Will it run palm apps?
I use "my checkbook", and "on time rx" which is a med timer and very important to our family.
You could probably run those on a Palm emulator on the Z, though you'd have to remember not to close the emulator.
We'd be looking for wireless as the library has our only connect to broadband. Guess it'd be like an affordable mini notebook.
The Zaurus excels at this.
Are the alt os as easy to use as the stock sharp os?(is the sharp os easy?)
Yes, some alt roms are even easier
Can it be viewed in a landscapemode?
You need to download an app for the stock rom, most other roms have it built in.
Is this considered a mainstream machine or is it a limted app. niche unit?
Niche. It's very versital, and not too hard to use, but people tend to have an irrational fear of Linux.
