Unofficial Zaurus FAQ

http://www.oesf.org/howto/images/zaurus.jpg
http://www.oesf.org/howto/images/dinozaur.jpg
Originally compiled and maintained by Bill Kendrick
Now maintained (with many thanks to Bill!) by the ZUG

General

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 PDA which was released in the US and Europe by Sharp in the 1st Quarter of 2002.

Last updated: 2002.Apr.06

• The SL-5000D
  

Identical to the SL-5500 (below)

Applies to: SL-5000D
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-5500
  

Specifications of the original SL-5500 model were:

• 206MHz StrongARM CPU
• 64MB RAM (for storage and memory)
• 16MB ROM (for OS and built-in apps; flashable/upgradable)
• 240x320 16bpp (65
• 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

Note: On the original SL-5500 This is changed in newer models (e.g. SL-5600) ROMs (e.g.

Applies to: SL-5500
Last updated: 2002.Apr.06

• The SL-5600
  

The SL-5600

• 400MHz X-Scale CPU
• 32MB RAM (for and memory)
• 64MB ROM (for OS
• 240x320 16bpp (65
• 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

Applies to: SL-5600
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-A300
  

Only available in Japan! Identical to the SL-5500 minus the CF slot (available as an add-on sleeve) and built-in QWERTY keyboard.

Applies to: SL-C700
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-C700
  

Only available in Japan!
The first clamshell model of the Linux-based Zaurus.

• 400MHz X-Scale CPU
• 32MB RAM (for and memory)
• 64MB ROM (for OS
• 640x480 16bpp (65
• 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

Applies to: SL-C700
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-C750
  

Identical to the SL-C700 rather than PXA-250 and 64MB of RAM.

Applies to: SL-C750
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09

• The SL-C760
  

Identical to the SL-C700 rather than PXA-250 1700mA battery.
Applies to: SL-C760
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09</ul>

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 206MHz ARM processor and not one PDAs on the market today. It's capable of wireless access photography gaming

Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

• It runs Linux - Great for Linux hackers!
  

People accustomed to Linux are used to a powerful open operating system. By using a Zaurus their pocket

Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

• 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 transparent - the user rarely needs to think about it. And because it runs Linux potential Zaurus developers in the world who will be creating the Zaurus applications of the future of Linux applications.

Last updated: 2002.Apr.02

• It's got a built-in keyboard
  

The built-in on some pagers an extremely fast method for inputing data onto your Zaurus. Many have already found the keyboard much more convenient than using the Zaurus' trainable handwriting recognition software or on-screen keyboard.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02