Sony VAIO VGN-UX390N 4.5-inch Laptop (Intel Core Solo Processor U1500, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB Flash Drive, Vista Business)

It's powered by Windows Vista Business 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 1 GB of RAM, a Memory Stick slot, and a full complement of pre-installed software (from Internet security to Microsoft Works). 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 UX390N 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.

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 Basics

• Processor: The Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core Solo U1500 processor offers a 1.33 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.

• Hard Drive: The 32 GB of flash memory (NAND) storage is on the small side when compared to traditional notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. Faster and more reliable, flash memory provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications while improving battery life. Flash memory is also more reliable than hard disk memory, mainly because there are no moving parts. Since data is written to stationary flash memory instead of a spinning hard disk, you have less risk of hardware problems with the hard disk when you're on the move.

• Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of 400 MHz, PC-3200 DDR2 RAM. On the downside, that's the maximum that the UX390N will accept, so you won't be able to upgrade.

• CD/DVD Drive: This Micro PC 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.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The UX390N 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.

Operating System
The Windows Vista Business operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions and Weight
Amazingly small, the UX390N 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 UX390N for up to 9 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-UX390N, detachable stand, 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.