · · Score: 1

      once you get a handheld that allows you 20 wpm, email, and IM... talk to me again about using a stylus....

  44. Sony's "dream" handheld? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Still looks like a brick... it'll be a dream handheld when it's about 4"x3"x.25", indestructible, 1024x768x16m, 4ghz+, 1tb+, beautiful screen that doesn't wash out in the sun, runs for about 30 days without a recharge, and can get 3Mb wireless downstream anywhere on the planet, and is affordable.

    1. Re:Sony's "dream" handheld? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...and the phonebook is preloaded with 20000 single, desperate and attractive ladies?

      Also you forgot DirectX 9 and surround sound.

  45. A friend of mine has one of these... by vasqzr · · Score: 2, Informative


    He ordered it a month or two ago. To replace his way oversized Dell 8000 series laptop.

    They're really too small and fragile to use. It's a nice novelty item, but I'd want something a little more rugged for every day use. The 12" Apple laptops are quite nice, and the Dell X300 is a pretty nice Wintel model.

    Once you get down to a certain size, they lose usability.

  46. richer than you are? by straponego · · Score: 2, Funny

    How can you be richer than yourself? That doesn't make sense.

  47. um... by cstream_chris · · Score: 1

    is that a server I smell melting?

  48. Parent poster is a friggin genius by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    No thanks, thier hardware has slid down in quality steadliy... I'd rather get an OQO...

    Ah yes, I'll make a judgement call on a product that I haven't seen based on reviews that I haven't read (and those I have have only been positive) and as an alternative, I'll trust a product from a company that has zero track record, can't seem to actually produce anything, and might not even be around long enough to frustrate me with their "steadily sliding quality".

    You my friend are a consumer GENIUS. I applaud you and your profound skills in logic.

  49. Conics has the U50 for $1,749 by samfreed · · Score: 1

    Conics (Japanese based Aussie retailer) has the U-50 for $1,749, and the U-70 for $2450.

  50. But XP? by shaitand · · Score: 1

    I can see why they'd offer XP pro on the thing, but I fail to see why they wouldn't offer linux on it as well.

    Sony prices are overinflated enough, without the $150 XP Pro OEM license tacked on. Especially when you consider you can't sell it to someone else or even run it on another pc (just like any other OEM windows license).

  51. Strange Place by thpdg · · Score: 1

    Well, now we know what device to use when we're reading Slashdot in a strange place.

    --

    -Patrick

    "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

  52. I have a U50 by Diclophis · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It fucking rocks. The footprint of the device + cradle + unfolded keyboard is still smaller than a laptop. It also serves as a nice light VNC frontend to my HTPC (built in wireless internet). I even made a movie on it with a shitty 50 dollar USB webcam, with the included microsoft movie maker software (a little tricky since I dont read japanese... I am trying to find a spot to put this... I could probably upload a torrent somewhere since I am running bt on the device). I could write all day about the variuos things to do all this... case in point, get your own when they are affordable enough for you.

    --

    Jon Bardin
  53. Another Review by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Another Review of the U70

  54. USB Keyboard, Standard Monitor by billstewart · · Score: 1

    The article said that the author used it with a standard 17" LCD monitor, so unlike the typical PDA, it has a video jack. It also has USB, so with modern operating systems it should be able to work just fine with a USB keyboard. That means that you can just take it with you , use it as as desktop computer with real screen and keyboard when you're at a desk, and use the dinky screen and keyboard when you're not, and it's quasi-pocketsized. Sounds like a real win to me, except for the price, which is only about 50% high for a laptop.

    --

    Bill Stewart
    New Fast-Compression-only CPR http://preview.tinyurl.com/dy575ks
  55. Fan by LS · · Score: 2, Funny

    The thing has a fricken fan! A fan I tell ya! I wonder if it can be overclocked! Water cooling anyone? How about a clear acrylic case for the thing!?

    LS

    --
    There is a fine line between being a cultivated citizen and being someone else's crop. - A. J. Patrick Liszkie
  56. RTFA by technoviper · · Score: 3, Interesting

    the way he got it the system was far from perfect to use...

    he had to install Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to get it to work the way he wanted.

    XP Tablet PC edition is only available to OEM's or MSDN subscribers (which is $2500 a year) so i think the average user may find the system a little frustrating

  57. Passive digitizer? by Barlo_Mung_42 · · Score: 0

    I thought MS would only license XP Tablet Edition for devices that used an active digitizer such as a Wacom.
    Or maybe Sony is large enough they were able to get there way. It's a mistake though because the Tablet experience is just not the same with Passive input.
    For that price I'd rather wait for the OQO.

  58. Can you instal linux on this ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If not, I'd rather stick to my Zaurus.

  59. Interface? by Fyre2012 · · Score: 1

    The concept and design is great, but must we continue to force ourselves to use yet another windows interface?

    --
    This is not the greatest .sig in the world, no. This is just a tribute.
  60. I'm getting one of these... by RevAaron · · Score: 1

    I'm getting one of these- at least, if I get the new job I'm waiting on. Good chance of it too, so ... I had to sell my computer to pay for the gigantor school loan payments I'm having to make while still in school. *sigh* But ...

    At least this thing is out. Beats the OQO on that front. :P

    --

    Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
  61. Powerpoint Presentations! by billstewart · · Score: 1
    I do technical consulting, which includes having conversations with customers and doing Powerpoint slide presentations, which means hauling around a laptop and plugging it into video projectors (we used to also haul around projectors, but most of my customers have them these days.)

    When the MS WinCE machines came out, with pocket-format Powerpoint on them, it sounded like they'd be great - I could carry something much smaller and lighter than my laptop and use it. BUT NO, because they only had LCD screens, no video jacks. They're just bloated Palm Pilots (and I'd gotten a real Palm III after my better-but-clunkier Psion 3a died.) This machine could do that job, and I wouldn't have to schlep my PC out to customers.

    But it's missed part of its market, because USB memory sticks can do most of the job. 128MB is enough to haul a bunch of presentations to customer sites, and most customers that have video projectors mounted in their meeting rooms also have PCs new enough to support USB drives. And in practice, I'm supporting different customers these days, and do most of my work by phone.

    --

    Bill Stewart
    New Fast-Compression-only CPR http://preview.tinyurl.com/dy575ks
  62. Exactally what consultants need by invisik · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Hey,

    This thing is great. I need to get one to replace my IBM Thinkpad X31. It's big enough (size and power) to do some actual work if you need to and if you don't have a PC at a client site (a little VNC or remotedesktop, etc or some e-mail checking etc) but small enough to carry. Would definately lose the PDA and X31 and just carry the U70 and cell phone. No bluetooth phone dialing, which I'll miss, but I think it would be worth it.

    I don't like it has a dongle for ethernet, as everywhere doesn't have wireless, but I suppose stick it in the glove box and get it when you need it.

    Batt life sounds great, too. I wonder how big the power cord is. Needs some cell phone internet integration so you can be "always on"....

    It's on the list. Just too bad we didn't see them when we visited Japan earlier this year.... :(

    Keep the good stuff coming, Sony!!!

    -m

    --
    http://www.invisik.com
  63. hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Looks just like the advantech boards. They've had 5.25" boards up to pentium 4, and 3.25" boards to a decent spec for quite a while. I think they make some forms of tablet PC as well. If I had the money I'd have had an advantech board running a carPC ages ago.

  64. So is my UID... by wiredog · · Score: 1

    But, yes, USB (and 1394) plug and play do work very well. Much better than the old PCI (and ISA) plug and play did back then.

    --

    Best Slashdot Co