New Sharp notebook includes auto-backup

Sharp Systems of America last week launched a notebook geared to small and midsize business users that includes automatic synchronization and back-up capabilities.

The Actius MC22 ($1,400) includes DirectHD and SharpSync technology, which lets users back up the notebook data to another PC through a USB connection. When the notebook is plugged into a PC, the SharpSync technology synchronizes folders between computers, making sure that the latest version of each file is on both machines. Until recently, the technology was available only on Sharp's ultraportable Actius MM10 model. DirectHD technology lets the primary PC view the notebook as an external hard drive.

The MC22 includes an AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2200+, 256M bytes of double-data-rate SDRAM (upgradeable to 768M bytes), a 40G-byte hard drive, integrated 802.11g wireless, integrated 10/100 Ethernet, V.90 fax modem and Windows XP Home Edition.

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Sharp Systems of America last week launched a notebook geared to small and midsize business users that includes automatic synchronization and back-up capabilities.

The Actius MC22 ($1,400) includes DirectHD and SharpSync technology, which lets users back up the notebook data to another PC through a USB connection. When the notebook is plugged into a PC, the SharpSync technology synchronizes folders between computers, making sure that the latest version of each file is on both machines. Until recently, the technology was available only on Sharp's ultraportable Actius MM10 model. DirectHD technology lets the primary PC view the notebook as an external hard drive.

The MC22 includes an AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2200+, 256M bytes of double-data-rate SDRAM (upgradeable to 768M bytes), a 40G-byte hard drive, integrated 802.11g wireless, integrated 10/100 Ethernet, V.90 fax modem and Windows XP Home Edition.

Other features include a CD-R/RW/DVD combination drive, a 12.1-inch LCD screen and 5.1-channel surround-sound support.

For more information, go to sharp.smartermall.com.

New iPaqs, GPS receiver from HP

HP this week is expected to announce two new iPaq Pocket PC handheld PDAs, the h4350 and h4150. The h4150 includes integrated 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless connectivity in a very thin and light form. The h4350 has an integrated, backlit keyboard for easier text input and integrated wireless connectivity.

The h4150 will be priced at $450 and can be ordered now online via HP's Web site. The h4350 will cost $500 and is expected to be available next month.

Both devices include a Secure Digital I/O slot to add peripherals such as memory cards, wireless connectivity cards and a digital camera (the HP Photosmart Mobile Camera). Both devices also include 64M bytes of RAM (56M bytes available to users), and a 400-MHz xScale processor.

Security features on both handhelds include support for VPN and Wired Equivalent Privacy, as well as wireless support for Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol and 802.1X.

The company also launched the HP iPaq Navigation System, a global-positioning-system receiver that connects to an iPaq to provide in-vehicle navigation.

The system includes Navtech map data, and a database with more than 1 million entries that can direct users to restaurants, hotels and gas stations, among other "points of interest," HP says.

Vendors pony up 802.11g USB adapters

Several companies in recent weeks have come out with the final link in the 802.11g chain: USB adapters. Early 802.11g adapters included the PC Card form factor, as well as Ethernet adapters that could connect Ethernet-port-enabled equipment, such as game consoles, stereo equipment and laptops. Now come USB adapters, which let you connect older desktops to an 802.11g network.

Buffalo Technology (WLI-USB-G54, $100), D-Link (DWL-G150, $80) Netgear (WG121, $70) and Linksys (WUSB54G, $120) have announced the new adapters.

Now you have no excuse not to install an 802.11g network within your home or home office because every type of device is covered you'd want to connect to the network.

Shaw can be reached at kshaw@nww.com.

Read more about wireless & mobile in Network World's Wireless & Mobile section.