Slashdot Mirror
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
Karma: Can there be a void?
.. -. - . .-. .-. --- -...
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.
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.