Sony Announces VAIO U750 for U.S.

Sony has announced it will be releasing the VAIO U750 (VAIO VGN-U750P to be specific)in the U.S., this device was sold in Japan as the VAIO U70. This handheld notebook device offers a fully fledged Windows XP Professional operating system, Pentium M 1.0GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and unique touch screen input functionality.

This device is the VAIO U50 sold in Japan, it has the same design as the VAIO U750 to be sold in the U.S.

This is kind of a strange move for Sony to be making. They actually cancelled selling theequivalent VAIO U70 device in Japan due to poor sales. And anyone that knows anything about the Japanese electronics market as compared to the U.S. is that smaller always sells better in Japan while in the U.S. it is more of a niche high-end market. Either way, since the product has already been designed and produced they may as well give it a go in the U.S. We reviewed the VAIO U70 during the summer and the overall impression was mixed as to the usefulness of this device, this past article can be considered a review of the VAIO U750

VAIO U750 next to the Dell Axim X30 PDA

One reason Sony might be making this move is to compete with the recently released OQO Model 01 handheld computer. Also, since Christmas is coming up the absolute earliest of the early adopters might be eager to buy a device such as this.

Sony VAIO U750 Specs

Processor:	1.1 GHz Intel Pentium-M
Operating System:	Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Display:	5.0 inch 800 x 600 transmissive/reflective hybrid LCD onIntel 855GM video chipset with 64 MB shared memory
Memory & Storage:	512 MB DDR266 RAM, 20 GB 4200 RPM hard drive with 2 MB cache
Size & Weight:	6.6 inches long by 4.25 inches wide by 1.0 inches thick, 1.2 pounds (19.2 ounces)
Expansion:	USB 2.0, 4-pin FireWire, One Memory Stick Pro slot, One CompactFlash Type 2 slot
Docking:	Included port replicator offering VGA-out, 4x USB 2.0, 1x DC-in, 1x 4-pin FireWire/iLink, 1x 10/100 Ethernet; included dongle offers Ethernet & VGA-out
Communication:	Integrated 802.11G WiFi wireless networking, 10/100 Ethernet
Audio:	Monaural internal speaker, 3.5mm audio output/headphone jack
Battery:	11.1 volt 1800 milliamp-hour (20 watt-hour) standard battery; optional 11.1v 3600 mAh (40 watt-hour) extended battery
Input:	Touchscreen, 5-way directional pad, TouchStyk mouse pointer; optional USB keyboard

Related News:

OQO Model 01 Handheld Notebook Released

 

Abaxter, are you sure this thing has 40 GB HDD? Both U70 and U50 have only 20 GB, and the U8G that is started to be offered throughout Asia has only 20 GB as well.

Regarding Sony's sale strategy, I don't think it's not that odd. U series was a Japan exclusive model till now, but it somehow attracts good business for importers, so Sony is ready to come in to play and start offering U throughout the world.

The poor sale of U70, which I doubt the validity of such claim in the first place because I don't see it anywhere in Japan's websites, is not entirely surprising. In all fairness, how much performance advantage do you think a 1.0 GHz Dothan enjoys over a 900 MHz Celeron in the applications that are normally run in the U series? The death of U70 does not translate to the death of U series. U50 is still being offered, as is the new U8G for Asia. Interestingly, both U8G and U50 use Celeron 900 MHz.

In any event, I would like to see how Sony USA market U750, even though I am not a big fan of the idea. I understand in Asia that all the accesories -- from keyboard to DVD burner -- are included in U8G, just like other Sony did with their X505. However, Sony USA's X505 was initially offered in handicap mode without the rightful accesories but with an equal or higher price tag. I hope not, but wouldn't be surprised, to see if Sony does it again with U750.

 

hey Skyshade, thanks for your feedback. You are right in correcting me on the 20GB and not 40GB storage spec. I've been using a VAIO T150 this week and it has 40GB of storage, so I'm getting my VAIOs mixed up [ ]

Here's my source on the U50 being discontinued in Japan:

http://www.handtops.com/show/news/43

It's possible they're wrong, but I heard it a couple of other places too.

I agree, it's good to see Sony doing this and I hope they market it right...but we shall see.

thanks for your input my friend.

 

No prob, man, but looks like you need to change the CPU to 1.1 GHz too. Found the official spec. here.

http://news.sel.sony.com/filestorage/download/sd_2004/U750P_Spec.pdf?version_id=168531

Gee, this thing is loaded. As I expected, the supplied accessories do not include the DVD burner. I guess it's ok if the price is lowered correspondingly. We'll see.

 

Just a follow-up on this, Sony is set to release U71P in Japan on 12/6. Specs similar to U750GP, except with a 30GB HDD.

http://vaio.sony.co.jp/Info/2004/products_1115_typeU.html