Sharp Announces the Mobilon Pro, A Sub-Notebook Size Information Appliance Running the Latest Windows CE Operating System

Business Wire, Oct 8, 1998

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1998--

- Windows CE, Handheld PC Professional Edition New Mobilon(TM) Pro

Offers Large Keyboard, Long Battery Life, Instant-On, 8.2-inch Color

LCD Touchscreen in an Ultra-Portable and Lightweight Device

Sharp Electronics Corporation, an established leader in mobile computing and communication devices, announced the Mobilon(TM) Pro, one of the first of a new generation of ultra-portable computing devices that includes Windows CE Operating System, Handheld PC Professional Edition (the third generation software from Microsoft Corp. for the handheld PC).

Unlike previous Windows CE-based Handheld PC and Palm-sized PC devices, the Mobilon Pro offers a large, full VGA 8.2-inch color touchscreen, and a comfortably-spaced keyboard for data entry. The Mobilon Pro, and the improved operating system, provide a number of enhanced features to Sharp's award-winning Mobilon Series in a device that is just 2.7 pounds and just over one-inch thin.

The Mobilon Pro was designed specifically for the growing number of mobile professionals or collegiate scholars searching for an optimized combination of convenience, power and value. The "instant on" feature of Windows CE eliminates the delay associated with starting a traditional PC, and users have the option to input data via the keyboard or highly-sensitive touchscreen display, providing on the go productivity at a moment's notice. Additionally, the combination of the new Mobilon Pro and Windows CE, Handheld PC Professional Edition software provides users with a long 8-hour battery life. In addition, the open architecture enables corporate I.T. departments to write customized software for mobile executives, sales and field force automation, healthcare, financial industries, and other horizontal and vertical applications.

"The Mobilon Pro is Sharp's latest addition to its family of Mobilon Handheld PCs, and is a natural enhancement to the industry's most comprehensive line of Windows CE-based products," said Stephen Wain, associate vice president and general manager of Sharp's Corporate Sales Division. "The Mobilon Pro's generous set of features and software will help facilitate a demand for powerful mobile computing solutions with lower total cost of ownership and maintenance for corporations."

Windows CE, Handheld PC Professional Edition

The new Windows CE, Handheld PC Professional Edition software provides added functionality and corporate opportunity for development and deployment. Most obvious is the support for larger, full VGA displays, such as the 8.2-inch 4,096 color LCD on the Mobilon Pro.

Integrated Software Creates the Perfect Mobile Solution Like its Mobilon HC-series and TriPad counterparts, the Mobilon Pro comes bundled with a number of software applications enabling users to be productive from the moment it is turned on. Some of this software includes:

--PC File Viewer, allows users to view desktop PC files on the Mobilon Pro, by opening e-mail attachments including a variety of Microsoft, Corel, Lotus and image file formats.

--Citrix ICA(R) Client, the thin-client which enables users to dial into a corporate network and use the Mobilon as a terminal to run off-the-shelf or corporate desktop applications residing on a Citrix WinFrame Server. (Citrix ICA Client will work with Microsoft Terminal Server using the Citrix MetaFrame add-on.)

--bFax(TM) Pro, fax software which now has send and receive capability. The new architecture allows users to fax from any program that supports printing.

--Image Editor, optimizes image files for best viewing with automatic image correction. The image editor can also be used to produce and play MPEG videos created using the optional digital camera card, or obtained from other sources.

--MPEG Player, play short video clips or movies you make using Image Editor or download video from the Internet. MPEG videos can also be created using the optional Digital Camera Card.

--bUSEFUL(TM) Backup, backs up your data and applications to flash cards.

Measuring a compact 9.3"(W) x 7.7"(D) x 1.1"(H-front) / 1.4" H-rear), the Mobilon Pro weighs only 2.7 pounds with internal Lithium Ion battery. The integrated 33.6 Kbps software modem enables easy access to the Internet, and to check email, surf the Web, or dial into a corporate intranet or LAN.

The Mobilon Pro has a suggested retail price of $899. Actual selling prices are determined by the retailer or reseller and may vary. The Mobilon Pro is backed by a one-year parts and labor limited warranty.

For operational assistance on all Sharp Mobilon and notebook computing products, users can call 800-310-3012 between the hours of 7am to 7pm Central Standard Time (6am to 6pm EST) five days per week (excluding holidays).

For all other inquires, including sales literature, parts accessories, supplies and dealer location, Sharp phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week (including holidays) via 1-800-237-4277 (1-800-BE-SHARP).

For more information on Sharp's full line of Mobilon handheld PCs and accessories, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Corporate Sales Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430.