Sharp Introduces an Expandable Version of Its Popular Mobilon Handheld PC
NEW YORK — June 3, 1998 — Mobilon ™ Continues to Set the Standard With Expandable Memory and New Functionality
Sharp Electronics Corporation expands its heralded Mobilon ™ line of H/PCs using the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE, Version 2.0 operating system to include a new expandable 16 MB color unit, the HC-4600, expandable to a whopping 32MB of RAM. Recently named as one of C/Net's Editor's Choice products, the new Mobilon was developed to be tightly linked to 'core' corporate systems as well as increasing the functionality for field applications, such as sales force automation. In addition to all of the powerful features exclusive to Sharp Mobilon, including a digital camera option, voice record feature, and seven "one-touch" application keys, the new HC-4600 has number of new features, including:
— PC File Viewer, lets users view desktop PC files on the Mobilon, enabling users to open e-mail attachments including a variety of Microsoft, Corel and Lotus file formats.
— Citrix ICA Client, the thin-client which enables users to dial into a corporate network and use the Mobilon as a terminal to run off-the-shelf or corporate desktop applications residing on a Citrix WinFrame Server. (Citrix ICA Client will work with Microsoft Terminal Server using Citrix MetaFrame add on.)
— bFax Pro, fax software which now has send and receive capability, the new architecture allows users to fax any program that supports printing.
— PhotoLink seamlessly integrates still images with contact information. Images can be imported from the optional digital camera or clipboard.
— Image Editor, optimizes the images for best viewing with auto image correction. The image editor can also be used to produce MPEG videos using the digital camera.
— MPEG Player, play short video clips or movies you make using Image Editor or download video from the Internet.
— Optional 16MB system memory upgrade to boost the unit to 32MB of RAM which enhances storage capacity and multi-tasking capabilities.
The new improvements to the Sharp Mobilon line not only make it a better tool for the mobile executive, but also bring added functionality to Microsoft Windows CE and make it a more viable operating system for corporations.
In addition to the HC-4600, the Mobilon line consists of the HC-4500, a 16MB color unit, the HC-4100, a 12MB monochrome unit with 16-grayscale LCD and an optional PC card digital camera (CE-AG04) manufactured specifically for the Mobilon.
"With industry analysts predicting that upwards of 75 percent of all business users will have some type of mobile device by the year 2000, Sharp is continuing to refine its Mobilon line to make it simple and seamless to integrate into a corporate network," said Stephen Wain, associate vice president and general manager of Sharp's Corporate Sales Division. "We have also added functionality that will enable vertical markets, such as healthcare and sales and field force automation and financial consultants to utilize voice, images and text to continue to improve and streamline business practices."
The Mobilon ™ line is the first line of H/PC s to offer an optional, integrated digital camera. With the Color Digital Camera Card (CE-AG04) and top-of-the-line color Mobilon HC-4600, users can instantly take a color picture and send it anywhere in the world via e-mail. The Mobilon line also features a unique built-in audio recording capability that allows users to create true multimedia e-mail, combining remote delivery of voice, image and text.
The Ultimate Vertical Market Tool
— Healthcare personnel can use the Mobilon to maintain patient information in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices at the point of care, as well as home health care professionals who report care information after patient visits.
— Real estate executives can use the Mobilon to photograph buildings or site inspections and add relevant information to showcase and display sites for sales and marketing. The Mobilon also can be used to e-mail images of sites or buildings to prospective clients.
— Pharmaceutical mobile sales representatives can use the Mobilon to automate call reporting and sample disbursement requiring electronic capture of a physician's signature.
— Consumer businesses can use the Mobilon to capture and read a color image of seasonal promotions, marketing or competitive information and to receive faxes of orders while on the road.
— Sales and marketing professionals can forego bringing an eight-pound laptop on the road to deliver a Microsoft(R) PowerPoint(R) presentation. With the Mobilon, users can make a PowerPoint presentation by inserting an optional VGA card into the PC card slot and then use a monitor or LCD projector to make a presentation to a large group.
The Power of a PC in the Palm of Your Hand
Designed specifically to offer the features that users request for both business and personal use, the Mobilon offers distinct functions not found on other Windows CE devices, including:
— A large clear 6.5" (viewable image area measured diagonally) high-contrast 640 x 240 pixel LCD touch screen with adjustable backlight and keyboard-controlled contrast (HC-4600 and HC-4500, 256 colors; HC-4100 monochrome with 16 shades of gray).
— Seven one-touch "short cut" or direct access application keys that allow users immediate access to all major applications.
— A large, comfortably-spaced keyboard for easier data input.
— A built-in 33.6/9.6 Kbps energy-saving data/fax modem to access the Web and keep in constant contact using both e-mail and fax.
— An IrDA infrared port to enable simple, wireless exchange of information from a Zaurus(tm) PC Companion, notebook, or another H/PC to a Mobilon.
Service and Support
The Mobilon HC-4100, HC-4500 and HC-4600 are currently available nationwide through major computer superstores and indirect sales channels, including VARs. The Mobilon HC-4100, HC-4500 and HC-4600 models sell for approximately $ 699, $ 799 and $ 899 respectively. The optional digital camera card is available for approximately $ 399. Actual selling prices are determined by the retailer or reseller and may vary. The Mobilon is backed by a one-year parts and labor limited warranty.
For operational assistance on all Sharp handheld and mobile computing products, users can call 630-378-3590 between the hours of 7am to 7pm Central Standard Time (6am to 6pm EST) five days per week (excluding holidays).
For all other inquires, including sales literature, parts accessories, supplies and dealer location, Sharp phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week (including holidays) via 1-800-237-4277 (1-800-BE-SHARP).
Upgraded software will be available to registered users of the HC-4500 for a nominal fee. Details will be forthcoming on Sharp's web-site, www.sharp-usa.com.
For more information on Sharp's full line of Mobilon handheld PCs and accessories, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Mobile Home and Corporate Sales Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430. For on-line product information, visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.sharp-usa.com, or contact Sharp's Corporate Sales Division at [email protected].
CONTACT:
Peter Tulupman, Tom Kivett
Shandwick
212/686-6666
Outside NY: 800/223-2121
Fax: 212/679-0001
E-mail: [email protected]
or
Lois Catala
Sharp Electronics Corp.
201/529-9428
Fax: 201-529-8919
E-mail: [email protected]