While smartphone fans might not be over-interested in this relatively bulky bit of kit, if you look at it from the MID angle (which is where it’s positioned) the story is very different and the Sharp IS01 is ticking a lot of boxes as we go through the specifications.
The Sharp IS01 is a cross between an Archos 5 tablet and a UMID BZ ultra mobile PC and that could really hit the mark by offering long battery life, a fun operating system build and the components needed for more productivity than on the average phone. A 5 inch screen, Snapdragon processor, Wifi, BT, 3G and a 5-row keyboard, 5MP camera, GPS, trackball and, importantly, a full set of Google Android Apps (yes, the marketplace appears to be there) in a 227g package is going to give the upcoming Viliv N5, a Windows-based 5 inch clamshell a run for it’s money although at present, that money element is an unknown. It’s also targeted at the Japanese carrier KDDI which, combined with Sharps history of Asia-only products, doesn’t bode well for European and US markets. We’ll be looking for imports though.
The IS01 is due for release in October but a developer version, the JN-DK01 should be available in the summer.
Via Engadget.
Hands-on, Akihabara
my guess the market and the google apps are there because of the EVDO radio making it a “phone”, or at least a always connected device.
Much better than the Netwalker. Devices that get the “with Google” logo (plus Google apps and all that) means the manufacturer agrees to whatever Google’s hardware requirements are (ie. dedicated buttons for home, menu, back). The manufacturer and intended carrier also agree not to censor/cripple the phone like blocking tethering apps or filtering web content.
Thanks Patt. That’s useful info that no-one seems to be able to find written down anywhere.
The actual specifics of what Google requires aren’t readily available anywhere but the device will get that “with Google” logo if the manufacturer and carrier says “yes sir” to any and all things Google says. What Google says always changes too. First HTC’s Android phones with Sense UI didn’t get the logo but then later Google gave them it. The requirements seems to always change.
no better then apple in other words. Sounds like the agreement is under NDA. bad bad google. Someone need to take over the android division form the ex-danger guy thats currently there.
I think there is no GPS there … but its also a phone.
Should be compared with Dell mini 5.
I wonder what’s the difference between the developer version and the retail version. Anyway, waiting that long for an Android 1.6 based clamshell doesn’t seem worth it.
it should be compared to the viliv n5, not the dell mini 5/streak.
Thank-you for not calling it a smartbook! Your article was the first not to piss me off!
Thanks Nicole. Trying to be focused, knowledgeable (sp?) and honest here.
I actually have this cell with AU now and it’s a pretty awsome phone. i am currently using an IPhone from Softbank and this Sharp IS01 from AU. I like them equally, both phone are very useful and it makes my life here in Japan just a bit easier. I’m talking about for school and communication.