Wireless Communications Tool Combines Pen Note-Taking and
Word Processing in a Pocket-Sized Unit
NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Electronics Corporation
introduced its much-anticipated keyboard-enhanced personal digital assistant
(K-PDA) at a press conference here today. Called "Zaurus," the new
pocket-sized K-PDA is a personal communications tool that offers users near
instantaneous access to information, powerful integrated software and months
of battery life.
With Zaurus, target customers -- primarily mobile professionals -- can
send and receive E-mail, send faxes, access on-line services, exchange
information with local nd remote PCs, take notes on an
electronic note pad, create maps and drawings, generate documents with an
intelligent word processor, and manage their time and information anytime,
anywhere.
With one megabyte of internal memory -- 750K of which is available for
user data and add-on software programs -- Zaurus is an attractive platform
for third party software developers. Zaurus will be marketed to corporations
as a productivity tool as well as a vertical application solution in fields
such as medical, pharmaceutical, and insurance.
"In this day of corporate downsizing, partnerships and geographic
dispersion, professionals need ways to make themselves more productive," says
Tony Russo, general manager, Sharp Personal Information Communications
Systems Division (PICS). "The Zaurus K-PDA is pocket-sized and lightweight
allowing users to remain productive and accessible at all times."
Key to the new K-PDA's functionality and ease of use is the synergy of
the pen and keyboard. Unlike PDAs that rely primarily on handwriting
recognition as the method of inputting information, Zaurus combines both the
convenience of the pen for note taking, drawing and accessing information,
and the productivity of a keyboard for text intensive applications like
messaging and word processing.
As a communications tool, the Zaurus is exceptionally versatile.
Connected to a regular or cellular phone, Zaurus users can send or receive
messages and data using public E-mail services such as AT&T Mail(R) and
easily access on-line services such as CompuServe(R). Zaurus users can fax
documents and other information as well.
In addition, Sharp's optional Zaurus Mail system allows small work groups
to exchange messages and data using a single Windows(R)-based PC as an
electronic post office. Small companies or departments can easily and
inexpensively set up this Zaurus Mail system that allows them to
keep in constant contact with the home office and each other. Users can
access their Zaurus Mail in the office via infrared tchnology or they can
dial into the system from the road. In addition, users can also instruct the
Zaurus Mail software on the PC to send important messages to an optional
PCMCIA pager card in the Zaurus.
A PCMCIA Type II slot enables a user to expand both the memory and
communications capabilities of the Zaurus. Users can add additional memory
using up to 2 megabyte SRAM cards or 16 megabyte FLASH cards. Zaurus su