Bigger than a PDA, smaller than a subnotebook...

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).