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Zaurus Sync Software (Finally) Available for Linux

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the sync-this dept.

Tony Green writes "One of the biggest gripes of early Zaurus users (with much justification) was the fact that despite the fact that the Zaurus itself runs Linux, the only synchronisation software made available was for Windoze machines. Trolltech have now released a desktop synch program (albeit a beta at the moment) for Linux, so at last Linux users can start doing what the rest could already do. Information at The Zaurus Software Index or Trolltech One word of warning though, the MySQL installation on my Zaurus became unusable after using this; I haven't worked out exactly what it did yet, but I ended up having to completely re-initialise the Zaurus and then restore everything from my backups. So not recommended if you're running MySQL (unless you're feeling brave...)"

8 of 148 comments (clear)

  1. Funny, just downloaded this yesterday. by sys49152 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Note, to use the docking crade you have to modify the kernel for USB-ethernet support. Something I don't feel like doing. However, I set it up to do a network synch (I have a Netgear MA701 wireless CF card in my Z.), and it works like a champ.

    Also note that the various PIM applications use an XML file format, and while it is mostly guessable, the format is not published. And TrollTech recommends not modifying them directly, anyway.

    Finally, remember that you can always FTP etc. into the Z. for file management and other tasks.

    Now, how do you sync with Mozilla's address book, Outlook's -and- evolution's Calendar, and Outlook's todo list?

    1. Re:Funny, just downloaded this yesterday. by muckdog · · Score: 2, Interesting

      not a total mozilla sync solution but here is a mozilla ldif to zaurus address book XML converstion script I wrote a few days ago...

      http://www.jaysweb.net/zaurus/scripts/mozilla_ld if 2zarus.pl.txt

  2. ogg by daserver · · Score: 1, Interesting

    How much does 128mb flash card for this thing cost? I'm really considering buying one and using it as my mobile audio player. Remember it's about the only thing you can get that plays ogg!

  3. Not news for 2 reasons by tempest303 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This isn't news for 2 reasons:

    1) This is just another beta release - not the final version - the 1.5 beta has been out for months. (Possibly even from when the Z was first released, though I can't recall exactly)

    2) (well, ok, this is more a personal reason, but...) Wake me up when it talks to Evolution... ...which reminds me - I'd personally throw down like $40 just to see the Z synch with Evolution. It's not going to happen from Trolltech or the Kompany for political and technical reasons (they'd rather have it talk to Aethera, I'm sure), but an independent developer could probably make some nice extra $$$ writing a stable, usable, reliable Evo Z synch suite. Here's hoping some one does this... I'm going nuts!

    (yes, I'm fully aware of the project at http://sf.net/projects/zesync - but it hasn't gone anywhere in months, sadly....)

    --
    The Free desktop that Just Works
    1. Re:Not news for 2 reasons by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      It's not that I don't want zesync to fly, heck I'd love it. But getting any form of help was also an issue. I must have put out a call for help at least 3 times, and received but one reply.
      Then I attempted to release zync, a generic sync framework (also in python). This time I got a tonne of initial interest, but not one person who actually committed to my project in any way (even loosely).
      In the end, between the potential (and admittance) for XML fluctuations, and the lack of help I gave up. But if you know anyone who wants to fix it I'm there.

      --chayim

  4. Re:Proper spellings by Quixadhal · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I didn't think they were being childish, I just assumed that by using Micro$oft and Windoze, you protect yourself from the sea of lawyers who might come after you for trademark infringment. Afterall, when you corrected the fellow, you didn't specify it correctly as Microsoft(TM).

    Let me ask you this... was there ANY doubt or confusion in your mind about the entity which was referenced by the slang "Windoze" term? If so, then you have a legitimate complaint, as the corruption introduces confusion. The purpose of language is to share ideas in a clear manner. If everyone understands what the slang refers to, then it is not really a problem for the intended audience is it?

    Of course, the archaeologists who unearth the terrabytes of slashdot posts in years to come (the only useable record of this period of time, since it isn't DRM protected...yet), may be a bit bewildered (or perhaps they'll burn it as blaspheme since the Church of Microsoft(TM) would not look kindly upon it).

  5. Now, if only we can get by jht · · Score: 4, Interesting

    All it needs now is MacOS X support and then I can throw away my old Palm - right now I sync Palm to all platforms that I use and then sync Windows to the Zaurus. With OS X support I could use the Zaurus on all my platforms instead.

    I know a USB/Ethernet driver for MacOS X is do-able, since the folks at IAA have done it for the PocketMac software (sync sotware for PocketPC machines).

    --
    -- Josh Turiel
    "2. Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
  6. Zaurus In the Market by Gallifrey · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Does anyone know how Sharp is doing selling the Zaurus? Are they selling many? (I.e. enough to keep on making it.)