Sharp launches the PC-9300 series of all in one high-performance notebooks

Business Wire, Nov 18, 1996

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1996--

COMDEX '96/FALL Booth No. L1262, Las Vegas Convention Center

PC-9300D and PC-9300T Feature Integrated 10x CD-ROM and Floppy

Disk Drives and More

Sharp Electronics Corp. announces the PC-9300T and PC-9300D notebook computers to round out its offerings to corporate and home office users seeking the most features for the price.

Both units feature Intel's Pentium(R) 150 MHz processors, 16 MBytes of EDO memory upgradeable to 48 MBytes of RAM, 256 KBytes level 2 cache, a 1.44 GByte hard disk, a 10-speed CD-ROM, 4MBit IR port, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, and 16 bit stereo sound. The PC-9300 series also includes a floppy and CD-ROM (10x speed) drive integrated in both units. In addition, each model comes standard with an easy-to-use GlidePad(TM) pointing device.

"The Sharp PC-9300 line offers the most features for the dollar in a compact, multimedia capable unit with an exceptional LCD," says Howard Shoobe, senior product manager for Sharp's Computer Products Division. With a built-in floppy and CD-ROM drive, MIS personnel will benefit from a lower cost of ownership because less technical support is required. Therefore, end users will not have to be concerned with exchanging drives."

Advanced LCD Technology

Equipped with a bright 11.3-inch color SVGA Active Matrix LCD display, the PC-9300T features Sharp's innovative Super High Aperture technology that greatly improves notebook power consumption by 32 percent, increases brightness by 34 percent and provides higher color ratio with a 256-shade gradation over previous generation LCD displays. The PC-9300D features a 12.1-inch dual-scan screen with Sharp's new proprietary Sharp Addressing(TM) technology. The new screen technology was designed to create high-definition, high picture quality dual scan color LCDs that produces no shadows (waveform) distortion. Additionally, Sharp Addressing(TM) provides a wider viewing angle than previous generation DSTN LCDs.

Infrared Connectivity

As a pioneer in the development of infrared technology, Sharp has built-in 4 Mbit IR into the PC-9300 series. The benefit of a 4Mbit infrared is that it is 35 times faster than the previous 115-Kbps IR communications standard. Infrared connectivity allows users to wirelessly exchange data with local area networks (LANs), PDAs, printers, PCs and digital cameras.

Preloaded with Puma Technology TranXit(R) for Windows, IntelliLink Import/Export(R) and Zaurus Application Partner(TM) software, PC-9300 users can easily transfer files without cables to other IR port equipped notebooks, handheld PDAs such as Sharp's Zaurus(TM), desktop PCs and even printers.

Robust Storage, Memory and Architecture

The PC-9300 ships with 16 MBytes of EDO RAM expandable to 48 MBytes, 256 KBytes of L2 cache, and an expansive 1.44 GByte enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive's enhanced-IDE interface offers average disk-access times of less than 15ms, increasing data throughput and improving overall user productivity. The notebook PC features the latest industry-standard 64-bit PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) architecture to satisfy the faster processing requirements of today's applications.

Video performance is enhanced with a 64-bit Trident Cyber 9385 video controller with graphics accelerators including 2 MBytes of EDO VRAM. A Simultaneous Display video mode allows the LCD to be used simultaneously with an external monitor or LCD projection system -- a feature ideal for delivering presentations to large groups.

The PC-9300 series also comes with an integrated 33.6 Kbps voice/data/fax modem, and Microsoft Internet Explorer(R) web browser, and America Online(R), CompuServe(R) online services access software. Both models also feature Pacific Image Communications SuperVoice 2.2 for Windows voicemail and fax/data-management software.

Service and Support

Recognizing that fast warranty response time is vital for mobile professionals, Sharp Electronics offers 24-hour exchange/repair service for defective products that ensures users will have fast access to a replacement or repaired notebook computer any time, anywhere. Users can obtain a replacement product from Sharp anywhere in the United States by the next business day, avoiding additional downtime or the need to rent another notebook PC. Sharp also offers a three-year parts and labor limited warranty, with warranty upgrade options.

Sharp has expanded the number of service representatives at its Customer Assistance Center to offer phone support 24 hours a day, seven days per week (including holidays) via 1-800-237-4277 (1-800-BE-SHARP). For automatic fax back of product and marketing information anywhere in the United States, customers can call FastFax at 201-529-9133 and follow voice prompts. Electronic technical support is now available through a Sharp bulletin board system on CompuServe (Jump: GO SHARP). Users can also dial 708-378-4007 by modem to download new drivers, set-up disks or BIOS upgrades.