HP UMPC 2133 - possible field offload solution
 

here's the link:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/h...2133-revealed/

Basically a 2.5lb ultra portable, 8.9" 1366x766 display with an expresscard slot. I haven't seen many small laptops like this with expresscard, especially not cheap ones - no official word on price yet, but I saw a quote somewhere else (from HP) along the lines of 'it'll be so cheap you won't even have to consider the purchase".

From HP to Apple
 

Will it be possible to work with this kind of computer on the field and then to transfer to a Mac at home ?

I would hope so, as that would be my workflow if I used this. I don't see any reason you couldn't just do a simple file transfer from the cards to the hard drive, then copy that to your mac and use the sony transfer app there to convert from the source files.

This would also probably be the only workflow if you went with linux (listed as an option there) instead of windows, since I don't think sony has software for linux. I assume with a machine like this linux would be a much better choice anyway just in terms of resources (smaller install, less overhead) and you could probably use VLC to preview raw files in linux.

I was looking at this just yesterday and thinking the same. Very nifty device.

The files between PC & MAC will work definately.

Although my gues is by the time they release this express cards will be very affordable.

Paul

I saw another rumor today saying this would be ~$630 when it shipped, which definitely isn't too bad. I can't find any info on the hard drive size, 2.5" vs. 1.8", which would affect how much additional space you could fit in in.

Dell Vostro
 

I recently went the Dell Vostro route...dual layer DVD, dual core intel processor, 2 GB ram 180 GB 7200 hard drive, 15.5 display, express card slot, universal memory card slot, windows XP home, extra long life battery, $750.
I installed MACDRIVE 7 FOR WINDOWS - MEDIAFOUR CORP $39.95 so that I can write to a LaCie 7750GB extrenal drive via firewire or USB and import into mac.
So for under $800, it works, but it's an ugly but durable laptop.
BTW it plays back the HD EX1 clips full screen great.
Best, Craig