[quote author=“tifosiv122”][quote author=“Drachen”][quote author=“tifosiv122”]Drachen - I have no ‘real’ use for it. I liked the concept and I wanted a new toy of sorts. It might work decent in the library when I am looking things up…I can hold this in one hand and look up books in the other…or if I need to jot something quickly. It’s a bit more versitle then a notebook. I wish it was a tad smaller and lighter…

I would have loved to use it while commuting to replace my aging TR, but commuting isn’t a big worry now. Maybe I should move to Cherry Hill or New Haven or something for a longer commute. 

Cherry Hill…forget New Haven…no respect for CT.

I can’t use a PC in a moving vehicle…I get motion sick so quickly :( I can barely read the music on my iPod.

Erik

have you tried to use U as a GPS navigator in a car? :D
i think it would be more comfortable than laptop, since it ‘s alot smaller..
btw:this thread makes me want to get one :drool:

[quote author=“invisiblefly”]
have you tried to use U as a GPS navigator in a car? :D
i think it would be more comfortable than laptop, since it ‘s alot smaller..
btw:this thread makes me want to get one :drool:

Thank you for bringing that up…this is going to be used for that as well. When I actually figure out a way to mount it in my truck I will take some pictures. This is a perfect use for GPS as the screen is just big enough to mount on a dash.

Erik

would you mind listing off some of your other uses for the U?  Typical or not…  i’d be interested in hearing about some of the different possibilities/situations.  i’ve been using a TR as my main computer, migrating to an X for my work computer, but have always contemplated a tablet for “niche” type uses…  using the U instead of a typical (larger) tablet sounds like a good idea to me…i’ve always enjoyed the smaller gadgets…  any neat things come to mind?

Sounds like a good idea. Let me get through the weekend and I will list all the things I have done with it…I haven’t had much free time so far so the weekend will allow me to use the U outside of a school setting.

Erik

[quote author=“tifosiv122”]

Sounds like a good idea. Let me get through the weekend and I will list all the things I have done with it…I haven’t had much free time so far so the weekend will allow me to use the U outside of a school setting.

Erik

that’s true, i keep forgetting how new this section is…will be anxiously waiting any more info.

if i can track one down i just might have to get one.  i don’t think that it could function as a primary computer for me, but perhaps a “workpad” during the day at the office.  i would be able to take notes and access everything on the network with discretion…hhhmmm….just might have to do it…

[quote author=“tifosiv122”]

I finished the first battery test. Screen at full bright, wifi on, both BT keyboard and mouse…I got 1:53, give or take. I am more then confident that I could get over 3 hours with the lowest settings and using only internal controls. This is on the standard battery.

Erik

Darn. :x

I was hoping for better specs.  Not bad considering that the battery is pretty small, though.

Erik also whenever and if you can, try doing all those tests with sandra, its pretty comprehensive.

Cheers mate.

[quote author=“writetovarun”]Erik also whenever and if you can, try doing all those tests with sandra, its pretty comprehensive.

Cheers mate.

Which test would you like me to run through Sandra?

Erik

Thanks for the great review!

I really couldn’t imagine a practical use for the computer, though. THe TR is as small as it gets for me, since I want to be able to surf effectively, meaning seeing well with a large enough screen. I had a tiny laptop but gave it up after six months because of the surfing on a tiny screen issues. So, like you yourself said, it is really more of a toy. I guess this is just the start for tiny computers.

Since I was asked to document the unique ways in which one can use a U series I figured I would actually look to find more uses for this $2,000 toy. So far my main use is to take notes in class. I have brought it to the library and it did help (I could browse the net and walk around looking for a book) but not enough to justify the price.

The handwriting recognition…although accurate, is a bit too slow to be practical. It seems to just take too long to convert to actually write something quickly that is more then a few sentences. This eliminates the U as a dedicated note-taking machine.

Unfortunately the device is also way to big and heavy to be used as a PDA. Personally I would take an old Palm M100 over a U for usability as a PDA.

So back to unique uses. A Vaio site claimed to be able to use the U to jot down a quick map or direction. I don’t see this as a great use either…maybe it’s me.

This does make a great GPS unit. Coupled with my Belkin BT GPS system I had a wonderful portable device. The touch screen made it easier to navigate then when using a regular notebook, It’s small size allowed me to put it on my dash and not on the seat next to me. The main issue with this is battery life. Expect only 1-2 hours of straight GPS without being plugged in.

Ok, so what other creative uses did I come up with? I used it as a photo display at a party I had this Saturday. I left the U in the cradle and put some pictures in a folder and allowed it to cycle. I know you can buy a photo frame for $100-350 but since I had the U I might as well use it.

Although I haven’t tried it, I assume it makes a great bathroom companion. I guess it’s better then a magazine since you can browse the net and such. I don’t suggest using it while in a tub.

I used my U as a portable media device. I watched a movie on the internal HDD, the MS port, as well as the CF port. With the screen at full brightness I just barely got 2 hours of battery, so this isn’t exactly built for this either.

We all know it comes with a remote to be used as a dedicated mp3 player, but IMO I’d rather use a dedicated device such as an iPod.

I used my U several times while watching TV or a movie. In my bedroom I have a TV and several PCs but in my family room, I just have a TV. This way I held my U in my hand and was able to browse the web and IM. I usually use my notebook and put it on my coffee table (which opens to a chest level device) but this way I was able to lay down or recline while still using my PC. Up until now I used my AirPanel but this is much smaller, lighter, and faster.

Well, I guess I am not that creative because I really couldn’t think of anything else to do with my U. If someone has an idea, please suggest it, I will try it out and let you know if it’s possible or comfortable.

I am going to install Tablet tonight or early tomorrow, use it for a few days and do a review on the U with Tablet OS.

Erik

great, thanks for the further review.  i am sure you will incorporate more uses as time goes by.  from what you’ve seen so far, how would you rate the way inwhich jk has used his U?  attainable by most, or only those few who really intend to make a complete jump and immerse themselves in the U?

Maximizing the mobile experience:
http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2005/01/maximizing_the_.htm

Mobile tech in practice- a case history
http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2005/01/mobile_tech_in_.html

It’s hard to compare with him as I am a student and he is a businessman. Had I owned the U last year I could have used it in meetings and such and I know it would have made my life easier. I too had to make presentations and hold meetings where i had to explain things that drawing on a screen would have made a world of difference.

I am going to install tablet as soon as I finish this post…he claims to see a big difference between the OSs, I can’t wait.

Erik

that’s true, i definately see your point.  i am both working and a student, so am considering the U from both perspectives.  i’ve LOVED my TR for everything, and then ended up getting an X505 for work.  now considering a U for specialty applications as i work from a couple of servers in my lab.  i would consider attempting to make the U an electronic note pad, web pad, and email device with access to my servers while at work.  maybe replace the X with the U.  not sure that i feel 100% confident doing that except for the meeting/note taking situation and the presentation situation…hhhmmm….

Webpad, e-mail, server access…yes. Notepad…well…i find it too slow. Maybe with tablet it will be faster…(installing now). I wouldn’t replace my X with my U…in your case, with a TR as well, its hard to keep the X and the U. I need at least one regular notebook with an attached keyboard. Actually, I really do as my tests cannot be taken by a cordless (or corded) keyboard…it must be all one laptop.

Erik

like ichirorabbitt and Rahul, i’ll keep my TR until it falls apart.  it’s still a little big for me, hence the X, but i really prefer a touchpad to an eraser.  started with sony back on 505TX and found i really didn’t need the optical drive b/c of all my networks.  will probably keep the TR as my home and vacation computer for rented dvd’s, larger screen, better layout.  not to mention that i’m in NYC and don’t have room for a desktop.

as you stated, it really does come down to an “X vs U” for work, where i feel 95% complete with an X and (without actually having one) 75% complete with a U.  guess i could always pull out the keyboard and mouse and revert the U back to laptop status and take care of the remaining 25%, but then that would defeat the portable status.  probably like you said earlier, just make it a fancy toy for presentations, descrete sessions where a laptop would be intrusive, and an information pad.  but i will have to take the plunge and buy one to find out.  guess i’ll wait and see if sony puts it back on the market and take that as a sign of fate.