Sharp announces Pentium Notebook computers with high-performance multimedia capabilities; Super-bright LCD screens, integrated six-speed CD-ROM Drive, gigabyte storage, set new high-performance feature standard

Business Wire, May 21, 1996

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 1996--Committed to the needs of mobile professionals who demand high-performance products, Sharp Electronics Corporation introduces two multimedia Intel Pentium(R)-based notebook computers.

The PC-9000 (100Mhz) and the PC-9030 (120 Mhz) expand Sharp's notebook line and demonstrate its commitment to developing feature-rich and innovative products for the digital age.

With a leadership in LCD and infrared technologies, Sharp's PC-9000 and PC-9030 deliver features such as large, bright Super High Aperture LCD screens, built-in infrared capabilities and a six-speed CD-ROM drive. Sharp is strengthening its overall position in the computer products category with consumer-focused product development and a commitment to customer service and support.

"These additions to our notebook computer line represent Sharp's ability to fulfill customer demand for higher-performance, and set a higher standard for a more powerful and comprehensive feature set in notebook computing," says Rob Rosborough, director of the Computer Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "By leveraging Sharp's engineering expertise to deliver the best-in-class features of any notebook computer, Sharp has loaded the latest technologies onto the PC-9000 and PC-9030 to enable today's portable computer consumers to acquire fully capable notebook computers at competitive prices."

HIGH-PERFORMANCE MULTIMEDIA

Equipped with high-brightness and low-power consumption Super-High Aperture screen technology, modular six-speed CD-ROM drives and a built-in, 16-bit Soundblaster PRO compatible sound card and stereo speakers, the powerful PC-9000 and PC-9030 models deliver desktop system performance. The flexible, lightweight (7.3 lbs with primary battery pack, hard disk drive and CD-ROM) and modular design caters to business users' mobile computing needs.

Both units ship with a 1.1 GByte hard disk drive and 8 MBytes of EDO (extended data out) memory, expandable to 64 MBytes. Enhancements include 256 KBytes of cache memory and a video subsystem that includes an 11.3-inch 800 x 600 SVGA LCD display (dual-scan for the PC-9000 and active matrix for the PC-9030.) These units also feature a 32-bit PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) with graphics accelerator and both S-Video and NTSC video outputs.

NEXT GENERATION LCD DISPLAYS

Sharp's new Super High Aperture technology represents a new way for notebooks to achieve the highest quality of text, still and animated pictures. Through this technology, Sharp's new notebooks are 50 percent brighter than previous models. Super High Aperture technology also decreases power consumption by 38 percent, and in turn, increases the unit's battery longevity.

COMPETITIVE FEATURES

One of today's complex computing challenges for business users is managing notebooks for multiple groups and needs within an organization. The PC-9000 and PC-9030, offer features for diverse business needs. These include:

- A 100 MHz Intell Pentium-based CPU for the PC-9000 and 120 MHz for the PC-9030 (includes 256 KBytes L2 cache and built-in math co-processor).

- Breakthrough Super High Aperture LCD 11.3-inch SVGA display, (dual-scan for the PC-9000 and TFT active matrix for the PC-9030) that greatly reduces notebook power consumption by 38 percent, increases brightness by 50 percent, and provides a higher color ratio with a 256-shade gradation over previous generation LCD displays.

- A removable, lightweight six-speed CD-ROM that provides system modularity and flexibility.

- Fully compliant with Windows NT(TM), Windows for Workgroups(TM) and Windows 95(TM).

- Fully IrDA compliant with standard IR port, 115 Kbps.

- 1.1 GBytes of hard disk space and 8 MBytes of memory in each unit.

- Fully-compliant PC Card Slot with Type II and Type III standards.

- Lithium Ion battery pack providing users with more battery life than many notebook products on the market today.

- Removable 3.5-inch floppy drive that can be replaced with a second Lithium Ion battery, doubling the battery life.

- A Glide Pad pointing device that is easy-to-use and maintenance-free.

- Outfitted with Sharp Player(TM), a unique graphical user interface that guides CD-ROM users when loading software.

- Preloaded with software: Microsoft Windows 95(TM), Puma Technology's TranXit(R), Intellink Corp.'s Import/Export(R), CompuServe(R), America Online(R), Official Airlines Guide(R), Internet access software and Dow Jones' Personal Journal(R).

INFRARED LEADERSHIP

As a leading developer of infrared technology, Sharp has continued its corporate investment in IR research aimed at developing new technology standards with an eye toward a wireless future. Sharp, one of the first companies to support both IrDA and D-ASK standards, provides users with infrared communications links capable of wireless transmission of text and graphics among its computer products, PDAs and organizer product lines.

Accordingly, the PC-9000 and PC-9030 units come pre-loaded with Intellilink Corp.'s Import/Export(R) software, facilitating communication between the notebook and handheld computers, such as the Zaurus(TM) keyboard enhanced personal digital assistant (KPDA). Also included is Puma Technology's TranXit(R) application for effortless swapping of data between two computing systems, ensuring that all documents and files are synchronized.