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What is the Zaurus?

• A Linux- and Java-based PDA from Sharp
  

The Zaurus PDA that this FAQ discusses is the new Linux- and Java-based line of PDA's which was released in the US and Europe by Sharp in the 1st Quarter of 2002. Note that the newer Zaurus models do not come shipped with Java anymore.

• Comments about worldwide distribution
  

Presently, models are only officially distributed in Japan, but many American and European resellers stock them.

• The SL-5000D
  

Identical to the SL-5500 (below) except with only 32MB of RAM. Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-5500
  

Specifications of the original SL-5500 model are:

• 206MHz StrongARM CPU
• 64MB RAM (for storage and memory)
• 16MB ROM (for OS and built-in apps; flashable/upgradable)
• 240x320 16bpp (65536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
• Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
• PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
• Opera Web browser
• Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
• Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
• Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
• On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
• On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
• On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
• UNICode character-picker
• 37-key QWERTY thumbpad (similar to Blackberry RIM pagers)
• IR port
• USB/Serial docking station
• Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
• Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
• Rechargable removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (950mA)

Note: On the original SL-5500
This is changed in newer models (e.g. SL-5600)
ROMs (e.g. Sharp's 3.10 ROM for SL-5500).

Last updated: 2002.Apr.06

• The SL-5600
  

The SL-5600 released in the US in early 2003:

• 400MHz X-Scale CPU
• 32MB RAM (for memory)
• 64MB ROM (for OS, built-in apps, and internal storage)
• 240x320 16bpp (65536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
• Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
• PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
• Opera Web browser
• Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
• Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
• Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
• Built-in mono speaker
• Built-in mic
• On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
• On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
• On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
• UNICode character-picker
• 37-key QWERTY thumbpad (similar to Blackberry RIM pagers)
• IR port
• USB/Serial docking station
• Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
• Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
• Rechargable removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (950mA)

Last updated: 2004.Dec.12

• The SL-A300
  

Identical to the SL-5500 minus the CF slot (available as an add-on sleeve) and built-in QWERTY keyboard. Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-C700
  

The first clamshell model of the Linux-based Zaurus.

• 400MHz X-Scale CPU
• 32MB RAM
• 64MB ROM (for OS, built-in apps, and internal storage)
• 640x480 16bpp (65536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
• Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
• PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
• NetFront web browser
• Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
• Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
• Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
• On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
• On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
• On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
• UNICode character-picker
• 59-key QWERTY keyboard (larger than the SL-5x00 series)
• IR port
• USB/Serial docking station
• Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
• Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
• Rechargable removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (950mA)

Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-C750
  

Identical to the SL-C700 except:

• 400MHz PXA-255 X-Scale CPU (instead of PXA-250)
• 64MB RAM

Last updated: 2004.Dec.12

• The SL-C760/SL-C860
  

Identical to the SL-C700 except:

• 400MHz PXA-255 X-Scale CPU (instead of PXA-250)
• 64MB RAM
• 128MB ROM (for OS, built-in apps, and internal storage)
• 1700mA extended battery.
  

Last updated: 2004.Dec.12

• The SL-C1000
  

Identical, it appears, to the SL-C3100 rather than the C3000, except,

• 128MB flash memory instead of a hard drive
• Black case

Last updated: 2006.Feb.21

• The SL-C3000
  

It further improves on the C-860:

• 417MHz PXA-270 X-Scale CPU (instead of PXA-255)
• only 16MB ROM (for OS and apps)
• 4GB(!) integrated Microdrive. This is in addition to the CF-II slot, where you could put another larger microdrive (anything up to 8GB).
• USB 2.0 interconnect, and USB host capability.
• White (iPOD like) case

Last updated: 2004.Dec.13

• The SL-C3100
  

The latest and greatest so far. It further improves on the C-3000:

• 128MB flash memory like the C1000 instead of 16 MB
• Black case

Last updated: 2005.Aug.16

• The SL-6000
  

Similar to the C860, but this one isn't a clamshell (it's a vertical display PDA). Further differences:

• Integrated 802.11g Wireless interface
• Slide-out keyboard similar to the SL-5000 series.
• Rugged casing.
• USB host capability.
• Optional CompactFlash jacket: provides an additional CF slot (!) but also contains an extra standard battery. Total weight is 440g.

Last updated: 2004.Dec.14

How does it relate to other Zauruses?

• It is similar in form-factor to Japanese MI models
  

The Linux-based Zaurus (SL-5500 and the development version SL-5000D) are similar only in that they are from Sharp and have the same shape and exterior features (keyboard, screen, etc)

The Zaurus discussed in this document runs Lineo's Embedix brand of Linux and uses a 206MHz ARM CPU. The earlier Zauruses released in Japan use a proprietary OS from Sharp and a different CPU. They are not compatible.

Here is an FAQ for the Japanese model Zauruses:
http://zaurus.biojapan.de/zaufaq.html

Source: Rump Armin
Last updated: 2002.Apr.20

Why should I care about the Zaurus?

• It's a powerful PDA
  

With a 400MHz X-Scale processor, 64MB of RAM and 128MB ROM for internalt storage, 16bit graphics and not one but two expansion slots it's among the most powerful PDAs on the market today. It's capable of wireless access with standard Wifi or "always-on" GPRS through your mobile provider. It shows true multimedia capability: capable music and full-screen video playback, full-featured web browsing, gaming, and even low-res digital photography with an expansion card.

Last updated: 2004.Dec.13

• Usable Internet Services from your pocket
  

People buy Zaurii because they need a window to their Internet services when they're away from their desktop - podcasting, blogging, oesf org editing, instant messaging, online banking and ebaying are finally accessable from the train station, coffee shop and local library - something the Smartphone platform has struggled with. In many ways - it is the most innovative portable Internet platform on the market today.

Last updated: 2005. Aug 3

• It runs Linux - Great for the end-user!
  

While many believe Linux isn't easy enough to use for end-users, on a pre-packaged device like the Zaurus, the underlying OS is transparent - the user rarely needs to think about it. And because it runs Linux, there are already many thousands of potential Zaurus developers in the world who will be creating the Zaurus applications of the future, and, thanks to the openness of Linux, helping perfect the Zaurus' existing system software and applications.

"Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

• It runs Linux - Great for Linux hackers!
  

People accustomed to Linux are used to a powerful, stable, open operating system. By using a Zaurus, they get this in their pocket, down to the shell prompt!

Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

• It's got a built-in keyboard
  

The built-in, hide-away, 37-key (59-key on the clamshells) QWERTY keyboard (similar to those on some pagers, and available as add-ons for other PDAs) provides an extremely fast method for inputing data onto your Zaurus. Many have found the keyboard faster and more convenient than using the Zaurus' trainable handwriting recognition software or on-screen keyboard.

Last updated: 2004.Dec.12

• It's expandable
  

With both a CF slot and an SD slot, you can add both extra storage space AND useful accessories to the Zaurus at the same time. (Accessories like a digital camera, a GPS device, a wireless NIC, or a modem.)

Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

Where can I buy a Zaurus in the US?

• At electronic retailers
  

In the US they are available at:

• Amazon.com ( 5500, 5600 and 6000)
• Staples doesn't sell the Zaurii, but they stock accessories
• Mobile Planet You can search for 'Zaurus' there and find all their accessories.

Last updated: 2004.Dec.13

• See the list of importers below under Where else can I buy a Zaurus.

Where can I buy the Zaurus in Japan?

• Big electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera

Usually hidden in amongst dictionary section.

Where can I buy a Zaurus in Germany?

At those e-tailers:

• Pulster Pulster - Zaurus units and a lot of accessories for low prices.
• Linux24.biz
• Linuxland Accessories only.
• Trisoft has the SL-C1000, SL-C3200, SL-6000, and the older SL-5500G for sale, along with accessories and a whole range of expansion cards.
• Handheld-Linux SL-C1000, SL-C3200, WLAN, GPRS. ZMacSync included. 24 Months warranty. Shipment within European Harmonized Market.

Source: Benoit Gariod
Last updated: 20060517 - speculatrix

Where can I buy a Zaurus in the UK?

• The Zaurus SL line has long been discontinued by Sharp in the UK, occasionally you see official UK imports for sale through ebay; all retailers have cleared out their stock long ago. The 760, 860, 1000, 3x00 and 6000 have never been sold officially in the UK.

Figlabs and Trisoft seem to be the only professional organisations servicing demand for Zaurii in EU/UK.

Figlabs is based in the UK and also supply Zaurus models to the EU/UK - see Figlabs Online Shop

Handheld-Linux serves all EU countries - see Handheld-Linux

Shirtpocket used to be a UK distributor but any potential customer should search the forums first as there are cautionary tales.

Where else can I buy a Zaurus?

Importers
These companies import Zaurii from Japan, convert them to English (or possibly other languages) and then resell them. Many will ship internationally. Shop carefully: Be sure to ask about warranty and tech support, since Sharp probably doesn't support or warranty such modifications. Also, some will do a more complete conversion than others -- some conversions you can do with a couple commands (see the Conics.net listing under "Other Sources" or the forums for more info).

• Dynamism
• Japan Direct
• Japan Rush
• Kemplar
• ShirtPocket
• Pulster Pulster - Zaurus units and a lot of accessories for low prices.
• Streamline CPU's
• TRIsoft
• Xtops.de (Source: Lionel Bouchpan-Lerust-Juery)
• GeekStuff4U.com
• Figlabs

Other sources

• Conics.net sells Zaurii and offers free guides on their website for converting to English.
• PriceJapan will find great deals in Japan.
• Kurns & Patrick sell some models
• Lolzer sell most Zaurus models
• Brando sell some models but specialise in PDA accessories
• ZUG/OE For Sale/Wanted forum for used models.
• eBay for new & used models (watch out for shipping charges)
• PC Connection used to stock Zaurii and may offer refurbished models. They apparently will ship anywhere (even Canada). (Source: Sebastien Routier)
• J & R used to stock Zaurii and may offer refurbished models (Source: John Huynh)
• PGT European source
• ZaurusFR European (French) source - affiliated with PGT
• Handheld Linux European source

Last updated: 2005.Mar.19 22:00GMT

What is OPIE?

• Open Palmtop Integrated Environment
  

OPIE stands for Open Palmtop Integrated Environment and it is a fork of the open-source version of Trolltech's Qtopia (The Zaurus comes with a commercial version of Qtopia). OPIE is used as a graphical environment on iPAQs with Linux installed and by the Open Zaurus ROM. The OPIE homepage is http://opie.handhelds.org

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2006.Jun.12

What is OpenZaurus?

• OpenZaurus = Open Source!
  

Open Zaurus is a completely open-source and free ROM for the Zaurus. The OpenZaurus homepage is: openzaurus.org

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.10

How do I keep the case around the screen from getting scratches from the screen protector/case?

• Clear nail polish!
  

Theres an easy fix for this: Clear nail polish. Just put it around the screen and it should keep it from scratching.

It might also be a good idea to put some on each key on the keyboard to keep the letters from wearing off. Just remember to let it dry before using it.

Source: W8TVI Last updated: 2003.Oct.26

How do you pronounce 'Zaurus'?

• zaw-russ (zaw as in saw or awe) is the most common pronunciation (Source: tumnus)
• zow-russ (zow as in ow or ouch) is also pretty common, and possibly more correct (Source: speculatrix)

Last updated: 20050728

What is the plural of Zaurus?

• 'zaurus' (uncountable), 'zaurii' or 'zauruses' are all used.

What are these dog names for the Zaurii? What are Corgi, Poodle etc?

• These are nicknames assigned to each Zaurus model by Sharp and used extensively by the OpenZaurus team. Zaurus_Models#Nicknames

See also Wikipedia:Talk:Sharp_Zaurus#Models_named_after_dog_breeds

How can I download this FAQ?

You can simply download this page by visiting the printable version and saving it.