Pros: Linux, built-in keyboard, excellent support from Sharp and Open Source community, 2 expansion slots. Cons: Short battery life, some poor applications, larger than the average PDA.
The Zaurus stands out from the PDA market for two reasons: firstly it runs Linux and secondly it has a built-in keyboard. The hardware used by Sharp is pretty standard in comparison to its peers: 206MHz ARM processor, 64Mb RAM, CF & SD card slots and a ...
Pros: Looks slick and modern, large memory, CompactFlash compatible Cons: Buggy software, slow with large documents, poor battery life
I was not really looking actively for a PDA, but when a good one showed up for a reasonable price on Amazon.com, I decided to go with Sharp Zaurus. Before that I have read quite a few positive reviews, and decided that Zaurus seemed to be a good choice....
Pros: LINUX based! Built in keyboard. Memory card options. Cons: Needs work on the OS side. Memory issues.
I've been wanting to replace my Franklin(tm) planner for many years -- but I stubbornly resisted investing in anything running any version of Windows(tm), and didn't like the Palm platform implementations I'd seen (I think my microwave oven has better...
Pros: built-in keyboard, compact, easy to use, it's linux/java Cons: paint rubs off too easily, it's linux/java! bad sync
The Sharp Zaurus is a very good PDA. It has many of the features people want, such as a calendar, clock, an Office-like suite, MP3 player, MPEG player, and games. Since it's linux/java based open source, it can be very versatile.
Pros: Nice screen, slick package, easy to use keyboard Cons: Software occasionally problematic
I lost my Handspring Visor and needed to replace it with something. I like Linux and wanted to support companies that used it. In the handheld area that left me with Sharp and the Zaurus.
The unit itself is very nice. The slide out keyboard...
Pros: Runs linux; O/S upgradable/replaceable via CF card Cons: Runs buggy version of linux - PPP dialup problems. Fragile hardware. Rideculous repair fees.
The linux-based O/S is fun to play with but the apps look like desktop apps that are just barely ported to work in the pda environment. The contact list must have 10-20 optional fields . It is too much to deal with on a small pda screen.
Pros: Write your own software! Works great with Linux PC. Lots of freeware programs. Cons: Variable quality of programs. Not good for technically-challenged. Still somewhat experimental.
(minor update on 2003-02-03 due to request)
If you're like me and find fault with most commercial apps, then you will never be satisfied unless you have the capability of fixing it yourself. Since the Zaurus runs mostly open-source software...
Pros: Fast, Fantastic screen, CF & SD slots, and built in keyboard, Long battery life Cons: NONE !
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 is the best PDA out for the money or features. It runs Opera, the world's best web browser and many other programs. It lets you create word processing documents or spread sheets that are compatible with several common pc...
Pros: GORGEOUS screen, easy USB sync, easy USB file transfer Cons: Sharp should be more involved with freeware stuff for testing etc
I have bought and returned I don't know how many PDA's. I had not found one that satisfied me for one reason or another. Tried Palms, Sonys, HP, Handspring. None of them had it ALL in one pack. Each was terrific in some ways but horrid in others....
the little pda that could by isitrilly ,Dec 30 '03
Pros: speedy OS, display, memory Cons: available software
This a highly configurable device, with a linux based OS, and several open-source software platforms to choose from. The display is sharp and clear, it has plenty of memory right out of the box for most users, and the cpu isn't blazing fast, but it gets the job done fairly effortlessly. The built in keyboard is a nice touch, but the small keys are sometimes awkward to maneuver. also, back lighting for the keyboard would have been a nice touch
Beautifully executed design with an... by strictlydl_dt3000 ,Apr 26 '02
Beautifully executed design with an excellent color screen. Ergonomic layout and very simple to use. Peripherals include 802.11b card for wireless and a Compact Flash based digital camera. Would recommend to anyone; "especially those who have never had a PDA and are not biased towards Palm".
I have had the Zaurus since the 5500 hit the market, and I've had a luke warm experience with it. I'm a linux geek, and that part I REALLY love. But the PDA portion is just not ready yet. The provided apps are definitely first gen apps and simply don't have nearly all the features of the Psion or the Palm. There are third party apps out there that are getting close, but aren't ready yet, either. I have also personally had hardware problems (random resets; this is the second one that's done it); I'm giving up the platform because I cannot reliably sync my data (not all fields are supported; cannot have a birthday prior to 1970; clears out audible alarms), and cannot count on the data being there when I pull it out of my pocket. But, in its defense, I have two friends that are not having the same issues as me. Overall, this is a WONDERFUL piece of equipment, epecially the geek factor, but if you want a reliable, full-featured PDA, you might want to wait for version 2.
I love the Zaurus SL5500!... by kigotai_dt3000 ,Jan 08 '03
I love the Zaurus SL5500! It's powerful, runs some great inexpensive software, and of course LINUX! I am using it to learn more about Linux as I have mostly been a Windows user and it is great for that. Plus I can keep all my data, play Mp3's and video on this puppy! It also has several native programs that synch with all the good windows programs like Word, etc.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.