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Sharp Actius MM20 Notebook Awarded BEST BUY Rating by LAPTOP Magazine
[April 19, 2004]

Sharp Actius MM20 Notebook Awarded BEST BUY Rating by LAPTOP Magazine

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- April 19, 2004 -- Sharp Systems of America boasted today that their newest ultraportable notebook, the Actius MM20, was rated a "Best Buy" by LAPTOP magazine in the April 2004 issue.

"With Transmeta's new Efficeon processor running the show, Sharp's two-pound ultraportable matches impressive endurance with all the muscle you'll need for Word processing, e-mail, Web surfing, and even a few games between mailings or classes," writes Laptop Magazine about the Actius MM20. "Throw in a synchronization cradle that always keeps your files up-to-date with your desktop, and you have one of the best slim notebooks around."



"We are extremely proud to have the Actius MM20 recognized by LAPTOP magazine for this prestigious award," said Terry Hanly, product marketing manager for Sharp Systems of America. "Sharp is committed to providing the most robust offering in the thinnest and lightest notebook computer currently available in the United States. This award is a testament to the value that Sharp's miniaturization technology has to offer and a real credit to our engineers. We look forward in continuing Sharp's tradition of providing value to consumers through unique mobile computing platforms."

The Actius MM20 -- Redefining Mobile Computing


Combining Sharp's high-density technology and the exceptional performance and responsiveness of the Transmeta Efficeon(TM) TM8600 (1.0 GHz) processor, the Actius MM20 provides users with a high performance and efficient notebook computer that enhances battery life while offering substantial computing power in a thin and light design. The Transmeta Efficeon TM8600 processor also provides the Actius MM20 a substantial improvement in battery life. The Actius MM20 can run for 3 hours using the standard battery, and an unprecedented 9 hours using the extended life battery(1) for all day computing.

Weighing in at only 2 lbs and just 0.62 inches thick(2), the quiet, fan-less Sharp Actius MM20 notebook computer is designed for users who need fast and reliable computing in a highly mobile environment. Equipped for wireless connectivity via integrated 802.11g Wi-Fi, the Actius MM20 notebook provides users with a lightweight, wirelessly enabled notebook that serves as the perfect adjunct to a desktop machine through the functionality of DirectHD technology and SharpSync(TM) Powered by Iomega(R) Sync.

"By connecting the Sharp Connection Cradle to another computer (for instance, a user's desktop PC) via USB 2.0, users are able to take advantage of DirectHD technology, which allows the Actius MM20 to be accessed as though it were another drive on the connected computer," explains Hanly. "Users are able to then transfer files back and forth at will, making the Actius MM20 an ideal 'satellite' notebook that can be carried from appointment to appointment, while maintaining data consistency with a user's main work station."

To make data consistency even easier, Sharp has partnered with Iomega Corporation to develop SharpSync(TM). Powered by Iomega(R) Sync software, SharpSync allows users to pre-select folders that they would like to keep in sync between the Actius MM20 and another computer. Once these folders are assigned, the Actius MM20 automatically syncs the selected folders between machines when connected to the provided Sharp Connection Cradle or through a DirectHD connection cable (sold separately). This enables a multi-PC usage model in which users are able to maintain data consistency seamlessly with other computers.

Shipping standard with 512 MB DDR SDRAM (24MB shared with system memory), the Actius MM20 is able to take advantage of the increased processing power of the Transmeta Efficeon processor and allow users to multi-task more effectively and efficiently.

As an added enhancement to the long battery life that the Actius MM20 boasts, Sharp has included a 'Mobile Mode Switch,' which provides users with an energy saving option. When in use, 'Mobile Mode' decreases the brightness of the display and the frequency of the processor to extend the life of the battery for when a user might need it most.

Shipping with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, the ultraportable Actius MM20 comes with a 20 GB(3) hard drive, and a 10.4 inch XGA LCD (1024 x 768).

The Sharp Actius MM20 is competitively priced with an estimated street price of $1499.00

Availability

Sharp Actius notebook computers are available through Sharp directly (http://store.sharpsystems.com), or through Sharp's network of retail partners and reseller channels. For more information, call 800-BE-SHARP.

About Sharp Systems of America

Sharp Systems of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets, sells and supports LCD monitors and notebook computers. Products are available through Sharp's network of authorized dealers and resellers. More information can be found at www.sharpsystems.com.

Transmeta and Efficeon are trademarks of Transmeta Corporation. SHARP is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. All other brands and marks are the property of their respective owners.

(1) Battery life is based on BAPCo(R) MobileMark(TM) 2002. Battery life will vary based on many factors including screen brightness, applications, features, battery conditioning, power management and other customer preferences.

(2) Measured at its thinnest point.

(3) 1GB means one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity.

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