27 August 2009, 11:19

Sharp launch Linux based Netwalker in Japan

Sharp's PC-Z1 Netwalker
Source: Sharp In Japan Sharp have released a 5" touch screen, ARM based, hand-held computer, the PC-Z1 Netwalker, which runs Ubuntu Linux 9.0.4 on it's 1024 by 600 resolution display. The PC Z1 has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of on-board flash (with support for 16GB of flash in a micro SDHC slot) 802.11/b/g Wi-Fi, two USB ports and a QWERTY keyboard. It uses an 800Mhz Freescale i.MX515 CPU. Sharp claim the device offers ten hours battery life and it weighs only 409 grams.

The Ubuntu Linux on the PC-Z1 is a based on the Ubuntu 9.0.4 for ARM port, and with Firefox and OpenOffice, still leaves around 2GB free on the internal flash storage. The diminutive Netwalker sees the return of Sharp to hand-held Linux after it discontinued the Sharp Zaurus in 2008. However The Netwalker has only been announced for the Japanese market and there's no word on Sharp's plans for international availability.

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