Need Help Selecting Cxx0 And Accessories

[tnfiddler]

It's time to upgrade from my PalmIII.  I've been wanting a Zaurus for a while now, as I'm a Linux fanatic (sadly in a Windows dominated workplace).   I've been looking for a while, but would like suggestions from folks with experience.  I have been looking at getting a C750, C760, or C860.

My main uses will be:
Programming (onboard), Remote login to my servers, Wardriving, surfing/email/IM, and the regular PDA stuff (calendar and notes).

I like the black screen on the 750, but its main drawback seems to be the battery is smaller.  I considered buying the BL08K to put on it.  It seems this would almost match the 760 and 860 aside from the amount of flash.  Does the amount of built-in flash make a big difference when you can add memory cards?  Also, I have tried learning some Japanese- would the dictionaries on these help?  Are there any other differences?  Especially as it would relate to development?  I noticed the 860 is supposed to do VPN.  Is there software for VPN on the other models?

I was looking at buying from Conics, as they seem to have a good reputation here.  I am a bit concerned about only getting a one month warranty on a used item, though.

[kahm]

You're looking at an extra $99US to go with the BL-08K kit. The used 760 is $50 more expensive than the used 750. There's no way I can recommend the 750 over the 760 in that case, especially since you'd end up with half the flash size. There aren't any hardware differences between the 760 and 860 other than color. By the same token any 860 software will run on the 760. You can even make the 760 think it is an 860 by flashing the official 860 rom.

You may want to check the Japanese FAQ at the Cacko homepage (www.cacko.biz) - It has information about Japanese support while running the Cacko rom, including info on Sharps 860 dictionaries.. (Shameless plug - I wrote it)

Keep in mind that the flash can't be upgraded, and many packages refuse to allow installation to cards. If you get down and dirty with the linking and an ext2 SD card you might be able to overcome that limitation somewhat, but that'll depend on your SD card, the program in question, and how much time you want to waste.

Don't let the sexy black screen fool you - you're better off with a 760.
(Please ignore the fact that I'm buying a C1000 so I can case swap with my C3000)

[lardman]

and many packages refuse to allow installation to cards. If you get down and dirty with the linking and an ext2 SD card you might be able to overcome that limitation somewhat, but that'll depend on your SD card, the program in question, and how much time you want to waste.

This is true for ROMs based on the Sharp ROM. OpenZaurus will let you install pretty much anything anywhere. The symlinking is handled for you automagically.

I have a C750 and it works fine - it'd be nice to have more flash memory sometimes (but I'm quite happy with leaving an SD card in place to install things to so these times are few and far between). That said, if the price difference is so small, you may as well go with the Cx60.


Si

[speculatrix]

if you want to make your battery last, and money is tight, and you're not going to need public wireless lan access, get a bluetooth CF adaptor rather than using wlan CF. I get far longer surf time at home using it.

I'm migrating away from my Palm T3 to a Z SL-C860, and my only problem so far is that the Z is capable of so many more interesting things, I spend too much time on it.

[tnfiddler]

I need 802.11 access.  I might try bluetooth- if it'll reach my couch and porch. :-)  I was wondering about battery consumption and what accessories work well.  I'm going with the C760.  Is an extra battery or battery charger worth it?  Do folks find the battery pack/battery extender more useful?

[kahm]

I find that just the regular battery does fine for me on a day to day basis. If I'm doing something that I know will require long term power without access to a power socket (ie - long flights, etc) I'll bring an extender. I had my 5500 running for ~20hrs going to Japan with the extender, and the 860 without the extender gave me ~10 (mixed typing and mp3 with screen off) on the way back.

I'm waiting for the Pelican Power Bricks for the PSP to show up here in Canada. The PSP takes the exact same power supply as the Z, and the ~3700mAh Power Brick rechargable battery is ~$20US. My extender is ~4600mAh, so I'd be tempted to bring 2 power bricks, but they're cheaper, neater, and easier to charge than my 8xAA batteries