In Pictures: Meet The World's Fastest Netbook

Psion 5MX

Many computer enthusiasts have, for a long time, had the dream of keeping desktop-class performance close at hand, wherever they are, whenever they need or want it. That dream began to take shape over the years in the form of small computers that could at least handle most office functions. Meanwhile, we all waited for the day when more would be possible...

The first attempts, limited by the technology available at the time, are best represented by a device like the Psion 5MX.

Jornada HP720

The next stage was represented by devices with features that were similar to those of a desktop computer, but with a dedicated operating system resident in ROM and incapable of being updated. The Jornada 680/720/728 series is the benchmark for that generation, running Windows CE, the predecessor to Windows Mobile. These devices had a laughable amount of RAM, but they sported serial ports, CompactFlash, PCMCIA (supporting hard disk cards of up to 5GB), infrared, and an internal modem.

Sony UX17

Finally, for the devotees of true mobility, Sony created a true computer in a 500-gram (17.6 oz.) package that included a Core Solo, 1GB of RAM, an Edge modem, two cameras (0.3 and 1.3 MPixel), a keyboard, a touchscreen, a fingerprint reader, and the indispensable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connections. It ran Windows XP or Vista and was the greatly improved successor to the previous-generation devices both in terms of functionality and form factor. Note that the US versions had a WWAN connection using the EDGE standard. They were called UX, starting with the UX17 and ending with the UX490 (released in November 2007), with the 180, 280, 380 and 390 models (in the US) emerging along the way.

Our Baby

Sony dropped the UX platform over a year ago and turned to the Atom (much less powerful, but much more trendy), and the result was the Vaio P, which has no touchscreen.

Infuriated, members of the Micro PC Talk forum decided to continue developing the concept, giving it new functions and technologies, in an attempt to wound Sony’s pride (and also Apple’s) by showing them what could be done, even if they didn’t care to do it.

And that was how the 490 "Anh's Design," also called the MPCT UX590 by some, was born. It’s the world’s most powerful netbook, and/or the world’s smallest notebook.

Performance

This computer is capable of achieving a score of 57K in CrystalMark, booting Windows 7 in 15 seconds, running Aero with no problem.

Video

It's able to decode 1080p video without a problem, too.

Games

Believe it or not, this diminutive machine also runs games very well, thank you, provided you avoid the most power-hungry ones (another GPU just wouldn’t fit).

Web

Here we are surfing the Web at 7.2 Mb/s with its built-in 3.5G modem, and making and receiving phone calls over GSM.

Size

...all while remaining the world’s smallest “real” computer (can you find it in this picture?).

Weight

It’s is also the only netbook with a Core 2 Duo processor weighing a mere 524 grams (18.5 ounces).

CPU

Here’s the way it all came about: a French forum member (Darkerx) collected the most successful mods made by other members of the forum and assembled the various components from around the world. An American student (Anh Nguyen) managed to build the most significant improvements into one device, one of the last new UX490s available, unearthed in Australia for the occasion.

The little computer’s 524g weight includes a Core 2 Duo U7700 (purchased in Hong Kong) that had to be soldered to the motherboard after unsoldering the U2200 (don’t try this at home).

  • liquidsnake718
    what gpu does this thing use? Onboard or ion?
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  • archange
    The design of the Sony motherboard seems to be out of compliance with standards.

    OMG - what a shock :O

    Leaving sarcasm aside, this is a tremendous achievement. Hats off dear Sirs. I always knew that the mainstream manufacturers have gotten complacent...

    Just one small question: what's the battery life?
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  • gti88
    Yes, I didn't see any mentioning of the battery capacity.
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  • technuttso
    This is an outstanding creation made by amateurs, even if this amateurs have a high tech training and competence. Thumbs up! This it may be one next step for mobile computing. The hardware industry do now only what the market study allows, times of commercial experiments and niche products are a bit gone. On the mini- micro computers market today the netbook Intel-atom powered is the king. For many reasons, and one of them is the trend. Mobile computing today have a very powerful "trendy" side. The netbook consumer have the necessity to surf on internet in a very portable way, with all the consequences that this concept applies . No raw power is required if u open IE or Firefox only, with 2-3 tabs at maximum.For now it may be enough for some, but for the future is not good enough. These guys just made a push for the future.Thumbs up! Again.
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  • I'm sill using my Psion 5 (no kidding) but I'd consider switching to one of those machines ;).
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  • Not a netbook UMPC remember, netbook is a designation which means = crappy platform (low performance but long battery so you can work inefficiently and be frustrated for longer)
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  • arkadi
    The idea of building something like that is welcome. That was a pricey project, with more than few risks involved. I guess that battery resolutes was not included in the article on porpoise, well it not a shocker, with a power house like that i don't think it will hold 4 long. But i don't think that battery was the main concern for the builder of this cool toy.
    BTW....Is it 4 sale? :)
    Reply
  • skora
    Top notch guys. That is a Mark Maguire smart phone there!!!!

    I think they should get gold badges in the homebuilt forum section. Any chance of raffling this off like the SBM rigs?

    Reply
  • memeroot
    Nice - I have a 390 (I think the faster chip and ssd) and it is a bit slow - this would have been perfect. btw still love the form factor
    Reply
  • cybrcatter
    Gave this a little SU recognition.
    Excellent read, and what an impressive feat.
    (You guys might want to proof read it again, though ;))
    Reply