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Summary: This PDA is for newbies & geeks alike:
Review: Not familiar with Linux. If I wasn't told this runs on an embeded Linux OS, I would have never guessed, until I realized it doesn't crash - then I would catch on. The graphics on this are awesome and the applications have all you need. I bought this at list price. Now it's a bargan. It has great handwriting detecting software and is really easy to use. You can get more applications for it from myZaurus.com and there are plenty more links from there. There is a wireless service opening up for it and more. Also, if you are a geek you will love this because you can get command line tools, file managers and even write Java applications of your own to install. Like I said - it rocks :0)
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Summary: Using it now.
Review: I'm writing this now ON the Zaurus using the web browser and a Linksys CF wireless card. Works great! All the linux tools are there. Set up is easy. Very cool!
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Summary: Laptop replacement...!!
Review: This pda is the ultimate in computing power: it is WAY faster and more powerful than any other Palm or CE machine out there. As a former Palm user, I feel that this machine is EASY to use (despite what some are saying) for the novice pda user. If you are afraid of looking under the hood, and tinkering with the apps, you dont have to!!!! Just use the PIM, calendar,clock, and Opera browser, no need to configure. As a techie and programmer, I love the pull down keyboard (I dont use the handwriting thing)and the BASH command line functionality ROCKS!!!! I love having Linux in my pocket! For those of you who are still afraid of this machine, even my mom (who is a total technophobe) can use it with ease. She cant even spell Linux! And she wants a Zaurus too. She'll just use the basic fucntions like the PIM, taking pictures and MP3 listning, wireless surfing..........loads of fun!
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Summary: Slick in every way
Review: To qualify, I'm avowed Linux bigot, but not a techie like so many are. I use linux in day to day production business. This device is the first I've seen to deliver a clean interface and all the mainstream functionality that is needed. What's more, if I want to improve on it, I can. That is the promise and value of open systems. Compared to CE, which will likely bloat and need more power to grow, this one is likely to merely improve. I would like to see more applications, however: time management, contact management, general information managment. Very clean, very fast, and I love the keyboard.
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Summary: Enjoy the full flexibility of open operating system
Review: Don't lock yourself into PalmOS or Windows platform. Zaurus offers you the free Embedded Linux OS for the maximum stability and performance. This PDA is a programmers dream, and at the same time loaded with all the software you need. And the software base for it increases daily....
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Summary: Great for geeks, good for novices
Review: I had been waiting for the Zaurus for months - the idea of having a full computer in the form factor of a PDA was just too tempting...I got one as soon as they were available, and I was immediately taken by it. The unit is sleek, light, fast (for a PDA) and does all you would expect from a PDA - and much more. The most obvious innovation is the little keyboard available by sliding the bottom cover of the unit. Especially for the novice that has little experience with handwriting recognition that by itself is an enormous boon. Everything else about the unit is really excellent: the cradle, the software, the screen, the performance in general. Writing software for the Zaurus is easy, and there are a number of developers writing software and sharing it. In general, the Zaurus has been accepted very favorably by the open source community, so that you are likely to enjoy more freedom of choice in software than you would have with other PDAs. The only real downside I found was the synchronization software developed by Trolltech and Intellisynch. I had real problems getting both to do their job, with Trolltech's Qtopia desktop personal not working at all (I was told it was a version mismatch with my setup - am I expected to fix that?) and Intellisynch's software generating lots of duplicate entries in calendar and contact list. Unfortunately, neither software is open-sourced, so that it might take a long time to get a version that really works for me. All in all: great unit, let's hope the desktop software is developed in the same direction.
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Summary: Great Job Sharp - But......!!!!
Review: I was very enthusiastic about the Zaurus and still am to a degree. Great concept, the OS is fantastic, very simple & stable to use (I am not a techie). The built in keyboard is the best thing ever, I can't believe some of the Pocket PCs have not gone down this road. HOWEVER !, as fine as this product is, the battery drains rather fast. With the screen turned to medium brightness, the unit can stay powered up for 3-4 hours. If you have an 802.11b card inserted, you will be lucky to get an hour. If it were not for the battery issue, I would have kept this unit, as I really liked it. However, I began to think that I would take my laptop on trips as it gets = or better battery life. Aside from the battery, this is a very well thought out product and deserves an A ratting.
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Summary: Finally a PDA I like.
Review: Sometime ago, I had a Palm but could not manage to find it useful. So I had given up on PDA. But with Zaurus, I've discovered that a PDA could be versatile and nice. I also enjoy the idea of being able to run my C programs...on such a small tool, even though I've never tried it yet.
And as I am also a Linux user, I really appreciate my Zaurus.
I like the open Source idea.
Do not hesitate, try it!
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Summary: Call me the Z-Man!
Review: This PDA is great. I am a big Linux fan and a Java Developer by trade. I may be biased on the software side, but if you consider the hardware alone, it is amazing. The hidden qwerty keyboard, the memory, resolution...it is all good. And, it is 50 bones cheaper than the Wince...err...WinCE devices. I have developed a few Java apps aready on it...and although they are not super fast like the QT native apps, I would say they still operate faster than any comparable Palm software. I have to admit, the pre-installed productivity software (Address book, E-mail, etc.) are lacking, but I know there are people developing more robust applications as we speak. That being said, I was able to easily synch with Outlook E-Mail and Calendar. It ships with HancomWord, HancomPresenter, and HancomSheet, all of which open Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel respectively. In fact, I loaded a 2 meg doc into HancomWord and it did a very good job of opening what I would consider a "standard" documents. It renders the bmps and jpgs so they are smaller. Formatting errors were hardly present. All and all, I have to say this is a great new PDA to use. I am very happy with it.
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Summary: iPaq Killer
Review: I purchased the Zaurus SL-5500 PDA a few weeks ago and I have to say that this is the best PDA on the market. I've used an iPaq but it does not compare to the Zaurus. The Zaurus has most software to be expected by a high-end PDA. It also includes a Java virtual machine to allow Java programs to run. This enables a tremendous amount of Java software to be easily ported to the Zaurus. You can use the USB base included to connect to the internet. The web browser Opera includes Javascript support and allows easy zooming so you can view web pages made for desktop PC's easily. There is a wireless modem option and wireless ethernet compact flash adapter available. The web site www.myzaurus.com has commercial and free software that receives updates daily. Most programs take up very little space on FLASH to get the most out of the FLASH space available. The keyboard is fast and easy to use. For those who are techno-geeks there is a Bash shell available with most commands including telnet and ftp. Emacs can even be downloaded! Heck, they even have a port of Quake for this thing! For the non-techno-geeks the Zaurus is easy to use, my wife has had no problems! Programs are simple to install. Just download the .ipk file to the Zaurus with the included syncronization software and then click Install button on the Zaurus, couldn't be easier. The Zaurus is not just a PDA, it is a huge step forward for the replacement of your desktop PC!
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