Sunday, May 18, 2003
Sharp Updates Zaurus Units
Posted by Janak Parekh in "THE COMPETITION" @ 05:21 PM
Sharp is slated to release updates to their Linux-based handheld this summer in Japan. The SLC760 is supposed to have a PXA255 with 64MB RAM and 128MB ROM (of which 64MB is available for user storage). The unit has a very sharp 640x480 transflective screen, which swivels down over the keyboard a la the Sony Clies (except it switches from landscape to portrait when doing so).
I mention this because I think this form factor is excellent, and would like to see Pocket PC-based PDAs support it as well. HP's prototype demonstrated that Pocket PC OEMs have thought of form factors like this, and various Pocket PCs have had screen rotation support built-in (like the iPAQ 5450 and several Jornadas). Personally, I think a solution like this, with such a high-res screen, makes for a killer device; since Sharp seems to be updating this product line actively, maybe they'll eventually release these devices in the US. From what I've heard, they've become very popular in Japan.
If you're curious, Sharp Japan's press release is available here.
I mention this because I think this form factor is excellent, and would like to see Pocket PC-based PDAs support it as well. HP's prototype demonstrated that Pocket PC OEMs have thought of form factors like this, and various Pocket PCs have had screen rotation support built-in (like the iPAQ 5450 and several Jornadas). Personally, I think a solution like this, with such a high-res screen, makes for a killer device; since Sharp seems to be updating this product line actively, maybe they'll eventually release these devices in the US. From what I've heard, they've become very popular in Japan.
If you're curious, Sharp Japan's press release is available here.
