CNET editors' review

Taking some of the most innovative elements of the T-Mobile Sidekick and the OQO Model 01, the Sony VAIO UX is a tiny ultraportable with a 4.5-inch (diagonal) wide-screen display that slides up to reveal a QWERTY keypad. Despite its small size, the UX runs on a full-fledged laptop CPU as well as a full version of Windows XP, and it features a touch-screen interface.

Weighing 1.2 pounds, the VAIO UX has a 1,024x600 native resolution display and is equipped with some pretty modest components: a 1.2GHz Intel Core Solo ultra-low-voltage processor; 512MB of slow 400MHz RAM; a tiny 30GB, slow 4,200rpm hard drive; and integrated Intel 945GM Express graphics. Networking connections include 802.11a/b/g wireless, Bluetooth, and Cingular Edge WWAN. Remarkably, for such a small device, the Sony VAIO UX makes room for two cameras--a 1.3-megapixel one that faces out from the back and a 0.3-megapixel one that faces out from the front for Webcam use--as well as a biometric fingerprint scanner, headphone and mic jacks, a USB port, and a Memory Stick slot. Unfortunately, the small form factor comes at a steep price: $1,799.

Because supplies of the VAIO UX currently remain tight in North America, we ordered a Japanese version that cost $1,699 for a nearly identical set of specs. (The only exceptions were a slightly slower processor and the lack of WWAN connectivity.) We liked a lot about the VAIO UX but found its high price, poor battery life, and less-than-ideal typing experience tempered our enthusiasm. Find out more in our full review of the Sony VAIO UX50.

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: Sony VAIO UX180P Micro PC - Core Solo U1400 1.2 GHz - 4.5 in TFT active matrix - with Port replicator
Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.9 in x 1.5 in x 3.7 in
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Platform Technology: Intel Centrino
System Type: Ultra portable PC
Built-in Devices: Speaker , Cellular antenna , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
Embedded Security: Fingerprint reader
Processor: Intel Core Solo U1400 / 1.2 GHz Ultra Low Voltage (ULV)
Cache Memory: 2 MB - L2 cache
RAM: 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM - 400 MHz - PC2-3200
Card Reader: Card reader
Floppy Drive: None
Hard Drive: 30 GB - 4200 rpm
Optical Storage: None
Storage Removable: None
Display: 4.5 in TFT active matrix 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Graphics Controller: Intel GMA 950
Audio Output: Sound card
Telecom: Wireless cellular modem
Wireless Broadband (WWAN): EDGE - AT&T
Networking: Network adapter - Ethernet , - Bluetooth , - IEEE 802.11a , - IEEE 802.11b , - IEEE 802.11g , - Fast Ethernet
Wireless NIC: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Notebook Camera: Integrated
Input Device: Keyboard , Touch-screen
Battery: Lithium ion
Run Time (Up To): 4.5 hour(s)
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Bundled with: Port replicator
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty