Tokyo, June 1 (Bloomberg) -- Sharp Corp. said it will use a processor from Intel Corp. in a version of its handheld computer because of the chip's power-saving features and ability to handle several functions at once.
The first major manufacturer to introduce a handheld computer using the Linux operating system will use Intel's StrongARM chip, said Hiroshi Uno, general manager of Sharp's mobile systems division, in an interview. The device is designed specifically to show video clips.
To attract users, Sharp has developed a handheld computer capable of playing movie previews, games and music, functions that can demand extra battery power and chip performance. Sharp has used Hitachi Ltd. processors until now.
Sharp picked the Intel chip ``because it offers the lowest power consumption and the best functions'' for the new model, Uno said. In Japan, the company may replace Hitachi's processor in its Zaurus handhelds once it develops technology to allow existing software to run on a different chip, Uno said.
The Osaka-based company's handheld devices compete with similar products from Palm Inc., the biggest handheld computer maker, and Pocket PCs running on Microsoft Corp.'s software. Sharp will introduce a Linux-based model abroad later this year.
Intel's StrongARM chips are used in Compaq Computer Corp.'s iPaq Pocket PCs. The technology was developed by Digital Equipment Corp. and Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. as a high-speed version of ARM's microprocessors. ARM chips are made by various makers for handheld devices, including portable game players and phones.
Sony Corp.'s Clie electronic organizers, which run on Palm's operating system software, use a chip from Motorola Inc.
JavaOne Conference
The prototype using Intel's chip will be displayed at the JavaOne Conference in San Francisco starting June 4. The event, organized by Sun Microsystems Inc., is a showcase of products and services using Sun's Java programming language, which runs on all computer operating systems.
The device will be sold in the U.S. as early as October.
Sharp plans to display a prototype of a wireless Linux PDA with phone functions. Deutsche Telekom AG may release the model later this year.
The Japanese company, which is also preparing to introduce a Linux-based model that enables users to share data between the device and a personal computer, plans to triple its PDA shipments to 1 million units in the year ending March 2002. The multimedia model to be sold abroad will account for about one- fifth of the total, according to Uno.
Sharp is teaming up with others on the Linux device. The latest supporter is U.S.-based Lineo Inc., which will jointly develop the operating software for the handheld machine. The company is also cooperating with software companies such as Tao Group Ltd. of the U.K. and St. Louis, Missouri-based Amiga Inc.
After releasing the Linux-based PDA, Sharp hopes to offer within a year 10,000 Java-based programs capable of running on the handheld to satisfy users. The company may ask NTT DoCoMo Inc. and other mobile-phone companies in Japan for their approval to modify Java-based programs designed for cellular phones.
Sharp's shares rose as much as 28 yen, or 1.6 percent, to 1,731. The shares have risen about 25 percent since Jan. 1.