Sharp Re-enters Notebook Market, Fields Java/Linux-based PDA

By David Dritsas

This week Sharp Electronics announced a reentry into the notebook market, a category in which it previously has been a quieter player with a line of ultralight notebook models. Another announcement was made furthering its goal of introducing a handheld PDA using a Java/Linux based operating system.

In the notebook space the company introduced the Sharp PC-AR50, a 5.7-lb notebook computer powered by an 850MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III processor. It ships with 128MB SDRAM (expandable to 256MB), a 20GB removable hard drive and 8MB of video RAM. A swappable drive bay can hold a CD-R/RW, floppy drive, DVD or extended battery. It comes standard with a CD-R/CD-RW drive. The screen is a 14.1" SXGA (1400 x 1050) display and uses Sharp's proprietary anti-glare, low reflection (AGLR) technology. Estimated street price of the notebook is $2,499.