New offer from Sharp on their neat PDA running on the Linux2 platform.
Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000088EDE/qid=1049160553/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-9033732-6401552?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846) shows it to be released on April 2, 2003, and to retail for $499.99 (US).
They've upped the processor in the 5600 from the 5500. Instead of a "slow" 206MHz, now we get 400MHz. Cool.
Platform and display remain the same: Linux/Java, 3.5" display with 240x320 pixel, 65,536 colors.
Bumped up the RAM to 95MB.
It looks like they also worked on the microphone a little, too. I'm not sure what's changed - maybe a built-in mic instead of a jack??
Anyway, guys, just drooling. I was a heartbeat away from getting a 5500 and saw the 5600 that was coming out, so I poked around a little bit. But, wow. 500 bucks. Too much. Maybe some will "fall off a truck" and end up on Ebay for a few bills less. Or, hey, since the 5600 is coming out, maybe now we can get the 5500 for the poor man's price of "around 100 bucks." Too hopeful? :)
Wishful thinking.
-Greg
gkedrovs
03-31-2003, 09:56 PM
http://www.infosync.no/news/2002/n/2593.html
-gk
Hayl
03-31-2003, 10:04 PM
is there a project to make a synchronization app for linux yet? last i heard - it only synched with Windoze.
That link should take you to the Amazon page for the unit. Check out the first review by William Kendrick from Davis, CA USA. He mentions using Qtopiadesktop, Linux version.
Dunno if that is a whole "desktop" or what. Haven't dug that deep, yet.
-gk
Hayl
03-31-2003, 10:22 PM
from the Sharp web site:
What operating systems is the Zaurus SL-5500 synchronization software compatible with?
The Zaurus SL-5500 synchronization software is compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 98, 98SE, Millennium, 2000 Professional, XP and NT 4.0 with SP6.
gkedrovs
04-01-2003, 06:32 AM
Wow. Now that is worth checking out. I'll get back with you.
The 9th item on the list is a question about syncing. The answer to syncing on the Linux platform is: Trolltech has created "QtopiaDesktop" for Linux, which will let you sync the PIM software and transfer files and programs to/from the Zaurus.
There also seems to be a wealth of other info out there in that faq. Gonna have to poke through it today. Looks like someone put some real time into it.
-gk
gkedrovs
04-03-2003, 10:00 AM
For anyone who is interested, here is the official reply from Sharp on syncing to/with a Linux system:
Thank you for contacting Sharp Electronics Corporation. Unfortunately at this time it will not connect to a Linux based system. Please check the myzaurus site for updates in this matter. They are currently working on this.
www.myzaurus.com
We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with this information. If you need additional information include all information from prior e-mail messages and replies.
James Ebertsch Customer Assistance Center Technical Support Specialist Technical Support Line: 877-794-8675 Fax: 630-378-9981 Accessories: 800-BE-SHARP Email:zaurussupport@sharpsec.com
And there you have it. Amazing, if you ask me. You make a Linux-based pda and then ONLY provide syncing capabilities to Bill Gates' butthole. Jerks.
At least there is still the Qtopia Desktop option.
-gk
Hayl
04-03-2003, 10:06 AM
ya - i think it is stupid as well.
z0mbix
04-03-2003, 10:31 AM
I use Qtopia Desktop on windows and linux to sync mine. They really are great, especially now I have wireless at home :)
ftp://ftp.trolltech.com/qtopia/source/
gkedrovs
04-03-2003, 11:55 AM
Originally posted by z0mbix
I use Qtopia Desktop on windows and linux to sync mine.
Can you help me out here? Is Qtopia Desktop and ENTIRE "desktop" like KDE or Gnome? Or is it simply a program that runs, say, like JPilot (what I use now to sync my Handspring). The name "Desktop" worries me - like if I install the thing, it'll be a motherload of crap that I don't need or want.
Thanks.
-gk
z0mbix
04-03-2003, 12:03 PM
Originally posted by gkedrovs
Can you help me out here? Is Qtopia Desktop and ENTIRE "desktop" like KDE or Gnome? Or is it simply a program that runs, say, like JPilot (what I use now to sync my Handspring). The name "Desktop" worries me - like if I install the thing, it'll be a motherload of crap that I don't need or want.
Thanks.
-gk
No, it's just a small application to sync with your OS, AFAIK, it works in just Linux and Windows, but maybe MAC too as it's QT. Search google or trolltech.com for more info.
Hayl
04-03-2003, 12:06 PM
:( too bad it isn't Gtk :( i don't do Qt.
case1984
04-03-2003, 04:06 PM
Originally posted by gkedrovs
You make a Linux-based pda and then ONLY provide syncing capabilities to Bill Gates' butthole. Jerks.
-gk
This has got to be the stupidest thing I've heard of in awhile... You have every Linux user on the planet just waiting to tell people this is the coolest PDA ever, and then you have to go and piss them off. Dumb.
gkedrovs
04-03-2003, 04:44 PM
Originally posted by case1984
This has got to be the stupidest thing I've heard of in awhile... You have every Linux user on the planet just waiting to tell people this is the coolest PDA ever, and then you have to go and piss them off. Dumb.
Gee. Sorry you got your panties all in a bunch, son. Check it out:
1. The Zaurus IS the coolest PDA ever, especially the 5600. The 5500 is awesome, and if you check ebay, the prices are getting below 200 bucks, something very affordable for us that are not "enterprise oriented" (i.e. working stiffs that don't have 500 dead presidents to drop on the 5600, even though we would love one!). The 5600 has upped the processor speed, and it's solved a couple audio problems, like the built-in mic (something I'd definitely use for voice recording messages to myself - reminders, ideas and such - to type in later). It's just a dandy (!) unit, and I'll own one in less than a month (the 5500 if I can't find 200-300 more bucks for the 5600).
2. The "dumb" part: in a "conversation" I had with another forum poster (i.e. this thread) I was made aware of something I had not heard of before, specifically the syncing software being MS/Win only. So, I investigated it and found out that he was right, but that there is a Linux solution offered by Qtopia. When I found out about the MS-specific sync software, I was kinda pissed off myself. It seems counter-productive to the marketing mission of this product to NOT provide sync software for Linux. I mean, it's a LINUX pda and a Linux enthusiast that uses a pda will almost be a sure-bet to buying one. Why wouldn't you offer a Linux sync solution?
So, okay, I'll agree with you: I'm dumb, I'm stupid. I don't have all the answers (like you, apparently) and I have to post and repost on this forum to learn (something that ocurred, to your dissatisfaction, during the development of this thread over the past couple of days). Now, unfortunately (if I understand you correctly) I can make a more informed desicion about this product (which is the coolest pda out on the market).
What the h--- is wrong with that? What is wrong with posting, responding, learning, becoming more informed, and even expressing dissatisfaction with something that you learned in the posting/re-posting process? Isn't that what this forum is all about (not to mention free speach and the free communication of ideas on the net)? Isn't that how we learn?
Flames like yours on forums like this are like masturbation: the only one who feels good afterward is you. They are not productive for anyone else (me, the original poster who is insulted and belitted, nor anyone who reads your unnecessary comments). These kinds of comments are also a little cowardly. It's terribly easy to shoot your little mouth off 100's of miles away from the guy you're spouting off at. A little courtesy can go a long way in the world, and you can win a whole lot more friends that way. If you feel you must rip someone a new a__hole, have the balls to do it face-to-face, not on a forum like some cowardly, pencil-neck geek.
Most of us on this forum are here to learn. Learning is a process. Don't get your panties all wadded up when the process produces something that you don't like. I posted, replied, learned, became informed and posted my reaction (dissatisfaction with the sync software). "Dumb"? "Stupid"? If you think that is dumb and stupid, maybe you better look for my name on EVERY post you read, because I want to learn a little.
I live in San Jose, Costa Rica, but will be in the KCMO metro area at the end of this month (April, 2003), and in the Minneapolis, MN, area during the first part of May. I am not a coward, so if you would like to rip me a new a__hole face-to-face, I would be glad to sit down with you at your place of leisure and "talk." Don't worry, I've taken enough a__ kickin's in the Marine Corps to withstand one more (if you really need to get it out of your system).
Cheers.
-gk
case1984
04-04-2003, 04:14 AM
whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!
Hold on big boy!
I didn't mean _you_ were stupid, or dumb, I meant that SHARP was dumb and stupid. I am sorry if my post was unclear, I guess I just didn't think about the ambiguities since we are on a linux forum and everyone here obviously supports linux.
I'm sorry, but this has got to be one of the biggest boneheaded business mistakes since new coke.
Now, I am truely sorry if I offended you, but my comments were not directed at you. I'm not here to piss people off or start flame wars, I'm here to help others out with the little knowledge I have and learn more about Linux - same as you. If you don't believe me, just do a search with my user name.
Now, as for the "talk" that you propose, I haven't been in a fight since grade school, but I've been itching for one since I saw Fight Club - I loved that movie. I think a fight between friends with no animosity, just to see what you are made of would be fun. I saw fight club with one of my best friends, who happens to have about half a foot and at least 50 pounds on me - I tried to challenge him to a fight, and he refused. All he would say was "I don't want to kill you... Skinny white boy."
Again, if you don't yet understand...
I AGREED COMPLETELY WITH EVERYTHING YOU POSTED!
gkedrovs
04-04-2003, 05:49 PM
Originally posted by case1984
whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!
Hold on big boy!
Okay, my bust, then. I misunderstood you. I am breathing normal. All is calm...
Sorry if I jumped the gun. I've taken so much haughty, "down the nose" attitude from folks in my local lug that it's left a very (!) bad taste in my mouth. I'm the newbie that doesn't know C, C++ or scripting. But, I do know how to learn, and I try my stinkin best to do just that. But, still, "newbie" in my lug is like sh_t on the face or something. Needless to say, I don't attend meetings anymore. I was thinking of starting my own newbie lug here San Jose, Costa Rica. "Thinking."
Originally posted by case1984 Now, as for the "talk" that you propose, I haven't been in a fight since grade school, but I've been itching for one since I saw Fight Club - I loved that movie.
That HAS to be THE BEST movie of all time, imho. I own the dvd and the soundtrack. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to "Stealing Fat" off the soundtrack right now. I thoroughly enjoy myself in my boxing gym, even though kickboxing was a lot more fun for me (but, after I broke my back, I just can't do much of that anymore).
Back on topic: I'm still waiting for some Zaurus 5600's to fall off the back of a truck and make it ebay.com. They have a lot of 5500's selling like hotcakes, but no 5600's. I'd like to find one this week or next, to ship it to my buddy's house in kc where I'll be staying when I'm in gringolandia from central america. If anyone knows where I can get one at "cost," lemme know.
Have a good one. And... buy soap.
-Greg
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