Will The Iphone Replace The Zaurus? Options

[Biggerfoot]

As a Mac user, the new iPhone is a tempting replacement for my trusty 5500. I am looking forward to seeing it in person.

[Capn_Fish]

The clamshell Zs have 640x480 screens as well as keyboards. And they run Linux. I also like the option to switch ROMs, not that I have in a while. Linux seems to be a better fit on a handheld than OSX does as well. I just think that the Z is more flexible.

I personally don't like OSX or Apple, so pardon me if I'm being negative.

By the way, this probably should have been a poll.

Edit: For those of you who couldn't tell, I'm quite sure the iPhone won't replace my Z. Also, with it being a phone, there seems to be little chance of a working Linux OS for it any time soon.

[HoloVector]

It won't be replacing my Zs either. I am an OS X fan and I like the iPhone concept but, the screen resolution and the lack of USB Host or card slots are killing it for me.

[Capn_Fish]

It won't be replacing my Zs either.  I am an OS X fan and I like the iPhone concept but, the screen resolution and the lack of USB Host or card slots are killing it for me.

I forgot about those! USB host is really nice, but you really end up with only one card slot after you add in wireless.

[HoloVector]

It won't be replacing my Zs either.  I am an OS X fan and I like the iPhone concept but, the screen resolution and the lack of USB Host or card slots are killing it for me.

I forgot about those! USB host is really nice, but you really end up with only one card slot after you add in wireless.

Unless you performed surgery on a 1000 and added the wireless internally.

[clofland]

"iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers."

Sure is a fancy way of saying "we couldn't figure out how to put a keyboard on it so we'll let you smear your screen all up with your fingers."

I'm not sure what this does that the Cingular 8525 couldn't do, other than use iTunes instead of URGE.

The biggest impact this will probably have is on the next release of Microsoft's mobile OS.

[speculatrix]

hmm, makes for interesting comparisons with Nokia's N95 smartphone and the tablet N800.

[nilch]

I think, the iPhone is squarely in the category of a phone, with a PDA functionality added on. It just is a plain well designed phone. The Zaurus on the other hand is more of a PDA falling into the category of a mobile computer. The iPhone is certainly not a computer even if it has OSX under the hood.

That's because there is no keyboard for faster input, no USB host (a computer which accepts peripherals), no screen to allow real-world computing real-estate (i mean even those old PALMS with 20x20 or whatever screen resolution tried computing, but doing PIM apps aint computing really), no support for ROM switch to make it flexible and fit the computing task at hand. So certainly it can't replace the Zaurus.

I think comparing the iPhone with the Zaurus is a bit like comparing apples with oranges.

While on the other hand the Zaurus could not be called a phone (even it it had GSM radio on it). Tha't because its not built like a phone form factor and also various other reasons.

So the two just seem to be differet categories altogether.
Thats how I see it.

[Da_Blitz]

Actually i was quite impressed and am happy to see some pressure applied to the stock microsoft theme set that gets shipped, its plain ugly and has need a rehash for years

i cant wait to see linux running on it as it seems like a very solid unit, whoever apple seems to have done a very good job at polishing the interface, and i mean very good. i would class it as a mid range device however as it really seems to be lacking some of the top end features that power users like

aother thing i like is the lack of buttons and the fact that the touch screen can detect more than one pointer on the screen at once (great for games) which would open up some intresting posibilities (rotate pictures with 2 fingers, allowing you to change the point around which it rotates easily)

anyway apple seems to be keeping to the "keep it simple" pholosphy that has worked for so long, i feel this hurts some people in the long run but it cuts down on my tech support calls.

if i didnnt have my htc tytn then i would have considered this as my next phone, but i dont think it really competes except in terms of interface which once wisbar has been installed is less of an issue

time will tell

[bluedevils]

This may replace my Z in the category of a carry every where gadget (pda phone). I'll wait for the 3g version they say is coming (currently only edge) and I must be able to access the commandline. I'm curious as to the cpu and ram. I am disappointed with the screen resolution and battery time. For any serious keyboard input, I would hope you could use a bluetooth keyboard. The Z would just be relegated a portable computer.

Sure it doesn't have alot of things the Z has but has the things I like (phone, osx, internet, bluetooth, 4GB hdd, 2MB camera and unix/linux)

[Cresho]

It's a piece if shit...really!

[BarryW]

It's a piece if shit...really!

Damn dude, don't hold it in. Just tell us how you really feel! I kinda like it. Pretty slick, if it really works.

[freizugheit]

I personally don't like OSX or Apple, so pardon me if I'm being negative.

Capn Fish,

Have you used Apple products before?

What's wrong with OSX?

[Cresho]

lets see......4 gigs of space......+music +video=they are on crack!!!! so they expect me to buy online stuff and keep it in my phone? haha!

I would be believe 1 terabyte but 4 gigs? really....they think i'm stupid and totally insulting my intelligence.

It's like my levi's i been owning since I was in high school- They expect me to throw it away after use and buy a new one. Guess again.

This post has been edited by Cresho: Jan 9 2007, 07:19 PM

[kahm]

Well, as far as a smartphone goes, it looks intriguing. Then again, I'm looking for an upgrade for my Treo 650 and was going to look into one of those linux smartphones with the VGA display. (And I just bought my first Mac today - a Macbook )