Sharp Readying PDA Comeback

In the years BC (Before Computers) Sharp Electronics owned the PDA category with its snappy Wizard and Zaurus electronic organizers. Then came the PC, and Sharp, like fellow market leader Psion, fell prey to a pesky new computer -friendly device called the Palm Pilot. The key to Palm's success and Sharp's demise was PC synchronization. To this day Sharp and Psion have failed to create software that allows its devices to efficiently communicate with a computer. Since that time Palm and now Handspring have run circles around it. Now new devices like Compaq's powerhouse 64MB PocketPC and hybrid cell phone organizers are starting to take market share from Palm. Nonetheless, Sharp is preparing to regain its glory days with a new Linux OS -based organizer in development. Besides solving synchronization issues by 86'ing WindowsCE and adding a Linux operating system, what's cool about this prototype handheld is its tiny hidden keyboard, Java script capabilities and both CompactFlash and SD Memory slots. No pricing is set. Who knows if it will ever hit the streets. But at least maybe someone at Palm, Compaq or Handspring will knock off the hidden keyboard idea. http://developer.sharpsec.com