SRI KRISHNA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

[An Autonomous Institution | Affiliated to Anna University and

Approved by AICTE | Accredited by NAAC with ‘A’ Grade]
KOVAIPUDUR, COIMBATORE – 641 042.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

Course Code & Title: 22EEO05 - Industrial Electrical Systems

COMPONENT-4

CASE STUDY

Roll Number : 727822TUEE140

Name of the student: Shwetha M

Year/Section: III YEAR/B

Case Study Topic: Sharp PC-Z1

Technological Impact and Design Philosophy

The Sharp PC-Z1’s development was influenced by the growing demand for portable
computing that bridged smartphones and netbooks. This device came at a time when mobile
technology was still experimenting with form factors, screen sizes, and operating systems. Sharp’s
choice to use an ARM-based processor and a Linux operating system demonstrated a forward-
thinking approach that targeted a tech-savvy audience looking for a device that could go beyond
what standard PDAs and early smartphones could achieve.

• ARM Architecture Choice:

The Freescale i.MX515 processor (ARM Cortex-A8) offered a power-efficient
solution. ARM processors were typically used in mobile devices because of their
low power consumption. By adopting this architecture, Sharp aimed to provide a
longer-lasting device in a compact form factor, which influenced future mobile
devices adopting similar designs.

• Linux-Based OS:
Using Ubuntu on ARM was unconventional at the time, as Linux distributions
were primarily used on x86 platforms. This choice underscored Sharp’s aim to
appeal to Linux users and tech enthusiasts who valued open-source software and
desired the flexibility to install various Linux applications.

Comparison with Contemporaries

• Netbooks:
Netbooks like the Asus Eee PC were larger but offered more powerful x86-based
processors and full-sized keyboards. While netbooks could run Windows or Linux
and had larger screens, they were bulkier and had limited battery life compared to
the PC-Z1.

• PDAs and Smartphones:

Devices like the iPhone 3G, HTC Dream, and Palm Pre dominated the
smartphone market. These devices were more powerful in connectivity and app
ecosystems, but lacked the physical keyboard and desktop-like experience that the
PC-Z1 provided.
• Sony VAIO P Series:

Sony’s VAIO P, released around the same time, shared a similar concept of
ultra-portability. However, it was significantly more expensive and was marketed
as a premium device. Unlike the PC-Z1, it ran on an Intel Atom processor with a
Windows OS, making it a traditional PC rather than a Linux-powered handheld.
 The PC-Z1 fit into a unique category, offering a lightweight, Linux-compatible
experience for users who wanted a device solely focused on browsing, light
productivity, and mobility.

Use Cases and Target Scenarios

Sharp positioned the PC-Z1 for specific user scenarios that traditional laptops,
smartphones, and PDAs couldn’t fully satisfy:

• Educational Use:
The device’s compact nature and Linux-based operating system made it ideal for
students who needed a lightweight, affordable computing device for note-taking,
browsing academic resources, and managing assignments.

• Fieldwork for Professionals:

For professionals in need of quick, on-the-go data access or writing tools, the
PC-Z1 offered basic office functions and portability. Researchers, journalists, and
field engineers could use it to quickly take notes, review data, and access online
resources.
• Linux Developers and Open-Source Enthusiasts:
The PC-Z1 appealed to developers who wanted a portable Linux environment
to test applications, experiment with Linux command-line functions, or use as a
coding platform in specific scenarios. It supported open-source flexibility, allowing
users to install custom Linux applications and configurations.

Challenges Faced by Sharp with the PC-Z1

Despite the PC-Z1’s unique design and capabilities, it faced several challenges:

• Performance Limitations:
The Freescale i.MX515 processor and limited 512 MB RAM restricted the
device’s ability to handle multitasking and more demanding applications. Although
it was suitable for simple tasks, users expecting performance similar to netbooks or
low-end laptops found it insufficient.
 • Market Confusion:
Many consumers were unfamiliar with ARM-based Linux devices, especially in
the ultra-portable segment. While Linux users understood the advantages, the
general public struggled to see its value over more familiar devices like netbooks or
tablets.

• Evolving Competition:
Tablets like the Apple iPad and Android tablets soon entered the market,
providing more touch-optimized experiences, extensive app ecosystems, and better
performance. These devices ultimately overshadowed the PC-Z1, as they offered
similar mobility with improved functionality.

Sharp’s Strategy and Market Performance

Sharp initially launched the PC-Z1 exclusively in Japan, where the compact
form factor and Linux OS found some traction among local tech enthusiasts.
However, its expansion into broader markets was limited, primarily due to
competition and a lack of market awareness about its potential uses. Sharp marketed
the device with a focus on its unique positioning as a “Mobile Internet Tool,” but it
struggled to clearly define how it fit among laptops, PDAs, and netbooks.

Due to limited adoption and lukewarm sales, the Sharp PC-Z1 was eventually
discontinued. However, it remains a notable example of Sharp’s commitment to
experimenting with portable devices and Linux-based solutions, which was a rare
venture outside mainstream Windows or Android systems.

Legacy and Influence on Future Portable Devices

Though short-lived, the Sharp PC-Z1 left an impact on subsequent device

designs. It provided a glimpse into the possibilities of ultra-mobile computing,
foreshadowing trends seen in later devices:

• Ultra-Mobile PCs and Micro Laptops:

Devices such as the GPD Pocket and One Netbook series echoed the PC-Z1’s
philosophy. These devices adopted small form factors, physical keyboards, and
Linux support, appealing to users looking for portable computing with desktop-like
functionality.
 • Linux on ARM Devices:
The PC-Z1 was an early demonstration of Linux on ARM, now a common
configuration. Today, Linux support on ARM processors is robust, making it a
viable choice for modern Raspberry Pi, PinePhone, and Pinebook Pro users.
• Revival of Open-Source Devices:
As Linux gained popularity on mobile devices, open-source and Linux-
compatible devices have gained traction. The NetWalker’s vision of a portable
Linux device influenced the resurgence of Linux-based laptops and the broader
embrace of open-source ecosystems.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Sharp PC-Z1 was an experimental device, representing a bold attempt by

Sharp to tap into the portable computing market through innovation. Its compact
design, Linux-based OS, and unique market positioning attracted a niche audience
but struggled to gain widespread adoption due to performance constraints and
emerging competition from more user-friendly devices. While it didn’t succeed
commercially, the PC-Z1 inspired a range of future devices that further refined the
concept of portable, Linux-powered computing.
For technology enthusiasts and collectors, the Sharp PC-Z1 remains a testament to a
period of exploration in computing history, where device manufacturers were
experimenting with unconventional designs to balance productivity, portability, and
innovation.