Sharp announces first wide-screen format notebook PCs.

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1996--

-- Super Light, Compact models Offer a 16:9

"Theater-Proportioned" LCD Screen

-- New Wide-Format LCD Allows Users to View Two Web Pages or

Applications Simultaneously

-- High-Performance Notebook PCs Feature Intel Pentium(R) 133

MHz Processor, 28.8 Fax Modem, 1.08 GByte Hard Drive, 16

MBytes of EDO RAM Upgradable to 32 MBytes, 64-Bit PCI bus 

Architecture, 16-Bit Stereo Sound Card, Lithium-Ion Battery,

Two PC Card Slots and Internet Access Software Applications

-- New Sharp LCD Technology Delivers 50 Percent Brighter Image

Sharp Electronics Corp. launches WideNote(TM), the industry's first wide-screen format notebook computer line. These new notebook computers feature an ultra-compact design that offer LCDs with the same 16:9 aspect ratio found in movie-theater screens, along with high-performance communications and computing capabilities.

The WideNote line includes an active matrix-display model, the W-100T, and a dual scan display version, the W-100D. In a 4.6 pound package with a footprint smaller than a standard letter-sized pad, WideNote is easy to carry. WideNote features a high-resolution SVGA-quality (1024x600) LCD that allows users to view two Web pages or two Microsoft Windows(R) applications simultaneously, with minimal side-to-side scrolling when viewing landscape-mode applications, such as spreadsheets.

"WideNet is a significant refinement in notebook PC design," says Howard Shoobe, Senior Product Manager at Sharp's Computer Products Division. "It gives mobile computer users the ultimate in communications, performance and connectivity in a sleek, highly ergonomic package with an easy-to-read screen. This innovative product heralds Sharp's strategic direction toward becoming a major supplier in the U.S. notebook PC business."

User Benefits of A Compact Design With A Wide Format Display

WideNote's compact design and its wide-screen format LCD provide a variety of user benefits:

-- a lower profile that is easier for business travelers to use on

airplanes or in other cramped quarters;

-- the ability to take full advantage of multitasking features

in Microsoft Windows 95(TM);

-- less side-to-side scrolling to view applications that run in

landscape mode, such as spreadsheets;

-- the ability to display a standard-sized text document at full

width, with extra space remaining for a graphics pasteboard

or an E-mail window;

-- a smaller, lighter notebook PC that still offers practical

video conferencing and whiteboarding capabilities; and

-- a full-sized Windows 95 keyboard.

Display Breakthroughs

The WideNote W-100T's active-matrix LCD is 50 percent brighter than TFT displays on typical notebook PCs. The Wide Note W-100D features Sharp Addressing(TM), a new dual-scan LCD technology that provides high-definition, high-quality images free of shadows caused by waveform distortion. This type of distortion is common in dual-scan screens that offer a wider viewing angle.

Infrared Connectivity

Both WideNote units include the new integrated 4 MBit infrared port that 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(R) software, WideNote 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.

Infrared is fast becoming the industry standard as wireless communications become more prominent. A pioneer in the development of infrared technology, Sharp is committed to integrating infrared into many of its business products so that mobile users can avoid the inconvenience of toting cables to ensure connectivity.

Robust Communications Capabilities

Both WideNote models come with an integrated 28.8 voice/data/fax modem, Netscape Navigator(R) and Microsoft Internet Explorer(R) web browsers, and America Online(R), CompuServe(R) online services access software. Both models also feature Pacific Image Communications Super Voice 2.0 for Windows voicemail and fax/data-management software.

High-Performance Features

Both WideNote units include a 133 MHz Intel Pentium(R) processor, 1.1 GBytes of hard disk space, 16 MBytes of EDO RAM upgradable to 32 MBytes, 64-Bit PCI bus architecture, 16-Bit stereo sound card, a track pad cursor pointing device, lithium-ion battery, and two Type II or one Type III PC Card slot(s). Both units also come standard with an external floppy drive.

Service and Support

Sharp offers a one-year limited warranty, and customers receive free lifetime technical support via telephone at 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277), or an on-line bulletin board service at CompuServe (Jump: GO SHARP) and Sharp's World Wide Web site. Sharp's technical support hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week (including holidays).

For automatic faxback of product and marketing information anywhere in the United States, customers can call FastFax at 201-529-9133 and follow the voice prompts. Sharp also guarantees next day repair and/or replacement for its entire line of notebook computers so customers never have to be without their computers for long.

Available in early October, Sharp expects retailers to sell WideNote W-100D and W-100T at $2,999 and $3,499, respectively. Actual pricing is determined by retailers. WideNote also will be marketed through Sharp direct and indirect sales channels, including VARs and dealers.

For more information on the full line of Sharp notebook computers, contact Sharp Electronics Corp., Computer Products Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For on-line product information, visit Sharp's Web Page at http://www.sharp-usa.com.

Sharp Electronics Corp. is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in the emerging era of multimedia. A leader in liquid crystal display (LCD), optoelectronics, infrared and semiconductors, Sharp achieved U.S. sales of 3.5 billion and 60% sales growth in the last four years. Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, business products and electronic components. It has developed innovative, consumer-focused products such as the VIEWCAM(TM) LCD camcorder, the Zaurus(TM) keyboard-enhanced personal digital assistant and multimedia notebook computers. To support its more than 50 product lines, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 2,300 people nationwide. -0-

SPECIFICATIONS

WIDENOTE 100D WIDENOTE 100T

CPU  Intel(R) Pentium 133 MHz same

With internal 16KB Level 1

and 256KB Level 2 and math

co-processor

Level 2 256KB cache (synchronous) same Cache

System BIOS 256KB Flash EPROM same

Includes System BIOS,

VGA BIOS, Plug & Play

Capability

Memory 16MB EDO RAM standard same

(Max 32MB)

2 MB Video Memory

FDD  External 3.5" 1.44MB/720KB same

FDD

HDD  2.5" 1.08GB IDE HDD same

Average access time:

under 15ms

Display 11.2" (diagonal) Sharp 11.2" (diagonal) TFT Aperture Addressing(TM) Super High

dual-scan color LCD active matrix color LCD

64K colors 256K colors

Resolution 1024 x 600 same

Video S3-86CM65 supports both CRT same Controller and LCD simultaneously

Keyboard Windows 95 keyboard same

-0-

SPECIFICATIONS

WIDENOTE (W100D) WIDENOTE(W100T)

Pointing Device GlidePad same

(a touch-sensitive controlpad)

PC Card Slot Type III x 1 or Type II x 2 same

ExCA compatible

Audio Built-in sound board same

Sound Blaster 16-bit compatible

Built-in microphone

Stereo speakers

I/O Port Serial port x 1 same

Parallel port (EPP/ECP) x 1

VGA monitor port x 1

IR port (right side)

PS/2 keyboard and mouse port

Complies with ASK and IrDA (4 Mbps)

Stereo audio-out port

Microphone port

Power Supply Built-in Universal Battery Operation same

Lithium-ion battery

Life: 2 hours per battery

AC Adapter Slim size - Input: 100-240V, 50/60 HZ AC same

Dimensions 295(W) x 197(D) x 40(H) mm 11.61(W) x same

7.75(D) x 1.57(H) inches

Weight 4.6 lbs. same

Software MS-Windows95 same (Pre-installed) PC-cillin 95, TranXit, ZR-PLO,

Sharp Import/Export, Netscape Navigator,

Internet Explorer, CompuServe, America

Online, SuperVoice, Official Airlines Guide,

Dow Jones' Personal Journal, Presentations

F/X and PowerPanel

High-resolution drivers, GlidePad driver

Display utilities, Backup utilities

Options 16MB EDO RAM module same

Extra lithium-ion battery pack

AC adapter

Battery charger

CONTACT: Shandwick USA, New York 

Heidi Donato/Mike Wald

212/420-8100

Outside NY: 800/223-2121

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

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