Hi

I am about the buy a Vaio PCG-U1 laptop.

I had a C1VRX/K and currently a TR3/SP, and now looking into getting the U1 for its unique size. I would like to ask a couple of questions about it.

How hard is typing on the U1? I am pretty tall with big hands, but with the C1 I really had no troule typing. How much smaller is the keyboard on the U1? The keys seems to have been shuffled around with, and looks like a smart arrangement. I mean is that the Q and P letters are both almost at the edge of the laptop, which means the regular keys are extended to the full width of the laptop, which isnt too bad. I was looking at pictures which compare the two laptops C1 and U1 to see how much of a difference there is, but I cannot see too much. Here is a picture for example:

How is the screen? If you look at it from a normal distance, your eye can take it? The 6,4 seems rather small. I can imagine if you hold it with two hands, close to your eyes like a mobile phone, there should be no problem, but how about when the laptop is on the desk and you are sitting in front?

How is overall performance? I had a crusoe 667 in a C1, it wasnt that bad, but definetally not enough for XP

What accessories do you use or recommend for the U1? Any nice bags?

Thanks for all help, I need to make the decission very soon, in about a week, I would appreiate any replies.

Ben

Have you considered the newer U101?

Hi

Well, I forgot to say, this would be a toy.

My TR is my primary machine besides my desktop, so I will only need the new laptop to play around with.

The TR is still enough powerful for me, I mostly use Remote Desktop from it to connect to servers I am working on, and ocasinally I do some word processing, and script writing. So if you look at my requirements, the TR is still overkill of me

This new one would be just for fun. I had the C1 and that was one sweet machine, but if I can find an even smaller one, why not. But of course only, if its usable.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Ben

They keys are noticeably smaller than the C1, but then again the whole unit is. Keyboard is too small to type lots on, hunt and peck only. Good toy though.

Hi

I won an auction yesterday, so I am definetally getting it now.

Its a unit with 384MB RAM, and it comes with the CD and FD drives as well. I am really looking forward receiving it.

Anyone had experience setting a U1 up with XP English version? I would like to try it, although I will mainly use it with Linux.

I will report back with my success rate once I get it. It will be at Christmas, when my wife returns with it from Japan. Cannot wait.

Meantime, if you have any useful info, or install notes, please let me know.

Best,

Ben

Hi

Forgot to post back, I have received the unit, it was in almost perfect shape. The display’s hinges were lose, so I ordered a set from Japan, took the thing apart, and replaced the hinges. Now the display stands strong.

The machine is surprisingly slow, I have expected a bit more power, but again, its a crusoe.

The thing is that I had the C1VRX/K with a slightly slower CPU, but I dont remember that being so slow. I have both XP and Debian linux running on it, and the response time boot time, etc are all slow. Typing is also really painful, but over all I am satisfied. I am troubleshooting networks all the time, and the U1 fits the bill being a small but complete PC. I sometimes run network diagnostics on it, while just running from place to place, and connect from LAN to LAN. For this kind of work, its perfect, as it will give you the immediate feedback, fits anywhere in a rack, and easy to carry.

Having said this, the machine isnt capable of playing DivX movies in full screen, the films are choppy and not enjoyable. Music plays okay though.

Writing anything longer than 10-15 lines feels like a torture.

If you want a machine this small, consider what you will need it for.

As a questions, how is the U101 in comparison to the U1? Is the keyboard the same size?

Thanks

Ben