OESF Portables Forum
General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: ZDevil on October 18, 2005, 02:53:15 pm
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Hi,
So it's mid-October now (just look at my C1000 and can't help but saying time flies ), which seems to be about the time for an upcoming Zaurus model.
Just wonder if Sharp is coming up with some new and even cooler stuff for the next Zaurus.
Or, what would you think (not anything in your fantasy though ) is going to appear in the next model?
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Hi,
So it's mid-October now (just look at my C1000 and can't help but saying time flies ), which seems to be about the time for an upcoming Zaurus model.
Just wonder if Sharp is coming up with some new and even cooler stuff for the next Zaurus.
Or, what would you think (not anything in your fantasy though ) is going to appear in the next model?
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99900\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Great idea to do this seasonal thread! I have no info/idea regarding what Sharp may or may not do and my wish list after all the time that has passed without any news/releases seems like a fantasy.
But I can't wait to see what others come back with in this thread (we probably need a zrumours forum set up - it would probably be the most visited anyway).
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Hi,
So it's mid-October now (just look at my C1000 and can't help but saying time flies ), which seems to be about the time for an upcoming Zaurus model.
Just wonder if Sharp is coming up with some new and even cooler stuff for the next Zaurus.
Or, what would you think (not anything in your fantasy though ) is going to appear in the next model?
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99900\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Well, since you asked. I've noticed several things lately, the increase in wifi use in Japan and the increase in the video display capabilities of phones, pdas and pvps. I believe Sharp will blow our socks off and debut a true "next generation" Zaurus with the following specs:
Intel PXA270, 624 MHz; Intel 2700G graphics accelerator
802.11g; Bluetooth
5 inch 854x480 WVGA Transflective (16:9 aspect ratio) LCD
(will make handheld slightly larger than SL-C3100)
Video out
USB 2.0
4GB internal flash memory (replace internal hd)
CF/SD expansion slots
2400+ mAh battery
Built-in microphone
2.6.x Linux kernel
QTopia upgrade (v3 or 4?)
Movie player optimized to chipset
Picsel browser
Updated Hancom Mobile Office Suite
This will create a platform for the Japanese consumer to plug in their cellular CF cards for their mobile network, yet still be able to take advantage of wifi, when available, without removing the CF card. It will also have the ability to handle streaming video with ease.
I'm looking for Sharp to come out with a new platform that will only need to be tweaked over the next 2-4 years. All this is doable now and much is present in other handhelds already (Axim, OQO, Nokia 770, etc).
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A timely thread this, read my mind exactly.
It is that time of year when I glean Akihabara News reports on a twice daily basis.
All we need now is for Trisoft to promise a forthcoming announcement which will make us very happy.
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- (drool) Nice set, and definitely doable, except the 4GB flash might be a stretch today. Likely not six months from now.
- Need at least 128MB RAM to go with this mess ... 64 is usable, but a bit short considering all the things a Z can do ... unless they fix app load time so stuff doesn't have to stay fastloaded to come up in a reasonable amount of time. With nothing fastloaded Hiro has nearly 40MB available, but there's not such thing as "too much RAM". (giggle)
- I'd also like to see a "full travel" keyboard ala the venerable Psion 5 series. Those keyboards rocked. Best thing I've seen on any PDA before or since. If they're making the unit a tad wider to handle the WVGA screen, toss in the better keyboard.
- In a way I'd really like to see this. In way I'd rather they didn't. I have to quit eating so I could get one!!
- How is Picsel better than Opera, just for curiousity's sake. Could spawn a thread if that'll wander too far away.
- (drool)
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How about same as above, but a 5 gig HD, and a way to use a true bootloader like grub? And flash like the 3100 for compatability? And magnesium casing like the sony clie's....
(Fantasy)
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Good list, pretty much what I want too. In a nutshell, feature parity with current high-end Pocket PCs with a Zaurus form factor and OS. It's absolutely doable, but will Sharp do it?
- I'd also like to see a "full travel" keyboard
I think a bluetooth keyboard is the way to go if you need something full-sized. Of course, that requires bluetooth support...
- How is Picsel better than Opera, just for curiousity's sake. Could spawn a thread if
Picsel is not a web browser. It's a multiformat document reader, for PDF, Word, Excel, among others.
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2.6.x Linux kernel
QTopia upgrade (v3 or 4?)
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99918\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Qtopia4 is not yet released so it will have old Sharp Qtopia 1.5 as usual...
And I don't believe in Sharp to get 2.6 kernel with new Zaurus - atleast not good 2.6 kernel (look what they done to 2.4.18/2.4.20 - it's mess not code). If you want good 2.6 kernel on Zaurus then help OZ team with porting.
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The two things I'd love to see are already mentioned: a slightly bigger screen, and a better keyboard. For me, the hardware is powerful enough but the form factor needs a little bit of tweaking to be perfect. The widescreen tft mentioned above sounds exceedingly interesting, and given sharp's position in the TFT marketplace then they could do it.
I have to agree that it would make sense for them to do something fairly "revolutionary" with the Zaurus now, and move it onto another level - but there are also a couple of quick fixes that they could put in to keep with the game.
Place your bets, folks
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lately the've been combining features. I bet we'll see a Bluetooth version of the 1000 and 3100.
if they went to builtin 802.11b I'd be mildly surprised, shocked if they did g. maybe we'll see 1000 and 3100 l and w models...maybe even 600 mhz 1050 or 3150's. I'd love to see more... I just think they are gonna do something small and easy...... and 8 won't replace my 6k with it
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Well I love a good speculation session
I can not fault anyones wants thus far, all would be nice. None of them really jump out at me, the C-1000 was nigh perfect for me (although having it fully ruggedized in it's exact dimensions and/or add integrated wifi would be nice).
But as far as what I think sharp actually WILL do, I'd have to think like sharp for a minute.
I actually encountered a zaurus in the wild (other than mine) for the first time. A dude on the train was web surfing as we buzzed down the tokaido line. That's right, the tokaido line. Cause this here is Japan...native country for the Z family. So basically I think it's the desires of the Japanese consummer base that Sharp will really be looking to sate.
It's no secret that more and more mobile phones are edging into PDA territory. And some even speculate that the mobile phone will eventually render the stand alone PDA obsolete (personally, I think if you take out the phone guts, you have room to make the device that much more powerfull on the media front, and that will always apeal to someone). The Z is aparently king of the hill in the Japanese PDA market, so it's got that going for it, but it wouldn't surprise me if Sharp slowly or quickly tried to morph the Z into a phone of some type. Maybe a wifi phone, or perhaps thay'll just integrate a microphone and offer an add on card so you have the option (Visor style) of turning it into a cell phone (keitai) of some type.
Just one idle speculation...But if they really wanted to make the next Z attractive enough for the tinkering/enthusiast crowd to buy ANOTHER model, offering a version with intergrated wifi (or maybe even blue tooth) would be the smartest move. But then they aren't actually marketing the Zaurus line outside of Japan, so it's really the wishes of the domestic proletariate that matters...
Then again, dare I bring up the originator of all things 'i' (yes the iPod) , and say that flash memory is a possibility. The C-3000 really seemed to spark things off for a while with it's massive storage. I don't know for sure, but I think it might have had a hand in nudging Palm into producing the Lifedrive (for all the good it's done them). It would fit sharps pattern of releasing only a few incremental changes with each new release to change the HDD to a 4gb slab of battery friendly flash (as speculated by others). And with flash memory prices slowly dropping, it might even be economically feasible...if they can find some flash that will last as long as a hdd can be expected to. The 'Nano' sure got peoples attention...
Also, looking again at the increased emphasis on PMP's, adding a DSP or other video subsystem...or maybe even that enhanced screen everyone seems to want...could help the Z tap further into another market that is currently on the rise...
All in all I definitely think the Z line has been steadily improving, no missteps or backtracking yet, so if sharp continues with new models I'll look forward to them, even if they are merely incrementaly improving...
But yeah, just re-perused the other musings in here, and I agree...we've had 64mb of RAM and ~400mhz for quite a while now. Yes, the Z was slightly ahead of it's time in getting THOSE specs when it did, but I think both those specs could stand to be bumped (significantly...like more than 4%...)
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ooh goody, another wishlist bandwagon!
illuminated keyboard with some key travel
a clamshell with the 4" display from 6000
built-in wlan or bluetooth or both
an internal backup ultracapacitor so you can switch batteries without rebooting
SD card support for 2GB or bigger cards
SDIO support
C3100 with the forthcoming hitachi 20GB microdrive
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I would hope that all these rumours are false, and no new model will be coming out in the near future.
I just got recently my C3100, which was released not a very long time ago in Japan (June?).
So I hope that the C3100 will stay the "newest" model for a while, ensuring that the ROM developer community as well as other hardcore Zaurus fans (Meanie for example) devote their time to the Cxx00 series - and not another "even newer" model...
I would hate to see my brand new C3100 become outdated - as I for sure cannot afford a new one within the next few months...
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I wouldn't worry too much gadgetguy,
It has taken a better part of a year and the introduction of the low cost 1000 to get the developers working on this line of Zaurii. I suspect if there is a new model, it will be like the 3000 and the 700 before it. It will be a flawed version of its new capabilities. This means in the late spring and summer you will see the more functional (750,760,860,1k,3.1k) version. Most of these developers are not buying the latest and greatest Zs all the time.
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I would hope that all these rumours are false, and no new model will be coming out in the near future.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99991\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
I have to ask what might seem a strange question: Why did you buy the 3100? Was it because it fitted your needs, or was it because it was seen as the "ultimate" PDA by some yardsticks?
If it was for the first reason, then don't even worry if a new version is brought out: your 3100 still does exactly what it did before the new model was announced and developers will still be finding ways to make it do quite frankly incredible things.
If it was the second reason... Well... There'll always be something around the corner that's cooler or better spec'd. That's Moore's law and progress for you.
I do understand your concern, as does every consumer. I saw the backlash that happened when Subaru announced that their newest STI Impreza would have a 2.5 litre engine - all the premium buyers had bought a special edition WR1 last year that was promised to be the "ultimate impreza". And it was. At the time... Look at Canon with their digital SLRs, or Apple with the ipod range.
Sharp will keep innovating in the market in order to get people to upgrade and increase their revenue. Personally, I applaud them for this: at least we have the option of an upgrade, whereas users of Microsoft HPC2000 devices (Jornada 720, 728) have no upgrade path...
Which would you prefer?
Sorry if this sounds confrontational, it's really not supposed to be but it is addressing a fairly emotional topic . I bought my SL-C1000 because it met my needs, yes, but undeniably because it is cool and different too and I also reckon there's another top end model around the corner (or certainly within a year) that will be better for me than the 3100 is.
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I would hope that all these rumours are false, and no new model will be coming out in the near future.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99991\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
I have to ask what might seem a strange question: Why did you buy the 3100? Was it because it fitted your needs, or was it because it was seen as the "ultimate" PDA by some yardsticks?
If it was for the first reason, then don't even worry if a new version is brought out: your 3100 still does exactly what it did before the new model was announced and developers will still be finding ways to make it do quite frankly incredible things.
If it was the second reason... Well... There'll always be something around the corner that's cooler or better spec'd. That's Moore's law and progress for you.
I do understand your concern, as does every consumer. I saw the backlash that happened when Subaru announced that their newest STI Impreza would have a 2.5 litre engine - all the premium buyers had bought a special edition WR1 last year that was promised to be the "ultimate impreza". And it was. At the time... Look at Canon with their digital SLRs, or Apple with the ipod range.
Sharp will keep innovating in the market in order to get people to upgrade and increase their revenue. Personally, I applaud them for this: at least we have the option of an upgrade, whereas users of Microsoft HPC2000 devices (Jornada 720, 728) have no upgrade path...
Which would you prefer?
Sorry if this sounds confrontational, it's really not supposed to be but it is addressing a fairly emotional topic . I bought my SL-C1000 because it met my needs, yes, but undeniably because it is cool and different too and I also reckon there's another top end model around the corner (or certainly within a year) that will be better for me than the 3100 is.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=99999\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Good point, but I think there is another element here that GadgetGuy mentioned that is important. Newer models tend to divide the developer community, which we depend upon heavily, for ROM upgrades/fixes, software, etc. If a revolutionary platform emerges by year-end and a good portion of the developers shift their focus to the new device, then the former devices are left in suspended animation in their current states.
I agree, that if you bought it and it fits your needs now you should not have too many gripes. But many of us also buy for the future potential that can be realized by industrious folks such as the OZ team, pdaXrom team, Cacko team and others.
I do believe it is time for Sharp to raise the bar in hardware specs and the OS (2.6) and I hope they do it all in the next model release and get it over with.
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Newer models tend to divide the developer community, which we depend upon heavily, for ROM upgrades/fixes, software, etc. If a revolutionary platform emerges by year-end and a good portion of the developers shift their focus to the new device, then the former devices are left in suspended animation in their current states.
Well this isn't what happens with OpenZaurus development, in fact it tends to be the other way around - as these new devices are expensive, the majority of development continues on the cheaper/older devices; even those which are really quite old (5000D/5500) are still supported actively.
In general I suppose that eventually some devices may lose support because there are so few people using them that porting/testing features to/on them runs out of developers, etc., however I wouldn't expect this for a while yet.
Si
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I have bought my C3100, because I wanted
- the ultimate micro laptop : and I got that, no doubt
- the "newest model out there" - and I was hoping to have that, a bit longer than a couple of months ( and I know, new models are coming, of course. But a new model, about 6 months after the previous one is a little bit unusual for me).
Most importantly however, I was hoping the continued support of people like Anton Maslowsky and Meanie.
Meanie appears to focus on the newest and best, and Anton too ( he is short of releasing the Cacko rom for C1000 and C3100). ( I am not really familiar with OpenZaurus yet)
If I C4000 (or C5000 or whatever) would come, I am quite positive, that the support from people who often get the latest and greatest would diminish. And since I cannot get the C4000 myself (at least not in the next year to 18 months or so) - I was hoping that the current Cxx00 series would remain the "latest and greatest" for a little while...
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Again, I think you are wrong. People still port to the previous generation clamshells and the 5x00 while moving onto newer machines. As long as there are people to test it, it shouldn't be a problem. There are plenty of 750/760/860 users out there and plenty of 1k/3.1k users as well. The people who might have a more difficult time are the 700/3000 and possibly 6000 users as they have a smaller user base and their device hardware are different from the mainstream. My guess is that whatever they might rollout in November will be only for the early adopters so you have until next spring/summer before the real replacement shows up.
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I see what you're worry is now, but I wouldn't worry on the device being unsupported real soon: Anton is releasing 1.23 for the 7xx/860 as well as and 1000/3100 and I can't see him dropping support for this series soon.
The 3100 is a superb device and, no matter what comes after it, you've bought a cracker of a PDA . Glad you didn't take my post as a flame, either - re-reading it, it could have come across a bit judgemental, so sorry for that.
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Sharp w-zero3 on akihabaranews (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-10471-The+first+Pocket+PC+Phone+PDA+with+AirH+%21%21%21.html)
"we get a 3.7" screen, Wireless LAN, an Intel PXA270 416MHz, 128Mb Flash memory, 64Mb of SDRAM, but also telephony functions in this one thanks to the W-SIM technology (an improved version of the SIM)." qwerty keyboard
But not linux....
http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/)
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Blimey, I'm surprised on two fronts: first off, the WM5 thing, but secondly/// that thumb-board! It didn't work for BSquare with their power handheld, it doesn't seem to be working for OQO, but sharp chose that over a clamshell?
Mind you, if they'd have launched a WM5 clamshell they'd be right up against the HTC universal.
Fingers are crossed that Sharp do something with the Zaurus line!
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Sharp w-zero3 on akihabaranews (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-10471-The+first+Pocket+PC+Phone+PDA+with+AirH+%21%21%21.html)
"we get a 3.7" screen, Wireless LAN, an Intel PXA270 416MHz, 128Mb Flash memory, 64Mb of SDRAM, but also telephony functions in this one thanks to the W-SIM technology (an improved version of the SIM)." qwerty keyboard
But not linux....
http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/)
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100147\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
What started out as a nice seasonal thread suddenly turned into worst nightmare. Sharp took 2 most attractive features (linux and clamshell) from best device they ever designed and released this? After this I don't believe we will see continuation of zaurus line - at least not with linux. I guess it's time to go and pick up a few 3100's while they are still around (or wait for Jobs to release some small osx based clamshell).
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so trisoft or streamline,
should we be buying up hordes of 3.1ks or is the linux zaurus going to continue and some of us can buy the more expensive new ones?
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Sharp w-zero3 on akihabaranews (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-10471-The+first+Pocket+PC+Phone+PDA+with+AirH+%21%21%21.html)
"we get a 3.7" screen, Wireless LAN, an Intel PXA270 416MHz, 128Mb Flash memory, 64Mb of SDRAM, but also telephony functions in this one thanks to the W-SIM technology (an improved version of the SIM)." qwerty keyboard
But not linux....
http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/)
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100147\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
What started out as a nice seasonal thread suddenly turned into worst nightmare. Sharp took 2 most attractive features (linux and clamshell) from best device they ever designed and released this? After this I don't believe we will see continuation of zaurus line - at least not with linux. I guess it's time to go and pick up a few 3100's while they are still around (or wait for Jobs to release some small osx based clamshell).
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100172\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Hold on now! Sharp's a big company and can support more than one flavor of handheld device. Besides, the Zaurus is the King of PDAs in Japan and many use it for the extensive dictionary, which this does not have.
I think the Zaurus line will still be maintained and this is just Sharp's attempt at getting a piece of the the convergence/smartphone market.
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Looks like I might have been right. Whithout flexing my imagination too much I can see this thing being the result of a board meeting about 'what we should do to the Zaurus next...' at sharp HQ..
But this new device won't necessarily canibalize the Z line.
Though it wouldn't really surprise me...
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Hm. This looks SO HTC... maybe Sharp OEM'd from them.
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Sharp w-zero3 on akihabaranews (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-10471-The+first+Pocket+PC+Phone+PDA+with+AirH+%21%21%21.html)
"we get a 3.7" screen, Wireless LAN, an Intel PXA270 416MHz, 128Mb Flash memory, 64Mb of SDRAM, but also telephony functions in this one thanks to the W-SIM technology (an improved version of the SIM)." qwerty keyboard
But not linux....
http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/)
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100147\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
What started out as a nice seasonal thread suddenly turned into worst nightmare. Sharp took 2 most attractive features (linux and clamshell) from best device they ever designed and released this? After this I don't believe we will see continuation of zaurus line - at least not with linux. I guess it's time to go and pick up a few 3100's while they are still around (or wait for Jobs to release some small osx based clamshell).
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100172\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Hold on now! Sharp's a big company and can support more than one flavor of handheld device. Besides, the Zaurus is the King of PDAs in Japan and many use it for the extensive dictionary, which this does not have.
I think the Zaurus line will still be maintained and this is just Sharp's attempt at getting a piece of the the convergence/smartphone market.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100184\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
I hope you are right but doubt it. I can't believe Sharp will maintain zaurus for dictionary only - I mean how hard is it to add dictionary to this new device?
I know zaurus is popular in Japan but am not sure what is the main reason - is it really because of dictionary or is it because consumers are sophisticated enough to prefer linux to windows (I am affraid if your answer is dictionary then any good reason to continue the zaurus line is gone).
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Another pondering: Microsoft has apparently changed the licensing restrictions and a few other things for WM5... Perhaps Sharp is putting a toe in the water rather than a wholesale migration?
Has anyone translated a press release from Sharp yet? Has there even been a press release?
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Another pondering: Microsoft has apparently changed the licensing restrictions and a few other things for WM5... Perhaps Sharp is putting a toe in the water rather than a wholesale migration?
Has anyone translated a press release from Sharp yet? Has there even been a press release?
[div align=\"right\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=100214\")
Here is some more (sickening) info about this.
[a href=\"http://www.techweb.com/wire/hardware/172302655]http://www.techweb.com/wire/hardware/172302655[/url]
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time for me to pick up a few 1000's and another 3100.
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Sharp w-zero3 on akihabaranews (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-10471-The+first+Pocket+PC+Phone+PDA+with+AirH+%21%21%21.html)
- If it's Winbloze it's garbage. Here's crossing my fingers that Sharp is just pulling MickeySawft's chain with this deal, in that they know it'll flop on such painfully slow hardware, and the Japanese folks will see how horribly resrictive Winbloze is and stay away in droves. I've never figured out how supporting a known losing venture generates revenue, but I know it can be done, and I really hope it's happening with this.
- Then again, Sharp could just release it in the US and people would probably fall all over themselves to get one. (sardonic grin) Based on what's available in stores here, the average US consumer doesn't care one whit about power or flexability as long as it looks cool and plays music.
- Maybe I'm jaded. I have a Z because of what it is. That fact that it looks cool and plays music is just icing on the cake! (wolfish grin)
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Press release, I think.,
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051020-a.html (http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051020-a.html)
Translation anyone?
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Press release, I think.,
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051020-a.html (http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051020-a.html)
Translation anyone?
[div align=\"right\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=100251\")
Well in google I got this:
[a href=\"http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharp.co.jp%2Fcorporate%2Fnews%2F051020-a.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools]http://translate.google.com/translate?u=ht...Flanguage_tools[/url]
Why Sharp do this???
My god, always Micro$oft !!
The link if the New product is:
http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/special/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/ws/special/)
I have to accept "it is a very good device"
What this mean??
Could this be the end of the "Sharp + Linux = Zaurus" history ???
This was the worse news today.
Last year (November) we sow the SL-C3000 and I though that this November we could wet a new Zaurus but... it seems that what we will see is a new Micro$oft product.
I pray for a miracle and see a new Zaurus again
Best regards
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Why Sharp do this???
My god, always Micro$oft !!
Maybe because...
1) It's easy to OEM a Windows Mobile device. There are tons of designs at HTC, and if you don't like HTC there are lots of OEM shops at Taiwan offering WM devices
(BTW, Microsoft made a good job of getting Taiwanese OEM shops to support WM)
2) In the smartphone market, with the notable exception of Palm (and some small manufacturers), if you don't get WM you must get Symbian. And competing with the behemouth Nokia in its own home ground isn't for the faint of heart (hello Sony Ericsson!)
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I wouldn't say "it's garbage" or get too carried away with the Microsoft bashing. WM5, for what it is, isn't terrible. It's a PDA OS that abstracts complexity away from the user, and it works well if you like that sort of hand holding.
It will not appeal to anyone who likes the Z, of that I am fairly sure, however to write it off as garbage is being a little unfair. It has little or no appeal to us, but it is a fairly slick and polished OS.
I just hope Sharp see the consternation it's causing and put out a press release about the Zaurus line soon. I guess Japanese Z fans might be a bit worried by this too: does anyone have any news from the ground there?
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Why Sharp do this???
I think there is a Sharp Communication Systems group and a Sharp Information Systems group (with Personal Mobile Tools subdivision). And they might work pretty independently.
http://sharp-world.com/corporate/info/ci/pdf/organ.pdf (http://sharp-world.com/corporate/info/ci/pdf/organ.pdf)
-- hns
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Uhm.... certainly the move to windows-mobile will allow sharp to ship the product world-wide, since microsoft will be doing the support (of course via $$). I'm certainly worried that, if given a modest success, it will mean the death for zaurus line.
Time to look for alternatives like archos, oqo, ....
Trisoft: any comments ?
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maybe we can hope that Sharp will do what Olympus do, and release the machine so it can be both wince and linux?
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Hi everybody,
Trisoft: any comments ?
oops, we're really wondering why this W-ZERO3 causes so
much concerns here.
It's a Smartphone, not a Zaurus. Also SHARP was selling
WindowsCE devices before (the HC-4600 for example). They are
a big japanese manufacturer and produce everything that
the market or the OEM customers demands.
As you all know, we turned into a 100%-Zaurus-company
the last three years. If SHARP would be going to drop the
Zaurus line, we would be _VERY_ concerned. But we're not,
and we don't see a reason to be worried.
We've seen two new models this year (SL-C1000 and 3100)
and we have to spend a lot of money for CE/EMV etc on each
new model. We really hope that we don't have to handle a 3rd
new model this year.
For our personal opinion, we would be glad if SHARP could stay
for at least 12 months with one model.
If we can get the W-ZERO3 with an english OS, we will try it out
and have a closer look at it (but even if so, it's a PHS device, so
you wouldn't have much fun outside of Japan)...
///TRIsoft
Marc Stephan
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We don't need common sense posts like that... We want leaping to wrong conclusions and assuming the worst!
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Hi everybody,
Trisoft: any comments ?
oops, we're really wondering why this W-ZERO3 causes so
much concerns here.
It's a Smartphone, not a Zaurus. Also SHARP was selling
WindowsCE devices before (the HC-4600 for example). They are
a big japanese manufacturer and produce everything that
the market or the OEM customers demands.
As you all know, we turned into a 100%-Zaurus-company
the last three years. If SHARP would be going to drop the
Zaurus line, we would be _VERY_ concerned. But we're not,
and we don't see a reason to be worried.
We've seen two new models this year (SL-C1000 and 3100)
and we have to spend a lot of money for CE/EMV etc on each
new model. We really hope that we don't have to handle a 3rd
new model this year.
For our personal opinion, we would be glad if SHARP could stay
for at least 12 months with one model.
If we can get the W-ZERO3 with an english OS, we will try it out
and have a closer look at it (but even if so, it's a PHS device, so
you wouldn't have much fun outside of Japan)...
///TRIsoft
Marc Stephan
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100346\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Thanks for those reassuring words - it's great to see you are so confident about zaurus. I think few of us (me for sure) freaked out as we saw a device getting released which had several nice features that were on our wish list (ie I don't see why next or some future version of zaurus could not also be a smartphone etc).
But at this point I am just happy to see you think zaurus line is here to stay
(although I also disagree with you that we dont' need more than one a year :>>> - but I understand from your point of view it must be somewhat of a headache).
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We don't need common sense posts like that... We want leaping to wrong conclusions and assuming the worst!
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100348\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Yes - and also if many of us would follow pessimistic assumptions trisoft zaurus inventory would be gone overnight as everyone would run to grab a few z's while they are still available? Now that I think about it I dont' see why trisoft would not want to encourage this line of thinking as they could retire overnight ;>
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LOL, I expect a "Ohmigosh, *correction* PANIC BUY NOW!" message from trisoft any minute .
BTW, I was just as guilty of having bad thoughts about this, but Trisoft's post does make sense
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Thanks Marc (TRIsoft), your comments kept some from being put on blood pressure medicine. I personally think the Zaurus will be around for quite a while.
It is obvious that the traditional PDA is dead and is being swallowed up by smartphones. However, I see the Zaurus as an important device serving those who need near laptop capability but ultimate portability.
I think in the next few years we will have 4 clearly distinct markets: 1) desktops 2) laptops 3) smartphones 4) palmtops capable of replacing your laptop without sacrificing a lot of functionality (Zaurus).
The Zaurus will continue to be improved to fill this tweener category - PDA on steroids or laptop on Slimfast?
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Hi friends!
Well Sharp release today something about the WPC EXPO 2005, you can see it here:
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051021-b.html (http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/051021-b.html)
or in a google traslation here:
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=ht...Flanguage_tools (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharp.co.jp%2Fcorporate%2Fnews%2F051021-b.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)
how you remember the last year in the WPC EXPO 2004 was release the SL-C3000.
So I think that this is our hope, the expo will begin next wednesday (October 26th to 29th).
Best Regards.
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"In addition to Zaurus" well that says it right there. The smartphone is not a replacement.
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Yeah...
And now that we're beyond the paranoia we can think about the possible benfits to the Z line itself.
If this thing takes off who knows what 'satellite' technology might end up in the Zaurus.
A gen or two from now we might see the 'Ultra Zaurus SL-CX9000 Super Pocket Power Servant', with optional W-SIM OR internal hard drive. Then you could choose if you want a phone replacement or a media device with all the other great stuff we've been seeing since the 5500...
ONWARD INTO THE FUTURE !!!!!
(Though admitedly, since the Zero-thingy is based on PHS there'd have to be a similar new tech released for GSM/GPRS for anyone outside of asia to benfit...but who knows what tommorow may bring...)
-
So the expo should be happening right now, correct? Any news?
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Howdy,
Isn't it clearer now?
http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/051021.html (http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/051021.html)
3. New PDA Section
This section will introduce not only Sharp’s Zaurus PDA, but also the integrated communications handset developed for Willcom, Inc. that fuses PDA and PHS functions in one...
And see this too:
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/event/wpc2005/ (http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/event/wpc2005/)
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ah yes, but any news of that introduction?!
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We don't need common sense posts like that... We want leaping to wrong conclusions and assuming the worst! :D
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100348\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
- You tell 'em, chiark! (wolfish grin)
- I admit I'm a touch gun shy. I've owned other really nice PDAs before (Psion the most notable) that went the way of the dinosaur. I'd be pretty taken aback if the best PDA built by man followed suit! It's very good to see some supporting comments about the continuation of the Zaurus line in its present incarnation.
- As for Winbloze, well, I've seen and used it since v2.x, when it actually ran on top of DOS. I've seen and used a lot of other OSes since then, too. Based upon personal experience, Winbloze is simply inferior to anything else I've seen. Polish and ease of use mean nothing if it has to be rebooted periodically because its bloated automagic rendered it unstable. I don't reboot my Linux boxen (any of them including the Z) as often as I reboot even Winbloze Ex-pee, and it's the most stable Winbloze I've seen. Put up with that on a PDA? Garbage.
-
The WPC2005 EXPO opened several hours ago here in Tokyo. Although this was the venue where Sharp anounced a new Zaurus model last year, it does not appear that there will be any new Zaurus announcements.
Instead, the center of attention at the Sharp booth appears to be W-ZERO3 PDA/Phone discussed above. Since the sales of the SL-C3100 have remained strong in Japan, I doubt that we'll see a new Zaurus model for some time. Unfortunately, it now appears that Sharp is concentrating its efforts in the mobile phone/PDA area.
-
well convergence is where everything is heading, so that is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, linux does not seem to be sharp's first choice for the OS.
-
found it for sale in the US if anyone is interested.
http://www.hotspotcellular.com/productdeta...p?productid=737 (http://www.hotspotcellular.com/productdetail.asp?productid=737)
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found it for sale in the US if anyone is interested.
http://www.hotspotcellular.com/productdeta...p?productid=737 (http://www.hotspotcellular.com/productdetail.asp?productid=737)
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=101069\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
It is very nice.
same old screen, though.
A shame if sharp abandons the z or linux.
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Ragnorok, I know just what you mean, and I'm just as guilty of jumping the gun on this one. My History: Psion did a good job of giving people support and an upgrade path - they even released the 3mx to breathe life into the 3 series when the 5 series was already around! However, they saw the writing on the wall and I guess they had to make the choice between being elbowed out of a niche market by serious volume players, or exiting gracefully.
Then I found the HP 620lx, upgraded to a 680, then 720, and now a 728. It's a dead line, which is a shame. HP has a long and proud history in handheld PCs, possibly peaking with the 200lx, or for others (myself included) the 7xx range. I think they made a bad move in getting out of this market, but it was probably good business sense at the time.
The Z will never be left out to dry in the same way as either the Psion or HP community has been, and the single reason is open source. I still am amazed at the work that OZ and Pdaxrom have achieved... Of course, this doesn't mean that I don't wish for an improved Zaurus coming soon, and my wish list as ever is for a bigger screen and more integration whilst not losing the battery life.
I cross my fingers
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*bump*
Almost December. Nothing new? Anyone read the Japanese rumor sites?
Is the C3100 the end of the line for Zaurus?
Times like this I wish we still allowed anonymous postings, so people with "inside info" could share...
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I think Trisoft is getting his wish and no new Zs for the year. Spring is the next window that a zaurus has been introduced (sl-c1000, sl-c760 and sl-c750), but who's to say they will not introduce anything sooner.
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if anyone with inside knowledge wants to let me into the secrets of Zaurus(ng), I promise to only leak what they let me, when they let me!
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LOL here we go again. As far as I have heard nothing new til next year.
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LOL here we go again. As far as I have heard nothing new til next year.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105594\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Pssssssssssssssssst ! Stephen !
Get some beer and popcorn while we have fun watching
the topics with my favorite titles this year:
- OMG ! SHARP brings no new model !
- OMG ! SHARP brings a new model !
- OMG ! SHARP announces something with Windows !
and the every-half-year-remake of :
- OMG ! SHARP kills the Zaurus line !
///TRIsoft
Marc Stephan
(Who is confident to have lots of fun with Linux based Zauris
in 2006 )
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let us not forget "the new zaurus should have a ..."
I was going to say kitchen sink and then remembered kde's kitchensync...
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let us not forget "the new zaurus should have a ..."
I was going to say kitchen sink and then remembered kde's kitchensync...
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105605\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
that's been done already in pdaxrom, then?
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Marc,
Funny I love to watch these however my e-mail doesn't feel the same way when you hint towards a new model my e-mails get into the 100s per day my fingers cannot handle that many mails with the famous copy and paste of " sorry we are not aware of a new zaurus model please contact TRIsoft" .
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and do you see how this (and such like) threads are the MOST READ threads in the forums.
Just see the vies counter for this thread and the views for all the rest of the threads on the same page... :-)
Excepting the Nokia tablet release thread - which betas this by a big whopping margin..
But there we go again, if its not Sharp, any NEW Linux device will get us drooling and posting away to glory...
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and do you see how this (and such like) threads are the MOST READ threads in the forums.
Just see the vies counter for this thread and the views for all the rest of the threads on the same page... :-)
Excepting the Nokia tablet release thread - which betas this by a big whopping margin..
But there we go again, if its not Sharp, any NEW Linux device will get us drooling and posting away to glory...
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105623\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
of course, the last time there was a thread on this....or was it this thread? I seem to remember marc and stephan were dribbling tidbits re an actual release... that tends to encourage people to look and speculate.....
on the nokia thread; I think also that a lot of us are latent refugees that we're actually looking to jump ship from sharp to something more promising...and finding nothing more promising, repeatedly.
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and do you see how this (and such like) threads are the MOST READ threads in the forums.
Just see the vies counter for this thread and the views for all the rest of the threads on the same page... :-)
Excepting the Nokia tablet release thread - which betas this by a big whopping margin..
But there we go again, if its not Sharp, any NEW Linux device will get us drooling and posting away to glory...
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105623\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
of course, the last time there was a thread on this....or was it this thread? I seem to remember marc and stephan were dribbling tidbits re an actual release... that tends to encourage people to look and speculate.....
on the nokia thread; I think also that a lot of us are latent refugees that we're actually looking to jump ship from sharp to something more promising...and finding nothing more promising, repeatedly.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105635\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
This is forum is nothing more than an online therapy group for TA (Technoholics Anonymous). So what else would you expect to hear from a bunch of people stricken with technolust. Of course, this does not include myself, I can stop any time I want to ------------- I just don't want to.
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I second adf's idea: we are a bunch of small-and-linux-with-cash-for-toys addicts, and I presume that anyone would switch vendor for another one with a more sensistive attitude to community or another with better raw-linux-compatible specs.
Speaking for myself, after 2.5yr with my zaurus, I'm planning on a change to something in the range of the sub-notebooks oqo/vaio/jvc, as some people in this forum has already done !!!
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anyone would switch vendor for another one with a more sensistive attitude to community
The problem is that's only likely to come from a startup, and they lack the deep manufacturing expertise of a company like Sharp. Also, most smaller companies that have gotten into the Linux gizmo business have dropped out over time.
I think our best bet is HP or Dell or some other PocketPC ventor produces a very nice, full-featured Windows clamshell, and then the experienced kernel hackers will have sufficient motivation to get Linux running.
small-and-linux-with-cash-for-toys addicts
Hmph. I only have six small-and-linux devices. I hardly think that qualifies me as an addict.
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a). Yeah.... a low powered clamshell made in large numbers that could be hacked would be good.
. a startup that made something with standard, known parts in a fairly simple configuration ,for a reasonable price, would be best. They could sell wince, too if they wanted.
I've been eyeing flipstart (more $$$ than is healthy I bet, like oqo) for a while. They have no actual product, though...
Continued incremental zaurii would be fine... buy every few generations (really, I won't buy a 3100... really)
A 770 based line that developed a bit would be fine....
It is the degree of uncertainly..and the degree of "orphanness" that bugs me.
Look at all my raves on batteries.... I think maybe I've developed a neurotic/apocalytic lack of faith in HW support...
for now, I like my 6k... though I really should pick up a 6g microdrive for it
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This is forum is nothing more than an online therapy group for TA (Technoholics Anonymous). So what else would you expect to hear from a bunch of people stricken with technolust. Of course, this does not include myself, I can stop any time I want to ------------- I just don't want to.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105681\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
I am also not addicted and promise to stop once the following z comes out:
Similar to 3100 with the following additions/changes:
Screen from 6000 (or better)
Ram 512 (or better)
HD 30G (to hold wikipedia + my itunes collection and replace ipod)
Battery 8 hours (with at least bluetooth on)
GPS
GSM/Edge (I actually dont care what - just some broadband wireless with service available in US)
Bluetooth
WIFI (G)
It seems that OQO has a lot of this except battery life apparently sucks, heat is a problem, and fan is report to be very noisy. Given this I plan to continue buying new z models as they come out but each one I incrementally buy will have to add at least a couple of features from the above list.
So it's safe to say I'll be hanging around this forum for years (which is not a bad thing as I find that these rumour/wishlist threads are fun to read anyway - I only wish Sharp felt the same way).
One thing that could change all my plans in a hurry will be Apple if it releases some osx based pda.
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Think you guys summed it up pretty well....
Mark
Silicone Valley Digerati
SL-C3100/iPaq hx4700/PalmT3/Fujitsu T4020 TabletPC.....
This is forum is nothing more than an online therapy group for TA (Technoholics Anonymous). So what else would you expect to hear from a bunch of people stricken with technolust. Of course, this does not include myself, I can stop any time I want to ------------- I just don't want to.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105681\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
I am also not addicted and promise to stop once the following z comes out:
Similar to 3100 with the following additions/changes:
Screen from 6000 (or better)
Ram 512 (or better)
HD 30G (to hold wikipedia + my itunes collection and replace ipod)
Battery 8 hours (with at least bluetooth on)
GPS
GSM/Edge (I actually dont care what - just some broadband wireless with service available in US)
Bluetooth
WIFI (G)
It seems that OQO has a lot of this except battery life apparently sucks, heat is a problem, and fan is report to be very noisy. Given this I plan to continue buying new z models as they come out but each one I incrementally buy will have to add at least a couple of features from the above list.
So it's safe to say I'll be hanging around this forum for years (which is not a bad thing as I find that these rumour/wishlist threads are fun to read anyway - I only wish Sharp felt the same way).
One thing that could change all my plans in a hurry will be Apple if it releases some osx based pda.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=105794\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
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On the battery thing. As long as the PSP is out with the same voltage requirements we can always find external batteries. Not quite as nice but will keep the 6000 running.
Bob Makowsky
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They are introducing a wzero3 windows mobile pda (i have no idea how that will impact on zaurus releases). It probably just means that they wont release any zaurii outside Japan.
ref Oct PDAtoday
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Look!!!Sharp new electronic dictionary.
[a href=\"http://www.sharp.co.jp/papyrus/lineup/pw-n8000/images/pw-n8000.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"]
4.3" (480x272) ASV LCD
SDcard insert ....
I guess the LCD is as same as the PSP one...
Because ASV, 4.3" and 480x272,the configuration are the same....
When will the new zaurus come out..?
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Don't know if it's been mentioned, but one thing I really miss on my Z is a mouse !
That might be because I haven't mastered the keyboard properly yet, but it seems some apps don't have everything available from the keyboard :<
So please Mr Sharp, anybody knows the designers names and emails ?
Include a mouse pointer in the next Zauri, maybe if you don't want to reinvent the wheel just put one of these IBM thinkpad type balls, not the best but quite good
My guess is you could put it as a replacement for the OK button in the middle of the arrow keys, and add an ok beside the cancel.
++
brice
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Don't know if it's been mentioned, but one thing I really miss on my Z is a mouse !
That might be because I haven't mastered the keyboard properly yet, but it seems some apps don't have everything available from the keyboard :<
So please Mr Sharp, anybody knows the designers names and emails ?
Include a mouse pointer in the next Zauri, maybe if you don't want to reinvent the wheel just put one of these IBM thinkpad type balls, not the best but quite good
My guess is you could put it as a replacement for the OK button in the middle of the arrow keys, and add an ok beside the cancel.
++
brice
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106747\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
That's a great idea, I hate using the stylus on my C1000 in landscape mode (which is the normal use), each time I tap the screen, the screen flips backward when the Z sits on a table. So you end up with an almost horizontal screen.
Moreover, switching between the keyboard and the stylus is annoying.
I was even thinking about a little joystick in place of the OK button that you could also press to get the OK action.
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Don't know if it's been mentioned, but one thing I really miss on my Z is a mouse
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106747\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Why not just get a little USB travel mouse? They're a lot more usable than the dot and it works today.
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Don't know if it's been mentioned, but one thing I really miss on my Z is a mouse
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106747\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Why not just get a little USB travel mouse? They're a lot more usable than the dot and it works today.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106751\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
There are small trackballs that are like rings that go around your index finger, the ball moved by your thumb..button inside the ring and 2 on top. mine was made by fellowes. maybe that would work for you?
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Don't know if it's been mentioned, but one thing I really miss on my Z is a mouse
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106747\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
Why not just get a little USB travel mouse? They're a lot more usable than the dot and it works today.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106751\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
There are small trackballs that are like rings that go around your index finger, the ball moved by your thumb..button inside the ring and 2 on top. mine was made by fellowes. maybe that would work for you?
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=106801\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
My wife used to use one of those on her PC, the darn thing didn't even last 3 months before it just fell apart. Too sensitive, too fragile.