Sharp Announces Two New Zaurus Handhelds

Sharp has announced an updated version of its SL-5500 Linux-based handheld. The new Zaurus SL-5600 has the same form-factor as its predecessor, but has a faster processor. Sharp has also announced the SL-C300, the clamshell-shaped model it demonstrated a prototype of last month.

SL-5600

The SL-5600 uses a 400MHz Intel XScale processor, while the previous model uses a 206 MHz StrongARM. It will have a total of 96MB of memory, made up of 32MB SDRAM and 64MB of protected Flash, which is secure memory for storing files and applications.

Its screen is a reflective TFT LCD with a front light. This 320 by 240 pixel display is 3.5 inches when measured diagonally and supports 65,536 colors.

Like its predecessor, the SL-5600 has a bottom piece that slides to expose a small keyboard. It also has a CompactFlash slot and a SD/MMC slot. It includes a 1700 mA Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery that is removable. It also has a speaker and microphone with a stereo headphone jack.

Like the rest of the Zaurus line, it uses a Linux-based embedded operating system. It ships with Hancom Office and Opera 6.

The SL-5600 will be available in the first quarter of 2003 in both the U.S. and Japan.

SL-C300

Sharp has also announced that the clamshell-shaped model it demoed last month will be released in Japan as the SL-C300, according to infoSync. This model can be used like a small laptop or the screen can flip to allow it to be used like a typical handheld.

Despite being only 3.5 inches when measured diagonally, the SL-C300's screen is 640 by 480 pixels (VGA). The whole handheld is only slightly larger than the other members of the Zaurus line. It uses a 950 mA battery.

It has the same processor as the as the SL-5600, includes the same amount of memory, and uses the same operating system.

The SL-C300 will be available only in Japan in the first quarter of next year. There is no word when, or even if, this model will be available in other countries.

Related Links:

• Sharp Releasing Clamshell Zaurus Tomorrow