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Sharp Corporation has announced the introduction into the Japanese market of the Zaurus SL-C750 and Zaurus SL-C760, two new models in its line of Linux-powered handhelds.

Like their predecessor, these new models use a clamshell design with a VGA color screen on one side and a keyboard on the other. In addition, the screen can rotate and then be closed down over the keyboard in a manner similar to Sony's NX series. This allows the unit to be used like a typical handheld.

Both the SL-C750 and SL-C760 use an Intel Xscale CPU. This is the latest one, the PXA255, running at 400 MHz. They have 64 MB of RAM, twice as much as the original clamshell Zaurus, the SL-C700. The SL-C760 has 128 MB of Flash ROM for storing applications, of which 65 MB is available to the user. The SL-C750 has 64 MB of Flash ROM, of which 30 MB is user accessible.

One of the drawbacks of the SL-C700 is that it launches applications slowly. Sharp says the new models have upgraded software that makes apps start twice as quickly.

These new Clamshell Zaurus models are 4.7 by 3.3 by 0.9 inches. Despite their small size, both of them include a 640 by 480 pixel, 3.7-inch, screen capable of displaying 65 thousand colors. They also have an SD Card slot and a type II CompactFlash slot.

They come with Sharp's HancomMobileSheet and HancomMobileWord, which can edit Microsoft Excel and Word files. In addition, they have a Web browser and an email app. They also ship with Music Player for listening to MP3 files and Movie Player for watching MPEG-4 video clips.

The SL-C760 has a 1700 mA rechargeable battery, which Sharp says means it can be used for 8.5 hours. The SL-C750 has a 950 mA one, giving it a battery life of approximately 5 hours.

Sharp has not yet announced what either of these models will cost, though it will say the SL-C750 will be available in Japan on May 24, while the SL-C760 will be out June 21. At this point it has not said anything about making these available in any other country. However, Dynamism is now offering the SL-C700 for $700 with an English version of the operating system installed and supported by Dynamism. It seems likely this company will do the same with the two new models.

Related Links

• Clamshell Zaurus SL-C700 Coming to U.S.
• Sharp press Release