The base software has a quite decent media player/recorder, that can record .wav files and play .wav and mp3 files, even the newer VBR/ABR formats. I have a spare 128MB compact flash card for my camera which when not in use by the camera, I load mp3 files on. Inserting this card into the Zaurus turns it into an MP3 player that holds quite a lot of music.

The base software comes with a small word processor and spreadsheet reader. Both programs can read and write Microsoft compatible format.

Also in the base software is an email application and calendar application. Both work fine and there's a built in sync program that speaks Microsoft Outlook. Unfortunately, we use Lotus Notes at work, so syncing is not as easy as it would be with Outlook (multi-step process).

As I mentioned before, it does have a pen interface, but unlike Palm, the hand printing (cursive is not supported, but I haven't written in cursive since Jr. High School, so no loss) recognition uses real character forms. The program is bright enough, for example, to change an 'l' to a 't' when it detects the cross stroke. No special Palm alphabet to learn!

Battery life has been pretty good. I get about a week between recharges.

Finally, it runs Linux under the covers. In fact, you'd never know there was Linux except when watching it boot because the GUI hides all the unix stuff. However, you can find programs on the Internet that let you open a shell window and start issuing unix commands. Using the Sprint cellular modem that fits into the compact flash slot, I was able to connect to the Internet and then telnet back into the Zaurus from my desktop. One of those "gee whiz this is cool" moments. I've also heard someone claim they have a web server running on their Zaurus.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): Gift
Recommended for: Gadget Lovers - Trendy and Hip