Sony VGN-UX17GP Handheld PC

The Sony VGN-UX17GP is a light weight, ultra-compact, fully functional computer. This device is similar in hardware and dimensions (a screen lesser than 7 inches) specific to a UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), but it is not one. Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) is a project initiated by Microsoft and is code-named Origami. Origami does not specifically refer to a device or a particular piece hardware but to an ultra-mobile PC that runs Windows Tablet Edition OS and now Vista Home Premium, and more importantly has Microsoft’s 'Touch Pack'—a suite with applications and utilities that are optimized for a touch screen operation. The devices that use Microsoft’s UMPC-origami platform come from Asus, Founder, Medion, OQO and Samsung.
The VGN-UX17GP differs by running a full version of Windows XP Professional along with a touch sensitive screen powered by Sony’s own proprietary software. The device is powered by Intel’s 1.2 GHz Core Solo processor, 512MB of 400 MHz DDR2 memory, 30GB hard drive, Intel’s GMA 950 on-board graphics and weighs just 520 grams.

Conclusion

We have to admit that the Sony VGN-UX17GP is a nifty looking innovative device. It's feature packed with a brilliant quality touch screen, two motion sensing camera’s, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and to top it all it runs Windows XP Professional on an Intel 1.2 Ghz core solo processor and 512MB of RAM. All that in a device that fits your palm and weighs just 520 grams is simply remarkable. On the downside your productivity in terms of typing text is greatly hampered since you typically can only use your thumbs to work on the keypad. And its low 3 hour battery life and an expensive price tag—it costs Rs. 1,00,000, further downs its credibility. However, my recommendation would be the Dell XPS1210. Its 12-inch screen when customized with a 1.66 Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a DVD Writer (the Sony doesn’t have an external optical drive bundled, internal is out of the question because of the size), a nine cell battery that lasts four and half hours and a Nvidia Go 7400 add-on PCIe graphics card, just costs Rs. 69,000. Though, the Dell weighs close to 2 Kilograms. But then it’s an ultra portable laptop v/s. a handheld device. In the end, however, its one's personal decision—You have the choice of opting either for Innovation, Ultra-compactness and Aesthetics (Sony VGN-UX17GP Handheld PC) or Practicality (Dell XPS1210).