Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 in action – Videos

netwalker diginfo

The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 has a 5 inch touchscreen display, a tiny keyboard, and runs Ubuntu Linux. It’s really more of a MID (Mobile Internet Device) or Smartbook (if I can use that word) than a typical netbook. But it does have a full QWERTY keyboard, even if it’s too small to touch type on. And it does run a full desktop operatng system complete with an office suite, web browser, and other utilities.

Netbooked has posted a roundup of videos showing the NetWalker in action. It looks a heck of a lot more powerful than a typical smartphone, but more difficult to use than a typical netbook thanks to the cramped keyboard. But when was the last time you saw a netbook with a 10 inch screen that you could fit in your pocket?

The Ubuntu Linux interface seems to feature a custom program launcher. It doesn’t look like the Ubuntu Netbook Remix interface, but it’s been a while since I checked in on Ubuntu MID Edition, so it’s possible that the NetWalker interface could be based on that.

You can check out a couple of the videos after the break, or visit Netbooked to see more.

Posted on Sunday, August 30th, 2009, 9:14 am by Brad Linder

raindog469

This would be pretty cool…. if it were about $150 instead of $400.
Mikez

Semi-Shaky ground here; if FUJITSU tries to re-register;
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&stat…
or VTECH INDUSTRIES decides to re-open their application;
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&stat…

Did anyone ever imagine that naming the baby could be so complicated?
DougC3

Full Ubuntu and full netbook resolution in a clamshell-in-your-pocket is very intriguing to me, but a price of $479 for an ARM-based smartbook isn't (from the “Sharp…shrink a netbook” link above). The price may drop if they export it to the US, but I'll probably wait for a knockoff.

According to the bottom video (which gives great specs in the audio), key pitch is 14mm (74%), just 1.77mm less than that of the Eee 700 and 900. Yet the person in video is just thumb-typing. I think at least some slow and careful 10-finger typing would be possible with this unit.

(The top video was good too, after I clicked off the red HD button )
oryoki

Looks like there is plenty of room to use a 7″ LCD in place of the 5″ model, keeping the same 1024 x 600 screen resolution. The impact on the battery life should be minimal (same number of pixels, same brightness). The price would be higher, though, and it's plenty high already.
http://listeningtoreason.com wanorris

The price is why all those mobile internet devices or UMPCs or whatever from a few years ago died on the vine — well, that plus the battery life tended to suck.

They may sell a ton of these in Japan, but it will never be more than a niche product here.

Cheap chinese knockoff makers: go to work!
Lindsay

I still want one. Ever since I had the mighty Psion 5 have I wanted something like it with a modern OS (and in colour!).

Hopefully they can convert the OS to English….
1stkorean

The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 looks like a childs toy.
Pingback: Videos: Sharp PC-Z1 NetWalker ausprobiert » Sharp, Test » Netbux
BoloMKXXVIII

This “child” would like one.
ricord

Boot in 3 seconds is a new advance for Linux!!!!!
ArchiMark

Incorrect – It wakes from sleep in 3 seconds….
john

looks nice but im not gonna pay 480 for an overgrown mouse
john

looks nice but im not gonna pay 480 for an overgrown mouse

Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 in action – Videos

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