Sharp announces Zaurus PC Companion Communicator with Internet E-Mail Software, and Windows 95 Link Software

Business Wire, Jan 9, 1997

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 9, 1997--

ZR-3500X Offers Built-in 14.4/9.6 kbps Data/Fax Modem, Internet E-Mail Access, Windows(R) 95 Synchronization Software, PC Link Cable, Backlight Illuminated Display, 1 MB RAM 1 MB FLASH Memory

Rounding out the full line of Zaurus(TM) PC Companions, Sharp Electronics Corporation announces the ZR-3500X, a pocket-sized mobile PC solution with an integrated 14.4/9.6 kbps Data/Fax Modem and included Internet Provider E-mail software. The ZR-3500X is Microsoft(R) Windows compatible, bundled with a PC link cable and Zaurus Application Partner for Windows(R) 95 (ZR-AP2C), which synchronizes PC and Zaurus data, and provides Drag and Drop file exchange with Microsoft Word and Excel documents.

In addition to robust Windows 95 synchronization and communication capabilities, the ZR-3500X offers a Backlight Illuminate Display, 1 MB RAM (650 KB available for user data), plus an additional 1 MB FLASH memory that can store optional add-on Zaurus applications or data file backups.

"The ZR-3500X is ideal for business users because it is uniquely designed to work both as a stand alone device, as well as a PC companion with powerful communications and Windows 95 synchronization capabilities," says Mary Repke, Director of Marketing, Consumer Business Products Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation.

Microsoft Compatibility

Built in Word Processing and Spreadsheet applications are compatible with MS Word and MS Excel file formats. Users can easily create Word and Excel documents and then seamlessly transfer them back and forth between a Zaurus and PC. The new ZR-AP2C software, included with the ZR-3500X, allows for Drag and Drop file exchange right onto the Windows 95 desktop.

E-mail in the Palm of Your Hand

New Z-Em@il(R) Internet E-mail software supports full send and reply functions with file attachments users can send and receive files over the Internet using POP3/SMTP protocols. This software is installed in the 1 MB FLASH ROM area of the ZR-3500X, and requires an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Additionally, built-in CompuServe(R) software provides access to weather, stocks and Auto-Pilot (plus CompuServe Mailbox, Forums and Executive News Service). An integrated 14.4/9.6 Kbps Data/Fax Modem lets users send and receive e-mail, dial into CompuServe or send faxes. Optional PC-based software allows users to remotely send and receive Microsoft Mail(R) or Lotus cc:Mail(R) e-mail messages from their desktop PC.

The built-in IrDA/ASK infrared port permits wireless data exchanges with infrared-capable PCs, printers and other Zaurus models, and has the same one-touch PC-Link and E-mail keys found on the ZR-3000.

The ZR-3500X boasts a 320-by-240 pixel touch screen LCD, a Backlight Illuminated Display, and a 15-pin serial port for connecting the bundled PC link cable. It runs continuously up to 100 hours on two included AA batteries.

Measuring 6.3" x 3.5" x 1.0" inches and weighing 11.8 ounces, the ZR- 3500X offers a QWERTY keyboard and touch-screen interfaces similar to those found in other Zaurus models.

Productivity Software

The ZR-3500X also includes a sophisticated suite of built-in productivity applications. These include:

- The PenCell(R) Spreadsheet, which is compatible with Microsoft Excel 4.0, 5.0 and 7.0

- A Word Processor with Spell Checker, graphics and Microsoft Word 6.0 and 7.0 compatibility

- PIM functions, compatible with ACT!(R) 2.x, Schedule (R) 7.0, Lotus Organizer(R) and Goldmine 95(R) via the included Synchronization and file exchange software, which helps users track Appointments, Contacts and To-Do items

- 3 data File Databases with 16 customizable fields per record.

- 3 Contact Databases with a unique linking feature that allows users to link a Contact to related data, such as Word and Excel compatible files, Ink Notes, Outlines and graphics files. Once established, users can instantly jump to related data links.

- Digital Ink ("pen"-based) note-taking with Zoom and Keyboard Lockout features

- An Outline processor for hierarchical data management

- Filer to organize data and files from all applications by topic.

Zaurus applications support data exchanges with PCs running Windows applications using generic formats such as .CSV, .SDF, .DBF, .RTF and .TXT.

Additional Productivity

Optional software programs extend the communications and connectivity capabilities of the ZR-3500X. Zaurus Remote Link (ZR-PL2) allows users to remotely retrieve PC data and files over telephone lines via Data/Fax modem. Zaurus Access to Microsoft Mail(R) (ZR-PG1) and Zaurus Access to cc:Mail(R) (ZR-PG2) allow users to send and retrieve E-mail using the ZR-3500X with the built-in modem and a modem-equipped PC connected to a LAN. Zaurus Expense Manager (ZR-5P01) lets users instantly record an expense transaction using the unit's stylus, and offers a variety of ways to view expenses, including category and date views.

Pricing and Availability

Available in February, the Zaurus ZR-3500X is estimated to sell at retail for $499.