Considering upgrading to Zaurus (from PalmIIIxe)

[braindead0]

I need a PDA that can handle syncing calendar and phone book on Linux and windows.  I\'ve got my Palm setup for this without any problem, and it looks like the Zaurus can do the same.

The main functions I need are address book and calendar which is almost all I use my Palm for (there\'s notes and the like as well).  I would also like an at least nominally secure means of storing private information (passwords to mail accounts and that kinda stuff), I\'m using eWallet on the Palm for that..at this time.

I want to upgrade for the following features:  Rechargable, 802.11b wireless and POP/IMAP/SMTP capable mail client.. Preferably able to sync via wireless as well to both the Linux and Windows boxes (on different networks, work and home ;-).

From what I can tell the Zaurus fits the bill, the FAQ\'s on connecting seem to be easy enough.. Anybody using Gentoo linux?  

Thanks, I hope to stick around...

Are there any national chains of electronic stores that carry Zaurii?  I\'d like to get a hands on look...

[braindead0]

hmm...the silence.. does that mean \'YES\' a Zaurus would do the job?  If so, any suggestions on which one?

[nilch]

This is like a dicey answer and hence the silence I guess.

Since you explicityly mention Calendaring and addressbook and you were using Palm before, I woild be hesitant to reply to you.
But heres the low down- PIM wise the zaurus is not there yet, at least not as far as the Palms. For someone like me who never used a PLAM the Zaurus PIM\'s (with third part PIM\'s too) just doest it job perfectly. And I dont sync either. My Zaurus is my primary PIM storage device.

You must have read of frustration with the Zaurus\'s PIM capabilities, so no use saying that the Zaurus is the best. It is NOT.

As for other usages and hardware wise - the Zaurus is the BEST.
So there you go, kind of an ambigous answer.

Now if the real power of the Zaurus as a handheld computer attracts you, then you might consider the Cxx series (C700, C750, C860) over the SL-5xx series (SL-5500, SL-5600). This is because the screen on the C series are full VGA screens and are the best in the whole handheld segment as a whole.

For availability - the C series are not introduced in the US (I dont know from where you are), but is easily available from re-sellers like Dynamism, Conics etc. The SL-5xxx series have been taken off from the retail market like bestbuy etc but available online from Amazon etc.

[braindead0]

Thanks, I think that answers my questions.. I have a need to synchronize home and work computer schedules, the Palm at this point is almost entirely just a way to do it.  Sounds like I\'d love to have one, could probably use it for a variety of custom applications.. but for my \'day to day\' use.. perhaps it\'s going to be a Palm upgrade (I loathe to purchase anything related to M$).

[Anonymous]

braindead0,
I just bought a new SL-5600 on Amazon for around $300.  Then, I easily installed Intellisync that came with the Zaurus onto my Windows XP desktop.  Then, I connected the Zaurus and had no problems syncing the two.  Actually, it was easier than \"Microstink\"!  I\'m not sure how well the Qtopia desktop works.