Sharp Electronics is planning on releasing a Zaurus based on the MI-E1, in the US by this coming Christmas. The model will be pretty much the same as far as hardware is concerned, but will run Linux and Java, instead of Sharp’s Zaurus OS currently in Japan. However owners of the Japanese Zaurus can run the Linux and Java configuration. Sharp is not switching the Zaurus OS in Japan though, only for US models.
Sharp said its Linux-based handheld PC will be able to run software written in Java, a versatile software language that supports different operating systems, including Microsoft’s Windows.
The latest Zaurus model retails in Japan for about 45,000 yen (US$388), US model price can be expected to be around $400-$500.
