With a hat-tip towards e-book reading and mobile video-over-3G and a huge step forward for ultra mobility fans with on-screen controls, the new fully-featured Sony Vaio P11 was launched in Japan today.

Looking similar to the previous Vaio P the new model (part of a ‘coming out’ marketing campaign which could see more models released tomorrow) includes a thumb-pointer, thumb pad and mouse button on the screen frame for standing-up and comes with an option 2.1Ghz Atom Z560 CPU.

Other key features:

• Retains 600gm weight
• Grip Style Mobility
• Dual array Mic that can be used for noise cancellation through headphones.
• Accelerometer for auto-rotation
• Digital compass
• GPS
• Up to approximately 5.5 hours of battery
• Wimax / Foma (UMTS/HSPA but possibly locked/unusable outside Japan)

Genuine Windows ® 7 Home Premium 32-bit /  Ultra Wide 8 (1600 × dot 768) VAIO Plus Display / 2GB (onboard) / SSD 64GB / Intel ® GMA 500/W-LAN ( abgn) / WiMAX / Camera / Bluetooth

The P11 ALJ includes a choice of Atom CPU from the new Z560 at 2.1Ghz, the Z550 at 2.0Ghz or the Z530 at 1.6Ghz and SSD choices up to a huge 256GB

All this technology doesn’t come cheap of course. Launch price is expected to be over $1000 (local, converted) but we expect high-end models to rise higher than this. We estimate $2k for a high-end version with exports costing even more.

Initial opinion: Great, great mobility features, super light weight. (Less than an iPad but including a keyboard) high-end mobile CPU, 2GB RAM, SSD, track pointer and easy portrait mode elevate the new P11 into ultra mobile territory. Arguably one of the most complete ultra mobile PC’s we’ve ever seen although as before, the width of the device prevents on-the-go thumb typing and any sort of pocketability. The cost will be extremely high and the device needs to be compared closely to the Viliv S7 and the upcoming Viliv N5. Imports are likely to be even more expensive. Thank goodness it’s also available in Black.

Update: Ben (UMPCPortal) puts forward the modded UX as something to think about in terms of ‘best UMPC’ Jenn (Pocketables) puts forward the high-end Fujitsu UH900. All great choices. It depends if you want to go for a touch-typing experience or a thumb-typing experience in my opinion.

Vaio website from Sony Japan.

Via JKK Mobile / Akihabara.

UMID BZ details, videos and links to articles and gallery in the Product Database.

There’s a review and video of the UMID BZ coming just as soon as I receive the missing power cable from UMID (due in a few days) but in the meantime, I’ve added it to the database and finished a photo shoot. If that’s enough to tip you over the edge then Dynamism is the place you need to look next.

They’ve got the 16GB SSD model in for just $549 which is a relief considering the early pricing indicators and if you order now, you’ll get the VGA adaptor thrown in for free.

In my hours with the BZ at CES a few weeks ago it was clear that they’ve done a good job improving the casing. It’s sturdy, well finished and opens up much wider than before. The optical mouse isn’t as nice as some I’ve tried as the recess tends to feel awkward but as before, the touchscreen is nice and responsive. You’ll need to optimize Windows XP for that 1024×600 screen but that’s not a major issue.

Expect some videos from me over the next week. So far I don’t see any showstoppers. Oh, and by the way, that competitor, the Viliv N5 won’t be available until March so if you need a 4.8 inch clamshell with XP and lon battery life now, this is your baby.

[Dynamism affiliate links appear in our product database. There are no affiliate links in this post.]

Available in the Asian market is this slim and cheap clamshell device that looks a lot like the UMID M1 UMPC. This one is definitely aimed at the consumer though because it’s running Android, dictionary software and a relatively low power Marvell ARM-based CPU at 624Mhz.

Screenshot from Netbooknews.com video. (Click to view)

The specs:

• 4.8 inch 800×480 touchscreen
• 128MB RAM
• 1GB storage
• 624Mhz Marvell CPU
• OS: Android (We suspect this is not a Google Android Build)
• SD Card Slot
• USB port
• Local price: Around $300 (US equivalent)
• Wifi/Bluetooth: Unknown
• 3G: Version coming late 2010

It looks like this one is built exclusively for the Asian market and with what looks like a relatively weak CPU, I wouldn’t expect this one to set the western world on fire. It shows what can be done though. Taking this design to it’s technology limits with the latest ARM-based platforms like OMAP 3 or Snapdragon means we could see similar designs bring a fast and fluid web and media experience to a small, good value handheld ‘pad’ device during 2010.

Thanks to Netbooknews.com. Head over there for a video presentation on the device.

Getting closer to the ever-green PSION 5 design is this PC, yes, Atom-based, design that Aving have just published news about.

Looking just slightly bigger than an Aigo MID, this 315gm device looks like it covers all the angles with 3G and digital TV options, a 1024×600 4.8" touchscreen, 8-32GB SSD options, 1.1 or 1.3Ghz CPU and an SD slot.

It looks like it’s due for release in 2009 according to the translation that you can find here. [Original]

Via JKKMobile

If you look at the UMID website, you’ll see a placeholder for the MID but there’s no info there yet. You’ll find an interesting 7" ultra mobile PC slate though that’s also a new one on me.