Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 ultra-thin netbook announced
Sharp has announced its plans to launch an ultra-mini netbook, called the NetWalker PC-Z1, in Japan.
Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 photo
The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1, which Sharp calls a “mobile internet tool,” runs on the “Ubuntu” Linux-derived operating system.
The ultra-thin PC has a 5-inch 1024×600 touchscreen, with a 68-key keyboard, connected to ARM Cortex A8-based Freescale i.MX515 CPU that runs at 800MHz and 512MB.
The key pitch on the QWERTY keyboard is about 14mm allowing users to type with both hands, with ease.
The Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1 weighs just 409 gms and measures 161.4 x 108.7 x 19.7 mm.
The built-in battery provides upto 10 hours of battery life per charge, the company has said.
Other features include a 4GB internal memory extendable to 16GB. Users can send, receive e-mails, and create documents such as spreadsheets and so on.
The Firefox Web browser and the OpenOffice.org document editor will come pre-installed with the device.
The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 comes with 2 USB ports, a microSDHC expansion slot, and 802.11b/g WiFi.
Sharp has said that it plans to provide different types of content for the Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 that include language and specialized-field dictionaries, novels, and comics.
The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 comes with an optical pointing device that senses movement of fingers, Quick Start Button, and a click button, on the upper part of the keyboard.
The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 takes only 3 seconds to start, the company claims.
The device will go on sale, in Japan, on September 25, 2009.
The Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1will also be launched in US and China some time after its Japan launch.
The Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1 is likely to be priced at ¥45,000 (approx US$479) or Rs 23,320, according to techon.nikkeibp.co.jp.
Sharp Executive Vice President Masafumi Matsumoto, said,” We aims to sell 1 million units a year in the near future.”
The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 will be available in White, Black, and Red colors.