Digital Trends

Sony Vaio UX50 June 9th, 2006 | by Brandon King

Features and Design

The three new U models use the same design, with some feature tweaks under the hood. The UX50 and UX90S are only available in Japan, but can be imported from companies such as Dynamism, the suppliers of our test unit, who will also install an English version of Windows XP and Sony bundled applications. The UX180P will be available in the US on July 5, 2006, and offers many features similar to the UX90S. The UX90S and UX180P both offer a faster processor, the Core Solo U1400 running at 1.2GHz. The Japanese models both have a CompactFlash slot, which is missing in the US version so that a Cingular EDGE WAN card could fit. Both Japanese models ship with Windows XP Home standard, while the UX180P will run XP Pro.

The UX50 includes everything you could possibly need to get working right in the box. In addition to the PC itself, you get a padded case, AC adapter, docking station, VGA/Ethernet/composite out dongle (or mini-port replicator), rubber accessory securing strap, wrist strap, and instruction manual. The body of the UX50 is so small that we almost mistook the PC for the power supply as we dug through the contents of the box.

We were particularly pleased that Sony took the realistic stance that performing truly productive work on a such a tiny PC is nearly impossible without an external keyboard and mouse. Other UMPC systems typically offer a docking station as an add-on option, or assume the built in ports will be enough for most users. We should be clear about this: a UMPC without a docking station is either a toy or a hassle. There is nothing more annoying than having a device designed to be portable, but requiring an elaborate cable threading process every time it is picked up. The UX50 docking station has A/V out, 3xUSB 2.0, 1xFirewire 400, VGA, Ethernet, and a pop-out, detachable stand.

Port layout on the UX50 shows significant forethought and is undoubtedly the result of Sony's previous experience with ultra-portables. Along the bottom of the system are the docking station connector, AC, and audio in/out ports. Since the UX50 is designed to be used while standing, with one or two hands, the audio ports on the bottom ensure that cables do not obstruct the screen. The right side of the system sports zero ports and is designed for right handed users that do not want things getting in the way while they hold it. Most users will find that holding the PC by the right side is more comfortable, another quirk of a handheld PC that might not be readily apparent. Along the top edge is the capture button for the two built in cameras, Memory Stick slot, and exhaust port. Also along the top edge of the sliding screen is a switch for the rear camera to allow sharper macro pictures. The left side contains a single USB 2.0 port and Compact Flash slot.

The entire 4.5” diagonal widescreen display of the UX50 slides up to reveal a full 69-key keyboard, complete with blue backlighting. Keep in mind that imported versions of the UX series use a Japanese keyboard layout, which is the same as the standard US layout with the addition of a few extra buttons and different mapping of the symbols along the number row (e.g.-  Shift+2 will be double quotes, instead of @). Sliding the keyboard up while the unit is asleep will wake it and simultaneously the keyboard backlighting will slowly brighten. The screen slides with a satisfying glide and snaps into a locked position when both fully up and down. Along the bottom edge of the screen bezel is the Bluetooth and WLAN (802.11a/b/g), and general activity lights, with the one of the two built in cameras, a microphone, and fingerprint scanner located at the top. When the UX is in the open position, the back surface of the screen exposes a rear facing camera and microphone. On the main body of the UX50, along the left side, you'll find the left/right/center click buttons, quick launcher application button, and wireless switch. The right side contains the mouse pad, zoom in/out buttons and power/hold switch.