Messages

76

General Discussion / Networking

« on: September 13, 2004, 11:21:34 pm »

You have an almost identical setup to mine.  Please post any solution so in case this ever happens to me, I will know what to do.  Mine still works perfectly right now.

Good Luck

77

General Discussion / Zaurus 5500 Lifespan

« on: September 13, 2004, 11:10:58 pm »

I have the SL5500 and an iPaq 2215.  The pim on the Z is more capable than the pim included with the iPaq.  I use Pocket Informant on the 2215 now.  It blows away any other PIM I have seen.  The Z is my work machine.  To make a 2215 work as well and do what I need, I would have to spend $150 to $200 or more.  To be fair, the 2215 has better handwriting recognition, a better screen, built-in speaker, built-in mic, and better pay software availability.  I use the iPaq as an entertainment device.  Like I said earlier, the Z is for work, the iPaq is for play.  I will continue to use my SL5500 until it breaks or I can afford an 860.

Just my $0.02 worth.

78

For Sale / Wanted / 5500 for sale

« on: September 13, 2004, 11:02:06 pm »

If you start thinking about selling it again around Christmas time, pm or email me.  I might have an extra hundred bucks.  I want a second one to experiment with.  I can't risk all the data on my work Z.

V-Man

79

Windows Issues / Wireless Sync

« on: September 04, 2004, 01:06:30 am »

I have wireless sync working using SL5500, Sharp ROM 3.10, and Micro$loth Outlook.  There is a how-to on doing this.  If your configuration matches this, let me know and I'll try to help.  I have no experience with Lotus or Palm desktop though.

80

5x00 Hardware / Homemade Car Charger

« on: July 26, 2004, 03:36:46 pm »

Radio Shack size "B" adaptaplug.  Not sure what the actual dimensions are though.  Make very sure that the polarity is correct or you WILL blow the charging circuit in the Z.

81

General Discussion / Does the SL-5500 already wear protective foil?

« on: July 23, 2004, 03:02:01 pm »

I always use a screen protector.  My Z is too valuable of a tool to be needlessly exposed to potential damage.  Run, don't walk, to the nearest office or computer supply store and at least get an inexpensive one.  Then take your time to select the one with the right properties (anti-glare, feel, ease of application, etc) for you.

Congratulations on your joining the Z community.

82

Off Topic forum / first pocket pc virus.

« on: July 23, 2004, 02:57:50 pm »

at least no person in there right mind would do it.

Remember, you are talking about people that use Micro$loth products  .  This is an indication that they are not in their right minds already  .

Agree that it seems kinda strange   that the virus was sent directly to antivirus companies.  I don't remember that ever occurring previously.

Just my $0.02 worth

83

General Discussion / Alternative AC adapters

« on: July 09, 2004, 04:00:13 pm »

Just as a note, the iPaq AC adaptor I recieved with my HP2215 also works perfectly with my SL5500.  Very happy  , I now have a charger for work and one for home.

84

Accessories / Back Charging

« on: July 02, 2004, 12:23:45 pm »

I actually ran the Z with 4 alkaline batteries before I got my NiMh batteries.  I would not recommend doing this!!!  I just got lucky.  With the NiMh batteries, I watch the charging light.  When the light goes off (indicating full charge), I disconnect the external battery pack.  After a bit (time depends on what I am doing with the Z), I reattach the external battery pack until the charging light goes off.  I have found that if you let the external pack and the internal battery go dead, the Z will shutdown very ungracefully and without warning!!

I believe I have a bit of information on the battery packs, voltages, and Z current requirements.  Let me know if you want it.  I don't have it with me (at work) but can probably still find it all at home.

85

Security and Networking / Samba Problem

« on: June 30, 2004, 03:51:08 pm »

I have a minor problem.  I have my 5500 (ROM 3.10) set up for wireless sync with WinXP.  Everything works well except when I connect to the Z over a WiFi network connection.  After I am done with the Z, I cannot shutdown the network card without logging off of the XP computer.  I think that XP is sending somesort of "keep alive" through the WiFi card.  I have to either log off or shut down the Windows computer.  After shutting it down, I can shutdown the network connection and then eject the network card from the Z.  I have not gotten around to trying my Z with my home network (Linux and Win98/XP computers) to see if the problem is just windows or also happens with linux also.

Has anyone else ever had a similiar problem?  If so, how did you fix it?
Does anyone have any ideas what is actually happening?

As I said earlier, this is more of an annoyance rather than a major problem.  I would just like my Z to work "perfectly".  I can post the changes I made to the system files in order to get WiFi syncing working if needed.

Thanks
V-Man

86

General Discussion / Zaurus as general PDA

« on: June 26, 2004, 03:39:05 pm »

I love my Z.  I also have an iPaq 2215, so I kinda know what the differences are.

Answers to your comments (to the best of my inability):
E-Books:  You can convert *.lit format to other formats.  I personally like and use opie-reader and JustReader on a daily basis.  On the iPaq, I convert *.lit books to other formats and use uBook reader.  I almost never use MS Reader.

Lack of Specialized Commercial Content:  I have never needed anything that was not readily available on the Z.  I use the Z in a law enforcement environment and the programs I use are all freeware and work well.  Sorry I can't help there.

PDFs:  I rarely use PDF formated documents, but the few I have used display well on the Z.  Often better than what I can get with an iPaq.

Lack of PIM:  I found the A default PIM to be better than the default PIM on the iPaq.  I currently use Informant 5 on the iPaq and it is a good (not great) improvement over the default Z PIM.  It also is fairly expensive.

Lack of Good Office Apps:  I don't do any big editing on the Z.  I take notes using the Hancom word and simple spreadsheets using sheet.  I have found that the office apps on the Z are better than the ones included with the iPaq.  I have our entire training and policy and procedure manuals on the Z.  I also have the department schedule (in excel format) on my Z.  I haven't tried the aftermarket apps available for the iPaq; but out of the box, the Z blows away the iPaq.

Lack of Sync with Desktop:  I have no problems (both wired and WiFi sync) so can't comment there.  I have the Z and iPaq flawlessly sync with Outlook and can transfer any files I want.  I have had some minor difficulty with the iPaq changing the formats of some files when transferring them from back and forth.

All in all, the Z is a better tool for me.  My iPaq has been relagated to an entertainment device.  I use it for listening to mp3's and reading books (better screen and battery life).  The Z is just as good performance wise as the iPaq 2215 for everything I have tried.

One more note:  If I was to try to bring my iPaq up to the usefulness of the Z, it would cost me at least $200 for the commercial apps.  I have found the apps I need, but not the money for them.  The Z is a worthwhile investment, but requires some minor brain power to setup and use to it's fullest.  The iPaq is for the brain dead and/or lazy.  Once a Z is configured properly, it is a wonderful device.  I only wish I could afford a 7XX or 8XX clamshell.

V-Man

87

General Discussion / Zaurus as a... watch??

« on: June 09, 2004, 10:21:40 pm »

They make some elastic/velcro straps that are very long (could cut to length).  I found some at the Lowes hardware store.  I am using them for camping gear and for radio stuff.  They would work great for something like your project.  I don\'t remember the brand name or what the product name was though.  Might check out your local camping or hardware store for better straps.

I wanna clamshell (OK, I\'ll shutup for now).

V-Man

88

General Discussion / Paper about WiFi (un)security...

« on: June 09, 2004, 01:46:57 pm »

I live in a semi-rural area.  I have several unsecured networks around me.  As far as I know, mine is the only secured one.  Where I work, predominately upper class residential, I know of a whole bunch of unsecured networks.  The secured networks are the rarity.  Most of these unsecured networks are personal wifi networks using the default settings of the AP/Router.  I have talked to a few people about the (un)security of their networks and they seem unconcerned.  When someone steals their data, and I have to take a stolen identity or fraud report, maybe that will change.  I demonstrated to one person how I could get into their computer using a wifi PDA.  They said they would call me later and we would set up some basic security, but I\'m still waiting for the call.  They were sharing their C drive on a WinXP computer with no password or anything.  I could access everything on the computer!!!  This guy was the head of a major local business too.  During the demonstration, I should have pulled up his financial or business data. Maybe that would have sparked some interest in securing his network.

V-Man

89

Accessories / Netgear MA701 problems

« on: May 21, 2004, 03:28:29 pm »

I use the netgear card with the stock Sharp ROM (3.10).  I have not difficulties.  Some people have posted here that the card is a bit fragile and sometimes will not make good contact in the CF slot.  I heard that \"wiggling\" or pushing the card back a little allows it to make contact.  This sounded to me like bent pins.  Again, I have not had any difficulties.  If the card refuses to work, I would exchange it while you still can.

Good Luck
V-Man

90

Deals and Great Z Buys / Brand new camera card for $14.95

« on: May 16, 2004, 03:13:40 pm »

bluey,   E-mail me and we can try to work out details if you are interested.  I am located in Oklahoma USA.  I have a sister in Norway if you are close, that way I could include it in one of her \"care\" packages.

V-Man