Sony UX90 gets flash memory for lighter, faster, longer mobile computing

We knew it was comin', and according to Digital World Tokyo, the Sony Vaio UX90 handheld computer just got 16 GB of internal flash memory in lieu of a hard drive. As if that's not enough for folks, Sony also popped in one-seg mobile television functionality for folks in Japan which is semi-underwhelming since that DTV format is 320x160 at 15 fps; the Sony screen can handle so much more. It does make me wonder when we're really gonna get moving on our DVB-H standards over here. Anyway, the Japanese model will still retail for around $1,800, so no real movement on the price.

Utilizing speedy flash memory with no moving parts instead of the hard drive, Sony claims to have dropped the weight by 28g and boosted the operating speed by three to six times while increasing battery life by up to 13% as well; the battery life might be the more important spec increase since a mobile device is only as good for as long at its got juice.

-kct

Comments

[Gary Cunningham]

Should be 16GB not 16MB

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Good eye, Gary. All fixed, thanks!

[Andrew]

I researched the price on this one, since I am seriously thinking about getting this no harddrive model (dubbed "zero-spindle" in japan). The $1800 figure comes with a Celeron processor, NO port replicator, and XP Home. YUCK. It will set you back, according to Sony's actual site, about $2200 or so to get a 1.2GHz processor, port replicator, english qwerty keyboard, and XP Pro. A little disappointing, but hopefully dynamism or the like will have it soon.

[lloyd411]

The model I saw was all black.

[Jon Neale]

Typical Sony...bring out a new model, then bring out a newer model straight after. I prefer the black colour (yes I know how shallow that sounds...but can't help it). BUT,16gigs just sounds too small - once xp and office are loaded on there won't be alot of room...and then if you upgrade to Vista, I'm not sure if there will be any room! Yes you can use a portable harddrive, but its not so practical. Love the speed...just wish i had the choice upfront..the memory is the downer for me though I am sure a larger hard drive will be coming out soon....Sony being Sony.