Sony UX490 arrives this week: better CPU, more storage and GPS
At $2,499, Sony’s newest handheld is relatively expensive when compared to most other UMPCs, but if you want the latest model with some extra goodies, your wait is about to end. The Sony UX-490 starts shipping early next week with Vista Business, possibly first thing on Monday, according to MicroPC Talk. There doesn’t appear to be any changes on the outside, but under the hood you’ll at least two upgrades over prior models. The CPU is now an Intel Core 2 Solo running at the same 1.2 GHz speed as its predecessors. You’ll also find 50% more storage on the flash-based SSD drive since Sony opted to plop a 48 GB drive in lieu of the minimalist 32 GB that older models used. 48 GB just might work for frugal mobile device users that like storing data at home or in the cloud. Best of all, Sony is bundling a Bluetooth GPS receiver as well as two batteries: one standard and one extended. SonyStyle is offering the UX-490 direct as is Amazon (affiliate link, although I’m not seeing the extra battery or GPS mentioned here).
Thanks for the link Kevin, I’m still trying to find out if the Amazon deal is the same package as the one offered on Sonystyle. It has the same price and model name (UX490N/C), but as you mentioned, I can’t find anything indicating the extended battery and BT GPS unit being included.
“running at the same 1.2 GHz speed as its predecessors”; not exactly correct since the older models run at 1.33G GHz Core Solo, though. I do not expect any noticable performance enhancement due to the CPU upgrade except running Vista 64, but who really cares!
Good point; I had the UX-90, -180 and -280 in mind when I made that statement, but the still available UX-390 does indeed run a Core Solo at 1.33Ghz. It’s also $200 cheaper than this model direct from Sony, but I think the Core 2 Solo, extra battery and Bluetooth GPS bundle is worth the extra money.
The UX1 costs i Eroupe now around 1500 Euro or even less in the UK at 821 GBP at expansys. So it is almost half price. I already ordered one!
For a mobile device of this kind, 32GB SSD is, altough small, is sufficient. More data, if needed, can be stored on an external CF or MemoryStick. Even with a 64GB SSD it is never a replacement for a notebook or a tabletPC.