[Updated Jan. 19, 2002] Seoul, Korea — (press release excerpt) — PalmPalm Technology has announced a strategic partnership with Sharp Electronics whereby PalmPalm will adapt the Sharp Zaurus Linux PDA to the Korean language and character-set and will distribute it in Korea. PalmPalm will develop application programs optimized for the Korean market as well as be responsible for its distribution in Korea. The English version of the Zaurus will be offered in Korea beginning in March of this year, and the Korean version is expected to follow in June. A free upgrade will be offered to those who purchase the English version prior to availability of the Korean version.

The newly released Zaurus SL-5500 has an increased RAM (64MB), and corrects various deficiencies that were found in the earlier developer model. A camera application, PC File Viewer program, and other functions are also added. And, in case of email program, it supports IMAP4.

PalmPalm will not only be converting the characters into Korean but will also be developing application programs catering to the markets for shipping/transportation, management, securities related systems, and more. In relation to this, PalmPalm will also be in charge of maintaining and upgrading software, supporting online operations and devising manuals in Korean.

SL-5000D, the version of Zaurus for developers has been sold in the US for USD $500. The English-character version of SL-5500 will be sold for approximately USD $600 in the US. The price for Korean-character version is as yet undecided.

 
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