zipmail
07-19-2004, 09:10 PM
I played around with the VAIO U70 at the new Sony Gallery in Singapore and it is no Clie! Although Sony is not claiming that the U-series is replacing the Clie, some of us are looking for new directions as to where the PDA is heading.
Some pundits say the smartphone is the way to go whilst some say these micro notebooks will replace the PDA. Well, all I can say is, it is sexy, it has 11/10 cool factor, and it is a full Windows XP machine but try holding it for more than 5 minutes or try stuffing it into your pocket and you'll ask more questions as to why people think the PDA is heading the dodo way.
By the way, they also have the P900 on display there so I tried a smartphone vs micronote comparison as a replacement for the PDA and all I can say is, give me my TH55 anytime!
It is the size and heft of a typical paperback, gorgeous screen and build with a very usable foldaway keyboard. But, it sits in a no man's land of computing, IMHO.
It is too cumbersome to lug around the cradle to hold the U70 in place and fold out the keyboard to start typing (if you are sitting at Starbucks). And it is too heavy and ultimately, shaky if you were to hold it with one hand while you write with its "finger-stylus". OK, you can place it on its back but the screen sits an inch above and that means you'll need to write with your wrist floating above. Heard of "wristitis"? You will soon.
If you plan to use it at your desk, why settle for a 800 x 600 screen and nitpick on the keyboard?
I've always had technolust and don't get me wrong, I would love to have one, but, just playing the different scenarios in my mind on how I would use it I found myself scratching my head. For now, I'll stick to my TH55 or whatever PDA that will eventually replace it.
Some pundits say the smartphone is the way to go whilst some say these micro notebooks will replace the PDA. Well, all I can say is, it is sexy, it has 11/10 cool factor, and it is a full Windows XP machine but try holding it for more than 5 minutes or try stuffing it into your pocket and you'll ask more questions as to why people think the PDA is heading the dodo way.
By the way, they also have the P900 on display there so I tried a smartphone vs micronote comparison as a replacement for the PDA and all I can say is, give me my TH55 anytime!
It is the size and heft of a typical paperback, gorgeous screen and build with a very usable foldaway keyboard. But, it sits in a no man's land of computing, IMHO.
It is too cumbersome to lug around the cradle to hold the U70 in place and fold out the keyboard to start typing (if you are sitting at Starbucks). And it is too heavy and ultimately, shaky if you were to hold it with one hand while you write with its "finger-stylus". OK, you can place it on its back but the screen sits an inch above and that means you'll need to write with your wrist floating above. Heard of "wristitis"? You will soon.
If you plan to use it at your desk, why settle for a 800 x 600 screen and nitpick on the keyboard?
I've always had technolust and don't get me wrong, I would love to have one, but, just playing the different scenarios in my mind on how I would use it I found myself scratching my head. For now, I'll stick to my TH55 or whatever PDA that will eventually replace it.