Sharp’s notebook gets in sync

Thinking about buying a notebook, but don’t know if you’d like a desktop replacement or an ultraportable second PC? Sharp Electronics is launching two notebooks that represent the extremes in portable computing.

The new models, available now, are the Actius MM10, a 2-pound, $1,499 notebook intended as a supplementary system; and the $2199 Actius RD10, which is powered by a 2.8-GHz Pentium 4 and is intended to be a desktop replacement.

Rather than going head-to-head with larger portable manufacturers Sony and Toshiba, Sharp aims to offer features that thoroughly address the needs of a target user base, says Terry Hanly, Sharp product marketing manager. In the case of the Actius MM10, its preconfigured synchronization capabilities help to transfer information smoothly between the desktop PC and the portable unit.

“This machine is meant to operate in a multi-PC environment,” Hanly says. “People will use their desktop PC in the office and transfer their data to the laptop in order to work at home or in the field.”

The data transfer is accomplished via a docking cradle, much like those for PDAs, that allows the desktop user to address the laptop’s data as a logical drive. Included software from Iomega lets the user select files for automatic synchronization and update.

“This computer is for mobile professionals who spend a lot of time outside the office and want to have their vital information with them wherever they are,” Hanly said. “You can have complete access to all your data, and know that everything on the laptop disk is backed up.”

The MM10 weighs 2.1 pounds and is 0.54 inches thick. It has an integrated 802.11b (Wi-Fi) antenna and features Transmeta’s 1-GHz Crusoe TM5800 processor. It claims a 9-hour battery life with an optional extended battery and lists for $1,499. The docking station will be available for an additional price.

The computer requires its own set of compromises: It has no disk drives, the keyboard is smaller than average, and the 10-inch screen doesn’t compare to the new wave of large laptop displays. Hanly feels that users will forgive these constraints due to the unit’s processor speed, weight, and portability.

Those who won’t tolerate such compromises can select the Actius RD10, which boasts a 2.8-GHz Pentium 4 processor and a 15-inch LCD that compares in quality to many desktop systems, according to Hanly. Recommended for gaming and multimedia, it also includes speakers and built-in slots for four of the most popular digital photography media formats. A CD-RW/DVD drive is also included.

The RD10, at 10 pounds, qualifies as barely portable by today’s standards. However, users will welcome its full power as a way to achieve space efficiency.

“I haven’t had a tower PC in my house for years,” said Hanly. “I like the idea that I can close the PC up and get it out of the way when I’m not working, or conveniently move it from one room to another.”