| With the arrival of the Sony Vaio VGN-UX280P Micro PC, you'll soon think that laptops are too bulky. Placing full-size computer performance into a pocket-sized package, the UX280P weighs just over a pound and measures 5.9 by 3.75 inches to easily fit in the palm of your hand. It features a 4.5-inch widescreen SVGA screen that ingeniously slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. The pocket-sized UX280P comes equipped with a stylus and Sony's VAIO touch launcher for quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games, and music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit. It's powered by Windows XP Professional and Intel's groundbreaking Core Solo processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life. Advanced wireless capabilities are built right in--including tri-mode Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth--and expansion is a breeze with the included port replicator. It even includes two built-in cameras--one on the front (0.3 megapixels) for VoIP tele/videoconferencing and the other (1.3 megapixels) on the back for taking snapshots. Other technical features include a 40 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, a Memory Stick slot, and a full complement of pre-installed software (from Internet security to Sony digital media titles). For added convenience, a docking station with three 2.0 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, iLink (FireWire/IEEE-1394) interface and an AV output comes with the unit, making it easy to connect to peripherals like a full-sized keyboard, display and speakers when back in the office or at home. Advanced Wireless Mobility
The UX280P features Sony's SmartWi technology, which seamlessly integrates wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth technologies, enabling you to toggle among your wireless connectivity options depending on your surroundings. The tri-mode wireless LAN is compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). The integrated wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology lets you access the Cingular Wireless EDGE network to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots (a Cingular SIM card is included; see more about WWANs below). And with the Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can synchronize and transfer files between the PC and peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. The Basics
- Hard Drive: The 40 GB Ultra ATA hard drive (4200 RPM) is on the small side when compared to full-size notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Sony's G-Sensor shock protection offers an advantage over traditional hard drives by safeguarding the notebook's internal mechanisms to protect against impact and help prevent a loss of data.
- Processor: The Ultra Low Voltage Intel CoreSolo U1400 processor is new to Intel as of June, 2006, and it offers a 1.2 GHz speed paired with a fast 533 MHz front-side bus and large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core Solo processor delivers enhanced performance for today's demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. And Intel's Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.
- Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of 400 MHz, PC-3200 DDR2 RAM. On the downside, that's the maximum that the UX280P will accept, so you won't be able to upgrade. But on the upside, it's double the 512 MB that its predecessor (the UX180P) held.
- CD/DVD Drive: The UX280P does not come with an integrated optical drive, but Sony offers an optional, external multi-format DVD burner (VGP-DDRW4).
- Keyboard & Mouse: The hidden keyboard has 64 keys with a 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch.
Screen, Graphics and Sound
The UX280P's wide, touchscreen 4.5-inch XBRITE LCD has a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (SVGA) and includes control buttons for zooming, scrolling, and a stick pointer, as well as the ability to view in either landscape or portrait orientations. The high brightness level of an XBRITE display means that black tones appear richer and deeper while white tones remain brighter. Graphics and text display clearly and colors appear more lifelike. This Micro PC includes a built-in monaural speaker and is compatible with the Windows sound system. Video and graphics are powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The UX280P has a single USB 2.0 port, headphone and microphone jacks, Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick DUO and MagicGate functionality), and a port replicator connection. The included port replicator offers three USB 2.0, FireWire, VGA out, composite A/V out, and Ethernet (10Base-T/100Base-TX) connections. Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Professional Edition (which adds Microsoft's IIS Web server, back-up and recovery utilities, Remote Desktop, and other enhanced business features) with Service Pack 2 featuring Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. Other preloaded software includes Norton Internet Security (60-day trial), Microsoft Streets and Trips, Intervideo WinDVD, Quicken 2006 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5, Microsoft Office 2003 (60-day trial), and Roxio DigitalMedia SE. It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: SonicStage (digital music), Vaio Media (network file sharing), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Dimensions and Weight
Amazingly small, the UX280P measures 5.9 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs just 1.2 pounds with the included standard battery. Power
It comes with the standard VGP-BPS6 standard capacity lithium ion battery, which provides between 2.5 and 4.5 hours of power (depending on usage). The optional large capacity VGP-BPL6 battery can power the UX280P for up to 9 hours. What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-UX280P, stylus, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter and power cord, port replicator, Cingular SIM card, soft carrying case, and VGA/LAN adapter. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with 1 year of toll-free technical telephone assistance. Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
If you're the ultimate road warrior, you need to access the Internet and check e-mail without having to plug in your Sony Vaio notebook PC, and without cables to boot. Welcome to the world of WWANs (wireless wide area networks). With WWANs, you can access critical network resources and home office files from the front seat of your car, the airport, the local coffee shop, or your recliner at home. Sony Vaio computers use SmartWi technology to access the Cingular Wireless national EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) network. A WWAN uses long-range wireless connections -- the same networks as cellular phones -- to provide access across a large geographic area. In comparison, a WLAN (wireless LAN) covers only one or more buildings located close together. The use of wireless connectivity on a WLAN is simply an alternative to the PSTN (public switched telephone network), which you may have used -- or still use -- to dial into your ISP (Internet service provider) or reach your company's network. On a WWAN, however, you use wireless connectivity to reach your carrier's data network instead of plugging into a phone jack and dialing into your ISP. Each mobile device communicates with the public carrier's base station, providing coverage across entire states, regions, and countries via cell phone towers. Security & Safety Features
Sony's line of Vaio UX micro-PCs take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient and secure way to protect your computer and the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint. The G-Sensor shock protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3-D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk. |
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