Sharp launches Lynx Android MID

Posted on 21 Jul 2010 at 13:57

Sharp has announced the impending launch of its latest mobile Internet device - and this time it's running Google's Android platform.

The Lynx SH-10B, due for launch this month in Japan in partnership with mobile provider NTT DoCoMo, is a smartbook-style clamshell device which appears, at first glance, to be a shrunken netbook. Under the hood, however, things are quite a bit different.

According to details published over on SlashGear, the device shares more in common with a smartphone than a netbook, with Google's Android operating system and dual high-resolution cameras - a 5.3 megapixel unit on the rear and a 4.3 megapixel unit on the front for video chat applications - along with a 5in touchscreen panel above a full QWERTY keyboard.

The Lynx measures a compact 148mm x 83mm x 17.8mm, although there's no mention in the specifications of precisely how much it weighs.

In keeping with its smartphone roots, the device also includes 3G broadband, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a GPS chip for on-the-go location finding. As the device is aimed at a Japanese market, a 1-Seg portable digital TV tuner completes the connectivity options.

Somewhat bizarrely, Sharp has opted to dispense with the traditional touchpad in favour of a small trackball above the keyboard - although the presence of the touchscreen means it shouldn't need using all that often.

Sharp has yet to confirm launch pricing for the device, along with whether it has plans to bring the device to the UK.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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