OESF Portables Forum
General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: jem58 on June 21, 2004, 02:56:44 pm
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I\'m sure that many people, before taking the plunge for one of the C-series, had a look at the alternatives. I am very interested in buying the C-750, I\'ve scraped together just about the right amount of money now, but none the less I would like to kno the alternatives, that offer the same landscape orientation (not nescessarily swiveling) at the same general size, so really in the miniature laptop catagory. Preferably with similar specs aswell. Apart from the Zaurus lines, I am also aware of the Sony Clie UX-50, and Sigmarion 3, and Sony Vaio U1 (yes I am aware this is a laptop but it is in the same size catagory and surprisingly price catagory, compared to the C-860) although there must be others as well.
This is just to make sure that my hard-earned money is going to something worthwhile, so could somebody name some alternatives, then show how the Zaurus is totally superior :wink:
Thanks to any potential helper as usual.
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Hello,
I have a SL-C860 and the Sony UX50.
I won\'t get into the Zaurus vs. Palm thing, but will only mention what I feel is better about the Zaurus in my particular use case:
1. Wifi is faster on the Zaurus than the Sony.
2. While the keyboard is good on the Sony, the keyboard on the Zaurus is better. There\'s more feeback when you press a key.
3. The screen is larger than the Sony\'s.
4. To get landscape orientation for most Palm applications you have to buy the CodeDiver package.
5. You can have portrait and landscape in the Zaurus; I only had one application that was able to be used in portrait on the Sony.
6. The jog dial on the Zaurus is better placed than on the Sony.
7. The Zaurus is larger in length than the Sony, but not in width.
8. Battery life on the Zaurus is better than on the Sony, unless you purchase the extended battery. That does help the Sony out appreciably, but it adds some bulk as well.
Hope this helps.
Bill
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I posted a comparison of the UX-50 and C750 a while back, but I'll share my thoughts again.
C7xx Pros:
* Much bigger/better screen. My C750, I thought, didn't quite have the same sharpness as the UX-50, but my C760 looks much better.
* Better battery life. I think the C750 isn't a whole lot better, but the C760 with the bigger battery is definitely better... of course you increase the size of the Z.
* Better web browsing. If NetFront 3.0 doesn't work, Opera will and vice versa.
* Runs Linux... no limitations on what types of files you can download and use.
* The Terminal (Konsole, etc.) and the ability to program in your favorite languages.
* More free software is available.
UX-50 Pros:
* Better construction... I much prefer the brushed metal to the Zaurus' plastic. Also, memory stick port has a protective flap to keep out dirt when not in use. Only thing about the way it was built that sucked was that you couldn't just get a cable to sync/charge. It needs that damn dock.
* Integrated Bluetooth (and WiFi -- UX-50 only). This is a BIG plus as I don't need 2 cards carry around.
* Better PIMs and better wireless software. PIMs work, syncs well to Windows (and Mac with MissingSync software), can send contacts via bluetooth, builtin wifi sniffer, bluetooth software identifies device by name and not MAC address. Also had a great SMS GUI utility that I really miss on the Z SL-Cxxx. And all apps that need network connectivity are integrated with the network prefences.
* I love the keyboard -- especially the backlighting (Cxxx keyboard is really good too, but I give the UX the advantage here).
* A supported product in the US.
* Better commercial app availability.
* Palm OS works with more desktop software (i.e. Siebel, Corporate Time, etc.)
UX-50 Cons:
* Sony is too proprietary. Upgrades to stock apps requires purchase of a new device in many cases (i.e. NetFront 3.1) which no longer is an option. OS is upgradable, but Sony will never let you do it (upgrades of the N series were an anomaly).
I didn't cover anything, but I do agree with the previous poster on some of the items I missed (such as having landscape AND portrait modes on the Z). I disagree on the placement of the jog dial, but I don't particularly care for the placement on either PDA.
I think what some people here miss is that the Zaurus and other PDAs such as the Clie, Sigmarion, etc. excel at different things and target different audiences. This is why I have both. At work, I use my UX-50 as I can sync it to everything to keep my PIMs up-to-date and it has a nice case that goes with business casual attire. Alternatively, it's small enough to slip in a pocket (my C760 can too, but not very comfortably).
My Zaurus I use at home and when stormchasing. The better battery life, ability to run Perl-LWP apps to pull down Wx data, and better browser and screen for viewing Wx images make it much better than the UX. Also, if I could ever get Kismet running, I think it'd be nice for war driving... although I want to have WiFi enabled, but also have a BT connection to a GPS device to map hotspots. Hopefully the next Cxxx will at a minimum have integrated wireless.
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Hi, take a look at http://www.handtops.com/ (http://www.handtops.com/) for news on other options: flipstart and oqo.