Sharp launches new pocket-sized Zaurus, providing an ideal mobile PC companion.

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 1996--

ZR-3000 offers bundled PC synchronization software for Windows 95(R), E-mail, productivity features in a lightweight unit for $399

Sharp Electronics Corp. launches the Zaurus(TM) ZR-3000 an ultra-compact handheld computing device with bundled Windows 95(R) synchronization software and PC link cable, powerful communications, Microsoft compatible word processing and spreadsheet, and personal information management (PIM) features.

Bundled with Zaurus Application Partner for Windows 95(R)/NT 4.0, which synchronizes PC data with the Zaurus, the ZR-3000 is the ideal PC companion. Available in November, the ZR-3000 is expected to sell at retail for approximately $399.

The ZR-3000 and Zaurus Application Partner for Windows 95(R)/NT 4.0 offer consumers the ability to synchronize their Zaurus personal information manager data with a PC, providing more powerful and complete solutions than other handheld personal computers on the market. Users can simply and easily synchronize with Schedule +(R) 7.0, ACT!(R) 2.0. They can also drag and drop Microsoft Word(R), and Microsoft Excel(R) files from a PC to their Zaurus and from their Zaurus back to their PC, allowing them to take PC-based information on the road in a pocket-sized device.

"With its compact size, bundled synchronization software and powerful productivity features, we believe the ZR-3000 is for anyone who needs access to a PC from any location," said John Brandewie, manager, marketing and strategic planning, Sharp Consumer Business Products Group. "This is the first pocket-sized PC companion that doesn't ask users to sacrifice features or performance, at a price that will attract even first-time handheld users."

ZR-3000 Features

Measuring 6.3 x 3.5 x 1 inches and weighing 10.88 ounces, the ZR-3000 offers keyboard and touch screen interfaces similar to those found in other Zaurus models, a 320-by-240-pixel touch screen, a 15-pin serial port for an optional fax modem, an IrDA/ASK infrared port for wireless data exchanges with PCs and other Zaurus units, and 1 MB memory (650 KB available for user memory). The unit runs continuously for approximately 70 hours on two AA batteries.

The ZR-3000 will automatically begin synchronizing with a PC via a single touch of the PC Link key. Connecting the Zaurus to a PC is accomplished with the included PC link cable so users have everything they need right out of the box. Various commercial infrared adaptors, such as Sharp's CE-IR5, can also be used to connect with a PC. Notebook PCs with industry standard IrDA infrared ports can communicate directly with the ZR-3000. The E-mail key sends users straight into a menu for built-in CompuServe(R) software that provides access to weather, stocks and Auto-Pilot (plus CompuServe Mailbox, Forums and Executive News Service). An optional fax/modem (CE-FM4GR) also allows dialing into CompuServe or sending faxes. Using optional PC software, users can also send and receive Microsoft Mail or cc:Mail.

Zaurus Application Partner for Windows 95(R)/NT 4.0 puts a Zaurus icon on the Windows Desktop which is normally "closed" but changes to open Zaurus when it detects the Zaurus nearby (via infrared) or when the link cable is plugged into the Zaurus. Users can drag and drop PC files from applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel over to the Zaurus icon. To copy from Zaurus to a PC, users double click the Zaurus icon and Windows 95 Explorer opens and displays a list of Zaurus files. Users then simply drag files onto any folder on their PC hard drive.

Software

The ZR-3000 also includes a suite of built-in productivity applications that support data exchanges with PCs running Windows in generic formats such as .CSV, .SDF, .DBF, .RTF and .TXT via drag-and-drop commands and simple field mapping.

These include:

-- The PenCell(R) spreadsheet, which is compatible with

Microsoft Excel 4.0, 5.0 and 7.0

-- A word processor that is compatible with Microsoft Word 6.0

and 7.0

-- PIM functions that can help users track Appointments,

Contacts and To-Do items, which are compatible with ACT! 2.0,

Schedule+(R) 7.0, Lotus Organizer(R) and Goldmine 95(R) via

the included link software.

Other built-in applications include Digital-Ink Note Taking, an Outline processor for hierarchical data management and a Database.

Optional software programs extend the communications and connectivity capabilities of the ZR-3000. Zaurus Remote Link(R) (ZR-PL2) allows users to retrieve PC data and application files by telephone via fax modem from a home or office PC. 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 from a ZR-3000 via an optional modem to a modem-equipped PC connected to a LAN.

Pricing and Availability

Available in November, the Zaurus ZR-3000 is expected to sell at retail for approximately $399. The CE-FM4GR fax modem is available now and sells for approximately $99.

Zaurus Remote Link(R) (ZR-PL2) will be available in November and has an $89.99 manufacturer's suggested retail price. Suggested retail prices for single-user versions of Zaurus Access to Microsoft Mail(R) (ZR-PG1) and Zaurus Access to cc:Mail(R) (ZR-PG2) are $79. Suggested retail prices for multi-user versions of Zaurus Access to Microsoft Mail(R) (ZR-PG1M) and Zaurus Access to cc:Mail(R) (ZR-PG2M), which each support up to 20 users per fax modem-equipped PC connected to a LAN, are $239. -0-

For more information on Sharp's full line of Zaurus PC companions and accessories, contact Sharp Electronics Corp., Consumer Business Products Group, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430 or call 1-800-BE-SHARP.

CONTACT: Shandwick USA

Lizette Kodama/Michael Wald

212/420-8100

800/223-2121 (outside NY)

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