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

MI-P1

The Zaurus iGeti MI-P1, announced in March 1999, marks a major change in direction for Sharp's handheld computers. Priced at just 38,000 yen, it is designed as a lightweight, affordable personal mobile tool rather than a feature-packed electronic organiser. The removable, translucent slide cover protects the display and houses the stylus. With the cover removed, the device measures just 138 × 74 × 11–15 mm and weighs 135 g; with the cover attached, these figures increase to 148 × 78 × 15–16 mm and 170 g.

The 3.8-inch monochrome LCD offers a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels and displays 16 shades of grey. A touch-sensitive surface and stylus provide the primary input method, while a dedicated scroll button allows users to navigate the screen without taking out the pen. The device uses a 32-bit RISC processor (SH7708S) and has 6 MB of built-in memory, comprising 2 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash memory, of which approximately 3.2 MB is available for user data. A CompactFlash slot allows memory expansion and the use of compatible accessories. Other interfaces include a 16-pin expansion port and an infrared communication port supporting IrDA and IrTran-P.

Two AAA batteries provide up to 40 hours of continuous display operation, or approximately eight hours when communicating through a mobile phone or PHS connection.

To achieve its smaller size and lower price, Sharp have deliberately removed several functions found in its more expensive Zaurus models, including spreadsheet and word-processing applications, ink-based word processing, fax transmission and reception, and built-in dictionary software. Instead, the MI-P1 concentrates on personal information management, Internet browsing and e-mail. Its PIM applications include an address book and schedule, while the Web browser supports HTML 3.2, SSL and cookies. E-mail is available through POP3 and SMTP, as well as NTT DoCoMo's 10-yen mail service. A built-in interface for digital mobile phones and PHS devices enables Internet access using separately purchased connection cables.

The MI-P1 is closely tied to Sharp Space Town, an online service launched alongside the device on 20 March 1999. The service combines Internet access with downloadable software and information content from providers including Recruit, Pia and Nikkei BP. An integrated registration application guides users through setting up their Space Town accounts, simplifying the process of getting online for the first time. Sharp have also introduced Quick Pass, a service through which users can download information from participating websites and add it directly to the Zaurus's schedule or action list. For example, event listings, ticket-release dates, recruitment information and business news can be transferred into the relevant applications, making online content more useful than simply browsing it on screen.

Despite its simplified design, the MI-P1 can also work with a Windows PC. An optional cradle enables synchronisation with Microsoft Outlook 97 and Outlook 98, while the CompactFlash slot supports compatible accessories, including a 56-kbit/s modem card. The iGeti therefore represents a new approach to the Zaurus: rather than providing every possible function out of the box, Sharp offers a compact and inexpensive device whose capabilities can be extended through downloadable content, online services and optional accessories.

MI-P2

Launching just four months later, the Zaurus iGeti MI-P2 is a business-oriented successor to the MI-P1. Priced at 50,000 yen, it retains the same basic hardware platform but replaces the removable slide cover with a conventional cover integrated into the body. The device is available in black and measured 145 × 78 × 15–17 mm, weighing approximately 170 g with its batteries, stylus and protective cover.

The built-in memory has increased to 10 MB, of which approximately 7 MB was available for user data.

As with the MI-P1, the device supports Internet browsing and e-mail, with built-in connection support for digital mobile phones and PHS devices when used with the appropriate optional cable.

Sharp's main focus is on software for business users and people on the move. The MI-P2 includes an integrated dictionary combining a Japanese dictionary with approximately 45,200 headwords, a kanji dictionary covering 6,355 characters, an English–Japanese dictionary with approximately 164,400 entries, and a Japanese–English dictionary with approximately 97,000 entries. It also comes with Norikae Annai, a route-search application from Jorudan that helps users plan public-transport journeys. Fare and timetable updates can be purchased through Sharp's Space Town online service.

The MI-P2 also introduces Bunko Viewer, software for reading electronic books downloaded through Space Town. This expands the iGeti beyond personal information management and Internet access, allowing users to carry digital reading material on the same compact device. An optional CE-ST2 cradle, priced at 8,000 yen, enables data exchange with Windows 95 and Windows 98 PCs.

Although its hardware remains close to that of the MI-P1, the MI-P2's integrated dictionaries, transport-route search and electronic-book reader give it a distinctly more business-oriented role. Sharp continues to sell the MI-P1 alongside it, offering consumers a less expensive, Internet-focused alternative.