Sharp Introduces True Desktop Performance To Go; New Actius GP20 Features Intel Pentium 4 Desktop Processor

Business Wire, August 19, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2002

Sharp Systems of America today announced a new addition to its award-winning notebook product line.

The Actius GP20 expands Sharp's family of notebook computers by providing greater levels of performance, integration, and expandability, while continuing to deliver innovative computing solutions for the mobile user.

The new Actius GP20 combines the power and performance of a desktop computer with the convenience and flexibility of a notebook computer. Based on the Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 2.0 GHz processor, the GP20 includes integrated 802.11b wireless LAN support, SD and SmartMedia(TM) card slots, a combination CD-R/RW and DVD-ROM drive for CD burning and DVD playback capabilities, 256 MB memory and a 40 GB hard drive.

For superior DVD picture quality, the Actius GP20 features Sharp's exclusive sharp-fx DVD optimization software. Announced in June, this included software module for WinDVD(TM) automatically adjusts image contrast for optimum clarity. When combined with the GP20's high-quality 15" LCD screen, this image enhancement software ensures that DVD movies have never looked better.

"With the Actius GP20, Sharp is continuing the commitment to provide maximum productivity for the mobile user," said Greg Nakagawa, senior vice president and general manager for Sharp Systems of America. "The Actius GP20 offers outstanding computing performance and exceptional quality audio-video entertainment."

The GP20 includes built-in 802.11b wireless LAN support for quick and easy connection to wireless networks. With the increasing popularity of wireless networks, users are being challenged to quickly set up and switch between a home, office, airport, hotel or coffeehouse network. To address this problem, Sharp has developed an easy-to-use utility program that allows users to store the settings for several different wireless networks and quickly switch between them.

For a limited time, Sharp notebooks will ship with a 30 day free trial of Wayport's high-speed wireless Internet access. Wayport is a leading provider of high-speed wired and Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless Internet access in more than 460 hotels and nine airports nationwide.

All Sharp notebooks are available with a one-year or three-year Express Exchange limited warranty. Through this program, customers that require notebook repair will receive a working notebook the next business day. In addition, all Sharp Systems customers receive free technical support through Sharp's 1-800-BE-SHARP phone center, available 24 hours a day.

The Actius GP20 is competitively priced with an estimated selling price of $1,999.

About Sharp Systems of America

Sharp Systems of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets, sells and supports LCD monitors and notebook computers. Products are available through Sharp's online store at www.sharpplace.com and through Sharp's network of authorized dealers and resellers. More information can be found at www.sharpsystems.com.

SHARP is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. All other brands and marks are the property of their respective owners.