C860 Vs C3100

[Srono]

Hi all,


I'm going to buy a new 3100 from pricejapan. It costs $570 including shipping. There is also a friend wants to sell his C860 for $250 (good condition because he doesn't know how to use   ).

I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860. But still considering as the price of 3100 doubles. I can buy only one (i wish...  ).

Can anyone give me an advice?

Thanks a lot,
Srono

[bluedevils]

Between the two, I would choose the 3100.  More features and a warranty are worth it.  If you had an 860 and considered upgrading, I would have been alot more hesitant.  I was happy with the 760 until it broke.  I am happy with the 3100 too.

The main things that would drive me to the 860, would be if I could not comfortably afford the 3100 or size was my main criteria.  The 860 with the big battery is slightly smaller and with the small battery it is much smaller.

[dbowden]

Hi all,


I'm going to buy a new 3100 from pricejapan. It costs $570 including shipping. There is also a friend wants to sell his C860 for $250 (good condition because he doesn't know how to use   ).

I know the advantage of the 3100 over 860. But still considering as the price of 3100 doubles. I can buy only one (i wish...  ).

Can anyone give me an advice?

Thanks a lot,
Srono
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=111276\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]

Yeah -- the 3100 is definitely a nicer machine.  I've been trying to justify upgrading from my C760 to a 3100.  I picked up a 4GB CF microdrive for $90 over the holidays, which is making my decision harder.  I need to pull the microdrive to use wireless, which I wouldn't have to do with a 3100, but I don't use it all that often.  They're working on supplying a free wireless blanket over our local area though, so that may change soon.

I'm currently thinking about upgrading to a C1000, since I can think of lots of nice uses for the USB hosting (external HD, keyboard, mouse, webcamera, microscope, GPS etc).  I figure my 760 is worth about the same as your friend wants for his 860, so it'd cost me about $100 to upgrade to a 1000, but about $250 to upgrade to a 3100.  I don't know whether the 3100 is worth $150 more to me than the 1000 is though.... especially since I already have a 4GB microdrive.  Even if I sold my microdrive to finance the 3100, I'd still be paying about $70 for the convienence of an extra CF slot, which I currently am not using.  

I guess that's what it all comes down to... what do you plan to use it for?  If you've never used a Zaurus before, I'd advise starting with your friend's 860.  It'll take you 6 months or more to figure out all the possible uses for it, and by the time you're really need the expanded capabilities of a 3100, hopefully they'll be chaper :-)

If you really need USB hosting and an integrated HD, spring the extra bucks for the 3100.  Either way, you'll have a fabulous machine.

Good Luck,

David

[Mjolinor]

I am currently stuck with the same problem. I have an 860, sold my 6000 and miss the host USB port. I have never run out of space on any PDA I have had so I can't see a use for a 4GB hard disc though I am sure that will change if I had one.

How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard. I don't have one to try but making it smaller is definately something I would like. My Pentax camera takes the same battery but the + and - are the other way round. If it lasts half as long as the big battery maybe it's time I modified the Pentax batteries.

[bluedevils]

dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.

[bluedevils]

I don't have exact figures, but if you charge on a daily basis, it is good for pim duty, but not intense wifi action.

How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard. I don't have one to try but making it smaller is definately something I would like. My Pentax camera takes the same battery but the + and - are the other way round. If it lasts half as long as the big battery maybe it's time I modified the Pentax batteries.
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[dbowden]

How long does the 5500 battery last in a 760/860 compared to teh fat thing it has in as standard.

I never tried the smaller battery in my 760, but when I had a 5500 I worried a lot more about battery life than I do now.  With the 5500 I could get about 2 hours of normal use, or about 45 minutes of use with a network card.

On my 760 with the larger battery, I've read a book for over 8 hours on one charge (backlight low, underclocked).

I've never been tempted to try the smaller battery for the slight change in thickness.

David

[dbowden]

dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=111302\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]

Yeah -- you really are a devil aren't you?  You're just trying to talk me into spending more money.


Honestly, I am tempted by the 3100.  I work for a Japanese company, and have been talking to an expatriate about having one of his friends bring me something Zaurusy in his suitcase.  The problem is, even at Japanese prices, there's still a $200 price difference between the 1000 and the 3100.  If I hadn't just bought a 4GB drive, I'd probably be even more interested in the 3100.

David

[tombraider]

There IS a difference in weight between the C1000 and the 3100...not much... but I chose the 1000 because I like to be able to carry the device in my pocket.  I have an Archos for videos and movies so I really don't need the hard drive space.   I did buy a 4 GB cf microdrive because I couldn't resist a sale price over the holidays and I put my NAND backups and ebook library and music on it.  
Also, I have an Averatec laptop so I don't use the 1000 for a laptop replacement.

So it all depends upon how you are going to use it,  I guess...I know...duh!  

dbowden,

I found out after my purchase an advantage the 3100 has over the 1000 is convenience.  It is similar to having built in wifi or bluetooth.  The 4GB is just "there".  Besides the 3100 and the 1000 have the same bulk.  I'd rather use that bulk than have empty space.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=111302\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]

Yeah -- you really are a devil aren't you?  You're just trying to talk me into spending more money.


Honestly, I am tempted by the 3100.  I work for a Japanese company, and have been talking to an expatriate about having one of his friends bring me something Zaurusy in his suitcase.  The problem is, even at Japanese prices, there's still a $200 price difference between the 1000 and the 3100.  If I hadn't just bought a 4GB drive, I'd probably be even more interested in the 3100.

David
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[anonuk]

I just moved from an 860 to a 3100, my gf took the 860 - here are the main differences i notice after a day on the 3100:

C3100 bigger than C860 and heavier - more sturdy but not as sleek
C3100 keyboard better than C860 - Great improvement
C3100 4GB Hard drive is great - feels like a real laptop now
C3100 USB host - mine seems to be broken - please help me in the other thread!!
C3100 Directional pad - much better than 860 havent tried yet but i think games will be playable!
C3100 Application Buttons - not really sure of the difference - they are smaller but more responsive .
C3100 Better placement of buttons and possibly sd slot, but the buttons on the back and scroll wheel dont feel as smooth/responsive. On the other hand, ok and cancel are separated now. Maybe i just need to break them in.
All in all, i would take the C3100 over the 860 any day - but it is not as sleek and cannot run any more programs. Just feels like more of a minicomputer than the other zauruses. Harder to hold as an e-book but still the best i have found. On the other hand, my gf has said she much prefers the 860 as its sleeker and slimmer and less 'boyish' color and style (her words not mine)

either one is a great machine - i have been hooked to the zauruses for years and keep enjoying them more and more - the more linux skills you get the more you find yourself able to do with them...

[datajerk]

Perhaps not the answer you are looking for, but I am waiting for the next model.  

The Zaurus series have been in threes:

5500,5600,6000
750,760,860
3000,1000,3100

So, I am betting on a new form factor.  (800x480, faster, WiFi/BT would be nice).

I have had a c860 for 2 years.  It has been a great performer, I cannot begin to count the logged hours.

If I lose my bet, then 3100s will be cheap.

[adf]

Perhaps not the answer you are looking for, but I am waiting for the next model. 

The Zaurus series have been in threes:

5500,5600,6000
750,760,860
3000,1000,3100

So, I am betting on a new form factor.  (800x480, faster, WiFi/BT would be nice).

I have had a c860 for 2 years.  It has been a great performer, I cannot begin to count the logged hours.

If I lose my bet, then 3100s will be cheap.
[div align=\"right\"][a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=111376\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]

6 models on the 3.7" vga screen.... apparent issues with wifi in japan.  Who knows what sharp will do.  
The next Nokia could be very interesting

[pgas]

The Zaurus series have been in threes

that is, if you omit the 5000D(ok for developer), sl-c7500 (ok for china)
and the sl-c700

[Srono]

Thanks everyone for your advices!

I guess that's what it all comes down to... what do you plan to use it for?  If you've never used a Zaurus before, I'd advise starting with your friend's 860.  It'll take you 6 months or more to figure out all the possible uses for it, and by the time you're really need the expanded capabilities of a 3100, hopefully they'll be chaper :-)

Actually, i have 2x5500 and have just sold my 6000 to have money to try a clamshell model. Not too new to zaurus but still is a noob.

I like all the new features introduced in 3100. There are two things that make me consider: price is double and i don't know whether Sharp introduce a new series in near future.  

A C860 comes with 2 batteries,  doesnt it ? For a 3100, is there only one battery? Is there any difference in the lcd screen quality?

Thanks,
Srono

[iamasmith]

....
A C860 comes with 2 batteries,  doesnt it ? For a 3100, is there only one battery? Is there any difference in the lcd screen quality?

Thanks,
Srono
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No an 860 comes with 2 battery covers, one for the small one and a back panel for the large one.

It only comes with a Large battery though - the small cover is just in case you buy a small battery for it.

- Andy