Is There Ever Going To Be A New Z

[gr8ful]

I don't know whether we will see a significantly updated Zaurus PMT or not, but I don't think that Linux handheld devices are dead just yet.  Linux is gaining ground in the phone market and if the UMPC market continues to grow and gain a serious following, I believe we will see Linux versions emerge on to the scene.

Who knows, if this were to happen, maybe Sharp would develop a next generation Zaurus aimed at the UMPC market.

hmmmm a Zaurus UMPC:

7 inch 800x480 LCD
40-80GB drive
1GB RAM
USB
CF slot
802.11g
Bluetooth
GPS
USB 2.0
VGA out
built-in mic, speakers
Touch-screen
Retractable keyboard
Running a Tabletized (new word) Linux OS, much like what Lycoris had years ago

Better yet, keep the clamshell/convertible-to-tablet form factor and model it after the Flybook, only smaller.

Yum Yum

[adf]

that'd be col, but really wouldn't fit in my pocket. once it is past pocket size I start thinking 12" powerbook.

Maybe we will see a vga flipphone w/ keyboard? A linux blackberry kind athing?

[Tom61]

Maybe we will see a vga flipphone w/ keyboard? A linux blackberry kind athing?
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If Access ever releases ALP (formerly Palm for Linux), I would expect at least a HVGA Treo running it. A push to higher res (VGA+) would certainly help out ALP alot in regaining the market share the stale Palm OS lost. An HTC Universal competitor with ALP would fit the bill for most people here.

[kahm]

A Zaurus specifically designed as a UMPC, rahter than a PDA, would be a fascinating beast.

Too bad Sharp will never do it. They've left the Z as a glorified dictionary and aren't interested in doing much with it. (THe man who headed up the Z project initially has moved on to the Sharp W-Zero3 smartphone...)

[Hrw]

I do not think that Sharp will release any model in Zaurus line. I was told once that there were plans to release SL-3100 with WiFi as new model over half year ago but Sharp decided to not go that way.

The problem with Sharp is that they prefer to sell technologies then devices - clamshells were released to show how good "CG Silicon screen" technology is (c700 was based on sl-5600 and got addons like ATI W100 just because pxafb was too slow for VGA screen).

[speculatrix]

I also recall that there's an FCC approval sticker inside the 3xxx series, which implied that Sharp considered selling them again overseas; my guess is the failure of their project in the USA for the 6000 meant that they decided to drop any intention of selling the clamshells there?

[adf]

I do not think that Sharp will release any model in Zaurus line. I was told once that there were plans to release SL-3100 with WiFi as new model over half year ago but Sharp decided to not go that way.

The problem with Sharp is that they prefer to sell technologies then devices - clamshells were released to show how good "CG Silicon screen" technology is (c700 was based on sl-5600 and got addons like ATI W100 just because pxafb was too slow for VGA screen).
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That seems about right.  I also think there is a size issue in device trends.  Things seem to be going towards more pocketable, or just not pocketable.  The Z clamshell is now a very odd size, it seems to me.  

for now, the Z I have is in no need of replacement.  It is a marvelous device. The neo 1973 looks like it has a good shot at being the next gadget I might actually want to own.  I find the lack of connectivity with my Z annoying ( i live in alaska, you know--not a lot of hotspots) and I really think pocketability is important. otherwise the thing stays home or in the car.

I've said this in about 3 places, now--but I think it needs to be said:
the "next Z" will:
a) fit in a pocket
 probably not be made by sharp
c) have better networking abilities, and probably do service as a phone
d) (this is more a bit of optimism, but the neo gives me hope) RUN AN OPEN OS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING!!
---and gps would be a big plus.