Bigger than a PDA, smaller than a subnotebook…
The new Sony PCG-U1 is a new form factor for portable computer. 820 grams
(1.8 pounds), 185 mm x 139 mm (7.3 inches x 5.5 inches). But that’s not what so special
about this machine. It is their innovative “ThumbPhrase” concept. The machine is setup
so that you can hold the machine in both hands, and using both thumbs you can navigate
and enter data into the system. How? The left hand side can switch into a keypad mode
that uses the same input mode as what’s on… a cellphone ! i.e. you can type kana using
an equivalent of a numeric keypad. This is perfect for the oya yubi sedai (the thumb
generation).