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Sharp Zaurus C-7x0 Reviewed
jwr writes "The fine folks at BargainPDA have a
full-length review of the latest Sharp Zaurus C-7x0 handhelds. " We've covered this PDA in the past but this is a much more in depth review on this solid looking device.
I totally love my SL-5500, I use it mostly for phone/address stuff and quick notes from meetings and calls, but even as an mp3 player with a 64mb SD in the side and a good headset it's great even at the gym . Looking on the Ezaurus.com page looks like there is a higher end version called the C760 (the article reviews the C750) - I'm sure by the time they actually start selling in America (what maybe 2 years from now) my 5500 will just start "feeling" old.
Ave Molech Setting
Review of Sharp Zaurus SL-C750 from Dynamism reviewed for bargainPDA by Ian Giblin with help from Vince Torti Overview The new Zaurus SL-C750 from Sharp is a versatile, linux-based PDA incorporating an XScale (PXA255) CPU at 400 MHz. In terms of software it is similar to the Zaurus SL-5600 which became available in the U.S. in April of 2003. The hardware, though, is significantly enhanced. Contents The content sections of this review are listed below. It makes sense to separate hardware and software discussion in any PDA; in this case it is more important because of the customisation which Dynamism have done. Hardware: * The Sharp SL-C750 and How To Get One * Packaging and First Impressions * Features Summary and Overall Design * The Display * Portrait Mode and the Tap-Buttons * The Stylus * Memory * The Keyboard * Input options other than the keyboard * Battery life Software: * The Operating System and Basic Navigation * Personal Information Management (PIM) Tools * Syncing and file transfer * Office Tools (Hancom Word, Hancom Sheet, Presentation) * Games * Multimedia * Networking * The Email Client * The NetFront3 WWW Browser * Other Software * Software Availability and Compatibility * Linux comments * Conclusion (back to contents) The Sharp SL-C750 and How To Get One At the present time this device is not available from Sharp USA. It can be bought from specialist suppliers Dynamism, who provided our review unit and have been described as the technology equivalent of an exclusive jewelery store. As well as modifying the Operating System to speak English and shipping the unit direct to you in three days (from Japan), Dynamism add lifetime free technical support, warranty coverage (they pay all shipping costs), and a wealth of experience in using these devices. Along with the C750, another similar model called the C760 is also available; that device has a larger battery, more memory and, obviously, ten more "cool points". (back to contents) Packaging The SL-C750 comes in a simple cardboard box with no clear plastic window. Just a few colour pictures of the device and some Japanese writing. The packaging is simple, light and easily recyclable. Inside the box is the PDA securely positioned with cardboard spacers, along wih the USB connector (not a cradle), power supply, CD-ROM, incomprehensible (unless you can read Japanese) 224-page manual, another shorter booklet which looks like the quick-start guide, and a registration card with a very Japanese-looking address on it. Somehow I don't think it would make it to Japan from Queens. Just about the only English text on this documentation was the Zaurus name and numerous references to ezaurus.com, the Japanese support site which does have some cool animations. First Impressions "Not as clumsy or random as an iPaq, this is an elegant PDA from an altogether more civilised age..." OK, I admit that the other PDA designs have come a long way, but as for first impressions, this device blows the competition out of the water. The device feels solid, yet high tech. The way the screen swivels to transition from landscape mode (where it looks like a tiny laptop) to portrait mode (where it looks more like a "normal" PDA) is not entirely new but it is so beautifully implemented that it really gives you the best of both worlds. Even though my hands are turning it, I imagine the sound of well-oiled machinery each time I re-orient the screen. After calming down enough to turn the device on, the next shock is the quality of the 640x480 display. It's stunning. The OS and applications respond quickly and smoothly. The device does not crash or freeze. My co-workers stand and stare in awed silence. As the effect propagates out from midtown Manhattan, taxi drivers become strangely calm, and dogs stop barking across the city. (back to contents) Features * XScale PXA255 CPU at 400MHz * 640x480 transreflective touch screen, 3.7" diagonal, backlit * 64 MB SDRAM (for running app
Karma: Can there be a void?
.. -. - . .-. .-. --- -...
Yes it does, had you read the review you would have noticed that. Unfortunately even though this handheld runs Linux, it only syncs with M$ Windows OS', not Linux - bummer...
Review of Sharp Zaurus SL-C750 from Dynamism
reviewed for bargainPDA by Ian Giblin with help from Vince Torti
Overview
The new Zaurus SL-C750 from Sharp is a versatile, linux-based PDA incorporating an XScale (PXA255) CPU at 400 MHz. In terms of software it is similar to the Zaurus SL-5600 which became available in the U.S. in April of 2003. The hardware, though, is significantly enhanced.
Contents
The content sections of this review are listed below. It makes sense to separate hardware and software discussion in any PDA; in this case it is more important because of the customisation which Dynamism have done.
Hardware:
* The Sharp SL-C750 and How To Get One
* Packaging and First Impressions
* Features Summary and Overall Design
* The Display
* Portrait Mode and the Tap-Buttons
* The Stylus
* Memory
* The Keyboard
* Input options other than the keyboard
* Battery life
Software:
* The Operating System and Basic Navigation
* Personal Information Management (PIM) Tools
* Syncing and file transfer
* Office Tools (Hancom Word, Hancom Sheet, Presentation)
* Games
* Multimedia
* Networking
* The Email Client
* The NetFront3 WWW Browser
* Other Software
* Software Availability and Compatibility
* Linux comments
* Conclusion
(back to contents)
The Sharp SL-C750 and How To Get One
At the present time this device is not available from Sharp USA. It can be bought from specialist suppliers Dynamism, who provided our review unit and have been described as the technology equivalent of an exclusive jewelery store. As well as modifying the Operating System to speak English and shipping the unit direct to you in three days (from Japan), Dynamism add lifetime free technical support, warranty coverage (they pay all shipping costs), and a wealth of experience in using these devices.
Along with the C750, another similar model called the C760 is also available; that device has a larger battery, more memory and, obviously, ten more "cool points".
(back to contents)
Packaging
The SL-C750 comes in a simple cardboard box with no clear plastic window. Just a few colour pictures of the device and some Japanese writing. The packaging is simple, light and easily recyclable.
Inside the box is the PDA securely positioned with cardboard spacers, along wih the USB connector (not a cradle), power supply, CD-ROM, incomprehensible (unless you can read Japanese) 224-page manual, another shorter booklet which looks like the quick-start guide, and a registration card with a very Japanese-looking address on it. Somehow I don't think it would make it to Japan from Queens. Just about the only English text on this documentation was the Zaurus name and numerous references to ezaurus.com, the Japanese support site which does have some cool animations.
First Impressions
"Not as clumsy or random as an iPaq, this is an elegant PDA from an altogether more civilised age..."
OK, I admit that the other PDA designs have come a long way, but as for first impressions, this device blows the competition out of the water. The device feels solid, yet high tech. The way the screen swivels to transition from landscape mode (where it looks like a tiny laptop) to portrait mode (where it looks more like a "normal" PDA) is not entirely new but it is so beautifully implemented that it really gives you the best of both worlds. Even though my hands are turning it, I imagine the sound of well-oiled machinery each time I re-orient the screen.
After calming down enough to turn the device on, the next shock is the quality of the 640x480 display. It's stunning. The OS and applications respond quickly and smoothly. The device does not crash or freeze. My co-workers stand and stare in awed silence. As the effect propagates out from midtown Manhattan, taxi drivers
Karma: Can there be a void?
.. -. - . .-. .-. --- -...
Maybe all you /.ers out there could increase your sex appeal by getting one, too.
Yeah . . . cats like milk, I like milk, therefore I am a cat.
Si la vida me da palo, yo la voy a soportar Si la vida me da palo, yo la voy a espabilar
This is not entirely accurate...
Windows in the only _suported_ sync platform, but scripts (perl) exist to sync with evolution (and others). The format is open, so anyone who wants to write an app for Linux syncing is free to do so.
KOrganizer also runs on the Zaurus, so a sync app for it's data should be trivial.
I have run ssh from my palm, do some minor data-type functions, but its mostly just a date/address book. I have a laptop for everything else.
I wouldnt want to have to go through a kernel compile or editting sendmail.cf armed with only a stylus and a magnifying glass. I dont want a full featured PC that small.
And having to recompile the kernel for any reason whatsoever is pure idiocy and one of my main beefs with linux. Jebus. A monolithic kernel in a "modern" OS. It's like putting a steam engine in a 2004 model car.
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
Too bad Sharp decided not to sell these devices here in the US. The only way to get them now is from Dynamism or The Kompany.
But I saw one my local Sharp rep had and they are nice!
theKompany.com now carries these in the US. They're importing them. Here they are
Hey, steam engines are far more efficient than internal-combustion engines, don't knock them.
It's obvious you haven't read the article, or you would know that the Zaurus has a keyboard. The screen swivels to hide it when in portrait mode, but it is far more useful in landscape mode.
Compiling the kernel is never necessary, but it can be fun to unlock hidden potential in your new toy. e.g. the Zaurus' touch screen is actuall pressure sensitive. A new kernel with the correct patch will allow you to make some pretty sweet drawrings (it that's your thing).
Dynamism sounds like a good company, but if anybody wants to save $100 (and forgo the free shipping if something goes bad) you can get your Zaurus from conics.net. Check the forums for recommendations and localization instructions.
Awkward and non-intuitive?
What?
The default Zaurus desktop is nearly identical to the Palm OS launcher. If "single-click on the big icon" or "push the Mail button on the unit" are awkward, then have your personal assistant do it for you. And while there could be a bit more consistency among the Sharp apps (hint: install OpenZaurus and opie-1.0 instead), it's pretty damn obvious how to use them. If you think the Zaurus reeks of "desktop computer," you've clearly not used Windows CE.
I've owned:
Palm 500
Palm 1000
Palm III
Palm V
Sony Clie 750
The Zaurus is as simple and useful for the basic PDA apps as any Palm device I've had. And it has the added bonus of running Linux, so I end up tinkering with it, writing PyQt apps, playing *real* NetHack, etc.
Don't take Mr. Office Depot's word for it--go try one out yourself.
"I found navigating it was awkward and non-intuitive. It just reeked of "desktop computer" crammed into the PDA."
I had similar problems with the first Linux based Zaurus. So many things broken with it. I will say, though, that the idea of doing some scripting etc with it was pretty interesting. That's one thing that drove me nuts about my PocketPC. I want to write little apps for it but the dev environment kept crashing.
I have a 5500, and all that was necessary was for me to download the GPL QTopia Desktop from Trolltech, rpm -> deb, dpkg install, then click Sync All. Worked on Linux and Windows.
./ crowd at all.
I also found a driver for Mac OS X that did the ethernet-over-usb thing well enough to let me ssh into it and scp all my Documents to the Mac. Then I put in an 802.11 card--now any of my computers can backup the Zaurus via scp, and the Linux and Windows boxes can also sync via QTopia Desktop.
So...unless Sharp broke something, this should really say "Sharp supports only their Windows sync software," but several solutions are available for Linux, none of which should scare the
You've already made up your mind, which is fine. It would be a boring world if everyone liked or was interested in the same thing. However, for those out there who might like a toy or tool like the Zaurus, you can run VNC on your computer and access the Zaurus. This allows you to use your regular keyboard for doing complicated stuff that involves a lot of keying.
If you're a hacker and like to tinker, there isn't a better machine out there. If you just want a PDA, there might be better options although the Zaurus is perfectly functional at that as well. This is especially true if you pick up a few of the apps from the Kompany. I use mine for not only a PDA but an Ogg player, game machine and etc.
"The legitimate powers of government extend only to such acts as are injurious to others." Thomas Jefferson.
The site already seems to be cracking. google has a cached version.
The keyboard is not useless. It looks extremely awkward, but I've found you can actually type quite quickly on it thanks to the standard QWERTY layout. Use both thumbs, not one finger. It works.
Surprisingly, the built-in recognizer works well, so I find myself rarely opening the keyboard unless I'm composing a long email or something. I've used Palm OS & Graffiti for six years, and I was quite happy with the Zaurus' handwriting recognition. There is also a Graffiti recognizer available, but I haven't tried it yet.
If you want a laptop, get one. Typing is always easier on a real keyboard (of course there are third-party solutions for attaching real keyboards to a Zaurus.) But what's wrong with making a powerful PDA? Palm's going in the same direction, if you hadn't noticed.
What's your beef with a pressure-sensitive touchscreen? How else would it be done? Have you ever actually used a PDA? How could you possibly be excited about a Tablet PC and yet have made any of these comments?
Poor battery life and poor outside visibility are simply explained: people want color. Personally, I'm not at all convinced. I preferred the screen on my palm V to the one on my m515 - it was sharper, thinner, and the battery lasted forever. But people want color screens for whatever reason.
Don't they have a compact flash slot? You can buy a CF Bluetooth adapter.
Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.