Customer Reviews

Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P 4.5-inch Ultraportable Micro PC (Intel Core Solo Processor U1400, 512 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Sony UMPC (UX180p) runs PowerPoint. It is a full XP computer not a stripped-down CE machine.

The hard drive in my notebook computer crashed twice in the past year. As an author and professional speaker, I travel more than 4,000 miles/week and use PowerPoint with video and sound. Since I do not check (or lose) bags, there is no room for a second notebook computer. I purchased the UMPC for its low weight and low volume (3.5 x 6"). Your needs may vary.

Backing up your presentation to a CD or USB drive may save you following a crash--if you can find a suitable laptop on site to play them.

The UMPC has one USB port (plus three more in the dock if you want to carry it). You can plug in your RF remote there. If you need another USB outlet (for a mouse, etc.), get the Honeywell PPRF128 remote. It's receiver has an additional built-in USB receptacle.

The UMPC comes with a 5.5" dongle sporting a VGA outlet for your projector. It attaches to the computer's docking-port outlet so it does not occupy the single USB outlet.

Works out of the box. The UMPC comes with XP and a sticker says it is Vista-capable. It comes with 30 and 60-day trials of Office, Norton, Cingular (data only--no phone), etc. You just have to activate them; you do not have to load them. You can be up and running in a few minutes and decide next month which programs to buy and keep.

For PowerPoint projection, you will have to fiddle with the display settings. Initial settings compress the width of the projected image.

The UMPC is easy to hold and use. The screen is richly colored. The XP operating system is familiar and the unit allows touch-screen commands as well. It has 500 Mb of RAM and a 30-Gb hard drive.

The type is very small. I find using the computer for expended periods to be tedious. You may require reading glasses. If this is your backup computer, the tiny type will not be an issue.

Turning the unit on and off is about the same as any laptop/notebook computer--slow. Remember this is a full XP unit it does not run on CE.

The dock should come with a CD/DVD drive.

I have a home in Santa Barbara but I live on United Airlines; I spend a majority of my time on the road.
I carry a 3-pound notebook computer for PowerPoint, email, web surfing and daily work. A Verizon/Vodafone quad-band PC card (data) makes it work worldwide.
The Sony UMPC is for PowerPoint, Skype (with video--a camera is built in) and occasional web surfing with WiFi.
The Samsung i830 quad-band PDA (instant on/off) is for checking email, Calendar, Address book, text messaging, Airline schedules, web access, telephone, listening to audiobooks and reading eBooks.

BTW, I've spent a lot of time and money trying to get various PDAs to run PowerPoint. None were acceptable and none would run video clips.

For a low-weight, low volume PowerPoint backup computer, the Sony UMPC is just was I've been waiting for. To avoid disappointing my audiences, I bought a second computer--a very small one.

DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com

Forget the bulky and/or heavy notebook. For get the tiny PAD or Cell phone/PDA with super small screen.

The Sony VAIO 180P with full Windows XP, WiFi and Cingular Edge WAN is the bet I have even seen.

As an early adopter, this is what I ever wanted: I can get my emails, from work or personal, write/read MS Office docs, SSH to my Linux Server, TS to my Windows PC, use my corporate VPN, be able to see in this wide screen, use MS Maps to find our where I'm when lost (user the optional GPM with BT), Play games, off or online, use IE or Firefox, use Outlook and Outlook Express, watch movies and listen to music, even use as a VoIP Phone with my Yahoo IM account or my Vonage client!

Needs better battery life and a car adapter, otherwise, it's perfect!

I have been looking at, playing with and buying everything from PDAs to early vaios that were small (8" screen) to mobile PC to UMPCs to my currently in use Treo. They all had limitations in capability, compatibility with software, too small a screen, etc. They all had a purpose and I found a niche or used them for a small segment, but the UX180P does it all. I was concerned about the screen being big enough for use in full fledge PC activities - it is small, but AMAZINGLY clear. When necessary it can connect to a full monitor or projector.
I wondered about the price vs other newly coming UMPCs(with fewer features and a scaled down OS). With full XP Pro, biometrics, Bluetooth, WLAN, WWAN, stylus, mouse, USB, etc. It has more features or capabilities than most laptops - go price a Dell or Toshiba with all these features, it will be over $2,000.
I bought this thinking I would take it on some of my business trips where I did not anticipate needing the full PC laptop - I can not think of a thing I would need my other laptop for that this one does not do, and it will literally hang off my belt.

This is a very technical piece of electronics, yet you see reviews from people who have no idea how to use the basic functions,(zoom (you can select/deselect options in zoom mode), wireless options, mouse sensitivity, standby mode (why do you want to turn the unit completely off in the middle of the day?)) giving negative reviews because of their own stupidity. This unit does all it is advertised to do, plus some. If you are willing to spend some time learning to use the features it has, it is a very entertaining and serious tool. I just loaded ritepen (handwriting recognition software) on this unit, and it works perfectly. Ignore the negative keyboard reviews because there is no need to use it when this software is installed.

Just about every year Sony comes out with a very innovative product in the PC world and their latest is this new Micro PC. It is bigger than a PDA or Cell Phone/PDA but much smaller than the smallest laptop available.

This computer features Windows XP and is Windows Vista capable, 512MB or Ram, 30GB hard drive and a 4.5 inch screen.

If you are looking to stay connected with a full function PC, but need portability, then the new SONY VGN-UX180P is the right choice. It weighs in around 1.2lbs and comes with a carring case that you can carry on your hip. You get all the functions of a real PC including: fingerprint reader (no more typing your user name and password for websites or to log-on to windows), WLAN,WWAN,Blue Tooth and Cingular wirless high speed data connection built right in to make sure you are always connected, a stick navagator for moving your cursor or use the stylus and touch pad, wirless on/off button, power hold button (very convenient), and a qucik launch button for favorite applications. The unit itself contains a high speed USB 2.0 port, microphone input and headphone output. The docking station adds more USB ports, firewire port, monitor out port, Local Area Connection (Big phone cord) and there is even a USB to monitor out / Loca Area Connection (Big Phone cord) adapter included if you don't want to take your docking station with you.

There are also 2 built-in cameras and 1 built-in microphone. If you webchat, then the front mounted camera and microphone will work just fine and to take some simple pictures there is a camera on the back (1.3 mega pixels) that is good mainly for well light still shots (no action shots - too blurry).

The screen slides up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. It is not possible to type in the traditional style on this ULTRAPC, it is more like texting with your thumbs. This is the biggest drawback to the computer. If you are going to do some serious typing, then you will need to purchase and exteranal USB keyboard to hook up.

The case is made of high strength carbon fiber and the hard drive has a motion sensor that will lock the drive incase you were to drop your computer. The batter life is good although could be a little better. For around $349 you can by an extended battery that will close to double the life. I can get around 2 1/2 hours with the batter in normal mode (no energy saving features).

I personally use this comptuer as a professional Realtor. I have access to all of my files, am always connected to the internet no matter where I go, can take pictures of homes that I am putting up for sale on the market, edit contracts and do everything I would do back at my office. Now I can do it faster and more convenient than my competition. I can even use the monitor output button with a projector and help my clients find their next home in their office or home.

Overall this is a great computer if you need portability. Not meant for gaming and no room for expansion (512mb memory max and I doubt you are upgrading the hard drive by yourself). I previously used a Sony Laptop PCG-TR1A (world's smallest) for real estate that only had a 30gb hard drive and never filled it up. The only drawback is the keyboard because I am a true typist and not a "hunt and peck" or "thumb text" data entry person.

I ordered the computer at Amazon.com and it was shipped immediately, and arrived in good packaging. All other physical stores that I have checked still don't have them available. I think there is a limited number of these computers that will be produced.

I have had the UX180P for about a month now. My goal was to have something ultra-portable to take into court with me to keep client information with me. In practice however, it is easier said than done. First of all, it took me a good while of tweaking to get fonts and resolution that made the screen actually readable for more than a few minutes without eye fatigue. The trade off was that some windows did not entirely fit the screen which made it difficult to operate some radio buttons. In addition, it is hit or miss on some applications and web sites. Some web sites are received with tiny fonts regardless of the settings on the computer. The built in zoom function helps but is limited by the fact that you can't actually take any actions while in zoom mode. You have to get out of the zoom mode to click on anything or do anything else. It could use a more functional zoom function. Also, I have not figured out how to adjust the sensitivity on the built in pointing device. I find that the slightest touch causes it to sense a click. I find myself opening programs and taking other unwanted actions. Battery life with the standard battery also limits its functionality as a portable work tool. The $350 for the extended battery is a ridiculous price. COME ON Sony! Also, it takes forever and a day to completely boot up. Switching between WLAN and WAN is not a smooth as advertised. I have to make several attempts before it finally actually switches to WAN. Advertising claims the computer to be Windows Vista ready. However, with minimal additional programs installed (a little over 1 GB at most), it does not have enough hard drive space for Windows Vista as per the Vista web site and compatability checker. It could use more hard drive and more RAM (or at least the ability to add additional RAM and not be limited to 512mb of RAM). It is next to impossible to efficiently type any long document with the built in keyboard. An external keyboard is a must for any extended and efficient typing. In the end, I find myself using it mainly for entertaining myself on the internet between court hearings and on the road (someone else drivig of course) by using the Cingular WAN connection. While I remain dedicated to Sony products, as usual, I am an early adopter that is slightly less than satisfied with what I got for the money. Then again, I still remember paying $1,000 for a Sony DSS satellite receiver when they first came out. If you have money to spend, are not expecting a serious portable work tool, and like to be the first kid on the block with the newest toy out there, buy it. Otherwise, wait for some fine tuning, more memory, and lower prices on the computer and accessories or buy a more useful tablet PC.

I recently got my new Sony Vaio and it works like a charm! It's everything and more and really does what I need it to whether it's being to lazy to goto my computer to check my email while watching tv, or as a working on the road and using all the wireless features to connect to the internet and do some sales. The greatest thing is the size! I can use my old laptop case and literally stuff the Sony UX, my portable mouse and keyboard plus a mobile printer just in case i need to print and changes. Really makes my life so much easier. Plus i finally gave up my bulky phone and got a smaller one. Don't get me wrong, I loved my blackberry and it was hard to give it up, but between job and friends, it was just way too big to carry around ALL the time. For me personally, i like to separate myself from work and play and the Sony UX was the answer!

I had a lot of traveling coming up and the lightest computer I had along with its power source, etc weighed about 9 lbs and took a large bag. I needed something for drafting notes and reports, doing e-mail, excel tables and running some hefty simulation software. I purchased the UX 180P two years ago when they first came out after learning that Microsoft CE word, etc is useless.

I purchased a USB connected folding full sized keyboard ($20 Targus), and a pair of Fly-tyers magnifiers to clip onto my glasses and was set. I had a cheap external CD that I could use to download what software I needed when home and learned to live with USB's. Total weight did not exceed 2 lbs with room for tickets, car keys and a small enough bag that my feet could fit comfortably under the seat infront of me with the bag.

I eventually splurged and got a 140 GB Winchester portable storage that easily transfers from one machine to another so I can carry almost all my work with me plus have extra space to save those MB consuming photograghs.

The one drawback with the 180 which has been overcome in later versions is the start-up time and shut-down time. While flying, Ive had it snatched out of my hands while waiting for it to shut down an slammed into an overhead bin from which it was pushed on the floor when someone got a bag on landing. It still worked.

It takes some getting used to, but is easy to download to my desk-top when I need to polish up work. Like others have said it is difficult to do good Powerpoints on the run and to work with a full adobe software that allows cutting out diagrams, etc. Thats for home work.

It is even convienent for small uses like downloading audiobooks which are now available for free from my local library. I try not to use fee-based sites if possible.

The Cingular, now AT&T, is fantastic and is self-updating. Early on I found a problem when in Alaska that I would open a web site, read it and then when going to another the connection would shut down. I called Cingular via phone, they said they were aware of the problem and sent me to a University computer center with a contact name to get the update fix . Imagine service like that from Verizon wireless without getting stuck with yet another contract and or a service charge. Also, the AT&T digital connection is smart enough to tell you if there will be landline charges beforehand which in Alaska means wait until you get to another city or port.

Its WiFi connection worked in many hotels in Scotland, England, Spain, Cyprus, Qatar and Dubai but not Hong Kong or Seoul. The latter wanted extra fees for everything. Even in the states, it is cheaper using the AT&T 180 wireless connection than in-house land lines with their hidden charges.

Its great on trains if you sit near a plug and it would be good if airplanes had similar power sources.

Those are my uses. I am waiting until the price of the 380 comes down and can trade in for its quick turn-on off feature.

Hope that helps.

I received my sony UX180P on 8/2/06 and have hardly put it down since. I think it has plenty of speed, but I don't have much on the hard drive yet. GPS works great with it. Every one I have shown it to loves it. Only one draw back,there are no accessorys at the sony store in stock or even avalible yet.Please hurry up sony,waiting is a little frustrating!!!!

Since this product is so new, you might want to check out all of the websites dedicated to talking about and reviewing the UX180P: Micro PC Talk, Pocketables, and Handtops. (You need to do a search for these on Google since web addresses aren't allowed here.) They're worth taking a look at before you buy one of these computers. I've had mine for a few weeks and am absolutely LOVING it. I use it every day and I don't think I know everything there is to know about it yet. It's really packed with features.