Wow, you're right, who cares about a few people, I mean, I'm sure they didn't have families or anything either. You know, I think you're right. From now on, people should only be convicted of murder if they kill more than 10 people. Everyone else didn't really do much, right? They only killed a few, which doesn't matter.
So go ahead and hide behind your AC, you insensitive moron.
You have have had?
That doesn't sound right...
Unless...
Quick, someone freeze light and stop this error from reaching millions of/. grammar nazis, or we are all DOOMED!
I know it is a plug for his own site, but it is worth checking out, very nice, straightforward interface and display, timely data, and very nice graphics/charts/tables. I would recommend it.
I know it is not good practice to reply to my own post, but after it got modded offtopic, I felt I needed to clarify. The "technology pundit" quoted in the article says that "I'm not sure that a device that would allow streaming but wouldn't allow you to copy would be very popular." The technology of radio is still flourishing now, and is a more social medium than, say, an iPod, and tunA seems to be along the same lines.
"I'm not sure that a device that would allow streaming but wouldn't allow you to copy would be very popular," he said.
So, I guess what he is saying is that radio is dying? People have listened to radio broadcasts of music for decades, and continue to, without being able to keep the music. What is different now?
Either the parent post has extremely fast typing skills, or it was a canned comment that happened to fit just right, or I am crazy. Story posted 12:01, comment posted 12:03. Wow, I am impressed.
Cabinet says computers under attack INFORMATION WARFARE: A Cabinet spokesman said Beijing is waging a campaign designed to access databases in Taiwan through the use of Trojan-horse computer programs By Ko Shu-ling STAFF REPORTER Thursday, Sep 04, 2003,Page 1
China has launched a systematic information warfare campaign against Taiwan, spreading Trojan-horse programs into private companies' computers as a means to break into government databases, the Cabinet said yesterday.
"National intelligence has indicated that an army of hackers based in China's Hubei and Fujian provinces has successfully spread 23 different Trojan horse programs to the networks 10 private high-tech companies here to use them as a springboard to break into at least 30 different government agencies and 50 private companies," Cabinet Spokesman Lin Chia-lung () said yesterday.
The government agencies invaded by the Trojan-horse programs include the National Police Administration, the Ministry of National Defense, the Central Election Commission and the Central Bank of China.
To minimize the damage, Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday instructed all central government agencies to scrutinize their computer systems and report to the authorities within two days. Those failing or refusing to comply with the order may face punishment.
Yu made the remark yesterday morning during the weekly closed-door Cabinet meeting, in which Minister without Portfolio Tsai Ching-yen () briefed Yu on the matter.
"Trojan-horse attacks are one of the most serious threats to computer security," Tsai said. "A computer user may have not only been attacked but may also be attacking others unknowingly."
Because of the vast popularity and many weaknesses of the Windows operating system, most of the damage is done to Windows users, Tsai said.
Although the National Information Task Force has warned government agencies to be on alert, Tsai said, some agencies have failed to take the warning seriously.
"They either delayed reporting to authorities or tried to solve the problem themselves. It not only stalled our response efforts but also made the situation worse," Tsai said.
Since it appears no government information has been stolen, Tsai said, the deployment of the program is likely aimed at paralyzing the nation's computer systems.
"Of course there are other possibilities such as stealing sensitive government information in vast sums or preparing computers for future information warfare," he said.
To help government agencies invaded by the program clean up the mess, Tsai said the National Information Security Committee plans to complete the programming of the anti-Trojan-horse software today.
"We'll also post the solution manual on the Internet for the convenience of other countries facing the same problem," Tsai said, adding that Taiwan is the first country to have detected the program.
Lee Hsiang-chen (), captain of the National Police Administration's Criminal Investigation Bureau, said the situation has been monitored 24 hours a day over the past two months.
"We're glad that it has been detected before any damage was done," Lee said.
"If there's any lesson from this experience, it is not to use software developed in China or hire Chinese computer programmers, because you're running the risk of having the software you use implanted with the Trojan-horse program," he said.
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
I found that the OS was very familiar to me after using my SL-5600 since April (it's bash 2.05 on both systems). Unfortunately the C750 keyboard was tough for me to use in some situations. The FN and Shift keys are a fair distance apart, making it difficult to get them both with one thumb. So, pressing Fn-Shift to get control characters Ctrl-a or Ctrl-e is very difficult at first. I'm not sure that's a real gripe though because over all I think the keyboard is at least as usable as the 5600's.
(back to contents)
Conclusion
This is a beautifully designed and built device with a solid, versatile OS. The translation from Japanese is not 100%, but the main things missing are help files and some address book functionality. Compatibility with Windows was excellent and transfer of files is easy once you download the right software. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi or BlueTooth may be an issue for some users, but if you're prepared to add your own CF Wi-Fi card the networking is silky smooth and the outstanding 640x480 screen turns this into the ultimate couch (or street) surfing accessory. Above and beyond what many people expect from a PDA, if you need to edit Word or Excel documents, this device will put laptop power in your hand, literally.
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect PDA. From a personal perspective, this is a step up from the SL-5600 which I am already very keen on. It comes closer to realising the potential of true handheld computing, even if it has a few rough edges. This device does not have the strongest PIM suite on the market, but it is very usable and compatible with the Windows desktop. If Office and OpenOffice compatibility, networking (including browsing the web), programming or any kind of image viewing are high on your priority list, this is an excellent choice and possibly the best PDA for the job right now... if you can afford it.
Pros
* Excellent screen, very high defnition
* Rugged build does not compromise on style
* Full QWERTY keyboard of a nice size
* Fast, responsive OS and applications
* Nice USB connection, doesn't need a cradle
* High level of office compatibility out of the box
* Network setup is a breeze
* Excellent PC sync. software available from Sharp
* Hot switchable landscape/portrait works nicely
* Good battery life
* It's a babe magnet. Or a dude magnet, if you prefer
Cons (General)
* Lacks BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, microphone and SDIO
* Screen is hard to read in direct sunlight
* Some ambiguity over what Zaurus software will run on it
* A few gaps in the linux software stable
* Not well suited for left-handed use
* No games in the retail build
* Not exactly a bargain PDA
Cons (Translation-related)
* Incomplete OS translation from Japanese to English
* The bundled PC software is pretty scary to use
The Sharp Zaurus SL-C750 and C760 can be purchased from Dynamism, currently priced at $699 and $799 respectively.
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
I work at a movie theatre, and last night watched a special employee sneak of Bad Boys II. Why is this relevant at all?
Because there is a scene in which Will Smith's character gives the token computer nerd a handful of shredded paper, and tells him to find out what's on it. He does, explaining that the software scans the pieces, andrearranges them to dsplay the image.
This would have to be the first time I can think of in which Hollywood beat slashdot to explaining a real new technology.
Just as I did with CD burners and the PS2, I will buckle down and wait for this technology to mature and come down in price.
A while back I needed a large capacity backup device, and I had to choose between CD burners, Zip drives, Jaz drives, and those old optical disks. At the time, because of hardware and media cost, it would have been a tough decision, but by waiting, CD burners came to the forefront and were the most economical choice.
Where does this tie in to DVD burners? Well, they are a bit expensive (although coming down) and I want to wait to see if a better technology is just over the horizon.
How is this different from the GameCube, XBOX, PS 1&2, GameBoy, GameBoy Advance, Dreamcast (sorta), Saturn, Nintendo 64, 32X, Genesis, SNES, NES, Jaguar, Atari 2600/5200/7800, or Master System? I got news for ya, they were all proprietary, they all had protection schemes, and none of them allowed for you to make backups.
If I really wanted to, I could take any of those apart or mod them or whatever (with the exception of the few newest ones) because I OWNED them, there was no Nazi DRM to deal with, and that is what I take issue with.
Personally, I really don't care how cool this system could be, I don't want what is basically an extension of some corporate incredibly proprietary system in my home. A corporation should not have power over things in my home to that extent.
This is just the next step from the Xbox, and I cannot imagine having NO control over something in my own home. The Xbox is bad enough, so I say no thanks to the phantom.
They already are making movies out of games (Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, etc.) Is this just one step closer to a merging of the entertainments? interactive movies? More realistic games? Just an idea I am going to toss out here, hope it is grounds for a nice healthy discussion.
...and has only one mouse button compared to the Windows-based alternatives.
[rant]
Seriously, why are you STILL using the old one button vs. two button argument here? I thought we were beyond that. It's really not that big of a deal, unless you are an incredibly stubborn Wintel nazi, in which case you must feel a need to immaturely lash out at others.
Whatever the case, freaking GET OVER IT. Way back in the day, this may have meant something, but now, no one cares.
Slashdot Mirror
So go ahead and hide behind your AC, you insensitive moron.
yea, interrobang!?
You have have had? That doesn't sound right... Unless... Quick, someone freeze light and stop this error from reaching millions of /. grammar nazis, or we are all DOOMED!
I know it is a plug for his own site, but it is worth checking out, very nice, straightforward interface and display, timely data, and very nice graphics/charts/tables. I would recommend it.
I know it is not good practice to reply to my own post, but after it got modded offtopic, I felt I needed to clarify. The "technology pundit" quoted in the article says that "I'm not sure that a device that would allow streaming but wouldn't allow you to copy would be very popular." The technology of radio is still flourishing now, and is a more social medium than, say, an iPod, and tunA seems to be along the same lines.
So, I guess what he is saying is that radio is dying? People have listened to radio broadcasts of music for decades, and continue to, without being able to keep the music. What is different now?
The reason the link in the article is FUBAR is because it was spelled goverment.nl, missing the n. This one works: link
How about the Sex Pistols or the Clash, both from London?
She settled for $2000
Sorry, I = blind.
No star next to his name = no subscription.
Either the parent post has extremely fast typing skills, or it was a canned comment that happened to fit just right, or I am crazy. Story posted 12:01, comment posted 12:03. Wow, I am impressed.
Cabinet says computers under attack
INFORMATION WARFARE: A Cabinet spokesman said Beijing is waging a campaign designed to access databases in Taiwan through the use of Trojan-horse computer programs
By Ko Shu-ling
STAFF REPORTER
Thursday, Sep 04, 2003,Page 1
China has launched a systematic information warfare campaign against Taiwan, spreading Trojan-horse programs into private companies' computers as a means to break into government databases, the Cabinet said yesterday.
"National intelligence has indicated that an army of hackers based in China's Hubei and Fujian provinces has successfully spread 23 different Trojan horse programs to the networks 10 private high-tech companies here to use them as a springboard to break into at least 30 different government agencies and 50 private companies," Cabinet Spokesman Lin Chia-lung () said yesterday.
The government agencies invaded by the Trojan-horse programs include the National Police Administration, the Ministry of National Defense, the Central Election Commission and the Central Bank of China.
To minimize the damage, Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday instructed all central government agencies to scrutinize their computer systems and report to the authorities within two days. Those failing or refusing to comply with the order may face punishment.
Yu made the remark yesterday morning during the weekly closed-door Cabinet meeting, in which Minister without Portfolio Tsai Ching-yen () briefed Yu on the matter.
"Trojan-horse attacks are one of the most serious threats to computer security," Tsai said. "A computer user may have not only been attacked but may also be attacking others unknowingly."
Because of the vast popularity and many weaknesses of the Windows operating system, most of the damage is done to Windows users, Tsai said.
Although the National Information Task Force has warned government agencies to be on alert, Tsai said, some agencies have failed to take the warning seriously.
"They either delayed reporting to authorities or tried to solve the problem themselves. It not only stalled our response efforts but also made the situation worse," Tsai said.
Since it appears no government information has been stolen, Tsai said, the deployment of the program is likely aimed at paralyzing the nation's computer systems.
"Of course there are other possibilities such as stealing sensitive government information in vast sums or preparing computers for future information warfare," he said.
To help government agencies invaded by the program clean up the mess, Tsai said the National Information Security Committee plans to complete the programming of the anti-Trojan-horse software today.
"We'll also post the solution manual on the Internet for the convenience of other countries facing the same problem," Tsai said, adding that Taiwan is the first country to have detected the program.
Lee Hsiang-chen (), captain of the National Police Administration's Criminal Investigation Bureau, said the situation has been monitored 24 hours a day over the past two months.
"We're glad that it has been detected before any damage was done," Lee said.
"If there's any lesson from this experience, it is not to use software developed in China or hire Chinese computer programmers, because you're running the risk of having the software you use implanted with the Trojan-horse program," he said.
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
I found that the OS was very familiar to me after using my SL-5600 since April (it's bash 2.05 on both systems). Unfortunately the C750 keyboard was tough for me to use in some situations. The FN and Shift keys are a fair distance apart, making it difficult to get them both with one thumb. So, pressing Fn-Shift to get control characters Ctrl-a or Ctrl-e is very difficult at first. I'm not sure that's a real gripe though because over all I think the keyboard is at least as usable as the 5600's. (back to contents) Conclusion This is a beautifully designed and built device with a solid, versatile OS. The translation from Japanese is not 100%, but the main things missing are help files and some address book functionality. Compatibility with Windows was excellent and transfer of files is easy once you download the right software. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi or BlueTooth may be an issue for some users, but if you're prepared to add your own CF Wi-Fi card the networking is silky smooth and the outstanding 640x480 screen turns this into the ultimate couch (or street) surfing accessory. Above and beyond what many people expect from a PDA, if you need to edit Word or Excel documents, this device will put laptop power in your hand, literally. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect PDA. From a personal perspective, this is a step up from the SL-5600 which I am already very keen on. It comes closer to realising the potential of true handheld computing, even if it has a few rough edges. This device does not have the strongest PIM suite on the market, but it is very usable and compatible with the Windows desktop. If Office and OpenOffice compatibility, networking (including browsing the web), programming or any kind of image viewing are high on your priority list, this is an excellent choice and possibly the best PDA for the job right now... if you can afford it. Pros * Excellent screen, very high defnition * Rugged build does not compromise on style * Full QWERTY keyboard of a nice size * Fast, responsive OS and applications * Nice USB connection, doesn't need a cradle * High level of office compatibility out of the box * Network setup is a breeze * Excellent PC sync. software available from Sharp * Hot switchable landscape/portrait works nicely * Good battery life * It's a babe magnet. Or a dude magnet, if you prefer Cons (General) * Lacks BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, microphone and SDIO * Screen is hard to read in direct sunlight * Some ambiguity over what Zaurus software will run on it * A few gaps in the linux software stable * Not well suited for left-handed use * No games in the retail build * Not exactly a bargain PDA Cons (Translation-related) * Incomplete OS translation from Japanese to English * The bundled PC software is pretty scary to use The Sharp Zaurus SL-C750 and C760 can be purchased from Dynamism, currently priced at $699 and $799 respectively.
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
Because there is a scene in which Will Smith's character gives the token computer nerd a handful of shredded paper, and tells him to find out what's on it. He does, explaining that the software scans the pieces, andrearranges them to dsplay the image.
This would have to be the first time I can think of in which Hollywood beat slashdot to explaining a real new technology.
A while back I needed a large capacity backup device, and I had to choose between CD burners, Zip drives, Jaz drives, and those old optical disks. At the time, because of hardware and media cost, it would have been a tough decision, but by waiting, CD burners came to the forefront and were the most economical choice.
Where does this tie in to DVD burners? Well, they are a bit expensive (although coming down) and I want to wait to see if a better technology is just over the horizon.
There you go, my two cents, more or less.
But soldiers using TOW missiles would not get people into a frenzy, which was the point I was illustrating. I think. I don't really know.
I say just wait until it gets over France, their government will shoot, er... threaten to veto it down.
What about terrorists with shoulder fired TOW missiles?
What if I already have a beowulf cluster of them?
If I really wanted to, I could take any of those apart or mod them or whatever (with the exception of the few newest ones) because I OWNED them, there was no Nazi DRM to deal with, and that is what I take issue with.
This is just the next step from the Xbox, and I cannot imagine having NO control over something in my own home. The Xbox is bad enough, so I say no thanks to the phantom.
They already are making movies out of games (Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, etc.) Is this just one step closer to a merging of the entertainments? interactive movies? More realistic games? Just an idea I am going to toss out here, hope it is grounds for a nice healthy discussion.
[rant]
Seriously, why are you STILL using the old one button vs. two button argument here? I thought we were beyond that. It's really not that big of a deal, unless you are an incredibly stubborn Wintel nazi, in which case you must feel a need to immaturely lash out at others.
Whatever the case, freaking GET OVER IT. Way back in the day, this may have meant something, but now, no one cares.
[/rant]