Sony Introduces Pocket-Sized Windows XP Device

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The one-pound PC sports an integrated keyboard, a still camera, and a video camera and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

By David Haskin
TechWeb.com

May 16, 2006 10:30 AM

Sony Tuesday officially announced its long-rumored pocket-sized, Windows XP Pro-based PC.

The one-pound device, the VAIO UX Micro PC, has a 4.5-inch display capable of 800 x 600 resolution and an Intel Core Solo Ultra Low Voltage microprocessor, the company said. It also has an integrated hardware keyboard suitable for thumb-typing as well as touch-screen capabilities for accessing frequently used applications.

"This model is an achievement in ingenious design," Mike Abary, Sony's vice president of VAIO product marketing, said in a statement. "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."

The Sony device has built-in support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Cingular's EDGE cellular data network. The device also comes with two cameras, one for video conferencing and the other for taking digital photos. In addition, it comes with a fingerprint sensor for security, the company said. It also comes with a USB docking station for connecting a full-sized keyboard, display, and speakers.

While it superficially looks like so-called ultra-mobile PC devices such as Samsung's Q1, which recently started shipping, those devices don't have built-in hardware keyboards.

The VAIO UX Micro PC will cost about $1800 when it is available in July, Sony said.