Sony VAIO

Sony launched their first Vaio computer 10 years ago: the PCV-90, which ran Windows 95 and had a 200-MHz processor. To celebrate the 10th anniversary, they are offering a number of limited edition model notebooks: they will only make 500 of each of the five colorful designs. That's perhaps a blessing, as they look a bit like they were designed by a 10-year old. Trivia time: did you know that the Vaio logo was designed to mimic the transition from analog to digital?

VAIO stands for Video Audio Integrated Output. Also 'VA' denotes the Sin curve and 'IO' denotes binary values 0's & 1's.

Pictures of Sony Vaio UX popped up on the Web late last week and started the speculation that this might be Sony's version of UMPC Origami device. Well, it turns out that there was some truth to these speculations. The name, pictures and some specs of the device were accurate. But Sony Vaio UX is not Origami UMPC.

As you can see with Vaio UX Sony went beyond MS Origami concept in the portability of this device and made it's first Pocket PC with full PC functionality. With Intel Core Solo ULV chip and Windows XP Pro you will be able to run any PC application on a device that fits in your pocket.

We would like to know more about the memory, hard drive and battery life specs for Sony Vaio UX to see how it stacks up against UMPC Origami rivals. But already known features and possible upgrade with Intel Core Duo ULV chips when they become available later this summer makes Sony Vaio UX look as a serious competitor in UMPC category.

Update: Sony Vaio UX90s with Intel Core Solo U1300 1.06GHz chip, 512 RAM and 20GB HDD will cost $2009. Estimated battery life is 3.5 hours with standard and up to 7 hours with ennhanced Li-ion battery.

Intel Core Solo ULV processor

4.5″ SVGA Screen

Two built in cameras

VGA adapter for external monitor

Fingerprint sensor

Hard drive shock protection

Integrated slidable keyboard

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Edge connectivity

Docking station

Weight: 1.23 lbs (512gr)