No More Updates From Sharp For The Netwalker? Options

[XE1UFO]

I think we are reliving the great disappointments that we went through with the Sharp SL**** series. I have the SL5500, SL5600 and SL6000. They (Sharp) were real good for updates t the beginning, and then forgot we existed.

Maybe they are counting on the users to build their own versions of the OS and keep it updated???

[ArchiMark]

While I understand your point, I think you're forgetting that

A) most of the devices you mention including the Netwalker were Japan market devices, not intended for markets outside of Japan, ie, you and me....so, why would Sharp expend $'s to support you or me in terms of how we'd like to use a device that was never intended for us?

most of us at OESF used these devices for purposes that Sharp never really intended, ie as pocket Linux computers instead of as electronic dictionaries and glorified PDAs....so, again why would Sharp need to update these devices????

Hence, the need for OESF as a forum for all the crazy techie guys out there that recognized the potential under the surface for these lil' devices and were willing to spend lots of time to mess around with them......

That's my take on it.....YMMV.....

[XE1UFO]

While I understand your point, I think you're forgetting that

A) most of the devices you mention including the Netwalker were Japan market devices, not intended for markets outside of Japan, ie, you and me....so, why would Sharp expend $'s to support you or me in terms of how we'd like to use a device that was never intended for us?

Thanks for your input, but actually the SL**** series WAS sold to the general public up in the U. S. (I say "up", cuz I live 700 miles South of the border.) through Best Buy stores and many others. I bought my first SL5500 in McAllen TX on a trip up there.

So in that respect, U.S. is also not the only English-speaking market in the world. Plus the general Linux community is huge. I believe they could have built a much-larger dedicated customer base, with a stronger update and support program.

My two pesos' worth.

[koan]

Netwalker wasn't sold outside of Japan, was it ?

Sharp is not a software company they are an electronics company. They made an electronics based product, using an OS with firmware and applications and sold it. They made updates while they were selling it until all major bugs were fixed.

The SL-C series was an opportunity to commercialise the CG Silicon display. There is no money in it for them. The big money is in smartphones and TVs. Sharp is not Apple. They have no benefit from supporting old products with a shrinking user base. Sharp are now using their experience in CG Silicon to produce displays for Nintendo's 3DS; they are also one of the largest manufacturers of displays for car GPS and ICE systems.

We should all just be glad that they chose Linux + QT for Zaurus and welcomed developers to the platform. They could have continued to use that ancient OS they used in the old Zaurus M series plus locked it all down with DRM and an app store!