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Linux PDA Resurfaces in U.S.
An anonymous reader writes "A high-end Linux-based Sharp Zaurus PDA thought to be discontinued in the US is actually available from two sources. The SL-6000L is available from stock from 10East, a seller of vertical market systems for the railroad industry which has established a direct manufacturing relationship with Sharp Japan, it says. The Wi-Fi equipped SL-6000L is also available in single quantities from SDG Systems, which, incidentally, is porting Linux to several PDAs that normally run Windows, including the super-rugged TDS Recon."
We need more linux PDA's period. I still want linux on my ipaQ 4350 I wonder how much I can do with 400MHz processor and wifi. My main problem is that the integrated keyboard isnt supported.
...twice shy
I love the idea of the sharp zaurus, but the problem I find with them is the lack of support for key things.
A while ago I bought a SL-5500 just to find out that Sharp wasn't going to support it as soon as the 6000 series came out. This irks me because it's still a decent PDA, but I can't get any real upgrades for it now. In essence, I'm stuck running sharp's horribly outdated rom, or one of the openzaurus roms which are habitually buggy, and don't get updated very often.
Another issue I have with sharp is while they're all about Linux on the PDA, they don't seem interested in writing software to sync the PDA with a Linux workstation. This doesn't make any sense to me at all, since the majority of people who would buy a PDA like this probably run Linux or Unix.
Anyhow, Sharp already got $600 CAD out of me once, I don't know if I'll be willing to go through it again.
BeauHD. Worst editor since kdawson.
This is why: pdaXrom
Don't think of it as a flame---it's more like an argument that does 3d6 fire damage
can I run ssh telnet on any of these devices ?
By leveraging innovative technologies, content providers streamline compelling enterprise solutions.
Not on the Zarus, but on iPAQ's!
http://handhelds.org/projects/skiffcluster.html
I won't join Slashcott. OTOH, If Beta goes live, I just won't be back until it's fixed. Sorry Dice.
You can run Kismet, play nethack, even run servers like apache, etc. I VNC into mine from my laptop, making data entry a snap. Even when no other connections are available, wireless adhoc works great.
It is pricy though...not for the frugal. They even have X windows on it, an entirely free ROM (called OpenZaurus), and a version of Konqueror for it. Bochs, SNES9X, and other emulators work as well. It comes with a terminal emulator, and I found it to be a good general purpose linux box. Even the package format is just a glorified tgz (kind of along the lines of .deb packages), so the whole thing (including at home development) is pretty easy.
Targus has a model that fits the Zaurus excellently, is available in most stores, and is quite inexpensive.
C HUS01
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=
It even has a little sleeve inside for your wifi or other accesory card.
Agreed. You can have your choice of several polished ROMs (think Distributions), I use Cacko on my 860. It's a close cousin to the Sharp ROM with several improvements. They recently had a new version pushed out the door.
Or you can run pdaXrom, it runs a native version of X so almost any linux program can be cross-compiled for it. They are working on their latest RC (currently version 1.1.0 rc9).
Or you can try Open Zaurus, they just came out with version 3.5.3, many new features, very, very, slick. (I'll be trying it out later when I get the time).
The Z is the perfect little hacker tool, you can basically get anything that runs on a desktop on the Z (within reason).
There are a lot of programs orphaned by individuals that are no loger supported, but these are stand-alone programs and don't apply to the core development. I pretty much stick to what comes with the ROMs so these programs are of little interest to me.
The big problem is Sharp's lack of interest in selling outside of Asia. And they tend to be pricey.
I dream in binary.
the correct openbsd link
Roms based on openzaurus with an updated qtopia-2.1.1, that will sync with Linux, Mac OSX and Windows are available for the sl6000, as well as other Zaurus including the a300, from Trolltech's new Qtopia Community web site:
http://www.qtopia.net
-- "Perceptions create reality. By changing your perceptions you change your reality."
The folding clamshell zauruses, while somewhat awkward as a pda/pim have much better keyboards, and are much more usable as mini-pc. Only problem is: they're Japanese- so change the locale, or buy from a US reseller that will change it for you.
Your best bets are:
Cheapest prices for new Zaurus. Based in Japan. Minimal service.
Decent prices, based in US.
Major importer/reseller in Deutscheland/EU
Most established US importer/retailer. Not cheap, but excellent service.
Excellent prices, new and used, but hasn't been responsive recently. Japan based.
First, nothing begins if not opening
My experience is the exact opposite.
I have a 5500 and a 5600 and it's more productive than any other PDA. all the regular PDA functions are there as well as the ability to open and edit most any Office document Hell I ran my last power point presentation from my SL5600 and the NTSC output pcmcia card that is compatable. I am able to run most palm apps in the palm emulator and with the 5600's processor it feels like the apps are running on a IIIvx which satisfies my need tfor a couple of vertical apps we have here. There is a crapload of software available, most of it is free, but some of it commercial and I have bought a couple.
Personally I'm going to have one of the newest Zaurus PDA's running linux imported for me. the clamshell design coupled with a micro hard drive and linux makes it something that is insanely cool.
Sharp stopped selling their linux based pda's here in the USA because of dismal sales, yet they sell very well in Japan.
I have went through several Sony Clies and HP journadas, all of them were sub par compared to the Zaurus hardware and software wise.
but then, I am NOT your typical PDA user. I look to have my PDA act as a wearable computer, a repository of all important information I need. The closest non Zaurus PDA that was able to do that was the Sony Clie NX80, Their top of the line powerhouse that cost almost $700.00 new. almost all it's paint rubbed off within 30 days and the swivel screen was extremely weak in 60 days.
BTW, belt cases for the Zaurus are easy to find. I was able to use the leather and the cordoura ones for my NX80 prefectly, and compusa had several that also fit well.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
This made me happy, since I am a long time owner of the SL-5500, and I haven't had a problem with mine. I almost bought the SL-5000, but luckily I was able to pre-order the SL-5500 and waited patiently for its release.
War Eagle!
These comments are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or colleagues...