Very Small Computers

I've always been a fan of small computers. Read about my reflections on two of the smallest fully-operational PCs made: the Sony Vaio UX and the OQO model 02.

Sony Vaio P

So, when will Sony add a backlit keyboard to their Vaio P series? I'm a big fan of Sony products, but I will not purchase the Vaio P unless it comes with a backlit keyboard. I'm willing to pass on a touch screen (unless we're talking about a convertible tablet), but I must insist that the device have an illuminated keyboard.

Why am I so insistent? Well, I spend a fair amount of time doing work while I'm sitting in my bed and my wife is asleep. I have a USB light that shines down on the keyboard, but this can be quite disruptive. My wife has a MacBook Pro that has a backlit keyboard and it's a great machine (but a bit too big for my uses). I like tiny gadgets - that's just who I am. I used to use my OQO model 02 (which does have illuminated keys), but that's just too small and the fan is too loud. So, I often sit in bed typing on my Lenovo Thinkpad X200 tablet and using the USB light that has a bright LED on the end.

Instant-On OS

If you had a UMPC or netbook, would you use a basic instant on operating system? The new Sony Vaio P has this feature as the first "pocketbook" netbook. It probably won't fit in most pockets, but it will slide nicely into a clutch purse.

Most instant-on operating systems run a simple version of Linux. You'll have your e-mail, your web browser, your contacts, and a few other basic things. The HTC Shift was one of the first netbooks to have an instant-on interface called SnapVUE. I'm not sure how many people really found it helpful since you may eventually need complete access to all your applications. By then, you've booted into Windows XP or Vista.

Excited about the Asus Eee 1000HE netbook

This netbook boasts truly long battery life. Some are saying over 7 hrs. Others are quoting over 9 hrs. What's the real deal? It probably depends on your power settings. However, this is a very impressive feat for such a tiny little device.

Are you happy with your battery life? Will this new netbook put some pressure on the Sony Vaio P series (that I still think is way too overpriced)?

Having owned several mini laptops now, I find that a full-sized keyboard with a screen that is at least 12" increases my productivity by leaps and bounds. I'm constantly typing and trying to multi-task, so a netbook would only serve me one main purpose: to browse the Internet. That's why they're called netbooks, right?

I'll stick with my Thinkpad X200 Tablet for now. I get so much more done on this fast machine and it has truly become my powerhorse when I travel.

My Impressions of the Sony Vaio P

I had a chance to play with the Sony Vaio P (Lifestyle) PC while I was in San Francisco. The Sony Store had them out on display so I stopped and played with them for a few minutes. I was very impressed by the size, but the screen resolution is so high that I think most people would have a very difficult time seeing anything on these things. The keyboard felt nice to the touch and had good feedback. That was one of the biggest complaints with the Vaio VGN-UX series. The keyboard on the P series is very nice.

So would I buy one? Not right now. I think Sony should add a few features first:

1. Add a backlit keyboard. When working in a dark room, a backlit keyboard is a must.
2. Add a touch screen and allow the screen to rotate so that it can be used as a tablet.
3. Drop the price so that it's in the same range as other devices in that class.

If Sony does all these things (which I doubt will happen), then I may be seriously tempted by this nice looking device. In the meanwhile, I will use what I have.

Running OS X on the Sony Vaio Lifestyle P

Have the VGN-P530 and the VGN-P833 been hot sellers? How many people have tried installing Apple OS X Leopard on these tiny little devices? Since they aren't being grouped as "netbooks," these tiny little "Lifestyle" PCs are in a separate class. OS X is a very clean, simple OS that is gaining tremendous popularity. Who knew that Apple would be so successful with the Mac? I still remember my old PowerBook from the mid-90s. That was one robust little computer.

I love Sony products. I'm still waiting to get a Vaio P since I want the price to come down first. Once I get one, I plan to install OS X and make this a dual or even a triple boot machine running XP, Vista, Windows 7, Ubuntu, and OS X (I suppose it would be more than a triple boot machine).

CES 2009 - Wishlist

Based on the reports from CES 2009, I've started creating a wishlist. I'm really just dreaming, so I may as well call it a dreamlist:

• Sony Vaio VGN P500: Sony's entry into the netbook arena. Will this run Mac OS X?
• OQO model 02+: cheaper, faster, OLED and touch screen
• Powermat: wireless charging. Get rid of all those cables!
  

This isn't part of my dreamlist anymore, but they would be considered some of the major highlights from CES 2009 (at least from my perspective):

• Netbook convertible tablets: ASUS seems to have the edge here
• Palm Pre: WebOS platform. The survival of Palm hinges on its success
• Windows 7 beta: well, it was going to get released, but now it appears delayed

So will CES be worth attending in 2010?

Sony Vaio P

I've always been a Sony fan. I know that they tend to be a bit more expensive (like a Mac), but the build quality tends to be quite superb. I have an older Sony Vaio VGN-T250 that I still use for light computing.

Well, the Vaio P is the latest addition and it is being touted as the smallest 8" netbook. It has an extra-wide display (only Sony can get away with things like that) and a built-in GPS. I'm still surprised that Sony hasn't jumped on the Tablet PC market. If they took the TT series and made that into a convertible tablet, I think that would be a hot seller, especially for healthcare professionals who want something that is light and functional.

Sony always has a unique way of entering the market with innovative products. Instead of delivering a conventional netbook, the Vaio P is unique and very expensive (starts at $899).