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Old 10-12-2005, 11:04 AM   #1
Bob Russell
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Another Japan-only Sharp Linux handtop to drool over

Sharp continues to frustrate us with new Linux non-English handtop computers that are only available by third party importers. Take a look at this overview from the comprehensive review at the Gadgeteer ...

Pros:
- Clamshell case with very usable thumb keyboard
- VGA screen
- Internal 4GB microdrive
- Mini-laptop functionality
- Very flexible if you take the time to customize it
Cons:
- Many programs and peripherals require manual installation and configuration by editing text files and using the terminal
- Many third-party programs seem unfinished
- Slightly bulky and heavy
- Performing a factory reset erases the microdrive
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Only available through importers and must be converted to English if you don't understand Japanese

According to Akihabara News , it's "the same as the SL-C3000 with only a different colour and 128Mb of flash memory." But boasts 8 hrs battery life in the specs.

Last edited by BobR; 10-12-2005 at 11:25 AM. Reason: Clarity
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:29 AM   #2
Brian
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Pretty sweet, I have always drooled over Sharp's Zaurus line. I'm constantly baffled as to why these devices are only for the Japanese market. They are missing a few important features that are definite deal breakers: No built in Wifi or Bluetooth connectivity.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed about an upcoming Palm clamshell device, and there have been some recent rumors to that effect. With Wind River Linux or Palm OS Linux by PalmSource/Access and some innovation, a clamshell Palm with IBM Soulpad-like capabilities could become a true laptop & desktop replacement, giving the "Palm Desktop" a whole new meaning.
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Old 10-12-2005, 10:09 PM   #3
StuBear
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Damm, I thought this was a new Zaurus, but it's the SL-C3100 that came out in July.

For more info on the Zaurus line and what people are doing with this wonderful device head on over to www.oesf.org/forums (previously known as ZaurusUserGroup). There are a bunch of posts/threads bemoaning the fact the Sharp hasn't seen fit to bring these out anywhere but Japan.

The pdaX group have made a ROM image that converts your Zaurus into a full linux install running X11 so almost anything you can run on a linux desktop you can run on the Zaurus.

The main rason that the Zaurus doesn't have wifi or BlueTooth is that wifi is just really starting to get its feet in Japan, while BlueTooth is almost no existant. There is just no market for it yet.

The number of hotspots (both free and commercial) is really low, basically if you aren't in downtown Tokyo or Osaka, then you aint getting connected. Currently in Japan the main internet on the run connection is the old phs standard(an early mobile phone protocol), but you are only looking at around 64Kbps.

Fortunately, however, it looks like the wifi bug has finally bitten in Japan, and consumers are starting to take this into consideration. The number of home wifi networks around my home and office have jumped 10 fold over the last 3 months. But you still can't get connected in most Starbucks here yet.

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