then this:
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Subj: SHARP UNVEILS K-PDA...
Date: 94-12-15 13:42:21 EST
From: SMTanner
Posted on: America Online
SHARP UNVEILS KEYBOARD-ENHANCED PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT
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 supports
many PCMCIA Type II devices, including cellular capable fax/modems and pager
cards. Drivers for future PCMCIA Type II devices will be provided by Sharp
as needed and installable by the end user.
Optionally, users can use the ultra-compact Sharp CE-FM4 9600bps/2400bps
fax/modem, which attaches directly to the serial port on the side of the
Zaurus. This low-power, lightweight fax/modem adds very little additional
size to the main unit, but leaves the PCMCIA Type II
slot open for other devices.
Zaurus supports "Digital ASK" infrared technology (developed by Sharp)
which includes a 115.2 Kbps IrDA-compatible and 19.2 Kbps ASK modes. A
Zaurus user can wirelessly exchange information with
infrared-equipped PCs, laptops, and other infrared equipped devices such as
Newton based PDAs and Sharp Wizards. With optional infrared adapters, users
can also beam information to PCs, Macintoshes and PC printers.
Developed for Mobile Professionals
Sharp says the new Zaurus K-PDA was developed especially for the 25
million mobile professionals who use computers as part of their jobs. Studies
have found that only a small percentage of these users take a portable
computer on the road with them.
"We feel that there are a variety of reasons," explains Russo. "They're
heavy, bulky, and have a short battery life. There are also many situations,
such as in front of a client or at a meeting, where portable computers are
inconvenient and obtrusive. We also feel that portable computer users wll
find the Zaurus to be an invaluable companion for the same reasons."
Zaurus Synergy -- A New Operating System for the Mobile User
At the heart of the Zaurus is a proprietary, Sharp-designed, 16-bit
processor providing both fast performance and low power consumption -- up to
two months of battery life. The Zaurus operating system, Synergy, is hidden
from the user, freeing them from the burden of mundane system management
tasks.
The new graphical user interface provides standard interface elements
that Windows and Macintosh users will find familiar such as check boxes,
radio buttons, scroll bars, and pop-up menus. Yet, pen
enabled features such as text selection, drag and drop, and sliding the pen
for time selection provide fast and intuitive operation. The pen note-taking
feature allows quick and easy data capture for situations when the keyboard
is not convenient. Drawings are stored as objects, not images, meaning less
memory usage per page and the ability to display notes in a 50% reduced
window while maintaining readability.
Synergy is "data-centric" and provides the ability to relate different
types of information such as Activities, Contacts, Notes and Documents,
working more the way users do in the real world. Zaurus is smart enough to
link information automatically or the user can manually link information.
Linking allows the user to jump directly from one entry to another linked
entry. The user can, for example, while viewing a contact's information,
also see a list of all related entries whether
they be past or upcoming meetings, notes taken, action items, or even letters
written to that particular contact.
Synergy's smart features include automatic letter formatting in the
Zaurus Word Processor. The user needs simply to type in the main body of a
letter, select a recipient, and the Zaurus will automatically fill in the
heading and closing, insert the date, align and space paragraphs,
and even insert the user's signature. The Word Processor also has spell
checking capabiities.
Not unlike advanced PC-based operating systems, different applications
can be displayed at the same time. While creating a letter, for example, a
small scrollable window showing your handwritten
notes can also be viewed for reference.
The drawing application features are available for use from within other
Zaurus applications such as Documents, Contacts, and DataFiles. Maps,
sketches, signatures, logos, and even company letterhead can be imbedded
within these applications. This allows users to easily create letters,
reports, and other professional looking documents.
All these capabilities are packed into one of the smallest devices on the
market. At 6.7" x 3.9" x 1.0" and weighing only 13.6 ounces, the Zaurus
easily fits in a sports coat pocket or purse.
Zaurus offers substantial storage memory that can be used for add-on
software programs. PC-based development tools, available later in 1995, will
enable third-party software developers, value added resellers, and vertical
market resellers to develop customized applications, for the
Zaurus mobile computing platform.
Sharp and a number of third parties have already announced plans to introduce
numerous add-on software programs throughout 1995 and beyond.
Available in late January 1995, the ZR-5000 Zaurus has a suggested retail
price of $749 for the base unit. The ZR-5000FX, which includes the CE-FM4
fax/modem, has a suggested retail price of $849. For more information, call
1-800-BE-SHARP.