[This interesting new Mobile Internet device from Sharp supports "one touch receiving" of emails and target .]

TOKYO -- "Sharp Corp. on Dec. 25 plans to launch a new model of its "Communication Pal" mobile information device that can connect to a cdmaOne cell phone.

"The new terminal, called the "MT-300C-A," is priced at 38,800 yen. The company aims to market 3,000 units monthly. (103.46 yen = US$1)

Communication Pal "MT-300," released on Sept. 9, 1999, was only compatible with digital cellular phones, personal handyphone system (PHS) phones or "Doccimo," a handset combining both cellular phone and PHS capabilities.

The new MT-300C-A has similar functions to the MT-300, but it is different from the MT-300 in that it supports cdmaOne-type mobile phones whose transmission speed is 14.4kbps. It cannot be directly connected with a digital cellular phone or Doccimo, but can connected to a PHS with an optional cable, which is 4,500 yen.

Its other functions are the same as the MT-300. Since it can send and receive e-mails via ISPs, users who already have an e-mail address will be able to check e-mails from the Communication Pal.

The main body has a "one touch receiving" button to enable users to check unread e-mails just by pressing the button. In addition, it notifies the sender that the mail was sent successfully.

Nevertheless, as it is not compatible with a personal digital cellular (PDC) phone system, it doesn't support a popular "10-yen mail" service provided by NTT DoCoMo like MT-300 can. The 10-yen mail service enables users to send/receive one Internet mail message with data equivalent to about 1,000 Japanese characters for only 10 yen.

Its shape is similar to the MT-300's, but is slightly more square. The color is a deep "planet" blue so it matches the color available with cdmaOne mobile phones.

The main configuration is as follows. It has a 3.9-in. liquid-crystal display with 320 x 240 dots in 16 levels of gray. Its CPU is a 32-bit RISC processor. The main memory is 4MB, of which the available memory for users is approximately 1.45MB. It uses two size AA batteries, and can operate for about 16 hours straight when connected to cdmaOne. It measures 163mm wide by 90mm high by 26.5mm thick. It weighs approximately 285g, including batteries and a connection cable for cdmaOne.

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