The Mobile Micro Desktop
I have managed to put together my semi-perfect mobile micro desktop. It is comprised of the Sony Vaio UX50, a slim CD/DVD drive, an external hard drive, a bluetooth keyboard, and an optical mobile mouse.
The slim CD/DVD drive in the pic is an old USB Sony DVD-reader/CD-writer. I am upgrading it to the PCG-DDRW3, a firewire dual-layer DVD-writer which I just ordered from SonyStyle for only $99. This drive is currently about $220 in any online store, so I advice you get one asap. Yes, the UX supports booting from a USB or Firewire optical drive.
The external hard drive in the pic is the new 40GB SimleTech drive designed by Pininfarina, who also designed the Ferrari 575M, Jaguar XJ-S, and the Volvo C70. I got it from my local Walmart for about $90.
The bluetooth keyboard is made by ThinkOutside, an all-around bt keyboard that I use for PDAs and mobile phones. As for the mouse, I’m a fan of Logitech laser mice so I opted for their V400 USB laser cordless mouse.
Not in the pic is my Nokia E61 that the UX can connect to via Bluetooth, and access the net. It has a data pan with Cingular and connects via EDGE.
Oh, one important thing, I found the perfect case to make the micro desktop truly mobile. Check out the pics after the jump!
The Roadwired Podzilla was my main digital SLR camera case until I became more serious with photography and upgraded to a bigger case. It has been re-enlisted and is now back in action. 
Inside: Vaio UX, port replicator, slim drive
Front Pocket: external drive, mouse
Side Pockets: cables
The bluetooth keyboard comes with a leather case which doubles as padding for the devices underneath.
The case, closed.
Technorati Tags: Logitech, Micro Desktop, Micro PC, Pinifarina, Podzilla, Roadwired, SonyStyle, ThinkOutside, UMPC, Vaio UX, Vaio UX Accessories, Vaio UX50
14 Responses to “The Mobile Micro Desktop”
- 1 Pingback on Jun 12th, 2006 at 1:52 am
- 2 Pingback on Jun 15th, 2006 at 11:08 am
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That looks great, but there is something I don’t understand. Rather then have 7 separate pieces (UX50, dock, DVD reader, BT keyboard, mouse, cell phone and 40GB external drive), why not just buy a Sony TX series? Less then 3 lbs, 80GB hard drive, less then 1″ thick, with DVD burner and built in Edge and so slim you can fit it into a briefcase. Plus it has an 11.1″ screen. Doesn’t that make more sense?
Still waiting to hear about the performance of the UX50 -
That does make sense iago. Remember however that the UX is a Micro PC first. Think why you need a UX over a TX. This desktop setup can be different for any UX owner. For some, the desktop setup is not an option. That’s the flexibility you have with the UX.
Performance tests are coming. But let me say that I have been liking the speed. I’m keeping it.
I bought one in Japan a week and a half ago, and posted some simple performance specs:
http://geekswithblogs.net/lorint/archive/2006/06/10/81423.aspx
Basically it’s about 20% faster than my Dell 1.8 GHz Centrino, and can play back 720p high def at 60fps. I’m very impressed.
iago,
As Reggie said, the Micro PC is highly adaptable. If I had to carry all of my peripherals with me all the time, it might make more sense to go with the TX series to some people. When I don’t have to, I could carry this PC on my hip. Plus, with the touch screen, you can really use this like a quasi-pda if you don’t need it to fit in your pocket.
I understand the micro being highly adaptable. I have the UX180 on pre-order. I also own one of the TX series. And I intend on carrying the UX series with me most places. But I do not intend upon carrying 6 additional gadgets with me when I travel - it is that concept that I disagree with. I mean, think about it - who on earth wants to carry all that stuff in a big camera bag. If I needed all that - I’d just grab the TX which has everything listed above built in and could not be much smaller or more compact in less then 3 pounds. If the UX cannot be self-sufficient then it is almost useless. That’s why I am so curious about the real world review we are waiting for - can you get by with the keyboard? How’s the screen? That’s the information I’m looking for -
Wow, it is a nice deal for PCGA-DDRW3, only for $99! I have paid the original price (read Sony price) for that thing a while ago (I even hate to mention). Congrats!
Hi guys, the DDRW3 will NOT work with the UX. It needs the double prong with firewire, and the dock for the ux does not have that….
Double prong? Specs say it uses the i.LINK connector which the UX has.
the DDRW3 should still work with the UX but you will need to plug in the supplied AC adapter. It won’t draw power from the UX.
fumanku, just to confirm, check out image 115 of the slideshow here:
http://www.micropctalk.com/2006/06/07/unboxing-the-sony-vaio-ux50
Just got a shipping confrmation from SonyStyle so I should get it tomorrow. I’ll confirm if it’ll work without using it’s supplied AC since the docking station is connected to its AC already anyway.
Just to clear up the questions Re DDRW3 (DL DVD-RW drive): Since UX model just features an i.Link port (not the powered port like on U750P/U50/U70/U71), you will need to use the AC Adapter with the PCGA-DDRW3 drive. Hope this helps!
I guess it would suit many to have a UX50 instead of a TX, - mostly size and portabilty. Much as I like the specs of the TX, I’m only brave enough to make a VOiP call with a bricklike UX50 up to my head, not an 11″ TX.
Usually, I wouldn’t need to travel with an extra hard drive or CD/DVD drive, but the foldable keyboard and mouse would be so sweet when you finally get to a cafe. In the mean time I guess I could get by with the baby keyboard for quick emails n’stuff.
Can anyone with experience tell me -any drama connecting a bluetooth headset for Skype calls to the UX50?
Cheers, Johnny.
PS I like how the docking station is such a great desk cradle.