March 25, 1997
Sharp Corporation

Equipped with a 12.1-inch XGA (1,024 x 768) Color DSTN LCD

Bundled with the Latest Business Software, Including Microsoft Excel97 and Word97

Sharp Introduces a New Multimedia Color LCD Notebook Computer

ModelMultimedia Color LCD Notebook Computer
List price (plus tax)490,000 yen
Start of sales in JapanMarch 29, 1997
Total monthly production3,000 units


OSAKA, JAPAN - Sharp Corporation, a major electronics manufacturer, will introduce a new multimedia color LCD notebook computer into the Japanese market. The MN-6550D Color LCD Notebook Computer features a high cost/performance design that is particularly well-suited for business applications. It is equipped with an advanced 12.1-inch XGA-compatible (1,024 x 768 resolution) DSTN color LCD and comes bundled with the latest business software from Microsoft®, including Excel97 for Windows® and Word97 for Windows®.

The MN-6550D also uses a modular (two-bay) design to allow users to customize their system. This feature-packed model is targeted at business users, and offers ample expansion capabilities.


[Outstanding Features]

1. Equipped with a high-resolution XGA-compatible (1,024 x 768) color DSTN LCD
The MN-6550D is equipped with a 12.1-inch, high-resolution (1,024 x 768 dots), high-brightness LCD panel that utilizes Sharp Addressing Technology and dual backlights. This bright, highly readable, large-format screen can display 65,536 colors in 1,024 x 768-dot resolution or 220,000 colors in 800 x 600-dot/640 x 480-dot resolution. It is capable of rendering bright, vivid colors and is ideal for demanding visual presentations.

In addition, the high-resolution XGA-mode (1,024 x 768) LCD makes the MN-6550D an efficient performer for business applications that display information in list format, such as word processors or spreadsheets. It is a particularly effective choice for office-oriented tasks.

2. The latest Microsoft Office97 family of business software
The MN-6550D comes bundled with the latest business software from Microsoft®, including Excel97 for Windows®(spreadsheet software), Word97 for Windows® (Japanese-language word processor), and OutlookTM97 for Windows® (desktop information manager). Internet Explorer (WWW browser software) increases connectivity, making the MN-6550D a powerful tool for use with office intranets as well as the global Internet.

3. Power computing environment with a Pentium® processor (150 MHz), 32 MB (EDO) memory, and a 1.44-GB HDD

4. Optional MO (magneto-optical) disk drive can be set together. Two-bay modular design lets users configure the optimum system to meet their needs
An optional MO (magneto-optical) drive gives users the capability to easily back up or transfer large data files. Users can choose two from among six different units to install in the MN-6550D's two bays (CD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive, expansion hard disk drive [optional], MO drive unit [optional], battery pack, or AC power adapter). (Certain restrictions apply regarding configuration of exchangeable units.) This versatile expandability delivers a highly flexible system that readily adapts to the usage environment or objective.

5. Versatile multimedia environment with video capture, 10X CD-ROM drive, plus ZV-port and CardBus-ready slots
The MN-6550D features a built-in Video-in terminal that allows users to connect to a TV tuner or a video camera like Sharp's LCD ViewCam. Bundled image processing software lets users display video images on the screen as well as capture and edit full-motion and still-image video. The PC card slots provide ZV port support for high-speed transfer of video and audio data and are CardBus-compatible for 32-bit-side data transfers to deliver the maximum in versatility in a mobile multimedia environment.

6. High-speed 33.6 Kbps Fax/Modem with Voice
The MN-6550D is equipped with the latest 33.6-Kbps fax/modem with voice capabilities, supporting PC-based communications and Internet applications (max. transfer rate: 33.6 Kbps; fax transmission rate: 14.4 Kbps).

7. Display controller with 64-bit graphics accelerator
The MN-6650D is equipped with a Cyber 9385 display controller from Trident Corp. featuring a Direct Draw-compatible, 64-bit graphics accelerator. Users can enjoy MPEG1 video playback and high-speed screen redraws for action-oriented game software.

8. Internet ready! Bundled with Microsoft® Internet Explorer 3.0 WWW browser software, plus English/Japanese translation support software (for Internet and English e-mail), and "Let's Go Internet" (InfoWeb) on-line sign-up software, plus a 33.6 Kbps voice/fax/data modem
Users can browse English language information in Japanese on the Internet thanks to Sharp's proprietary "Power E/J 2.0" English/Japanese Translation Support Software which is compatible with WWW browser programs. Power E/J 2.0 also provides support for creating English-language e-mail messages through a series of simple, easy operations.

9. Infrared optical communications port supports both high-speed 4-Mbps IrDA and Digital ASK formats for easy data links to Sharp's personal information tool and color pesonal information tools

10. Optional TV Tuner unit
An optional, external TV tuner unit connects to the MN-6550D's Video-in terminal, allowing users to enjoy TV on the LCD screen.

11. "PowerPIMM" Multimedia Personal Information Manager, a Sharp exclusive

12. Other bundled application software
Microsoft®/Shogakkan Bookshelf® Basic (multimedia integrated dictionary)
Computer Player 2.2J [SoftPEGTM compatible] (CD media player software)
VideoWorks v1.5 (image capture/editing software)
ProImage Plus for Windows v2.1 (still image editing software)
Personal information tool Connection (image/audio data management software for the color personal information tool)
TranXit 3.0 (PC communications software using IR port)
SuperVoice 2.2 (voice/fax/data communications software)
NiftyManager v2.15 (communications access software for NiftyServe)
Single v2.00U (karaoke-on-demand software)
Scan Vaccine Limited (file search software)

[Additional Description of Pre-Installed Software]
Power E/J (English-Japanese Translation Support Software [provides help in reading English INTERNET data and creating English e-mail messages])
Power E/J English-Japanese Translation Support Software includes the following applications to integrate English-Japanese translation and dictionary functions.
  • E/J Manager (launches each of the following applications with a click of the mouse button)

  • E/J for WWW (software to perform translation while accessing WWW pages on the Internet).
    This software can display both the original document (English) and the Japanese translation side-by-side on two screens in the same style and format, making it easy to compare and check information. Moreover, users can retrieve information ("link") not only from the original English screen display, but also from the Japanese screen, and updates to both the English information on the original screen and the translation into Japanese take place smoothly.

  • E/J for Text (software to translate English text; simple, straightforward operation)

  • E/J User Dictionary Editor (software to create user dictionaries and enter terms in the dictionaries)

  • E/J Preferences Settings (software to set translation mode, select user dictionaries, etc.)

  • English E-Mail Support (software to let users create email messages in English simply and easily)
    This software features a "Simple New Message Builder" feature that makes it possible to compose an e-mail message automatically simply by selecting the specified item and entering the required data to create pre-formatted email messages, such as greetings, directions, congratulations, etc.

    Note: Data for the "Simple New Message Builder" feature is based on the InterGroup's Letter NavigatorTM English letter generating software and a text database developed by the InterGroup. (Letter NavigatorTM ©1996 InterGroup Corporation. All rights reserved.)

  • Four built-in dictionaries: Japanese-Japanese, English-Japanese, Japanese-English and Kanji dictionaries
    Includes the Genius English-Japanese Dictionary from Taishukan Shoten and the Progressive Japanese-English Dictionary from Shogakkan.

PowerPIMM (Personal Information Manager for Multimedia)

    PowerPIMM (PIMM = "Personal Information Manager for Multimedia") is a powerful, full-featured software package developed to manage personal information, including schedules, contacts, and action lists. It takes an integrated approach to managing multimedia information, such as audio notes and graphics, and offers communications features. It has also been enhanced and expanded to include links to Sharp's personal information tool, Color personal information tool.

[Features]

  • PowerPIMM allows remote access via ordinary phone lines using a color personal information tool when away from the office. Plus, users can also exchange compatible graphic, sound, and text data files with the Color personal information tool. In addition, a file synchronization function compares data files on the Color personal information tool and the Color LCD Notebook Computer and automatically updates older data on one or the other unit (schedule, action list, and contacts) with the most recent information. Users can exchange and back up PIM data between Sharp's color personal information tool, and personal information tool with a simple, easy operation using infrared optical communications or a serial cable.

  • Users can select PowerPIMM data, save it to a file and send it to PowerPIMM running on another PC using e-mail.

  • Thanks to a smooth user interface, users can freely enlarge or reduce the planning or schedule screen without having to switch from the yearly plan screen to the monthly or weekly schedule, enabling users to display in list format information ranging from a long-term overview to near-term plans. In addition, users can make new entries or corrections to plans or schedules using a simple drag operation on the screen.

  • PowerPIMM features "time-axis management" of information which allows a user to paste in memos or documents related to schedule data. In addition, a "class management" feature allows users to organize information simply by filing a document in a file box that looks like an office filing cabinet.

  • Multimedia information management

  • Also functions as a platform for application software


[ Peripherals List]

For MN-6550DModel NumberList Price (plus tax)
8 MB [4 MB x 2] Expansion EDO RAM BoardCE-A501B40,000 yen
16 MB [8 MB x 2] Expansion EDO RAM BoardCE-A502B75,000 yen
32 MB [16 MB x 2] Expansion EDO RAM BoardCE-A503B140,000 yen
1.44-GB Hard Disk Drive for ExpansionCE-M60HD60,000 yen
MO Drive Unit (230 MB)CE-M60MU60,000 yen
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery PackCE-M60EB15,000 yen
Port ReplicatorCE-M60PR15,000 yen
TV Tuner Unit (connected externally)CE-M60TV25,000 yen


{Specifications]

ModelMN-6550D
CPUPentium processor (150 MHz)
Built-in 16 KB cache memory; built-in math coprocessor
Level 2 cache256 KB (synchronized pipeline burst SRAM)
ROMContains System BIOS, VGA BIOS, Plug & Play-compatible BIOS
RAMMain memory32 MB (EDO) standard, expandable to 64 MB (EDO) max.
Two identically sized Expansion RAM Boards must be installed at the same time in expansion RAM Slots (two SO-DIMM slots).
Video memory2 MB (EDO)
Display Display panel12.1-inch color DSTN LCD (panel uses Sharp Addressing Technology and dual backlights)
Resolution1,024 x 768 dots
LCD1,024 x 768 dots (65,536 colors)
800 x 600 dots (220,000 colors)*1
640 x 480 dots (220,000 colors)*1
CRT Display (CRT only)1,600 x 1,200 dots (256 colors)
1,280 x 1,024 dots (256 colors)
1,024 x 768 dots (65,536 colors)
800 x 600 dots (16.77 million colors)
640 x 480 dots (16.77 million colors)
CRT Display (Simultaneous display)1,024 x 768 dots (max. 16.77 million colors)*2
Video controllerTrident Cyber9385; DirectDraw compatible; connected to PCI bus
Keyboard/Pointing device90-key (OADG standard, Windows95 compatible); GlidePoint
Auxiliary storage devices Floppy diskOne 3.5-inch (removable; comes standard in Bay 2); compatible with three recording modes: 1.44 MB, 1.2 MB, and 720 KB
(Note: Can replace unit provided for Bay 2.)
Hard disk1.44 GB (built-in); Enhanced IDE interface
CD-ROM drive10X avg. CD-ROM drive (removable)*3; multi-session compatible
Tray-type can handle 12/8-cm discs
Compatible CDs: CD-ROM, audio CD, PhotoCD, video CDs
(Note: Can replace unit provided for Bay 1.)
Sound functionsSound system (Sound Blaster Pro compatible)
Stereo speakers/microphone (monaural) built in
Video capture functionOverlay function; full-motion/still video capture
Interface portsRS-232C*4 x 1 (16550A compatible)
Printer x 1 (EPP/ECP support)
CRT x 1 (analog)
Keyboard/Mouse (PS/2 type) x 1
IR optical communications*4 (IrDA: 4 Mbps, 115 Kbps; ASK: 9,600 bps) x 1
Video IN (NTSC)
Video OUT (NTSC, 640 x 480-dot display)
Audio IN (stereo) x 1
Audio OUT (stereo) x 1
Microphone IN x 1 (monaural)
Expansion Bus x 1 (204-in)
Modem*4Max. communication speed: Data 33,600 bps/Fax 14,400 bps (with Voice function)
PC card slots2 Type II*5 (or 1 Type III slot)
Compatible with PCMCIA Rel. 2.1/JEIDA Ver. 4.2; ZV port (available in lower slot only)
CardBus compatible
Power sourcesDedicated AC Power Adapter (accessory),
Dedicated nickel metal hydride battery unit (accessory)
Power consumption42 W (max.)
Energy efficiency*67.1 W (suspend RAM state, battery not charging)
Battery operating life*7Approx. 1.5 hours (approx. 3 hours when used together with second battery unit).
External dimensions297 (W) x 235 (D) x 56 (H) mm
11.7" x 9.2" x 2.2"
WeightApprox. 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs)
OSMicrosoft® Windows95® operating system (with MS-IME97)
Bundled applicationsMicrosoft® Excel97 for Windows¨ (spreadsheet software)
Microsoft® Word97 for Windows® (Japanese-language word processor)
Microsoft® OutookTM97 for Windows® (desktop information manager) Microsoft®/Shogakkan Bookshelf® Basic (multimedia integrated dictionary)
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 3.0
Power E/J 2.0 (English/Japanese Translation Support Software, with J/E, E/J, J/J, and kanji dictionaries)
PowerPIMM 1.2 (Multimedia Personal Information Manager software)
Let's Go Internet! (InfoWeb)
Computer Player 2.2J [SoftPEGTM compatible]
Video Works v1.5
ProImage Plus for Windows v2.1
Personal Information Tool Connection
TranXit 3.0
SuperVoice 2.2
NiftyManager v2.15
Single v2.00U
Scan Vaccine Limited
Sharp original TrueType fonts
*1 When display driver setting is 16.77 million colors (true 24-bit color), the LCD display can render a maximum of 220,000 colors. Interframe modulation and dithering functions are used.
*2 When displaying on both LCD and external CRT at the same time, video OUT signal is 1,024 x 768 dots regardless of the resolution of the CRT display.
*3 Data transfer rate is 7X on innermost tracks and 11X for outermost tracks of the CD.
*4 Among the RS232C port, IR optical interface and built-in modem, only two can be used at the same time.
*5 Using two PC cards at the same time requires preference settings to be set using a set-up utility or the Windows system.
*6 Figure based on Energy Conservation Law.
* Battery operating life will vary depending on usage conditions.
* Nominal disk capacity uses 1 GB = 1 billion bytes.
* CD-ROM drive and MO drive units can be installed in Bay 1 only; AC Power Adapter unit can be installed in Bay 2 only. Floppy disk drive can be installed in either Bay 1 or Bay 2. Expansion 1.44-GB hard disk drive and second battery unit can be installed at the same time in either bay. Also, the AC Power Adapter can be connected externally as well as installed internally (when using the MO drive unit, the AC Power Adapter must be connected externally).
* Microsoft, Windows, Outlook and Bookshelf are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.
* Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
* All other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.



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