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

The Power Zaurus MI-C1, announced in November and released in early December 1999, was the successor to the MI-610 and brought the Power Zaurus concept into a much smaller enclosure. Measuring just 136 × 80 × 15.5 mm and weighing 180 g, it is roughly half the volume of its predecessor and small enough to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket. The two versions differ in colour: formal blue (MI-C1-A) and fine silver (MI-C1-S). Despite its compact size, the MI-C1 retains the broad functionality of the Power Zaurus range.

Its 3.9-inch colour display uses Sharp's New Super Mobile LCD, a reflective TFT technology with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels and support for 65,536 colours. Compared with the display of the MI-310, Sharp reports 27% higher reflectivity and approximately twice the contrast, improving readability without relying on a conventional backlight. The screen supports 12- and 16-dot fonts, as well as an enlargement function for viewing information in a larger size. The combination of improved display quality and low power consumption helps make the MI-C1 suitable for extended use away from a power source.

The MI-C1 uses a 32-bit RISC processor* and has 16 MB of built-in memory, with approximately 7 MB available for user data. Sharp have also improved responsiveness by allocating more working memory to applications, making functions such as searching and opening large address books noticeably quicker than on earlier models. Its personal information management software includes a schedule, address book, action list, ink-based word processor, dictionaries and public-transport route search. The device also features an HTML 3.2 Web browser with SSL and cookie support.

Internet access is possible through compatible digital mobile phones, cdmaOne handsets and PHS devices, using the appropriate optional cables or connection holders. Sharp provide an Internet connection assistant to simplify setup for services such as @nifty and BIGLOBE, alongside access through Sharp Space Town. A scroll button on the upper-left side of the device allows users to move through menus and Web pages and check e-mail one-handed while holding the Zaurus and a connected phone.

Optional accessories extend the MI-C1's multimedia capabilities. The CE-AG06 digital camera card, sold separately for 24,000 yen, used a 350,000-pixel CMOS image sensor, offers 2× digital zoom and supports close-up photography from approximately 6 cm. A separate voice-recorder kit enables recordings of up to about one hour, or around three hours when used with an optional 20 MB CompactFlash card. The PC connection kit (CE-C1PK) includes a cradle and synchronisation software for exchanging data and images with a Windows PC, synchronising information with Microsoft Outlook and handling e-mail.

The MI-C1 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing up to approximately 16 hours of operation under specified conditions. Sharp also offers dedicated connection holders for digital mobile phones and cdmaOne handsets, allowing the Zaurus to be used with a connected phone without requiring the user to hold the two devices separately. With its improved reflective display, faster software, extensive PIM functions and optional camera and recording accessories, the MI-C1 brings much of the functionality of the larger Power Zaurus models into a genuinely pocketable device.

* Unspecified model and clock frequency; I have selected the SH7708S for the Specifications table below because my database structure requires me to.