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For those who find synchronization to be a drag or would like to use the same device as both their PC and handheld, the miniaturization of computer components has begun to offer some interesting alternatives. The most recent example comes from Sony in the form of the VAIO U Ultra Portable PC.

As with OQO's Model 01 ultra personal computer, the new PC purports to deliver all the power of a full-sized desktop PC in a form factor that is similar to a PDA. Although the OQO and Sony systems run on Windows XP and leverage docking stations (a cable in OQO's case) to serve as desktops, the VAIO looks like a miniature Tablet PC with handwriting recognition and a virtual keyboard, while the Model 01 leverages a BlackBerry-Like QWERTY thumb-keyboard for input. (For more on the OQO Model O1, see OQO Handheld: PDA or PC? Both.)

Novel Tablet
At little over a pound (1.21 lbs), the VAIO U, like the 14 ounce OQO Model 01, weighs considerably more than your average handheld. And at 6.6 x 4.3 x 1.04-inches, it is quite a bit larger than a PDA, but considerably smaller than most mobile computers (Tablet or laptop). In fact, Sony boasts that the new PC is smaller than your average paperback, claiming that it is even pocketable.

Instead of a flimsy cardboard cover like a paperback, the top of the VAIO U is a touch-panel screen that measures 5 inches and supports a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels at a 16-bit color depth for 65,536 colors. Inside the device are a 1.10 GHz Intel Pentium M processor, 512 MB or RAM, a 20GB hard disk, and an Intel 855GM graphics controller with 64 MB of video RAM.

For connectivity, you get 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless networking and an Ethernet adapter. Other features consist of Memory Stick and Compact Flash slots, thumb controls, and the ability to switch between portrait and landscape viewing on the fly.

Bundled accessories include inner-ear headphones, a remote control, a mobile AC adapter, a foldout keyboard, and an VGA/Ethernet adapter. A port replicator facilitates charging while connecting the PC to a variety of external devices, such as a mouse, display, hard drive, or optical drive.

Previously only available in Japan, the new VAIO will make its way to the United States via SonyStyle stores and other retailers next month for $2,000, which is about the same price as the OQO Model O1.