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General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Srono on January 17, 2006, 08:21:11 am

Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: Srono on January 17, 2006, 08:21:11 am
Hi all,


I'm going to buy a new 3100 from pricejapan. It costs $570 including shipping. There is also a friend wants to sell his C860 for $250 (good condition because he doesn't know how to use   ).

I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860. But still considering as the price of 3100 doubles. I can buy only one (i wish...  ).

Can anyone give me an advice?

Thanks a lot,
Srono
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: bluedevils on January 17, 2006, 09:05:12 am
Between the two, I would choose the 3100.  More features and a warranty are worth it.  If you had an 860 and considered upgrading, I would have been alot more hesitant.  I was happy with the 760 until it broke.  I am happy with the 3100 too.

The main things that would drive me to the 860, would be if I could not comfortably afford the 3100 or size was my main criteria.  The 860 with the big battery is slightly smaller and with the small battery it is much smaller.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: dbowden on January 17, 2006, 10:21:00 am
Quote
Hi all,


I'm going to buy a new 3100 from pricejapan. It costs $570 including shipping. There is also a friend wants to sell his C860 for $250 (good condition because he doesn't know how to use   ).

I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860. But still considering as the price of 3100 doubles. I can buy only one (i wish...  ).

Can anyone give me an advice?

Thanks a lot,
Srono
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Yeah -- the 3100 is definitely a nicer machine.  I've been trying to justify upgrading from my C760 to a 3100.  I picked up a 4GB CF microdrive for $90 over the holidays, which is making my decision harder.  I need to pull the microdrive to use wireless, which I wouldn't have to do with a 3100, but I don't use it all that often.  They're working on supplying a free wireless blanket over our local area though, so that may change soon.

I'm currently thinking about upgrading to a C1000, since I can think of lots of nice uses for the USB hosting (external HD, keyboard, mouse, webcamera, microscope, GPS etc).  I figure my 760 is worth about the same as your friend wants for his 860, so it'd cost me about $100 to upgrade to a 1000, but about $250 to upgrade to a 3100.  I don't know whether the 3100 is worth $150 more to me than the 1000 is though.... especially since I already have a 4GB microdrive.  Even if I sold my microdrive to finance the 3100, I'd still be paying about $70 for the convienence of an extra CF slot, which I currently am not using.  

I guess that's what it all comes down to... what do you plan to use it for?  If you've never used a Zaurus before, I'd advise starting with your friend's 860.  It'll take you 6 months or more to figure out all the possible uses for it, and by the time you're really need the expanded capabilities of a 3100, hopefully they'll be chaper :-)

If you really need USB hosting and an integrated HD, spring the extra bucks for the 3100.  Either way, you'll have a fabulous machine.

Good Luck,

David
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: Mjolinor on January 17, 2006, 11:08:24 am
I am currently stuck with the same problem. I have an 860, sold my 6000 and miss the host USB port. I have never run out of space on any PDA I have had so I can't see a use for a 4GB hard disc though I am sure that will change if I had one.

How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard. I don't have one to try but making it smaller is definately something I would like. My Pentax camera takes the same battery but the + and - are the other way round. If it lasts half as long as the big battery maybe it's time I modified the Pentax batteries.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: bluedevils on January 17, 2006, 11:25:39 am
dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: bluedevils on January 17, 2006, 11:47:16 am
I don't have exact figures, but if you charge on a daily basis, it is good for pim duty, but not intense wifi action.

Quote
How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard. I don't have one to try but making it smaller is definately something I would like. My Pentax camera takes the same battery but the + and - are the other way round. If it lasts half as long as the big battery maybe it's time I modified the Pentax batteries.
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Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: dbowden on January 17, 2006, 01:55:06 pm
Quote
How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard.
I never tried the smaller battery in my 760, but when I had a 5500 I worried a lot more about battery life than I do now.  With the 5500 I could get about 2 hours of normal use, or about 45 minutes of use with a network card.

On my 760 with the larger battery, I've read a book for over 8 hours on one charge (backlight low, underclocked).

I've never been tempted to try the smaller battery for the slight change in thickness.

David
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: dbowden on January 17, 2006, 02:07:53 pm
Quote
dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.
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Yeah -- you really are a devil aren't you?  You're just trying to talk me into spending more money.


Honestly, I am tempted by the 3100.  I work for a Japanese company, and have been talking to an expatriate about having one of his friends bring me something Zaurusy in his suitcase.  The problem is, even at Japanese prices, there's still a $200 price difference between the 1000 and the 3100.  If I hadn't just bought a 4GB drive, I'd probably be even more interested in the 3100.

David
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: tombraider on January 17, 2006, 02:47:55 pm
There IS a difference in weight between the C1000 and the 3100...not much... but I chose the 1000 because I like to be able to carry the device in my pocket.  I have an Archos for videos and movies so I really don't need the hard drive space.   I did buy a 4 GB cf microdrive because I couldn't resist a sale price over the holidays and I put my NAND backups and ebook library and music on it.  
Also, I have an Averatec laptop so I don't use the 1000 for a laptop replacement.

So it all depends upon how you are going to use it,  I guess...I know...duh!  

Quote
Quote
dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.
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Yeah -- you really are a devil aren't you?  You're just trying to talk me into spending more money.


Honestly, I am tempted by the 3100.  I work for a Japanese company, and have been talking to an expatriate about having one of his friends bring me something Zaurusy in his suitcase.  The problem is, even at Japanese prices, there's still a $200 price difference between the 1000 and the 3100.  If I hadn't just bought a 4GB drive, I'd probably be even more interested in the 3100.

David
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Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: anonuk on January 17, 2006, 04:44:02 pm
I just moved from an 860 to a 3100, my gf took the 860 - here are the main differences i notice after a day on the 3100:

C3100 bigger than C860 and heavier - more sturdy but not as sleek
C3100 keyboard better than C860 - Great improvement
C3100 4GB Hard drive is great - feels like a real laptop now
C3100 USB host - mine seems to be broken - please help me in the other thread!!
C3100 Directional pad - much better than 860 havent tried yet but i think games will be playable!
C3100 Application Buttons - not really sure of the difference - they are smaller but more responsive .
C3100 Better placement of buttons and possibly sd slot, but the buttons on the back and scroll wheel dont feel as smooth/responsive. On the other hand, ok and cancel are separated now. Maybe i just need to break them in.
All in all, i would take the C3100 over the 860 any day - but it is not as sleek and cannot run any more programs. Just feels like more of a minicomputer than the other zauruses. Harder to hold as an e-book but still the best i have found. On the other hand, my gf has said she much prefers the 860 as its sleeker and slimmer and less 'boyish' color and style (her words not mine)

either one is a great machine - i have been hooked to the zauruses for years and keep enjoying them more and more - the more linux skills you get the more you find yourself able to do with them...
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: datajerk on January 17, 2006, 09:29:47 pm
Perhaps not the answer you are looking for, but I am waiting for the next model.  

The Zaurus series have been in threes:

5500,5600,6000
750,760,860
3000,1000,3100

So, I am betting on a new form factor.  (800x480, faster, WiFi/BT would be nice).

I have had a c860 for 2 years.  It has been a great performer, I cannot begin to count the logged hours.

If I lose my bet, then 3100s will be cheap.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: adf on January 17, 2006, 09:41:27 pm
Quote
Perhaps not the answer you are looking for, but I am waiting for the next model. 

The Zaurus series have been in threes:

5500,5600,6000
750,760,860
3000,1000,3100

So, I am betting on a new form factor.  (800x480, faster, WiFi/BT would be nice).

I have had a c860 for 2 years.  It has been a great performer, I cannot begin to count the logged hours.

If I lose my bet, then 3100s will be cheap.
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6 models on the 3.7" vga screen.... apparent issues with wifi in japan.  Who knows what sharp will do.  
The next Nokia could be very interesting
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: pgas on January 18, 2006, 02:41:43 am
Quote
The Zaurus series have been in threes

that is, if you omit the 5000D(ok for developer), sl-c7500 (ok for china)
and the sl-c700
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: Srono on January 18, 2006, 09:55:32 am
Thanks everyone for your advices!

Quote
I guess that's what it all comes down to... what do you plan to use it for?  If you've never used a Zaurus before, I'd advise starting with your friend's 860.  It'll take you 6 months or more to figure out all the possible uses for it, and by the time you're really need the expanded capabilities of a 3100, hopefully they'll be chaper :-)

Actually, i have 2x5500 and have just sold my 6000 to have money to try a clamshell model. Not too new to zaurus but still is a noob.

I like all the new features introduced in 3100. There are two things that make me consider: price is double and i don't know whether Sharp introduce a new series in near future.  

A C860 comes with 2 batteries,  doesnt it ? For a 3100, is there only one battery? Is there any difference in the lcd screen quality?

Thanks,
Srono
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: iamasmith on January 18, 2006, 10:21:12 am
Quote
....
A C860 comes with 2 batteries,  doesnt it ? For a 3100, is there only one battery? Is there any difference in the lcd screen quality?

Thanks,
Srono
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No an 860 comes with 2 battery covers, one for the small one and a back panel for the large one.

It only comes with a Large battery though - the small cover is just in case you buy a small battery for it.

- Andy
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: bluedevils on January 18, 2006, 11:04:01 am
or use one of your 5500 batteries
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: datajerk on January 18, 2006, 11:31:29 am
Quote
Quote
The Zaurus series have been in threes

that is, if you omit the 5000D(ok for developer), sl-c7500 (ok for china)
and the sl-c700
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Completely forgot the 700.  Fours it is.  Hmmm, perhaps I will pick up the 3100.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: speculatrix on January 24, 2006, 06:11:22 am
I bought an 860 new and a week later the 3000 was announced... then the 1000 and then the 3100. I was a bit sick.

I also own a 6000, and love the built-in wireless but the USB host give huge scope for enhancement.

I find I swap cards a lot with the 860 between wifi bluetooth and big compact flash. If I could get hold of a 3100 with built-in bluetooth it'd be the perfect device.

If you buy the 860, you should assume that it will be a stop-gap measure. If you are not sure about owning a Z, it's a cheap way of finding out. If you are very serious about your PDAs and linux, you'll regret buying an 860 only to sell it in 6 months to upgrade. However, if Sharp produce a newer model, you'll be pleased you bought the 860 as an interim device rather than spending the extra on a 3100 and then wanting to upgrade again.

BTW, the 760 is functionally identical to the 860, just a different case style.

Tough choice. Maybe you just have to accept that there's no right answer and get the device which will do everything you want to do at this moment.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: kahm on January 28, 2006, 02:00:59 pm
Also, if you're concerned about battery life, keep in mind that a new 3100 is going to have a much fresher battery than a used 860.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: Srono on January 28, 2006, 03:10:12 pm
Quote
Also, if you're concerned about battery life, keep in mind that a new 3100 is going to have a much fresher battery than a used 860.
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I will receive a 3100 next week  Thanks everyone for helpful advices
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: wincen on January 30, 2006, 03:05:09 pm
Quote
I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860

I on the other hand do not.  I'm pretty new to the zaurus and I'm just looking into getting one for myself.  What exactly are teh advantages?  I know it has a 4 gig harddrive, and built in wifi, but I think from what I've read it's bigger as well.  What else is there?

The 860 is much cheaper, and I've read it has 8 hours of battery life.  Is that true?  I saw the 3000 had 7 hours in one review.

I'm still trying to learn about all the different ROMS and apps.  The 860 comes with 64 Megs I think... how quickly do you run of of space?  Is that an issue if you're not putting mp3s or movie files on the machine?
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: bluedevils on January 30, 2006, 03:24:10 pm
well the quick answer is a 4GB microdrive and usb host (no wifi) are the diff between a 3100 and 860.  They both have 3.7" VGA, 64MB RAM and 128MB of flash space.  Battery life are similar enough.

ROMs are images that include the kernel/OS and stock/builtin applications.  They also include filesystem layouts.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: brashley46 on January 30, 2006, 07:21:42 pm
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Quote
I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860

I on the other hand do not.  I'm pretty new to the zaurus and I'm just looking into getting one for myself.  What exactly are teh advantages?  I know it has a 4 gig harddrive, and built in wifi, but I think from what I've read it's bigger as well.  What else is there?

The 860 is much cheaper, and I've read it has 8 hours of battery life.  Is that true?  I saw the 3000 had 7 hours in one review.

I'm still trying to learn about all the different ROMS and apps.  The 860 comes with 64 Megs I think... how quickly do you run of of space?  Is that an issue if you're not putting mp3s or movie files on the machine?
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Space is always an issue on the non-harddrive Zs ... but CF and SD cards will solve most of the problems. You can put a whole movie, or a hellofa lot of books, on a 1GB SD card, and there are people working on software to enable larger SDs.
The only Z with builtin 802.11b wifi is the SL6000, which is also the most expensive one to find.
Title: C860 Vs C3100
Post by: spaul on January 30, 2006, 08:13:18 pm
I have the c700 and c860.  Relative to the considerable hardware innovation evident in the c700 there has been little innovation since. In my view the minor upgrades Sharp has made do not justify all of the model changes.