(Yes, I know, they should allow all browsers, but who really thinks here that the Sharp Zaurus team made those web pages? Anyone here ever work in a real company? The web page people are very often *not* the hardware (or even software) development people.)
Okay, now that we're past that, the Zaurus is a kickass little PDA. (I've had the Developer's Version for months now.) Some things to note:
* Runs any Linux app that can be (re)compiled for a StrongArm processor. Currently running are: Python Perl SSH Telnet Konqueror Opera Seminole Web Server Jikes BitchX NMap ...and others, just to name a few.
* The handwriting recognition isn't that bad. It requires you to train the device for certain characters if you want your own handwriting to work, but that doesn't take much time.
* IBM MicroDrives work with no problem. I have a 340MB version, and several other Zaurus owners have reported the 1GB version working. (Though they drain the battery quickly.)
* The keyboard is really easy (and actually kinda fun) to use!
* The synching for Windows should be up to snuff by now. Someone has already patched the 2.4.x kernels to allow USB networking over Linux in order to connect it to a Linux box, so it is now Linux friendly.:)
* The "Word Game" that comes with it (like Scrabble) has been very addicting!
* It is easily 80% of the size of a typical WinCE handheld, and includes two expansion slots (one CF and one SD) by default.
* It has Java, so you can write Java apps for it.
* The UI has been greatly improved, and the Zaurus people have taken very seriously feedback from the developers who have had the Developer's model.
Overall, once you get past the web browser thing, you'll find that with the possible exception of the price (which, incidentally, is similar to other high-end PDAs), it's a kickass little device.
Unfortunately, they delivered it while I was at work. The FedEx driver signed it as received by "Front Door". I did not get the opportunity to refuse the shipment.
Very bad experience with Empower Technologies...
on
Linux PDA Part Deux
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
I ordered their Power Play III. They said it would take six to eight weeks to ship.
They charged my credit card within one day.
Eight weeks later, I still had not heard anything, after emailing them twice.
Finally, they responded to my email, and told me that my PDA would ship on the 19th of November, and that it would take an additional week to arrive.
They would not give me a tracking number, no matter how many times I emailed.
After the week was up, the PDA had still not arrived. I waited another three days, and still nothing.
In the meantime, I had ordered the Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D, and I got it in eight days.
I therefore wrote to the sales and info people at Empower Technologies, and I told them that I no longer wanted the PowerPlay III. They said they would issue me a refund, and since FedEx *still* had not delivered the PowerPlay III, that they would have FedEx return it directly to them and then issue me a refund.
A day later, and two days after I got my SL-5000D, FedEx delivered it. I checked the Tracking Number to see that FedEx had delivered it somewhere else first, but apparently Empower didn't see fit to check that.
So now I had a PowerPlay III that I no longer wanted, after being assured that Empower would have it directed back to them.
I wrote them again, and they said *I* was responsible for shipping it back to them. Furthermore, I was to insure it, and then give them a tracking number!! Needless to say, I was rather upset (since they wouldn't give me one), and wrote them a nice but firm email. They changed their tune, and then told me that I would get "reimbursed" for the shipping.
The next day, a FedEx guy showed up at my house (I was at work) to pick up the PowerPlay. Empower had called FedEx for a pick up order, but they did not tell me first!! Since I was at work, the package wasn't ready.
Then they said they would have FedEx pick it up again. The package stayed between my doors waiting for FedEx to return for another week. They never did.
Finally, I dropped it in a FedEx box, and it was redelivered to me. I got very upset at that point, and wrote to Empower that they had better call for FedEx pick up, and have them meet me. They have finally done that, and as of this morning, the package is on its way back to Empower. I checked "Bill To Sender" on the FedEx form, and the FedEx guy took it even though there was no account number.
I have yet to see how long it will take to get my refund, but I am not holding my breath!!!
In short, while more expensive, the Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D was a much better product, from a much more reliable company.
For those who are interested in the possibility of the BeOS being continued, check out BeUnited.org. Originally "a place to find and support teams for the development of high quality BeOS software", they are now "leading an initiative concerned with the licensing of the BeOS from Palm, Inc. and its subsequent upgrading, development and professional marketing on a global scale".
If they can be successful in licensing the OS from Palm, then the BeOS can continue. They currently have 136 new products or projects in their developer survey. Head over to the site to see how you can help!
Also, for those that don't know, there are several other really good sites dedicated to the BeOS:
"In the interest of consistency and reducing redundancy." There's only 1 MB of code, and while that is a lot considering it's all text, I suspect that you will find yourselves recreating (and then refixing) most of the original problems that are more than likely fixed by your existing codebase.
Old adages got to be old adages because they represent sound wisdom. So if it ain't broke, don't fix it.;)
bc90021
"Python is executable pseudocode; Perl is executable line noise". - Someone wiser than I.
They are *not* angry about modchips that will allow people to play games of theirs that are copied? Or they weren't angry for six years but now are?
And they *are* mad about a product that will allow people to play original games (albeit from different regions) that they would have to then purchase?
That reads to me as they haven't minded about being ripped off for the past six years, but don't want customers to play their actual games?
I *must* be missing something, or the Sony people should spend more time developing logic chips, and not worrying about mod chips.
With South Korean President Kim Dae-jung bringing the Digital Divide back into focus, the gap between the rich technology "haves" and the poor technology "have-nots" seems to get wider all the time.
What can we be doing "officially" to make sure that gap disappears? I know of several organisations that provide computers and technological assistance to the "have-nots", but should the government play a role? And if so, what should that be?
I have "normal" sized hands, if there is such a thing. I actually fit into everyone's definition of "average" size in terms of adult males (6'0, 185), so my fingers are neither small nor large.
(This has been a very weird question to answer.;) )
And I've been using it for half a week now. Some things to note:
The handwriting recognition isn't that bad. It requires you to train the device for certain characters if you want your own handwriting to work, but that doesn't take much time.
IBM MicroDrives work with no problem. I have a 340MB version, and several other Zaurus owners have reported the 1GB version working. (Though they drain the battery quickly.)
There are already tons of programs that have been ported. SSH, Telnet, Seminole Web Server, Jikes, Python, BitchX, Konqueror, NMap, and Perl to name just a few.
The keyboard is really easy (and actually kinda fun) to use!
The synching for Windows could use a little work, but it is a developer's model. Someone has already patched the 2.4.x kernels to allow USB networking over Linux in order to connect it to a Linux box, so it is now Linux friendly.:)
The "Word Game" that comes with it (like Scrabble) has been very addicting!
It is easily 80% of the size of a typical WinCE handheld, and includes two expansion slots (one CF and one SD) by default.
Overall, it's a very neat little device. Since it is only a developer's version, it still has its few kinks to work out. But I won't be buying another PDA for a good long time.
Interestingly enough, Earthlink is becoming the "only option" in a lot of rural areas.
Personally, I tend to be of the opinion that when one gets down to discussing fewer and fewer options, that it is not the consumer that benefits.:(
While there must obviously be consolidation in an industry that has so many players, I don't like the concept of the only ISP choices being M$, AOL, and/or EarthLink.
If this is possible (and I don't see why it wouldn't be), couldn't encoding the output be a way around the new "uncopyable" CDs?
If you can't rip them (due to the "defects" added to them to induce clicking noises), you can certainly encode the digital output (assuming you have a sound card that has the proper inputs), and get your mp3s that way.
Hhhmmm... it seems that the first person/company to come up with a self-contained device that does this could make a lot of money...
Why was this never noticed before?
on
The LDP and Debian
·
· Score: 2, Insightful
Am I missing something? Or does this sound to anyone else like it would have been noticed before? (Especially among the Debian crowd?)
Also, this isn't something to stop the code freeze for? I thought code freezes were done to get everything in order for releasing the next version. Clearly, not everything is ready, so it would make sense to me not to freeze the code...
an updated version without documentation wouldn't be much of an updated version!
I can only think that it might lead to the porting of other Debian tools to Windows, which might allow people to try them under Windows first, and be more comfortable with using them for a potential switch-over sometime down the road...
There are some really good pictures of the device at Sharp's UK site. (For dial-up users, be forewarned that they are a bit large.)
Currently, the device only synchs with Windows, but SSH/SCP has already been ported, so you can at least FTP with a Linux machine (and securely, to boot!)
Someone has already ported the Seminole Web Server. Konqueror is being ported as well. A minimal Python port is supposedly in the works!
This device contains both a CF slot and a memory card slot, so you can use your Targus CF Modem (maybe even your MicroDrive?) and an MMC at the same time.;)
Pocket Quake is already running on it!
The device is a little expensive (US$400), and you can't sign up to get one without becoming a developer (here), but if you're into Linux, Qt, and/or Java, it could very well be worth it
And if you're not hardcore enough to get the Developer version, the consumer version should be available early next year, and it makes a great PDA regardless.
Currently, they are working on the Linux synch, and it should be available shortly. It synchs with Windows as of right now, but it also does SSH/SCP, so you can at least copy files via secure FTP with your Linux box in the meantime.
It is currently only available in the US, UK, and Ireland. They (afaik, I am on the developer's list) are working on making it available elsewhere, but it is currently only available in the above three countries.
Well, I don't know what kind of teachers you had, but the ones we had not only taught us to use tools, but how those tools worked as well. They also taught us *why* certain tools were used, instead of others - ie, what made Tool X useful for solving Problem Y.
Maybe the problem that you're suggesting is with the educational system, and not the software...;)
When was the last time you even used Linux? What do you mean "not suitable for education"? Software that encourages people to learn what makes it run isn't suitable for education?
Have you seen KDE? Have you seen GNOME? By any chance, have you tried the new GNOME desktop?
And what about StarOffice 6 Beta?
Frankly, before you knock something, you really should try it.
I am willing to bet that within two years, Linux et al. will have M$ on the run.
I have been using register.com since they started. With the exception of one phone call (new tech apparently), they have been very reponsive to my needs.
In addition to that, while they may charge the full $35, they will typically give me discounts on occasion for being a "valued customer".:)
Furthermore, wihle most registrars allow you to put in info for a DNS server only, you can use register.com for your DNS servers, and do all your DNS configurations through their website. (This includes A records, CNames, MX records, etc.) It eliminates the need for in house DNS!
I am certainly sorry for the poster's loss of computer equipment... I can understand that that must be devastating.
However, I was under the impression (I have shipped *many* computers in the course of my job) that no shipping company will accept a computer unless it is "double walled". That is, the computer must be packed in a box, and then that box must be packed in a bigger box. (Each box must contain the requisite number of inches of padding on each side.)
I am surprised that UPS accepted the packages - I suspect that unfortunately, he dealt with inexperienced or downright lazy employees.:(
Everyone I know who has gotten a drive 60GB or bigger has had to RMA their drive at least once (and one person four times!). This goes for Maxtor(/Quantum), and IBM.
It seems to me that the hard drive manufacturers should be spending more time producing quality drives instead of trying to one-up each other in the "who's bigger" war.
First to market may be well and good, if you have a quality drive. And even though OSen can take up to 1.5GB of space, few people couldn't survive with a 40GB drive. And the two month difference in time while manufacturers took the extra steps to create quality 60+GB drives wouldn't hurt people or the industry.
Slashdot Mirror
(Yes, I know, they should allow all browsers, but who really thinks here that the Sharp Zaurus team made those web pages? Anyone here ever work in a real company? The web page people are very often *not* the hardware (or even software) development people.)
:)
Okay, now that we're past that, the Zaurus is a kickass little PDA. (I've had the Developer's Version for months now.) Some things to note:
* Runs any Linux app that can be (re)compiled for a StrongArm processor. Currently running are:
Python
Perl
SSH
Telnet
Konqueror
Opera
Seminole Web Server
Jikes
BitchX
NMap
...and others, just to name a few.
* The handwriting recognition isn't that bad. It requires you to train the device for certain characters if you want your own handwriting to work, but that doesn't take much time.
* IBM MicroDrives work with no problem. I have a 340MB version, and several other Zaurus owners have reported the 1GB version working. (Though they drain the battery quickly.)
* The keyboard is really easy (and actually kinda fun) to use!
* The synching for Windows should be up to snuff by now. Someone has already patched the 2.4.x kernels to allow USB networking over Linux in order to connect it to a Linux box, so it is now Linux friendly.
* The "Word Game" that comes with it (like Scrabble) has been very addicting!
* It is easily 80% of the size of a typical WinCE handheld, and includes two expansion slots (one CF and one SD) by default.
* It has Java, so you can write Java apps for it.
* The UI has been greatly improved, and the Zaurus people have taken very seriously feedback from the developers who have had the Developer's model.
Overall, once you get past the web browser thing, you'll find that with the possible exception of the price (which, incidentally, is similar to other high-end PDAs), it's a kickass little device.
Wishing you both the best of love and happiness for all time to come. :)
Unfortunately, they delivered it while I was at work. The FedEx driver signed it as received by "Front Door". I did not get the opportunity to refuse the shipment.
I ordered their Power Play III. They said it would take six to eight weeks to ship.
They charged my credit card within one day.
Eight weeks later, I still had not heard anything, after emailing them twice.
Finally, they responded to my email, and told me that my PDA would ship on the 19th of November, and that it would take an additional week to arrive.
They would not give me a tracking number, no matter how many times I emailed.
After the week was up, the PDA had still not arrived. I waited another three days, and still nothing.
In the meantime, I had ordered the Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D, and I got it in eight days.
I therefore wrote to the sales and info people at Empower Technologies, and I told them that I no longer wanted the PowerPlay III. They said they would issue me a refund, and since FedEx *still* had not delivered the PowerPlay III, that they would have FedEx return it directly to them and then issue me a refund.
A day later, and two days after I got my SL-5000D, FedEx delivered it. I checked the Tracking Number to see that FedEx had delivered it somewhere else first, but apparently Empower didn't see fit to check that.
So now I had a PowerPlay III that I no longer wanted, after being assured that Empower would have it directed back to them.
I wrote them again, and they said *I* was responsible for shipping it back to them. Furthermore, I was to insure it, and then give them a tracking number!! Needless to say, I was rather upset (since they wouldn't give me one), and wrote them a nice but firm email. They changed their tune, and then told me that I would get "reimbursed" for the shipping.
The next day, a FedEx guy showed up at my house (I was at work) to pick up the PowerPlay. Empower had called FedEx for a pick up order, but they did not tell me first!! Since I was at work, the package wasn't ready.
Then they said they would have FedEx pick it up again. The package stayed between my doors waiting for FedEx to return for another week. They never did.
Finally, I dropped it in a FedEx box, and it was redelivered to me. I got very upset at that point, and wrote to Empower that they had better call for FedEx pick up, and have them meet me. They have finally done that, and as of this morning, the package is on its way back to Empower. I checked "Bill To Sender" on the FedEx form, and the FedEx guy took it even though there was no account number.
I have yet to see how long it will take to get my refund, but I am not holding my breath!!!
In short, while more expensive, the Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D was a much better product, from a much more reliable company.
For those who are interested in the possibility of the BeOS being continued, check out BeUnited.org. Originally "a place to find and support teams for the development of high quality BeOS software", they are now "leading an initiative concerned with the licensing of the BeOS from Palm, Inc. and its subsequent upgrading, development and professional marketing on a global scale".
If they can be successful in licensing the OS from Palm, then the BeOS can continue. They currently have 136 new products or projects in their developer survey. Head over to the site to see how you can help!
Also, for those that don't know, there are several other really good sites dedicated to the BeOS:
The "sourceForge" of the BeOS: BeBits.com.
News and a discussion forum: BeGroovy.com.
Another news site: BeNews.com.
And, of course, the site that sells BeOS 5 Pro, and the Office Suite (available for Windows, too!) that goes along with it: Gobe.com.
...don't fix it!
;)
"In the interest of consistency and reducing redundancy." There's only 1 MB of code, and while that is a lot considering it's all text, I suspect that you will find yourselves recreating (and then refixing) most of the original problems that are more than likely fixed by your existing codebase.
Old adages got to be old adages because they represent sound wisdom. So if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
bc90021
"Python is executable pseudocode; Perl is executable line noise". - Someone wiser than I.
They are *not* angry about modchips that will allow people to play games of theirs that are copied? Or they weren't angry for six years but now are?
And they *are* mad about a product that will allow people to play original games (albeit from different regions) that they would have to then purchase?
That reads to me as they haven't minded about being ripped off for the past six years, but don't want customers to play their actual games?
I *must* be missing something, or the Sony people should spend more time developing logic chips, and not worrying about mod chips.
With South Korean President Kim Dae-jung bringing the Digital Divide back into focus, the gap between the rich technology "haves" and the poor technology "have-nots" seems to get wider all the time.
What can we be doing "officially" to make sure that gap disappears? I know of several organisations that provide computers and technological assistance to the "have-nots", but should the government play a role? And if so, what should that be?
I have "normal" sized hands, if there is such a thing. I actually fit into everyone's definition of "average" size in terms of adult males (6'0, 185), so my fingers are neither small nor large.
;) )
(This has been a very weird question to answer.
Overall, it's a very neat little device. Since it is only a developer's version, it still has its few kinks to work out. But I won't be buying another PDA for a good long time.
Interestingly enough, Earthlink is becoming the "only option" in a lot of rural areas.
:(
Personally, I tend to be of the opinion that when one gets down to discussing fewer and fewer options, that it is not the consumer that benefits.
While there must obviously be consolidation in an industry that has so many players, I don't like the concept of the only ISP choices being M$, AOL, and/or EarthLink.
If this is possible (and I don't see why it wouldn't be), couldn't encoding the output be a way around the new "uncopyable" CDs?
If you can't rip them (due to the "defects" added to them to induce clicking noises), you can certainly encode the digital output (assuming you have a sound card that has the proper inputs), and get your mp3s that way.
Hhhmmm... it seems that the first person/company to come up with a self-contained device that does this could make a lot of money...
...if it has been ordered offline? ;)
Am I missing something? Or does this sound to anyone else like it would have been noticed before? (Especially among the Debian crowd?)
Also, this isn't something to stop the code freeze for? I thought code freezes were done to get everything in order for releasing the next version. Clearly, not everything is ready, so it would make sense to me not to freeze the code...
an updated version without documentation wouldn't be much of an updated version!
...will continue to be right for a while. ;) (See Moore's Law if you're unfamiliar. :)
I can only think that it might lead to the porting of other Debian tools to Windows, which might allow people to try them under Windows first, and be more comfortable with using them for a potential switch-over sometime down the road...
The device is a little expensive (US$400), and you can't sign up to get one without becoming a developer (here), but if you're into Linux, Qt, and/or Java, it could very well be worth it
And if you're not hardcore enough to get the Developer version, the consumer version should be available early next year, and it makes a great PDA regardless.
Mine will be here Wednesday... I can't wait!
Currently, they are working on the Linux synch, and it should be available shortly. It synchs with Windows as of right now, but it also does SSH/SCP, so you can at least copy files via secure FTP with your Linux box in the meantime.
It is currently only available in the US, UK, and Ireland. They (afaik, I am on the developer's list) are working on making it available elsewhere, but it is currently only available in the above three countries.
I suppose that having cell phones on different standards wasn't enough... now we have to have our GPS'es on different standards too?
Well, I don't know what kind of teachers you had, but the ones we had not only taught us to use tools, but how those tools worked as well. They also taught us *why* certain tools were used, instead of others - ie, what made Tool X useful for solving Problem Y.
;)
Maybe the problem that you're suggesting is with the educational system, and not the software...
When was the last time you even used Linux? What do you mean "not suitable for education"? Software that encourages people to learn what makes it run isn't suitable for education?
Have you seen KDE? Have you seen GNOME? By any chance, have you tried the new GNOME desktop?
And what about StarOffice 6 Beta?
Frankly, before you knock something, you really should try it.
I am willing to bet that within two years, Linux et al. will have M$ on the run.
I have been using register.com since they started. With the exception of one phone call (new tech apparently), they have been very reponsive to my needs.
:)
:)
In addition to that, while they may charge the full $35, they will typically give me discounts on occasion for being a "valued customer".
Furthermore, wihle most registrars allow you to put in info for a DNS server only, you can use register.com for your DNS servers, and do all your DNS configurations through their website. (This includes A records, CNames, MX records, etc.) It eliminates the need for in house DNS!
I find that they are very worth it.
I am certainly sorry for the poster's loss of computer equipment... I can understand that that must be devastating.
:(
However, I was under the impression (I have shipped *many* computers in the course of my job) that no shipping company will accept a computer unless it is "double walled". That is, the computer must be packed in a box, and then that box must be packed in a bigger box. (Each box must contain the requisite number of inches of padding on each side.)
I am surprised that UPS accepted the packages - I suspect that unfortunately, he dealt with inexperienced or downright lazy employees.
Everyone I know who has gotten a drive 60GB or bigger has had to RMA their drive at least once (and one person four times!). This goes for Maxtor(/Quantum), and IBM.
It seems to me that the hard drive manufacturers should be spending more time producing quality drives instead of trying to one-up each other in the "who's bigger" war.
First to market may be well and good, if you have a quality drive. And even though OSen can take up to 1.5GB of space, few people couldn't survive with a 40GB drive. And the two month difference in time while manufacturers took the extra steps to create quality 60+GB drives wouldn't hurt people or the industry.