Sharp Actius MM20 Notebook Goes Pro; Demand From Executive Market Segment Prompts Sharp to Expand Actius Notebook Line; Also Adds Mid-capacity Battery Option

Business Wire, June 21, 2004

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- Sharp Systems of America announced today that due to increased demand in the corporate market segment, Sharp will expand their Actius notebook PC line to include the Actius MM20P, which will ship with Microsoft Windows XP Pro.

"We're finding an increased demand for the Actius MM20 from executives who don't want to pay upwards of three thousand dollars for an ultralight computer when they can get Sharp technology at half that price and have a notebook that syncs your data," explained Terry Hanly, product marketing manager of Sharp Systems of America, "Sharp is glad to see demand rising from this segment of the market, and to meet that demand Sharp is expanding the Actius line to include the Actius MM20P, which will run Microsoft Windows XP Pro."

In addition to adding a notebook line aimed at corporate users, Sharp is adding a mid-range capacity battery that will provide up to 5.2 hours of computing life to the Actius MM20. The new mid-range battery can be purchased for $149. Sharp also offers a 9 hour high-capacity battery for $199.

The Actius MM20P - Executive Class Mobile Computing

The Sharp Actius MM20P provides powerful computing in a sleek design that truly lives up to the name, "notebook" computer. Powered by the Transmeta Efficeon(TM) TM8600 (1.0 GHz) processor, the Actius MM20P provides users with a high performance and efficient notebook computer that enhances battery life while offering substantial computing power in a thin and light design. The Actius MM20P can run for 3 hours using the standard battery, and an unprecedented 9 hours using the extended life battery(1) for all day computing.

Weighing in at only 2 lbs and just 0.62 inches thick(2), the quiet, fan-less Sharp Actius MM20P notebook computer is designed for users who need fast and reliable computing in a highly mobile environment. Equipped for wireless connectivity via integrated 802.11g Wi-Fi, the Actius MM20P notebook provides users with a lightweight, wirelessly enabled notebook that serves as the perfect adjunct to a desktop machine through the functionality of DirectHD technology and SharpSync(TM) Powered by Iomega(R) Sync.

"By connecting the Sharp Connection Cradle to another computer (for instance, a user's desktop PC) via USB 2.0, users are able to take advantage of DirectHD technology, which allows the Actius MM20P to be accessed as though it were another drive on the connected computer," explains Hanly. "Users are able to then transfer files back and forth at will, making the Actius MM20P an ideal 'satellite' notebook that can be carried from appointment to appointment, while maintaining data consistency with a user's main work station."

To make data consistency even easier, Sharp has partnered with Iomega Corporation to develop SharpSync(TM). Powered by Iomega(R) Sync software, SharpSync allows users to pre-select folders that they would like to keep in sync between the Actius MM20P and another computer. Once these folders are assigned, the Actius MM20P automatically syncs the selected folders between machines when connected to the provided Sharp Connection Cradle or through a DirectHD connection cable (sold separately). This enables a multi-PC usage model in which users are able to maintain data consistency seamlessly with other computers.

Shipping standard with 512 MB DDR SDRAM (24MB shared with system memory), the Actius MM20P is able to take advantage of the increased processing power of the Transmeta Efficeon processor and allow users to multi-task more effectively and efficiently.

As an added enhancement to the long battery life that the Actius MM20P boasts, Sharp has included a 'Mobile Mode Switch,' which provides users with an energy saving option. When in use, 'Mobile Mode' decreases the brightness of the display and the frequency of the processor to extend the life of the battery for when a user might need it most.

Shipping with Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition, the ultraportable Actius MM20P comes with a 20 GB(3) hard drive, and a 10.4 inch XGA LCD (1024 x 768).

The Sharp Actius MM20P is competitively priced with an estimated street price of $1,599.00.

Availability

Sharp Actius notebook computers and accessories are available through Sharp directly (http://store.sharpsystems.com), or through Sharp's network of retail partners and reseller channels. For more information, call 800-BE-SHARP.

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 network of authorized dealers and resellers. More information can be found at www.sharpsystems.com.

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

(1) Battery life is based on BAPCo(R) MobileMark(TM) 2002. Battery life will vary based on many factors including screen brightness, applications, features, battery conditioning, power management and other customer preferences.