Getting The Zaurus Sl6000l?

[RX Shorty]

Hi all,

First of all I am new to these forums, and I hope to have a pleasant stay here.

Now back on topic.

I am thinking of buying a Zaurus SL6000L, second hand that is.
This because I can't find a place to buy it new for less money then 699 euro!
But before I am going to buy this expensive device I have some questions.

• What is a reasonable price for a second hand device?
• Is it worth the buy one, because it a rather "old" device?
• Is the OS still up to date, or should I try an other OS if possible?
• Can you give me some advice, if it is worth to buy, wich programs I have to look for.
• Is it possible to sync with Ubuntu Linux? Because I read it was Windows Software only.

Thanks for all your reactions.

Ciao,

Rob

[Capn_Fish]

1. What is a reasonable price for a second hand device?

No idea.

2. Is it worth the buy one, because it a rather "old" device?

I'd buy another Zaurus in a second, but that's just me. There's quite an active community, and I don't see them going away any time soon.

3. Is the OS still up to date, or should I try an other OS if possible?

The OS is probably at least semi-out-of-date. Cacko would be a better option (I think it exists for the 6000, but I'm not 100% sure). If you want a "desktop-like" OS, look at PdaXrom. The version for 6000 is kind of old, but it works, and there are lots of packages for it. I would recommend staying away from Angstrom as a newbie unless you really like reading docs, as you will most likely get flamed at for asking about anything that is covered in the docs. I also find it less customizable than pdaX, but YMMV. That aside, it is up-to-date and probably the most developed distro for the 6000.*

4. Can you give me some advice, if it is worth to buy, wich programs I have to look for.

Programs vary with which OS you choose, for "worth it to buy," see above and below.

5. Is it possible to sync with Ubuntu Linux? Because I read it was Windows Software only.

I think it is possible in some cases. With pdaXrom and the KDE PIM, you can connect it via USB and copy the databases over. I think there may be a better way, but I never use/used my Z for PIM, so I don't have much idea as to what can be done.

Now for a couple of questions:

Why a 6000 and not, say, a 1000 or 3x00?

What do you want to use it for?

Hope that helps.

*I, as a rule, love pdaXrom and dislike the other ROMs, so my opinion/advice is likely to be skewed.

[RX Shorty]

Thanks for your reply!

Well first of all I Love the design of the 6000 and it has built in Wifi.
I want to use as a PDA not really as a desktop, maybe later.

And the 3x00 doesn't look that handy... meaning to travel with, or am I wrong?

If I read above I should say the 3x00 is more active with delopment then the 6000?

Thanks

[Capn_Fish]

The clamshells are much more common than the 6000s are, so most of the development is done for them.

If you think you'll want a "full computer in your pocket," I'd say think hard about a clamshell. The larger keyboard is really nice (I've never seen/played with a 6000, so I can't compare). For normal PDA usage, I think they'll both work about the same (run the same software, etc.) as the Cxx00 models can go into portrait mode.

For traveling, I would actually think the Cxx00 is better, as its screen won't get all scratched if you carry it in your pocket/bag. I know I don't find it bad at all to travel with.

The only reasons I would think you would want a 6000 over a clamshell are:

-Bigger screen
-built-in wifi (no protruding card)
-Screen is visible in direst sunlight

Hope that clears stuff up.

[RX Shorty]

Then I will stick with the 6000.

Got some nice offers.
Thanks for the information!!!

Ciao!  

[Capn_Fish]

You're welcome.

Anything else you need/want to know?

[RX Shorty]

Not really, yet...

Hehe going to buy my Zaurus over a week or so...
Think when it arrives I have my questions

Thanks again!

[RX Shorty]

Sorry for the kick and not editing my post, but that would make it unnoticed.

I just came across the Nokia N800.
What do you guys think about this device?

I mainly want to use it for internet. And the N800 has a higher RES as the Z.

Thanks for your response!

[Capn_Fish]

If you want internet, get the N800, or wait a bit and get the successor, which will apparently have a keyboard.

[RX Shorty]

Yeah sorry... read the topic about the M810 to late.
Well I know what to do.
I can't resist the Zaurus...

So going to buy the Zaurus SL-6000L and toy with it.
And maybe then I will buy the new Nokia, but then again and don't like the build of the keyboard.

Thanks Capn_Fish for all your answers and time..

[Capn_Fish]

You're very welcome.

[nilch]

Glad you made up your mind and it is a good choice.

I gad a 6000L and the SLC1000 both and used them together - and it was very difficult to say which was better - in fact the 6000 was better in outdoors usage hands down, and as a PDA only (not all comuting tasks fit its form factor).

But its a different matter that ultimately I stayed with the C1000 - that was because I used it more as a small laptop replacement .. so had FTP, VNC etc on it. BUt again the 6000 screen is fabulous, and the keyboard not too bad, if you don't type a lot on it.

Even I wanted to mention the Nokia 810 to you, but didn't want to rake up things even more in decision making. But now that you have seen about it ... I think software wise and application wise the Zaurus has a lot going for it still.

[RX Shorty]

Thanks nilch,

Yeah the 6000 looks the best if you ask me.
Then again I hope the pdax will also run on my 6000 (latest version that is)
Really want to try out VNC also.
But it will be mostly pda work.

And the Nokia will come later, if needed (But I doubt it)

Ciao