Created: 20 October 2026 · Last edited: 22 October 2026

The Zaurus Pocket MI-100 series, announced in November 1997, brings much of the functionality of the Power Zaurus into a compact, monochrome design aimed at users who wanted a capable personal organiser without the bulk or cost of the colour models. The series comprises three versions: the MI-110M with 10 MB of memory and a built-in 14.4-kbit/s fax modem, the MI-106M with 6 MB of memory and the same modem, and the more affordable MI-106, which omits the modem. The two 6 MB models provide approximately 3.1 MB of user-accessible space, while the MI-110M offers around 7 MB. Memory can be expanded using CompactFlash cards.

At approximately 146 × 83 × 15 mm and 195 g, the Zaurus Pocket models are among the smallest and lightest MI machines. Their 3.9-inch monochrome LCD displays 320 × 240 pixels in 16 shades of grey. Choosing a monochrome display instead of colour helps keep the devices compact and economical, while the screen remains large enough for schedules, documents and Web pages. Unlike the Power Zaurus models, the MI-100 series use a CompactFlash slot rather than a PC Card slot, do not support Sharp's digital-camera card, and lack the voice-memo function.

Despite their size, the Zaurus Pocket models offer a broad range of productivity software. Alongside the usual personal information management tools, they introduce a Personal Database application that lets users define their own fields and data types, rearrange displayed columns and sort records. Spreadsheet software supports data exchange with Microsoft Excel 95, while the word processor can exchange documents with Microsoft Word 95 and Ichitaro 8. An HTML 3.2-compatible Web browser and e-mail software provides access to online information and messaging, and the infrared port supports both ASK and IrDA communications, including image transfer using the IrTran-P standard.

The built-in fax modems in the MI-110M and MI-106M operate at 14.4 kbit/s, slower than the 33.6-kbit/s modems in some Power Zaurus models, but allow fax and data communication without an external modem. All three models can also communicate with a PC through CompactFlash-based data exchange using Sharp's bundled ZAURUS-PC Exchange software. An optional portable keyboard is available for users who need to enter longer texts.

The Zaurus Pocket is powered by two AAA alkaline batteries, providing approximately 40 hours of operation under Sharp's stated conditions. By prioritising portability, long battery life and practical business tools over colour graphics, photography and voice recording, the MI-100 series offers a lower-cost alternative to the more multimedia-oriented Power Zaurus while preserving much of its core functionality.