Novel concept Paperback writer takes on a new meaning with the Vaio UX Micro PC. The Sony handheld is a full-sized computer about the size of a paperback novel and weighs 450grams. Its 4.5-inch screen slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. But users can also write with the attached stylus. Its Vaio touch launcher offers quick access to frequently used functions, such as internet access, e-mail, office applications, games and music. Sony's SmartWi technology allows users to switch from wireless wide area network, local area network to Bluetooth connection. The device runs Microsoft's XP Professional operating system and is powered by Intel's Core Solo processor. The Vaio UX Micro PC will sell for about US$1,800 in July.
Lightweight champ Big things come in small packages. That surely describes the limited-edition Anycall P308, a credit card-sized camera phone from Samsung Electronics. One of the smallest and lightest in its category, the P308 measures 87.5 x 54.5 x 8.9mm and weighs 81 grams. The tri-band handset sports a sleek, stainless steel and magnesium casing. It comes with a 1.8-inch colour display, 1.3-megapixel camera, built-in 80-megabyte memory, 64 polyphonic and MP3 ring tones, Bluetooth connection, speakerphone and music player functions, and browser. It also offers up to 60 minutes of video recording and messaging. The P308 costs $4,280.
Duet debut Ebony and ivory get the Macintosh treatment with Apple Computer's newly designed MacBook laptop computers. Featuring Intel's Core Duo processor, the notebooks are up to five times faster than the old iBook line. The MacBook comes with a 13.3-inch display, built-in iSight video camera, Front Row media technology with remote control, MagSafe power adapter, iLife '06 and the latest operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.6 - known as 'Tiger'. The 1.83 gigahertz and 2GHz MacBooks come in white with 60 gigabyte hard drives. These cost $8,600 and $10,200, respectively. The black 2GHz MacBook with 80GB hard drive costs $11,700.
Stand out Look different in the crowded market of lookalike mobile phones with the recently launched PG-3600 V handset from Pantech Group. The South Korean firm's slider phone boasts a touch wheel sensor. The touch wheel makes it easy to track songs, as users sweep the wheel key with their fingers. It has a zoom function for capturing images or tracking recorded movies, and moving menu bars. The phone measures 102.3x46.6x17.9mm and weighs 94.1 grams. It also features a 1.3-megapixel camera, 1.9-inch display, Bluetooth connection, video-editing program, music player and speakerphone functions, internal 512-megabyte memory and external card slot for more capacity.
Candid cameos Join the paparazzi with panache. Capture candid moments with Sony Ericsson's compact K510i camera phone. In black or purple, the elegantly designed tri-band handset's 1.3-megapixel camera has a shutter button, 4x digital zoom and optional xenon flash MXE-60 flash to eliminate red-eye images and take great shots at night. It can send photos as a multimedia message or an e-mail attachment. It also comes with a 1.8-inch display, 28 megabytes of internal memory, personal organiser program, media player 3D games and picture phonebook. It measures 101.5x44x17.5mm and weighs 82 grams. The K510i costs $1,580.