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Several companies, including OQO, have been talking up releasing mobile PCs that are basically the size of a handheld. Well it looks like a giant electronics and computer company, Sony, is planning to get into the picture with the release of tiny mobile PC that runs Windows XP Pro in Japan.

According to The Register, the tablet-style Vaio VGN-U70 will measure only 4.25 x 1.0 x6.6 inches and weigh a reasonably light 19.4 ounces.

The color touch screen display of the VGN-U70 will support a resolution of 800x600 pixels but can support what are probably virtual resolutions as high as 1600x1200 pixels. Other features of the VGN-U70 include a 1GHz Intel Pentium M CPU, a 20GB hard disk drive and 512MB of RAM. The Register is also reporting that there will be a button to switch the display between landscape and portrait viewing modes.

In terms of connectivity and expansion, the device will support 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless networking and include USB 2.0 port. There will also be two memory and peripheral expansion slots, one CompactFlash and the other Sony's own Memory Stick Pro.

Unlike the handheld-sized Windows XP computer from OQO listed above, the VGN-U70 won't integrate a thumb-keyboard. Sony will, however, bundle a foldable external keyboard. There will also be a cradle and stereo earphones with a remote control. A Lithium Polymer battery powers the device for about 2.5 hours.

Sony should release the Vaio VGN-U70 in Japan at the end of May for 210,000 Yen, which is equivalent to about $1871. A cheaper version, the U50, will include half the amount of RAM, 256MB and a slower processor, 900MHz ULV Celeron, for 179,000 Yen or about $1595. As opposed to Windows XP Pro, this device will come with Windows XP Home Edition.


OQO Device