Although UMPCs initially had a shaky start, they have gotten better with time. The Sony VaioVGN-UX380N and VGN-UX390N are the names of two new Ultra Mobile PCs by Sony. They incorporate many of the technologies of common notebook PCs.

The models are quite small and portable, though we highly doubt they will actually be able to fit in any normal pocket—unless you of course are a fan of cargo pants. They also look pretty impressive, in our opinion at least. The model we previewed features a sliding screen under which Sony has placed a complete keyboard. The UX series of UMPCs have existed for quite some time, but these new models are top of the range thanks to new hardware. The VGN-UX390N will use a 32 GB solid state disk while the VGN-UX380N will use a 40 GB SSD.

These new models use an Intel Core Solo U1500 processor and1GB of 400MHz DDR 2 SDRAM. In addition, they will have a resolution of 800x600 and have an integrated camera. The display is a 4.5in, 1,204 x 600 touchscreen and is powered by the Intel GMA950 integrated graphics core. The machine is based on the Intel 945GMS chipset.

A docking station is also available with the product. The UMPCs come with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi. The major downpoint of the product is the pricetage, which is a pretty expensive 2,500 USD. With some of the latest hardware being incorporated into the device, there is little more we can expect. The new UMPCs are expected to begin shipping in February.