Hi Mathews,
short answer: I don't think the Zaurus is what you are looking for. I love my Z but I'm not recommending it to anyone who doesn't absolutely want a linux computer in his pocket.
longer answer: Z hardware (and software) can porbably do what you expect once set up properly. You do need another computer to make full use of your Z, preferably linux with root access, but any will do if it offers:
* card reader (or USB mass storage support and cheap USB card reader)
* is on a network the Z can connect to (ethernet or wireless or internet but avoid NAT/VPN)
* ssh in/out
* reliable storage (for flashing, flash backup)
I want a device that will allow me to check my email, listen to internet radio (BBC), and surf the internet. Will I be able to do this on a Zaurus?
You can do that, but whatever software you use it will not be the same as on a laptop/desktop. The 640x480 screen is tiny, it won't feel like an old PC with a VGA monitor. Browsers lack features or they will be slower or both.
Will I have a hard time using a Zaurus?
Yes. Maybe not depending on what type of a user you are. I'm pretty sure on this one:
A Zaurus user will either use only a small fraction of what's possible with a Z or have a hard time learning to use it. The Sharp software (or Cacko -- its improved English variant) offers what you asked for and it is designed for people who are not linux users (says "Windows XP" recommended on the packaging). It should work more or less out of the box but you can't expect support, software upgrades, documentation, etc from anyone (You may ask here, of course). The alternatives are better, I think, but ATM also harder. Developers/Users are helpful but documentation is still lacking.
Will the power adapter work in the US? One last thing, does the Zaurus ever run warm or let off any strange odors? [div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=122718\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
There are lots of power discussions on this forum. Sharp sells a wolrd voltage adapter which should work. The Z doesn't run warm or smell while using it, however while charging mine gets slightly warm (not bothersome).
One more warning: The zaurus is the perfect toy. You will play around with it. (I count this as a pro but decide yourself.)
I read your post because I'm about to about do the same thing:
I have an (old not-so-fancy) desktop at home and I have accounts for university (linux) computers. I never bought a laptop because I think it looks pretty ridicoulus when students sit uncomfortable on the floor with computers on their laps. I can live without a PDA, though I miss my broken Vr3 a lot. Choosing a portable computer is a tough question, a laptop which can fully replace a desktop or workstation (like for hours of working, running abitrary software) is hardly portable and will ruin your back. Then, even the smallest PDAs have more processing power than the casual user would ask for (assuming highly optimized software which is usually not the case), but size (not only resolution) does matter.
Unlike you I'm kind of a computer guy and I'm moving to Vienna for some research work -- without any computers except for my Z. I'll use the Z (C860 w/ OZ/GPE) for email, internet, storage of all the things that I should have memorized but haven't and maybe more (LaTeX and programming). Point is -- I'm not convince everything will work the way I expect it to...
If you do still want a Zaurus and if you can invest the price and some time, consider the Zaurus an option.
Show Posts