Sharp Mobile devices Info and Downloads site

• main
• applications
• howto
• forum
• device list

Sharp Mobile Computers

Sharp and Apple created the first Personal Digital Assistant, the Newton in 1990. Actually creating the category of mobile computers, Sharp worked with Apple to produce the hardware and took part in coding the OS. In 1993, Sharp launched their own line of mobile computers, the Zaurus, which has become a "household" name among programmers and users alike. The Zaurus ran a proprietary OS until 2000 when it switched to Linux. The Linux Zaurus series was officially discontinued in February 2007 but manufacture did not cease immediately because of strong demand.

The mobile personal tools by Sharp have never been limited to one OS only. Windows Mobile touch screen UMPCs with display sizes between 5 and 10 inches have been produced since 1997, when the first of the Mobilion series was launched running Windows CE 1.0. Sharp's present Windows Mobile line, made for Japanese operator Willcom, is called W-Zero3 and first appeared at the end of 2005.

In November 2009, Sharp launched a new line of mobile computers, said to the be successor of the Zaurus, named NetWalker, running Linux Ubuntu. The first mobile device running Android is set to hit markets in Japan this May 2010, but perhaps the most anticipated new concept OS mobile tool is the First ELSE which will start selling in Q2 of 2010 on yet undisclosed markets by Israeli IT company ELSE, formerly Emblaze Mobile.

Keitai - Sharp Mobile Telephones

Sharp keitais are the most popular mobile telephone brand in Japan (1/3 of market). They run a proprietary OS developed by Japanese Access Corporation who are also known for their NetFront Browser. [* Access are also the coders behind the First ELSE boasting the Else Intuition OS nicknamed sPlay.] The OS is based on Linux but is heavily customized to meet the needs of Japanese carrier SoftBank, for whom a great part of keitais in Japan are made. Together with the leading mobile operator in Japan, NTT DoCoMo, Sharp make a number of mobile phone lines all using a custom-tailored operating environment based on Symbian. Although traditionally partially function-locked, Japanese Sharp phones are popular among fans world-wide because of their look, feel, quality, robustness and unmatched specifications. I am a proud owner of a 904SH keitai myself, an exceptional phone which still does a great job despite its 4 years of age.

About this Site

This site was originally conceived as a Windows Mobile devices manifactured by Sharp database, containing useful information, a.k.a. HowTos and Applications, as well as a Device List, where brief descriptions have been given of these devices.

Featured are all Windows CE (Compact Edition, a.k.a. Mobile) devices manufactured by Sharp. The lack of a comprehensive Sharp-only resource site, however, inspired me to further develop the site to also include non-Windows Mobile devices.

All application- and howto-related information comes from personal experience and all applications have been personally tested on either or both of my Sharp devices - the W-ZERO3 (WS003SH) and the EM ONE (S01SH). There is, however, no guarantee that these will work for your Sharp (or any other WM-based) device. Please use at your own risk and send feedback and/or any information you might consider useful.

For greater details or to ask questions and share your experience, please visit the Forums.

You can contact me via HowardForums or XDA Developers site (PM, username: cheeseus) or email me at cheeseus at dir dot bg.