Seoul, Korea — (press release excerpt) — Sharp Electronics of Korea has formally launched the Korean version of the Zaurus SL-5500 Linux PDA. In creating the Korean version of the Zaurus, Sharp collaborated with PalmPalm Technology Inc. (Seoul, Korea) in order to optimize the Linux PDA's application suite for the Korean language and market. Additionally, the Korean version of the Zaurus is the first PDA to include the Opera 6 browser for PDAs.

The Korean Zaurus features optimized the Zaurus' rich multimedia and Internet access capabilities, in addition to the standard PIM suite and other Zaurus applications. In order to enhance the support of the wireless data and communication functions of the Korean version of Zaurus, PalmPalm and Hanvit IT are codeveloping a CompactFlash wireless module that supports CDMA 2000-1X. Also, Sharp and PalmPalm have developed an optional GPS-based Car Navigation System for the Korean version of Zaurus.

The Korean version of the Sharp Zaurus is the first worldwide to include Opera Software's “Opera 6 for PDAs on Linux” browser, with the American and European versions including Opera 5 for PDAs on Linux. Korean users therefore exclusively benefit from additions like: Flash-support, full-screen mode, possibility of having multiple windows open, full bookmark support and support for MIME-types.

“It is important to provide our local end-users with a mobile device that supports a variety of useful software programs,” said Ki-chul Lee, CEO of Sharp Electronics Inc. of Korea. “Selecting Linux, which can attract support from many devoted developers around the world was our first step in an effort to have the Zaurus PDA loved by our customers in the Korean market. Our efforts will of course, continue.”

“The Zaurus SL-5500's application software platform is a combination of Linux and Java, which enables users and developers to readily use and develop excellent application programs,” Lee added. “The fact that there is a concentration of Linux and Java developers all over the world and also within Korea is another reason high expectations are being placed on the Korean version of Zaurus. Having many developers naturally leads to being able to secure useful application programs applicable to Zaurus as need be. On top of that, we expect to blow a new air of energy into the Linux developer community in Korea.”

 
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