OESF Portables Forum
General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Anonymous on January 09, 2004, 09:24:55 am
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The FCC has the manual for the SL-6000
Now I guess it\'s only a matter of time to see what the price will be. And if regular people will be able to buy it, not just companies. I have my eye on the 6000D model so far.
Product Manual
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/bl...tive_or_pdf=pdf (https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=381531&native_or_pdf=pdf)
Product Specs
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/bl...tive_or_pdf=pdf (https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=381517&native_or_pdf=pdf)
I\'m wondering why Sharp would stick to the PXA255 processor when the PXA261 and 263 are out?
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These 2 pdf files are now mirrored in the download section. Here are the links:
http://www.zaurususergroup.com/downloads/s...-6000-specs.pdf (http://www.zaurususergroup.com/downloads/sl-6000-specs.pdf)
http://www.zaurususergroup.com/downloads/s...6000-manual.pdf (http://www.zaurususergroup.com/downloads/sl-6000-manual.pdf)
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I\'m wondering why Sharp would stick to the PXA255 processor when the PXA261 and 263 are out?
Because there is a significant amount of lead time in developing a product like the Zaurus, the PXA255 was available when they started development, the PXA26* were probably not. Also from what I recall the PXA26* do not have a significant performance increase as compared to the PXA255, they have a higher level of integration. Depending on what pricing Sharp can get from Intel, it might have been more cost effective to use the PXA255 with external peripheral chips.
Clive
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I think I want one. Although I am very intrested to see what the next clam version will feature.
-Daniel
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I really love the way the manual lists the stylus in the contents bit as being \"inserted in the unit\".
Then we skip to step one which explains how to use the stylus to flick the little switch, and press the reset button.
Then we skip to step two, which starts by telling you how to remove the stylus
By the way, this is the first time I have ever read a manual before playing with the machine.
Peter.
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Oh, so now there are essentially 4 models of the SL-6000 to be released in the US. That great.
Since I dont own a C7xx, is this correct that the 2nd model of the SL-6000 is the same as the C7xx or C860 in memory configuration ?
How much of a difference is there in having a flash area of 64MB against 128MB ?
If the prices of the low end models are in the bracket of $650 - $700 (acc to the japanese site in another thread), I guess that makes it pretty competitive to the imported C860 since they are basically the same except for the form factor and the bigger keyboard.
In fact the SL-6000 also seem to have a better screen than the C860 in the sense that its is a transflective or someting) which can be read in bright daylight unlike the C7xx. Or at least that was my understanding. How true is it ?
Guess have to read the full specs now.
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I couple of interesting points I noted.
1) The usb host connector is described as \"Enables connection to specified sharp products\"
2) There is a europe secction at the end of the manual, could this actually make it to the UK
At least once it is releasded we may get a fully english addrees book that can actually sort the contents by name for the c7x0 range.
Peter
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God bless the FCC. I wonder how many products they\'ve leaked before their time.
Reading thru the specs, the 6000 sounds pretty sweet.
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Since I dont own a C7xx, is this correct that the 2nd model of the SL-6000 is the same as the C7xx or C860 in memory configuration ?
How much of a difference is there in having a flash area of 64MB against 128MB ?
That is correct... the 6000D has the same 128/64 mem config as the 760/860 models.
IMO - the extra ram is much needed, especially with the x11 rom (as the apps seem to be a bit bigger than the qt ones). I\'ve already filled up the ram from installing all the apps on the x11 rom. I haven\'t really come close with the qt roms though...
In fact the SL-6000 also seem to have a better screen than the C860 in the sense that its is a transflective or someting) which can be read in bright daylight unlike the C7xx. Or at least that was my understanding. How true is it ?
That\'s correct.. the 6000\'s have the transreflective screen, which is nicer than the C series, and it\'s a bit larger at 4 inches.
Even with the larger and transreflective screen, I still prefer the clamshell form factor. I don\'t think I could go back to the other form factor. My poor 5500 is quite neglected
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Hello everyone i\'m the one who posted the original thread... I forgot to login. heheheh.
I have to agree with offroadgeek that even with the extra goodies, the clamshell form factor still has more appeal. I\'m hoping that the introduction of the 6000 series will lower the price of the 7x0. or the 860 for that matter.
zbones: I\'ve been on the market for a PDA for the last 6 months, and believe me, i\'ve read every manual out there. That\'s why i was so discouraged from PPC or Palm (i do have a clie though). I\'m still searching for the right pda. So far Zaurus seems like the sensible solution ;-)
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kwaiFeh,
When I bought 5500 it was linux that made me buy it, and the keyboard clinched the deal.
These two points alone made it the only choice availible.
The manual for my 760 is in japanese, so is totally useless to me :shock:
If you want more out of your machine than just a PDA, then the zaurus is the one to get. The only problem is which model to get. That\'s why I own two.
People keep asking me if I want to sell my 5500, but I can\'t bear to part with it. It\'s now my \"development box\" and my 760 is my \"live box\"
Peter
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Since they seem to be making four different models, why couldn\'t they make them with all the combinations of WiFi and Bluetooth? The SL-6000D should have Bluetooth rather than 128MB of Flash since that can be expanded with memory cards and then the range would satisfy everyone\'s requirements. I only want Bluetooth at this time and would buy a WiFi CF card later if needed. The SL-6000W is going to be way out of my price range
It\'s also a shame that none of the models have consumer IR, but I guess that musn\'t be a priority for Enteprises...
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Blue tooth seems to be a european thing really.
The US has loads of wifi hotspots everywhere from coffee shops to trains.
On my 40 minute drive to work through Leeds, which is not a small city, I pass only 5 hotspots, all have WEP and are very definately private lans.
The only AP I have ever connected to is my own. I took my z to the annual storage expo in the Olympia this year, expecting to have a wifi hotspot provided as a courtesy, no chance. There were quite a few wirless networks around, but no public ones.
If this was in the states I would have been online in seconds.
Likewise, the Japanese don\'t use bluetooth much either. It\'s not a big priority for Sharp.
Incidentally I don\'t understand why Sharp charge so much for a few extra kb of storage anyway :shock:
Peter.
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you know, alot of these features are pretty exciting, but the one that really stands out, to me anyways, is the usb host... very interesting stuff if you ask me...
i like that its got the pxa255 ... but given that sharp is actually moving backwards with their screen quality (compared to the 7x0 series), i think ill continue to use my c760 for a long time, until the next generation of linux pda\'s come out, anways... faster processor, integrated wifi/bluetooth , usb host and all that standard... plus more ram and a faster bus... which the 6000 doesnt seem to do much about, except for the 6000D which has an extra 64 megs of flash, putting it on par with the c760, but no wifi/bluetooth...
also, i didnt read the specs, but whats the outlook on this thing\'s wifi range? one can only hope for an external antennae mount, but who knows...
the sl-6000 is pretty sexy, but i thing im gonna be stickin with my 760 for awhile, given teh reasons above, until something that REALLY justifies me dropping another 700 dollars comes along
just my editorial opinion on the matter, though
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Man, you clamshell people are crazy. I love the vertical form factor of the 5x00/6000. But hey, that\'s why they make chocolate and vanilla
Foolishly, I was a 5600 early adopter, but I\'ll still probably grab either the 6000L or 6000D + a CF WiFi card. I guess I wish Sharp would push the line a little harder -- I\'ve never even seen an advertisement for a Zaurus. I only know about it because it\'s one of the few Linux handhelds, and you can\'t build a solid user base on that sort of esoterica...
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It\'s quite simple. You spin the screen around and you can enjoy all the vertical form factor you want (at 480x640). Next you are going to tell me you prefer the thumboard as well
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I\'m just interested at looking at the screen! Backlighting is by far worse than a transflectlive screen and at high res for a pda???? SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! probably better than tungsten t3
The only problem with the zaurus is if...........
1. if sharp going to become a conformist like the palm, pocketpc and especially HP? as posted here in theregistry? http://www.theregister.com/content/6/34804.html (http://www.theregister.com/content/6/34804.html)
the reason here is that i play my movies i own and cd\'s on my zaurus
2. if support from http://www.skyscape.com/index/home.asp (http://www.skyscape.com/index/home.asp) ---is it going to be translated to zaurus without the serial being used in the back of the unit for DRM purpouses.
im a medical student/RN student/linux user, windows user going for linux and etc.
Cresho
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1. if sharp going to become a conformist like the palm, pocketpc and especially HP? as posted here in theregistry?
From my viewpoint, application developers can do what they want. There are plenty of applications for Zaurus, and I can choose. They are playing with their own chips. If they lose them... perhaps they learn.
Including any copy protection on OS/hardware level would be a relatively pointless exercise for Sharp, since Linux-based systems are open to modification by nature. Hardware is blind without an operating system, and Linux is open to modification.
On the contrary, an investment into an open system... can be a wise investment. An open system has inherently greater guarantees of future usability (no fear of the Apple scenario). It appears to me that Sharp has leveraged such an invenstment to their benefit, gaining credibility in the process.
Why people prefer Zaurus... has major relevance too. Linux is among the major reasons why I prefer it over competitors. I have switched over to Linux, and would not buy a device which includes a Microsoft operating system, especially one with centralized copy protection. In fact, I avoid buying any device with copy protection, unless I absolutely know I can override it.
I do not pirate. However... I do perceive \"fair use\" to include rights of unlimited personal use, limited extracts and quotations, archival and backup (not buying something again, after media fails). I also insist on watching/reading my favourite nonsense... regardless of which continent I acquired the license on.
I have this odd habit... of preferring that my computer listen to me (as opposed to some guy in Redmond). So far, Zaurus SL-6000 seems to meet my requirements. Eagerly awaiting its release.
The usb host connector is described as \"Enables connection to specified sharp products\"
I do hope this is a standard disclaimer -- otherwise it could prove a major liability, forcing me to reconsider my plans in favour of Tiqit (http://www.tiqit.com/). There are a thousand gadgets I need to connect... and the existence of a compatible USB host port is vital.
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Sleeper_service,
I totally agee, If I buy a dvd, then why the hell shouldn\'t I repack it and watch it on my zaurus?
If I buy a cd, why should I also have to buy the tape for my car, and then purchase the mp3 file to play on my pda?
Vendors adopting DRM may well be in for a shock!
The simple answer to all this is if it costs £10 to buy a cd, and maybe £4 to buy a copy, what would the majority prefer?
The majority of people who buy cd\'s are students/young people with a very limited budget. Any budget they have to spend on music will be completely spent one way or the other.
If original cd\'s were cheaper, then why buy a copy? you would simply buy more cd\'s than before, the original is far better to own than a copy, and you would spend just as much money as before on music, except all your money is going to the original artist(s), not to pirates!
We have heard that cd\'s only cost a few pence to produce, so why charge £10 for them!
Also, forget spending loads of money investing in copyright methods. They don\'t work! If a cd can be played, then it can be copied.
I do not agree with, or practice piracy on any scale, in fact I hate pirates, why should they profit from other peoples hard work?
But I do think that record companies should \"wake up and smell the coffee\"
Sorry, my rant is over, I will return to the topic at hand....
I do hope this is a standard disclaimer -- otherwise it could prove
a major liability
I am sure it is, none of my peripherals are \"guaranteed\" by Sharp, but they all work ok, gps, cf, sd and wifi card included.
It\'s usually just a case of somebody writing/porting a driver for it.
Peter.
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I do hope this is a standard disclaimer -- otherwise it could prove a major liability
I am sure it is, none of my peripherals are \"guaranteed\" by Sharp, but they all work ok, gps, cf, sd and wifi card included.
It\'s usually just a case of somebody writing/porting a driver for it.
Hopefully yes. It should be possible to tell... theoretically by checking whether components have USB certification (or are used in other USB-certified devices) or practically by running some tests.
If things work with a few devices... they are usually possible with others. Like you said, it would probably depend on:
a) which chipset is used
which set of drivers Sharp ports or writes
c) which drivers others will need to add
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I have a 700/76 and a 5600 ...
I can use the 5600 for testing, etc... it\'s basically my ruggedized zaurus. :-]
it just doesn\'t compare to the clamshell. The screen #1, the keyboard #2.
I can seem perhaps playing (some) games might be easier/better on the 5600
-- but I haven\'t tested or convinced myself of that yet.
Scott
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Hello. I\'m a newbie to Zaurus, well have been watching it for a while and waiting to take the \'plunge\' and have a few questions if someone has time.
What are the major advantages / disadvantages of the 5600 to the 6000 (comparatively- besides memory)
Will both run MySQL and LaTex?
Are the expansion slots on the 6000 worth the extra as compared to what the 5600 has to offer?
As a side note, I run K9 for a search and rescue group, and would like to keep track of various aspects of our team, training, etc. Which would be nice to do on a pda. (and I am very partial to linux) Many of our teams carry gps units, but simply being able to track other aspects of operations without all the baggage would be nice!!! My pack already weighs about 35lbs...augggg...
Thank you in advance for anyone who has comments/advice
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The 5600 will struggle to run MySQL (there is a Zaurus ipk for it though) since it only has 32MB of RAM and it is hard to expand with a swap file. The only option with the 5600 you have is to put a swap file on a SD/CF memory card, which is not advised. The 6000\'s 64MB of RAM will be much more capable.
I personally do not think much will come of the expansion sleeve. Although it worked for Compaq with the iPAQ, so maybe I\'m wrong. It depends on how much Sharp/IBM pushes it I guess. The thing with the 6000 is you can get models with either WiFi or both WiFi and Bluetooth builtin leaving the CF slot free for more memory or something like a GPS card.
Of course the 6000 (especially with WiFi and Bluetooth) is going to be a LOT more expensive than the 5600.
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The 5600 will struggle to run MySQL (there is a Zaurus ipk for it though) since it only has 32MB of RAM and it is hard to expand with a swap file. The only option with the 5600 you have is to put a swap file on a SD/CF memory card, which is not advised. The 6000\'s 64MB of RAM will be much more capable.
Swapping to a microdrive should be okay. Or, if you are using a wireless network, you could try network swap. (but then, why run mysql on the Z in the first place)
I personally do not think much will come of the expansion sleeve. Although it worked for Compaq with the iPAQ, so maybe I\'m wrong. It depends on how much Sharp/IBM pushes it I guess. The thing with the 6000 is you can get models with either WiFi or both WiFi and Bluetooth builtin leaving the CF slot free for more memory or something like a GPS card.
I think the sleeve will be used for \"enterprise\" accessories like barcode scanners and rfid readers. Although, the extra battery/cf sleeve thats already been announced could be useful, it\'s very ipaq-esque.
Of course the 6000 (especially with WiFi and Bluetooth) is going to be a LOT more expensive than the 5600.
Preliminary pricing that I\'ve seen puts them around 600-850 depending on configuration. Granted, it is a lot more than the discounted 5600, but its not unreasonable for a high-end PDA, and not that much more than the japanese imports.
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(but then, why run mysql on the Z in the first place)
Because we have a small database that we keep track of weather conditions, wind, terrain and gps locations. This way we can log everything while we are out training and keep better track of it. It helps us when we go out again and encounter similar situations. It would just be nice to be able to do it on something small.
--Stahlrosen
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I think he was saying that doing a network swap would imply that you could be running MySQL on a stationary server and accessing it from the Z, not that it doesn\'t make sense to run MySQL on the Z in principle.
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I think he was saying that doing a network swap would imply that you could be running MySQL on a stationary server and accessing it from the Z, not that it doesn\'t make sense to run MySQL on the Z in principle.
Yes, that is exactly what I meant.
On a tangental note, there have been people in the PocketPC community that have figured out how to upgrade memory on those devices, through skilled soldering techniques. I wonder if any enterprising hardware hackers have looked into modding the Z. That would solve the problem entirely. (a Z with 128mb of RAM?)
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I just received an SL-5600 with a PXA255 processor...the box says so! I\'m very excited. I guess that Dell wasn\'t the only company to make a switch in mid-stride. Check Amazon.com for a great price and a PXA255 processor for the SL-5600...$299.88 with free shipping!!!
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According to the manual (mirrored on this site), the SL-6000 does support IR, located on the side of the unit. Is there something special about \"consumer IR\"?
2
-- C --
Since they seem to be making four different models, why couldn\'t they make them with all the combinations of WiFi and Bluetooth? The SL-6000D should have Bluetooth rather than 128MB of Flash since that can be expanded with memory cards and then the range would satisfy everyone\'s requirements. I only want Bluetooth at this time and would buy a WiFi CF card later if needed. The SL-6000W is going to be way out of my price range
It\'s also a shame that none of the models have consumer IR, but I guess that musn\'t be a priority for Enteprises...
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According to the manual (mirrored on this site), the SL-6000 does support IR, located on the side of the unit. Is there something special about \"consumer IR\"?
Consumer IR is like your TV remote, designed to work over a few metres from your couch to the TV. The IR devices in many PDAs, do not put out much power, they are designed to operate over much shorter distances. Although you can program these to operate your TV, you would need to be much closer.
Clive
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Although you can program these to operate your TV, you would need to be much closer.
I\'m not even sure about that. I heard somewhere the frequencies are different, and the only way to do it on an IRDA is to perform DSP techniques using the low-level IR hardware. And some devices don\'t let you do that.
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Remote App here:
http://www.killefiz.de/zaurus/showdetail.php?app=214 (http://www.killefiz.de/zaurus/showdetail.php?app=214)
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Man, you clamshell people are crazy. I love the vertical form factor of the 5x00/6000. But hey, that\'s why they make chocolate and vanilla
Foolishly, I was a 5600 early adopter, but I\'ll still probably grab either the 6000L or 6000D + a CF WiFi card. I guess I wish Sharp would push the line a little harder -- I\'ve never even seen an advertisement for a Zaurus. I only know about it because it\'s one of the few Linux handhelds, and you can\'t build a solid user base on that sort of esoterica...
I have been watching the Zarus product line over the last year or so. With the 6000 it looks like the Zarus family is ready for prime time and mainstream market penetration espeically with IBM\'s backing. It is not an understantement to say seamless interworking with Microsoft networks is vital to higher market penetration for this product.
I was wondering if any of the Zarus SL5500 or SL5600 users have any experience using SAMBA to network the Zaurus into a Microsoft Windows SMB file sharing network? I use a Linux laptop system with SAMBA as part of a Microsoft network and I would like to extend this kind of arrangement to the SL6000. Any useful inputs on this would be appreciated.
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Back when I owned Windows computers, I did use my SL5500 to connect via Samba to a Win2000 professional computer. I had to install the smbclient program, but it worked fine. Now with OSX and a few Linux boxes, I use NFS also effectively, or when I\'m lazy, I just shuffle files via a SmartDisk memory card reader. I suspect the 6000 will work too. I now use an SLC860 myself and won\'t be getting a 6000. I REALLLY like the clamshell design. When I have the keyboard open, I want landscape, not portrait.
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Man, you clamshell people are crazy. I love the vertical form factor of the 5x00/6000. But hey, that\'s why they make chocolate and vanilla
Foolishly, I was a 5600 early adopter, but I\'ll still probably grab either the 6000L or 6000D + a CF WiFi card. I guess I wish Sharp would push the line a little harder -- I\'ve never even seen an advertisement for a Zaurus. I only know about it because it\'s one of the few Linux handhelds, and you can\'t build a solid user base on that sort of esoterica...
I\'m an SL-5600 early adopter, too. I know from the times of the 5500 that each of their production lines churns out 25.000 units/month. Seting up a production line is expensive, and by doing so they would suddenly have to leap to 50.000 units/month (and sell them all). It is more fun to increase production by releasing yet another version/variation (in a separate production line) than to start advertising, building up support etc. Us enthusiasts are much more willing to pay good money as well!
I live in Sweden (northern Europe) and I have been trying to interrest our local Sharp office to carry at least one of the products (for corporate usage). However, they claim that translation of manuals, support etc would be too costly. So as you can see, they are inventing their own internal barriers as well. (Zaurus is only marketed in the UK and in Germany, to the best of my knowlege).
I suspect that Sharp is the ultimate geek shop; they don\'t *want* to share their invention, they just want to tinker with their toys :-) !
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So as you can see, they are inventing their own internal barriers as well. (Zaurus is only marketed in the UK and in Germany, to the best of my knowlege).
There has not been a single *official* new zaurus in any uk shop since about June last year
Doesn\'t stop people buying them though
Peter
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There has not been a single *official* new zaurus in any uk shop since about June last year
Surely the SL-6000 will be available in the UK? (Please, let it be so! Then at least we can get a legit version w some sort of warranty and support)! [The german version has a keyboard layout that doesn\'t suite our conditions]
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So then the question is, would I be better off buying one of the Japanese imports (the SLC860) or just wait out for the SL-6000? Or should I just go for it, and get the SL-5600?
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Excellent questions. If you convince yourself (or someone convinces you) one way or the other then pass the decision making here
I\'m torn between all 3 of those myself *sigh*
bigj
So then the question is, would I be better off buying one of the Japanese imports (the SLC860) or just wait out for the SL-6000? Or should I just go for it, and get the SL-5600?
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How about this for Clamshell AND Portrait design fans?
http://www.mtekk.com.au/browse/page598.html (http://www.mtekk.com.au/browse/page598.html)
Sharp Zaurus F (from fictitious the actual device is a PPC phone )
Sharp Zaurus F-C999
[img]http://www.mtekk.com.au/images/moto_or.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
Sharp Zaurus F-9999
[img]http://www.mtekk.com.au/images/moto_vert.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
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So you know, it\'s the same phone in both pictures.
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Where do you get the Zaurus reference from... oh wait, that was a wish? That\'s a Motorola phone. Specifically it\'s the Motorola MPx that runs Windows Mobile 2003: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/35767.html (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/35767.html)