The Zaurus SL-5500 offers consumers everything they need to be truly mobile, from business-critical wireless e-mail to view-anywhere movies and video. Combining the power of mobile computing with the fun of multimedia, the Zaurus SL-5500 features a powerful 206MHz processor, 64MB of standard memory, and a MP3 and MPEG-1 multimedia player, voice recorder, and a high-resolution color screen. With a cleverly-designed, pull-down QWERTY keyboard and the ability to add peripherals such as a digital camera, the Zaurus SL-5500 offers consumers a next-generation mobile device for all their business and personal needs.

Versatile and powerful, the Zaurus SL-5500 gives people the ability to:

* Check work-related email anytime virtually anywhere
* View MS(R)Word, MS(R)Excel or MS(R)Powerpoint email attachments on the train into work
* Reschedule business appointments on the fly
* View video clips of their favorite bands via the MPEG1 video player
* Listen and download music via the MP3 player
* Take photos using an add-on Compact Flash digital camera and email them to family and friends
* Surf the Web and comparison shop while on the go
* Play video games including Asteroids, Mine Hunt and Patience

``We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the new Zaurus SL-5500 at top retailers nationwide,'' said Stewart Mitchell, senior vice president, Sharp Mobile IT Solutions Group. ``The new Zaurus SL-5500 offers consumers powerful functionality combined with multimedia capabilities, perfect for someone on the go.''

The Zaurus SL-5500 comes equipped with an extensive software application package including address book, calendar, calculator, text editor, to do list and the Hancom(TM) Office Suite offering word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software packages. Users will also be able to view and edit MSWord and MSExcel files, which is perfect for handling incoming email attachments. A PC synchronization program for Outlook® makes it easy to keep all information up to date on the Zaurus. The device also comes complete with a docking station for easy synchronization with personal computers.

In addition, Sharp will offer a selection of peripherals to extend the functionality of the Zaurus SL-5500. A CF digital camera card, additional batteries and other devices will be available to purchase at http://www.sharpplace.com or via a link on the Zaurus user's Web site at http://www.myZaurus.com. MyZaurus.com will also provide news, tips and shortcuts, support and registration for Zaurus products.

Priced at $499, the Zaurus SL-5500 is the ideal solution for consumers who like to have everything at their fingertips. The integrated keyboard, located behind a sliding cover, allows for easy data entry and ensures that the unit remains compact when the keyboard is not in use. With handwriting recognition and an on-screen keyboard feature, users have more methods available for data entry than other similar devices on the market.

For the enterprise
The Zaurus SL-5500 gives users in organizations a near ``in-office'' experience. In April, Sharp will be Beta launching Sharp Mobile Services, an end-to-end wireless solution, including modem ordering, fulfillment, network service, billing, customer service and support. The Zaurus SL-5500 allows users to check their e-mail in a snap and browse the Web*, making it ideal for business users who can research a potential customer or send important emails while waiting for a flight or in the waiting room for their next appointment.

The enterprise customer will also benefit from its open source Linux®/Java(TM)-based platform (with Qt Embedded(TM) GUI), which allows for seamless integration with existing corporate applications. The Zaurus SL- 5500's power and flexibility, coupled with its built-in QWERTY keyboard, make it quick and easy to access, input and manage data remotely.

In addition, the Zaurus SL-5500 was selected by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) as a Best Of Innovations 2002 honoree for the mobile office category.

For more information please contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Mobile & IT Solutions Group, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277). For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.myZaurus.com.