Sharp PC-Z1 Mobile Internet Tool [Linux Ubuntu, 5-in Touchscreen, 800MHz Freescale i.MX515 CPU, 512MB RAM]

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Sharp Corporation announced today that it would introduce into the Japanese market the PC-Z1, a new Mobile Internet Tool in the same vain as their ultra-mobile Zaurus mini computers. The PC-Z1is being marketed as an easy to handle mobile computing device (a la mobile smart phones) that has performance similar to that of a PC. Sharp is outing the new device as an entirely new category of mobile computers designed for the cloud-computing era.

The PC-Z1 features a quick launch function that enables super-fast booting of the device in about three seconds. And because there isn’t really much going on in the way of large screens or moving parts the PC-Z1 is capable of some pretty impressive battery lifetimes, in the neighborhood of 10 hours. This should make it ideal for long flights or long lunches, depending upon your preference. As for the display, it is small. It features a high-resolution, 5-in touch-screen LCD that enables intuitive touch operation while the full keyboard provides for comfortable text input.

Sharp also plans to provide a variety of content for the PC-Z1, such as language and specialized-field dictionaries, novels, and comics, thus enabling the PC-Z1 to be used as an electronic dictionary and e-book.

Sharp is positioning the PC-Z1 as a third mobile tool following in the footsteps of notebook PCs and mobile phones to create a new market. The PC-Z1 is expected to go on sale in Japan on September 25^th for $450. If the press release is any indicator, it will be available in red, white, and black. No word yet from Sharp on whether or not the PC-Z1 will make its way into the international market.