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Review of YOPY YP-3700 Linux PDA

Andrew Baxter writes "Ian Giblin is a senior contributing editor to bargainPDA.com for all things Linux. In his latest review Ian brings an in depth look at the YOPY YP-3700 from G.Mate, Ian informs us that "this device is geeky, and I mean Battlestar Galactica geeky" and that it is "undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device I've seen. It out-linuxes the Sharp Zaurus range." Read on for many pictures, device specs and in depth information on this Linux PDA device now available in the U.S. and also South Korea."

92 comments

  1. alive? by Durinia · · Score: 4, Funny

    I thought the PDA was dead?!?

    Jeez, make up your mind!

    1. Re:alive? by muyuubyou · · Score: 1

      The PDA is dead. Long live the PDA!

  2. PDA buyer's guide link by Sir+Haxalot · · Score: 4, Informative

    here ;)

    --
    I have over 70 freaks, do you?
  3. undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device... by stratjakt · · Score: 0, Interesting

    Is that code for non-intuitive, hard to use for first timers, full of superflouous and badly labelled options, and a sparse, out of date manual written by someone who barely speaks english?

    When I hear "this is more linuxy", that's what I think of. I mean, is slackware not more "linuxy" than lindows or redhat?

    For the record, I use slackware, but I can't see the desire for an aggravating PDA. The main reason to buy one is as an orginizational tool to make one more productive.

    --
    I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    1. Re:undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device... by NDPTAL85 · · Score: 1

      Oh come on now. You know as well as I do that its no fun for the slashbots unless its so hard to use that the device is assured its own doom due to a staggering lack of sales!

      --
      Mac OS X and Windows XP working side by side to fight back the night.
    2. Re:undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's definitely Linuxy. There are "Help" buttons that just produce a message that you should RTFM. The manuals are all:

      TODO: Write manual

      But if everyone does their part and writes the applications, I think that this PDA will be successful.

    3. Re:undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "so hard to use that the device is assured its own doom due to a staggering lack of sales!"

      Plus, it must have an unpronounceable, or at least really unappealing, name. An arcane model number of mixed letters and numbers is also desirable.

    4. Re:undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device... by Ilan+Volow · · Score: 1

      If we could just hunt down the folks who moderated down the parent post and permanently ban them from contributing to Open Source, Linux On The Desktop would grow by leaps and bounds.

      Ergonomica Auctorita Illico

      --
      Ergonomica Auctorita Illico!
  4. Re:LINUXY? by proj_2501 · · Score: 1

    the original PDAs are dead.

    mostly because you forgot to change the batteries.

  5. 6 comments and it's slashdotted... by Noryungi · · Score: 1, Funny


    I hope they are not running their web site on this little thing, because their sites is already slashdotted... Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "[Death|Demise] of the PDAs"... =)

    --
    The right to offend is far more important than the right not to be offended. (Rowan Atkinson)
    1. Re:6 comments and it's slashdotted... by lobsterGun · · Score: 1

      There is a simple trick that I use to avoid the slashdot effect. First step, use Mozilla. Second step, if you see that a site is slashdotted, try opening up in six or eight tabs at the same time. Odds are that one of them will go through. If one doesn't get through, try adding six or eight more tabs. Then go through and refresh them all. Eventually one of your requests will go through. at that point, close all the other tabs.

      But thats only the first part. Now repeat the above procedure with each of the links on the page you just loaded. (better to get them preloaded in case you want to read them later).

      Hope this helps. :-)

    2. Re:6 comments and it's slashdotted... by lanswitch · · Score: 0
      Imagine a cluster of ./users doing this to your server...

    3. Re:6 comments and it's slashdotted... by pcardoso · · Score: 1

      oh please!

      why not wait half an hour or so, instead of creating even more demand on the poor server?

      sorry, had to be said...

    4. Re:6 comments and it's slashdotted... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now that is a true slashdot warrior. I applaud thee.

  6. Server already kaput? by Stigmata669 · · Score: 3, Informative

    google cache (AC for non karma whorage)

    --
    Yawn.
    1. Re:Server already kaput? by Stigmata669 · · Score: 1

      well i meant to click ac... tard

      --
      Yawn.
    2. Re:Server already kaput? by dr_dank · · Score: 1

      AC for non karma whorage

      heh heh, too late for that. ;)

      --
      Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
    3. Re:Server already kaput? by Diabolical · · Score: 1

      Funny... the cached article is not the one you would get at the site.. this is just one page while the article on the site is on two pages.

      Also some text is clearly different..

    4. Re:Server already kaput? by Ed+Avis · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It would make sense to have a 'non-whoring' button so you can still post with accountability (and a starting score of +1 or +2) but not accumulate extra karma from being modded up. Not that I would ever use such a button myself.

      --
      -- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
  7. also available in Europe by mirko · · Score: 3, Informative

    Linux PDA device now available in the U.S. and also South Korea

    and also in Europe on http://www.yopy.at...

    --
    Trolling using another account since 2005.
  8. This thing is DOA for real geeks.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    "The 3700 has a 2300 mAh Lithium Polymer battery that is not user-replaceable."

    So it's got iPod syndrome. Seeya.

    1. Re:This thing is DOA for real geeks.... by GreatTeacherMusashi · · Score: 1

      plus it looks like it has the whole GBA SP buttons-are-so-goddamn-tiny syndrome

      --
      You win battles by knowing the enemy's timing, and using a timing which the enemy does not expect. Miyamoto Musashi
    2. Re:This thing is DOA for real geeks.... by Carrion+Creeper · · Score: 1

      Anyone that does not immediately run away screaming from a "linuxy PDA" will certainly not be stopped by replacing any battery that doesn't have the CPU embedded at its center.

      Besides, some of us would take that as a fun challenge. The true challenge, however, would be to port windows to it.

    3. Re:This thing is DOA for real geeks.... by simcop2387 · · Score: 0

      how is that a challege i can write you a windows emulator, all i have to do is make a blue screen and put some text on it...

    4. Re:This thing is DOA for real geeks.... by crucini · · Score: 1

      Having watched a not-too-geeky ipod owner replace his battery in three minutes without much difficulty, I'm not too put off by this.

  9. Ouch. by grub · · Score: 1, Funny


    No joy here, it appears "bargainpda.com" uses "bargainisp.com"..

    --
    Trolling is a art,
  10. Yes but... by 110010001000 · · Score: 1, Funny

    does it run Windows CE???

    1. Re:Yes but... by Aliencow · · Score: 1

      No, but I bet it plays OGG !
      Imagine a Beowulf cluster of out-linuxing PDA linuxy Devices. RMS will go Crazy. It's GNU-ish/Linuxy you idiots ! The kernel is useless, it's....ARGH!

  11. Catered review? by cK-Gunslinger · · Score: 2, Insightful

    and that it is "undoubtedly the most linuxy handheld device I've seen. It out-linuxes the Sharp Zaurus

    Any review that uses the phrases "linuxy" and "out-linuxes" is definitely ./ material!

    1. Re:Catered review? by cK-Gunslinger · · Score: 2, Funny

      In fact, they should have taken it a step further:

      "The linuxosity of the linux-enabled YOPY YP-3700 LDA (Linux Digital Assistant) shines with linux-like GNU. Linus himself would marvel at the linuxy linuxitude. Its linuxy linux is the most linux of the linuxical linuxes..."

      OMG - Linux no longer sounds like a real word to me! Nooo!

    2. Re:Catered review? by Dr.+Smeegee · · Score: 1

      Yeah, for a second I thought the review was by Alyson Hannigan. "It's really Linuxy... or is that too geekyandI'mshuttingupnow..."

    3. Re:Catered review? by shadow303 · · Score: 1

      Wow, that's starting to sound like a geeky spinoff of the smurfs. For those not familiar with the cartoon, the smurfs were little blue creatures which would randomly replace normal words with variations on smurf (usually smurf or smurfy).

      --
      I've got a mind like a steel trap - it's got an animal's foot stuck in it.
    4. Re:Catered review? by cK-Gunslinger · · Score: 1

      ??? I'm having a hard time smurfing the way you smurf. =P

    5. Re:Catered review? by Jagasian · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I smurfed Smurfette last night. She really knows how to smurf her smurf.

  12. Too Expensive... by 110010001000 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    In a world with $199 PocketPC's and sub $100 PalmOS devices, a $449-$499 device without builtin wireless doesn't cut it.

    Its a competitive PDA market out there right now, and Dell is the one that is cleaning up. They have the right idea.

    1. Re:Too Expensive... by jargoone · · Score: 1

      Your first comment is dead-on. I would have agreed with the second one up until a couple months ago, when I first saw an iPAQ 1945. Small (like Palm-sized small), light, beautiful, built-in Bluetooth. I hate to say it here, but Pocket PC 2003 rocks pretty hard, and it has great integration with Windows. I got it on a killer deal from OfficeMax a couple weeks ago and haven't looked back.

    2. Re:Too Expensive... by 110010001000 · · Score: 0

      Yes, I agree. Microsoft really knocked it out of the ballpark with their 2003 series. Their Smartphones are poised to break through in a big way with the next wave of releases based on the Smartphone 2003 OS. I think in 10 years mobile devices will be the bulk of their revenue stream.

    3. Re:Too Expensive... by 110010001000 · · Score: 0

      Uh, how is this POSSIBLY marked as a troll??? It is a valid statement. Is it just because it might be construed as "anti-linux"?

    4. Re:Too Expensive... by jav1231 · · Score: 1

      No doubt. Linux should be bringing these prices DOWN not UP! What are these bozo's thinking? UGH!
      JAV

  13. Re:LINUXY? by Cyclopedian · · Score: 1

    It's starting. Linux is becoming mainstream enough that what was once a noun is now becoming an adjective.

    Could a *verb* not be too far behind?!

    I then propose that we slashdotters take on the role of lexicographers and record for all posterity and the many uses of the word linux as possibly allowed by the 15h Edition of the Chicago Manual of Style.

    Here's a word to start things off:

    Linuxastic

    -Cyc

  14. For that price... by muyuubyou · · Score: 1

    I'd rather buy the tried and true Sharp Zaurus, which BTW have a more complete line in features and prices.

    1. Re:For that price... by gladbach · · Score: 1

      rgr. the sl-c760 zaurus pdas are "toit"

      --
      "Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms,
  15. ian@gergin.net by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ian@gergin.net

  16. Re:LINUXY? by Cyclopedian · · Score: 1

    D'oh! Note to self: make sure to preview and remove all unneeded conjugations. -Cyc

  17. Distribution in Europe... by joestar · · Score: 2, Informative

    I had the opportunity to play with the Yopy, and it's really a great machine. It's very exciting to have its own web & sql server in the pocket actually, and the hand-writing recognition is very good. By the way, the distributor in Europe for Yopy is "TuxMedia":

    http://www.tuxmedia.com/

  18. Re:LINUXY? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    how about LINUXASM, the intense wave of pleasure one gets after booting up a new install.

  19. QT Embedded? by Unregistered · · Score: 1

    The screenshots remind me of kde2. Is it running qt embedded?

    1. Re:QT Embedded? by tblumer · · Score: 1

      Here's one thing that's interesting about the Yopy. You can run both X and Qtopia on it simulateously. See the posting by ocheong at http://sdgsystems.com/forum in the Yopy Software section. ocheong has done a port of Qtopia 1.7 that you select in the X menu. Qtopia "takes over" the screen until you tap the Qt logo in the task bar to switch back to X. Both X and many Zaurus applications are available. Nice!

  20. Mod down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Not even a link to the actual article.

  21. English enly keyboard Re:Distribution in Europe... by La+Gris · · Score: 1

    Besides it is distributed in Europe, what are europeans supposed to do with a device that hasn't a proper keyboard ?

    If I can't bring fench texts with me and be able to use any iso-8859-1/15 typed it is like using a disabled device. You know these non-us-ascii characters like e, e, i, i, .... Most of the documents and emails I exchange absolutely need proper spelling including the wierd characters.

    (Even slashdot can't handle this because it's engine is english onwly centric and it eated e from my user name her which should be Lea.)

    Any widely distributed PDA comes with a proper local keyboard layout. Yopy is a too short maket to be able to handle localised keyboards. This look like a recurrent problem with little series, small distributions, underground things like Yopy.

    I would have enjoyed it if it had a french keyboard.

    --
    Léa Gris
  22. Obligatory Tigerdirect link to Zaurus 5500 by Gothmolly · · Score: 1

    http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTool s/item-details.asp?EdpNo=525236&Sku=S213-1076% 20P

    For 179 USD, you can't go wrong.

    --
    I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
    1. Re:Obligatory Tigerdirect link to Zaurus 5500 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      slashcode no like the long URL as text.
      clicky clicky works much better.

    2. Re:Obligatory Tigerdirect link to Zaurus 5500 by Oliver+Wendell+Jones · · Score: 1

      Any idea what kind of pre-compiled apps are already available for one of these machines?

      I currently use an older model WinCE (version 3? it's the last rev before PocketPC 2000) machine but would really like to switch to a Linux based PDA.

      However, if it means that I'm going to have to hunt down obsolete versions of obscure packages so I can get it downloaded source files to compile properly, maybe I'll stick with WinCE.

      --
      A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing -- Emo Phillips
    3. Re:Obligatory Tigerdirect link to Zaurus 5500 by Spoing · · Score: 1
      For 179 USD, you can't go wrong.

      It's used ("recertified"). Still cheap, though that over-hyped add reminds me why I don't like Tiger or TigerDirect. I wonder if my old CEO still works there? (He was a perfect fit for that place.)

      --
      A firewall can not protect you from yourself. Turn off what you do not need. Do not use the firewall to do your work.
  23. Re:LINUXY? by Cpt_Kirks · · Score: 1

    Could a *verb* not be too far behind?!

    As in: "They are going to Linux (kill off commercially) the product." ?

    I just want a Linux port for my Zodiac, when I get it...

  24. finally by penguin7of9 · · Score: 1

    I think this PDA makes a lot more sense for Linux users than the Zaurus.

    I have the Zaurus. I thought I could live with QPE, but I can't. The built-in apps on the Zaurus are far worse than on the Palm and still somewhat worse than the PocketPC apps, so the Zaurus doesn't make a good PDA; its main use is for nerd-type apps: ssh, network analysis, etc. But for that, its use of QPE is a major problem: very few of the standard GUI apps can be ported over. Furthermore, when you plug the Zaurus into a network, you can only display its native GUI apps remotely in a tiny VNC window.

    The Yopy, by being fully desktop compatible with Linux and X11, avoids these problems. Its PDA apps may still not measure up to Palm, but at least its fully a Linux PDA.

    (Oh, and don't tell me that I can install handhelds.org on the Zaurus--I know I can, but it's a pain to install. And, besides, it's the same as with PocketPC--why would I want to pay for a device so that part of the money goes to licensing software that I didn't want in the first place?)

    In my opinion, if you want the best PDA, get a Palm--the OS sucks but the apps are good. If you want a Linux-y PDA, the Yopy looks like the best choice.

    1. Re:finally by swv3752 · · Score: 1

      You really should try the tkc or Opie/OpenZaurus apps. They are a lot better than the default Sharp apps, though Sharp ROM 3.1x is better than the previous offerings.

      You can install Opie PIM apps without installing all of Opie. Just like you can install the tkc aps without installing the tkcROM.

      One can install X11 on the Zaurus, but why? And I wouldn't want a set of apps like from the VR3. The gui from the screens shots for the Yopy looks like FVWM, ugh! One can minimiz and run multiple apps on QPE or Opie, so the only real benefit to X11 is remote access, and VNC is not that much of a pain, though I considered limited. Yeah it was neat in Geeky sort of way when I did on my VR3. But I dodn't see it as necessary for my Zaurus.

      Overall, the Yopy seems kinda cheap.

      --
      Just a Tuna in the Sea of Life
    2. Re:finally by ElGuapoGolf · · Score: 1

      I got flamed for saying this the other day, but you're right, the apps on the Zaurus simply blow.

      Even the improved versions with the latest ROM (tkc, Sharp) aren't that great, altho the latest Sharp rom fixes a lot of the data sync problems. If you can get it to sync, that is.

      I'm going to disagree with the last point. If you want small and linuxy, you can pick up a used thinkpad X20 for around 300 or so on ebay (last I checked at least). It's way more functional for less money. If you want a PDA, get a Palm.

    3. Re:finally by penguin7of9 · · Score: 1

      You really should try the tkc or Opie/OpenZaurus apps. They are a lot better than the default Sharp apps, though Sharp ROM 3.1x is better than the previous offerings.

      I have. I think a Palm is still way better.

      One can install X11 on the Zaurus, but why?

      Installing X11 on the Zaurus is a major headache, if not for any other reason then because the Zaurus regularly loses all data and installed programs.

      If you mean "why would I want to use X11 on the Zaurus", I think I gave the answer: there are two possible uses for a handheld like that: as a PDA, but for that the Zaurus is no good no matter what it runs, or as a special-purpose Linux handheld, and for that the Zaurus becomes a lot more useful if it can actually run a large fraction of tools. For example, I can program a handheld running X11 in Gtk+, PyGnome, or wxWindows, and I can plug it into the network and run those applications on a big screen. I can do none of those things with QPE or Opie or anything else.

  25. Re:LINUXY? by rusty0101 · · Score: 1

    My boss was complaining the other day about how everyone was using his machine, and he couldn't get any work done. So I Linuxed his machine, and now no one but me will use the machine. My boss still isn't happy that he can't use his machine, but now it's just my carrer on the line.

    --
    You never know...
  26. SA-1100 still? by Big+Jojo · · Score: 1

    Yopy took forever to finally reach the market, even just in Europe and Canada. By the time it did, the SA-1100 was no longer produced ...

    Anyone here know about a PXA-255 based Yopy?

  27. Qwerty keyboard... ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! by advocate_one · · Score: 1

    OK chaps and chapesses... here was a perfect opportunity to make a break from the tyranny of the QWERTY layout... it has been demonstrated time and time again that the qwerty layout was only devised to slow down typists so that manual tripewriters wouldn't jam their keys so often... so why on earth is having a qwerty key layout seen as an advantage??? especially in a format this small... You can't touch type with those keys... and if you can then you must have miniature hands... typing with that thing WILL be hunt and peck with a "stylus" so having an alphabetical layout would make far more sense. Plus you wouldn't have to have a special "azerty" layout for the French market either when you came to put it there...

    --
    Donald 'Duck' Dunn: We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.
    1. Re:Qwerty keyboard... ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! by b-baggins · · Score: 1

      Not true. The Qwerty keyboard was designed to keep commonly typed letters from being adjacent to one another. Quite a bit of thought went into the layout.

      Qwerty and Dvorak each have their advantages. I used both, and went back to QWERTY because it handles load balancing between the hands better. Dvorak puts too much typing of words all on one hand.

      --
      You can tell a great deal about the character of a man by observing those who hate him.
    2. Re:Qwerty keyboard... ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! by adrianbaugh · · Score: 1

      While you may be unable to touch type on a keyboard this small I still prefer qwerty on a real keyboard (letters more evenly distributed between the hands, at least for English words) and I am used to the layout. I can hunt-and-peck for letters on a too-small qwerty keyboard far, far faster than I can on a too-small abcdef keyboard.

      --
      "'I pass the test,' she said. 'I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.'"
      - JRR Tolkien.
    3. Re:Qwerty keyboard... ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why still Qwerty? Because the keyboard is rarely the weakest link in the system. Average people with moderate amounts of training can type 60+ words per minute. That's commonly faster than they can write. And it takes less type to learn to type quickly than to write/print quickly. Children have proven that. It just doesn't seem to be something people complain about. Except non-Qwerty zealots.

      People learn the Qwerty layout within days of actually -trying-, so I have little sympathy for hunt-and-peckers. They're just lazy, I'm sorry. -Children- can learn a layout. Qwerty is tradition, and that's not a good reason by itself, but if it's not causing problems, who cares?

    4. Re:Qwerty keyboard... ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!! by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      if you bothered to do some research..
      it's not exactly fact or proven(qwerty just slows you down myth, just google for it. also it obviously only holds up in english anyways).

      though, i get by pretty well by on my phone with 10 buttons for typing. but the advantage of qwerty is that it's 'full'(helps with shell apps and casual writing) and you somewhat know where the buttons are, from day 1 you start using it.

      alphabetical layouts suck and you still would need special keyboards if you wanted to cater the the special characters.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
  28. Re:MOD THIS POST DOWN! by advocate_one · · Score: 1
    Oh, and by the way, BSD is dead.

    That'll get you modded down 100% of the time... a real surefire way of guaranteeing it...

    --
    Donald 'Duck' Dunn: We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.
  29. linuxgasm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I was once accused of having a linuxgasm.

  30. Re:Qwerty keyboard... enjoyed by all but Dvorak by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It has NEVER been shown that QWERTY was devised to slow down typists, except on urbanlegend.com! By the way, I visited a posh lab where everyone was allowed to play with new and different keyboard designs and they didn't type much! The lab closed down soon after due to lack of publications.

  31. Hmm.... by IDigUNIX · · Score: 1

    ...is their site really /.'ed, or is it simply hosted on a Yopy?

  32. Has anybody else noticed... by wazzzup · · Score: 1

    ...that the screenshots look like a bastardized version of Mac System 7 and Windows 95?

    Look at the sound "control panel" and the multimedia menu icon. Straight out of System 7. The "Start" menu and other various icons definitely have a Microsoft look to them.

  33. Yopy survey by Kludge · · Score: 1

    Yopy.com is running a survey on which operating system people use. Check out the results! This is the nerd handheld. Gotta get me one.

  34. Re:English enly keyboard Re:Distribution in Europe by joestar · · Score: 1

    Afaik accents are supported (at least in French). TuxMedia is not only a distributor, they do localization for the Yopy.

  35. More PDA linkage on YOPY 3700 by pr0ntab · · Score: 1

    Is there anybody here who's having difficulty using google or dealtime?
    I mean, this is RIGHT UP THERE too...
    About.com YOPY 3700 review

    If you are having trouble and are still relying on Sir Haxalot for clickage, for a mere $10.00 plus ($250 S/H) I will send you a beautifully embossed 7 CD portofolio to will instruct you, STEP BY STEP, on how to use Google and the Internet in general. Satisifaction guaranteed!

    --
    Fuck Beta. Fuck Dice
  36. Commodore PET lives by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How cool is that all-inline keyboard!

  37. Some links for you by Enucite · · Score: 1

    I ordered this and was wondering the same thing, so I did some googling.

    Here's a couple web sites I found:

    Zaurus Software Index

    Open Zaurus

  38. Re:English enly keyboard Re:Distribution in Europe by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Besides it is distributed in Europe, what are europeans supposed to do with a device that hasn't a proper keyboard ?

    Learn a proper language, you onion selling, stripy jumper wearing tosspot.