Hello. Where is everyone? I havn't seen many posts this month at all. I'm hoping there is still quite a few Zaurus owners still around here.

I ordered a C1000 Zaurus from Conics.net (Thanks Brett!) on Sunday. It will be converted to English. It's now on its way to the US. Anyone know how long it takes once its dispatched to US and shows up on the USPS tracking, to arrive at my post office? We don't have home delivery here since we live in a small town, we have to pick up our mail at post office. I'd really like to know if I have any hope of getting it by Saturday? I also noticed the EMS will delivery on holidays and weekends, but what happens when the post office is closed on those days?

I chose the C1000, because it fit into my price range (savings) and I like the idea of no HD. Since I don't have to worry about dropping it and the HD not working etc. I may be using this while riding horses, so Flash is important.

I've not had any experience with linux before (or anything similiar). This is my first linux device. I only have experience with Windows. Our main computer is a HP Laptop. I mainly picked the Zaurus for its keyboard and clamshell type. I need something with PIM functions and to use for Photos, games, and Database. Will eventually get a 56K modem for e-mail/internet. We have dial-up internet.
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Here are questions I have (bare with me as I know nothing about linux):

1. What color is the C1000 exactly? I've seen many pictures but the documentation I've read online says its black? but, I thought the 3100 was black?

2. I've been reading that Cacko ROM is a very good English ROM. Is this a good one for someone who is new to linux? Will the main screen with icons be the same if I change ROM's? About switching, I found the instructions on the main page under the release of the Cacko ROM. If I add contact, calendar info and then switch to Cacko, will I lose that info or will it get transferred? Also, how do I do a backup? Can I backup to my laptop PC? or to a SD card? I plan on buying a 512mb or 1GB SD card soon after purchase. I can't seem to find info on backing up the Zaurus, is there good instructions online?

3. I won't be programming or doing anything major with the linux itself. But, what info do I need to know about linux to get started?

4. What brands and type of SD cards work with the C1000? I read that its not supposed to be fast speed. But, how does one know if high speed etc? I've heard there is a patch one can use to allow the C1000 to use bigger SD cards then 1GB. Is this patch safe and easy to install?

5. About installing programs. How hard or easy is it to install programs? Will a icon for the programs be on the main boot screen after installing?

6. Which 56K modem is cheapest and works the best with the C1000?

7. Is there a website that shows the newest programs for Zaurus? I would like to add tkcAddressbook. Anyone have this program? Would love to add DOOM, Heretic etc, how easy is it? How is the default database program on the Zaurus? Is there a better one? I also want to add the xfishtank screensaver. Anyone have this? install
instructions?

8. How easy is it to add mp3's in wma format? I've got itunes and am slowly switching to Windows media Player. I can't seem to get the song info to transfer... ?? I'm still thinking of buying a Samsung K5 to use for just mp3s, but it would be nice to have one device for PDA/mp3 etc. If it works well for that purpose.

9. Plan to change background image. Is it easy to use a photo located on the Zaurus as background? And what size pics can I add to Zaurus that will work as background?

10. Which site has the best selections of Zaurus accessories?

11. Books on Linux. I went to B&N bookstore and they had quite a bit of books on linux. All foreign material to me... So, any recommendations? for a newbie? I need something I can take with me on the road for reading.

I plan on adding questions as I think of them.... bare with me

if you ordered it on sunday it should be here at the earliest tommorrow and ems delivered to my house. i ordered mine on a sunday too
i am in the same boat as you with linux but i do have some exprience with it but not much

So I take it EMS delivers seperately from the post office? or did you mean your regular postal service delivered the mail normally? Did you have to sign for it? I would love to have it tomorrow, but am just hoping by the weekend.

USPS will deliver it... EMS is just does the postage exchange from japan to US...

Late

1. Here's 2 pics of the C1000 compared to the C3000
The C1000 is on the left in both pics.

2. Cacko is a variation of Sharp rom. It's basically Sharp rom with a lot of updated drivers, modules, and better apps. It's what most people here recommend as a "Starting" rom for new people with a Zaurus. It's also recommended for persons that are "new" at Linux. Most things, (with a few exceptions), just work in Cacko. Read this thread about Cacko, and installing Cacko. I printed a copy of this thread for refrence.
http://www.oesf.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=15820
There is also a version of Cacko, called "Lite"
I suggest you go with the full version and not the Lite version.
You'll need to do some research about the differences, before using Cacko Lite.
Also, one of the best refrences for Cacko/Sharp rom users is Meanie's site.
In my opinion, it is THE BEST refrence for Cacko/Sharp users with the Cxxxx models of Zauri. Find and download zbook3k.pdf (It is a copy of the site, and is always updated by Meanie)
http://www.users.on.net/%7Ehluc/myZaurus/

3. I'll let some of the Linux regulars answer this one. You'll need to learn the basic stuff, like files and directories. And Linux has a major differance from win/dos, that is all files and directories have differing layers of permissions. (In other words, some files/folders will be read only and you cannot access them or change them, without changing the permission to them). Like I said, you'll need to research this, and/or someone more knowledgeable of Linux can explain in more detail.

4. In my opinion, any good quality brand name SD card should work. The old Sandisk ones had problems, but that was 2 yrs ago. I'm using 2 different Sandisk Ultra 2 cards now. I also have a PNY and a Palm MMC card. No probs with any of them.
The speed is limited, so the "very fast" cards will have no advantage in speed.
Check this thread for cards above 1GB on the Cxxxx series of Zauri
http://www.oesf.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=18523
It's just a few threads down from here.

5. Most well behaved programs will install an icon in one of your tabs on your screen.
Download from ELSI (At top of this forum). ELSI usually checks if you have necessory dependencies when you download a program form there.
A lot of programs have "dependencies" (These are other files required to enable your program to run). When you find a program that you want, research it first and make sure you have the files needed for that program to run. If you go online with your Z, and use the "feed method", the dependencies will be listed when you download a new program. I don't use that method, it requires to be connected online with your Z.
If you open a feed in your browser on your desktop, there will be a file called "packages". Download it and open it Wordpad on Windows, then copy it to notepad and save it to a text file. It shows all the packages on that feed, and lists the dependencies. The reason you need to open the packages file in wordpad, is because wordpad will convert the text from UNIX to a format that you can read in Windows.
If you cannot open the packages file in wordpad, open it first in notepad, then copy/paste it to wordpad. It will now be converted. Now copy/paste from wordpad, back to notepad, and save it. (Notepad uses monospaced font, and the converted UNIX files look better in notepad.)

6. I use the Ambicom "EZJack modem, CF card. It works out of the box. It may not be the cheapest, but you can purchase it at Staples, and that's why I chose it. I walked in and they ordered it for me.
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...8&cmArea=SEARCH

7. ELSI has most of the up to date software. But one of your best resources for new software is right here in the forums. A lot of people post about, and link to packages here.

8. I'll leave this to someone else.

9. This can be done in the Appearance app, in the system tab. Research this further to get your image to look good in both landscape and portrait modes.
A good site for complete themes is Cresho's site.
http://www.zaurusthemes.org/

10. Conics, Trisoft, StreamlineCPUs are sites with Zaurus accessories. These sites test the accessories and are active members of this forum and will help you if needed. Also, for accessories that plug into USB, check Meanie's site, linked above.
Here in the midwest, I look at local stores, Radioshack, Staples, Bestbuy, Officemax, Office Depot, Circuit City.
Walgreens and Big Lots carry a good and cheap USB connector kit with the Mini 'A' connector. Thats the connector needed to use USB host. Such as mice, keyboards externally powered hard drives, and optical drives. USB Bluetooth, etc, etc..

1000 has a black outer shell (upper and lower body) with the keyboard area being silver with grey keys. The screen frame is a gun metal greyish (pearl).

The 3100 has a black bottom shell and black keyboard area. The upper shell and screen frame is gun metal greyish (pearl).

Linux in a Nutshell is a book I reference a lot. Being a newb when I got my 5500 about 3 yrs back I did learn alot about file structures, permissions, and basics about the Command Line/Shell. One of the best resources is http://www.oesf.org and doing general searches in the forums. The only time I really reference the linux in a Nutshell book is when I'm in a parking lot or somewhere without internet access. Other than that its always a google search.

Thanks everyone!

Question: about the usb cable for C1000. Will my laptop automatically accept the C1000 once plugged in? As the CD is in japanese and don't see it helping on a US laptop.

Also, is it easy to transfer a file (example from Word) from C1000 to PC in readable format? Such as a txt file etc. Or would it be better to get a usb drive and transfer file to it and then hook ubs drive to PC?

As a beginner, I would like to suggest to play around with the English version of original Sharp ROM till you are familiar with Linux OS.

Do post your questions and problems encountered when palying with your Zaraus.

when learning linux you should have an understanding of what you need to learn, you say that you dont want to program on the device, so that means that it should mostly be point and click and learning to configure things (ie no "under the hood" shell work) so i would say read up on meanies site and the fourms, post questions and tinker with the device as well as going throgh every menu you can' that will teach you how to use the device

dont be afriad of bricking the device. if you need to move on to somthing more advanced such as the command line then thats the time to breack out the books

It didn't arrive today. Tracking shows that it left Japan on 27th 6pm. But I believe that is Japan time, not US time? What was others experiences with shipping times with EMS?

I'm hoping it arrives by Saturday. Our post office says they get all mail by 6am.

xfishtank is an X11 based app. tkcAddressbook is only available for the (Qtopia) Sharp-based images.

Therefore you'll have to run something like Cacko or an original Sharp image to make tkcAddressbook work, and will have to use XQt to run xfishtank. I'm not sure this is quite what you'll want to do.

Is tkcAddressbook that wonderful? Is there nothing else in the x11-based world that can replace it?


Si

I'm not a fan of tkcaddressbook anymore. It was great back in the beginning when the sharp PIMs were based on xml and the screens were qvga. AFAIK there is no way to sync it while using the current sharp roms. I'm not sure if they have done any development since the attempt to move to a sqlite db.

kde pim pi is good and will sync with the sharp pims. The sharp pim will sync with I think outlook 2000 and before. I don't know if there is newer software that does outlook 2003.

it was ems that deliveded to my house and i am sorry about the confusion it will probably arrive by next week

I don't need the addressbook to sync with PC. I just need a nice one that looks nice on the VGA and has good features that are customizable preferred.

what is XQT? and why don't I want to use it?

tkc may look nice, but the kde one isn't bad. The kde addressbook (kapi) has features that you won't find with the tkc one.

- You can use kapi with the stock email program (after a dtm sync).
- You can add links to users of calender events in kopi.
- You can add pictures to each entry.

Hi,

LINUX can be frustrating at first, since you are at the mercy of a new OS
where everything will naturally appear foreign at first. There are many books
out there, and lots of stuff on the net as well.

I once bought "The Redhat 7.1 Bible", which included the RH7.1 as well, so
everything in the book "just worked". It was a big book, and covered much more
than I wanted to learn at first, but it was divided well, and I could jump around
from concept to concept easily.

I find the Slackware Book, found at http://www.slackbook.org/ (view the single page
version if you have the resources) as a very good starting point currently.

Also, you may want to find a decent Live CD of a decent linux, such as knoppix, to
play around on a desktop machine, which will be more comfortable with a larger
screen, keyboard, and a real mouse. And Live CDs do not require you to install
anything to your desktop, as they run from memory.

Regarding the addressbook that comes with the C1000. Can I customize it to show Home number/Home mobile in the main screen? and when editing the contact is there a way to move fields from bottom to top?

I won't be using any of the "work" fields.

I saw screen shots at www.figlabs.com and I can't tell if its changeable.

I have a Fuji Finepix S5000 camera with usb cord. Will I be able to hook this cord directly to the C1000? and download and view pics? with host cable?

Can I buy any CF 56K modem? I found some cheap ones on ebay, but I don't want to buy the wrong one.

It is quite possible if the fuji is setup to "look" like and external drive.

I can set the Fuji's usb mode option to (PC or USB). Will either work?

I found a lot of stuff on the net pertaining to digital cameras and the Zaurus.
I've uploaded a folder full of camera applications and libraries and dependencies.
There are 2 text files that describe what each IPK is used for.
I am also posting a screenshot of the folder with these files showing.

Jon
EDIT: These are designed for Sharp rom and Cacko rom

Is there a database software on C1000 (Sharp ROM (english) ? figlabs lists one, but I can't tell if they added it or its normally included.

Are there icons one can download and use with the Zaurus?

Didn't receive it today tracking says it just hit US in Chicago and is inbound to customs today (30th)... what? it took 3 days from leaving Japan to hit US...! I know most people have said 4-5 days shipping, so not sure why its taking longer to just get to the US.

So, I'm hoping for Monday.

Dont worry... ems takes a little longer i believe... but hell today is SUNDAY!

USPS doesnt deliever on sundays! Yes USPS... People keep telling you an EMS truck is going to pull up and drop it off... NO! If you dont believe me... type your tracking number in to the usps tracker...

Late

Sunday? It's Saturday here We do get mail on Saturdays. I have checked my tracking number, as I stated in my previous message.

We pick up our mail from Post Office (no home delivery) and will be picking this package up there as usual.

AHHHHH... It really is... hahahaa... I'm an idiot! this college football got me thinking it is NFL Sunday....

sorry...

Late

I think I can relate, Been laid up since my tendon repair surgury, and not sure what day it's been. I have at least another 2 1/2 months to look forward to before the cast comes off completly.

It arrived today! finally. Gonna turn it on for a bit, then charge it. Be back with any questions...

I would just charge it, and leave it sit for a couple hours on charge.
You can always come back to it later.
If your's is brand new...
"Please charge for some time, before turning it on"
This is quoted from the english manual provided by Trisoft.

How do I get my computer to recognize the Zaurus? I plugged and connected through usb cord. ??

I tried PC link, and when I click Sync Start, I get this " PC-link error occured. Please confirm the connection.

it's been 30 min.. and your trying to connect it to you pc already...

Didnt Jon_J just tell you to CHARGE IT FIRST!! LOL

Late

PS I let mine charge for 24hours before I even messed with it....

It's got a full battery.

I still need to know for when the charging is done

Found this site with usb driver for C1000? Can I just downlaod this?
http://www.aonorokugo.net/rokugo/misc/zaurus/


Or do I just hook usb cord up and go through Hardware wizard and have it grab off Japan CD?


P.S. I'm charging now...

Is there a full English manual online?

Off of trisoft.com website there is a downloadable english manual in a .pdf file. It has some pretty good info.

Thanks.

C1000 finished charging. So, ready to connect to PC.

Any info on how to install usb driver to C1000?

Follow the instruction manual, they give a really good tutorial on ho wo do get the PC to see the C1000. Also check out some of the forums , do a search on it.

I'd like to follow instruction manual, but its not in english.

Did a search here and didn't find an instructions or info on usb drivers.

All I could find at Trisoft, was a startupquide and that doesn't give detailed instructions for usb driver. ??

If I run the hardware wizard in Windows, will it grab the usb driver off the Japan CD?

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or where can I download the english usb driver?

I did the hardware wizard and selected the folder I got this file (c1000driver):

http://www.aonorokugo.net/rokugo/misc/zaurus/

and finished, but when I do PC link, it doesn't work.
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Now, when I connect zaurus with usb cable, it says the hardware wizard is recognizing SL series Ver 3 (NDIS 5) and wants me to install from CD or specific location.

Now what?

How do I get my PC to recognize the Zaurus for file transfer etc?

Search Meanie website again, (I'm sure you've done it once because you used the search option in the forums, right?)

Also it would be nice to edit your own posts, instead of publishing 4 in a row. Is more readable, (and uses less server MB), and that's what you're looking for.

(it's not a matter of luck) Good study.

Ok, continued the install from CD and now have the SL series Ver 3 (NDIS 5) as network connection. But, still now sure how to get files to and from the Zaurus and PC?

PC Link on Zaurus is not working.

It is refering to the usb driver you downloaded, I hate to say it - Windows is stupid this way. But tell windows that you will sellect the driver you want, and use "have disk" and browse it to the usb file you downloaded.

I did that. but it still shows the network connection as the SL....

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Should I uninstall the driver? and try again?

Yes, give it another try, but do not let windows search for the driver. Select where it says that you will choose the driver, and click continue where you get the pop-up for device signing. It's stupid, I know, but ut is the only way for Windows to see your device and the driver. I hope this helps, it will get easier, trust me.

Okay, got it to grab the driver I downloaded and it says its installed correctly and ready. But, I tried PC Link and it doesn't work.

Am I trying the USB - I/O or USB - TCP/IP

The TCP one gives me error, and the other one I/O just keeps communicating, but nothing happens.

??

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and when I click on add new hardware, it finds all drivers its found, and there are quite a few, including two that are:

SL series V3 (WDM)
SL series V3 (NDIS 5)

or should I actually continue and add new hardware and start over?

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when the C1000 is plugged in to PC, it shows up as SL series V3 (NDIS 5)

I can uninstall it while its connected, I just don't want to delete something off of C1000 that I need.

Did you read the section on connectivity in the wiki? www.oesf.org