O.K. show of hands

[coolass]

How many of us actually have an SL-6000, other than myself. I\'t seems like their was more talk about it befor it came out than it is now.....What gives....

[glondy]

First time poster, long time watcher. I have the SL-6000, also. I am a engineer a needed a little more durable PDA. I used to own a 5500 a good while back, but sold it because I could not get it to sync right and poor battery life. The SL-6000 syncs fine with Outlook 2000 and most apps out there work pretty well. I also like the fact that I can navigate the unit with the hardware buttons without using the touchscreen. It gives me quick access to info when I need it. It is a little bit large, but I have had larger PDA\'s.

[Ethereal]

How many of us actually have an SL-6000, other than myself. I\'t seems like their was more tale about it befor it came out than it is now.....What gives....

If you are asking why many who expressed interest in the 6000 before it was released have not followed through and bought, I\'d suggest at least three reasons:

1.) Sharp has released only a single flavour of the 6K, the \"L,\" in the US.  I am most interested in the 6KW, and will hold off until it is available, or at least until Sharp releases the kernel sources so the problems others have reported with BT CF cards can be solved.

2.) Sharp has gone out of its way to emphasize to consumers that the 6K is not for them.  Given Sharp\'s lukewarm (to be kind) support of their previous Zaurus offerings, many may shy away from buying a product that has been pre-emptively labelled abandonware by its manufacturer.

3.) $700 is a rather steep price to pay for any PDA.

[Netmonger]

Im just waiting on UPS!  Hopefully be here tomorrow!    

[Codefire]

I have the $$$ in my hand ready to buy but....I have to agree with everything Ethereal said.

[claborne]

I was hell bent on getting a 6000 and retiring the 5600 (with 802x) but I don\'t see any postings about handwriting recognition.  Yarn ago, I used the latest Newton 2K with Graffiti and was able to achieve my main objective, go exclusively to a PDA and dump my paper notebook.  I could take notes faster on the PDA than in my notebook (not to mention search it, upload it, bla bla bla).  

   Can I really do that with the 6000 better than the 5600?  To answer, you would have to tell me that the hand writing recognition is X better than the 5600.  I\'ve tried customizing the recognizer and using the key-pad.  It stinks, relegating it to be an organizer.   :evil:

   I need to be able to enter in text and outline commands without ever looking at the unit while I am focusing my eyes on the materials for a meeting or class.

.....2
-- C --

[nevarrie]

How many of us actually have an SL-6000, other than myself. I\'t seems like their was more tale about it befor it came out than it is now.....What gives....

I am still 150 off from getting mine ordered.  

Though I do have to agree with ethereal on the 6KL vs. 6KW...though I think I may end up getting the 6KL once I finally get my money saved up since I can always get a sled and a bluetooth cf card when I get to the point of using bluetooth since I have not uses for bluetooth at this time...I just have lots of high hopes for bluetooth in my future...

[padishah_emperor]

Some people like to swarm around new hardware like flies around sh*t, but that does not mean that they will land on it.

It didn\'t appeal to me.

[DrWowe]

I also agree that the lack of the 6000W model and Sharp support is very disappointing.  I\'m also disappointed in the weird USB connector.  It seems like the 6000 is bulky enough they could have easily the standard connector.  Also, for me, bluetooth is more than \"high hopes\", its something I already use regularly.

[DrWowe]

I would also like to see a \"full review\" or two published.  On these forums I\'ve read a few likes and dislikes about the 6000, but no comprehensive opinions.

[coolass]

I guess it might not appeal to some but it also depends on what you use it for. Personally I work in that enterprise inviornment that it\'s geared for so the sturdieness and ease of use appeals to me. I\'ve used clam-shell design handhelds also {ala psion 5mx pro}, and while they are very nice to have they are not as practical in the field. because they take a little more fumbling aruond with.

[Netmonger]

I got my Zaurus 6000 tonight!  Woo hoo! I\'m letting it get a good charge right now - but I was playing with it for a good 45 mins surfing and stuff. The screen is simply AMAZING! The resolution is what does it - the physical dimensions of the screen are about what Ive seen on other PDAs but the Zaurus\' resolution blows away all Ive ever seen.  I managed to get mine live on my wireless network, WEP encrypted, and was surfing around with Opera and the display is soooo sharp. The unit \'feels\' very rugged - Im very impressed with the overall tactile quality of everything - it really feels solid!  I\'ll post more once I let it fully charge and I get a chance to play some more!    

[cvmiller]

I was hell bent on getting a 6000 and retiring the 5600 (with 802x) but I don\'t see any postings about handwriting recognition.  Yarn ago, I used the latest Newton 2K with Graffiti and was able to achieve my main objective, go exclusively to a PDA and dump my paper notebook.  I could take notes faster on the PDA than in my notebook (not to mention search it, upload it, bla bla bla).  

   Can I really do that with the 6000 better than the 5600?  To answer, you would have to tell me that the hand writing recognition is X better than the 5600.  I\'ve tried customizing the recognizer and using the key-pad.  It stinks, relegating it to be an organizer.   :evil:  

   I need to be able to enter in text and outline commands without ever looking at the unit while I am focusing my eyes on the materials for a meeting or class.

Being a Newton Owner, a SL-5500, and now a SL-6000 Owner, let me address that. The short answer is NO, the handwriting is not like the Newton. I know of nothing that touches what the Newton did with HWR, even today.

That being said, I find the SL-6000 with a pocketop IR keyboard to be a very good replacement for my aging (not collecting dust on the shelf) Newton. I can enter text, and create outlines (using Zeditor) without looking down at the screen. Of course it helps if you can touch type.

If it is HWR you are looking for, keep using your newton. If you are looking for something to be a small laptop with the power of a laptop, give the SL-6000 and Pocketop keyboard some serious thought.

I hope this helps,

Craig...

[SharpEnd]

Being a Newton Owner, a SL-5500, and now a SL-6000 Owner, let me address that. The short answer is NO, the handwriting is not like the Newton. I know of nothing that touches what the Newton did with HWR, even today.  

That being said, I find the SL-6000 with a pocketop IR keyboard to be a very good replacement for my aging (not collecting dust on the shelf) Newton. I can enter text, and create outlines (using Zeditor) without looking down at the screen. Of course it helps if you can touch type.

If it is HWR you are looking for, keep using your newton. If you are looking for something to be a small laptop with the power of a laptop, give the SL-6000 and Pocketop keyboard some serious thought.

I hope this helps,

Craig...

Hmm..  This is disappointing, as I\'m an avid Newton user (my MP2100 still going strong) and am looking for a replacement.  Haven\'t found a PDA yet that gave me more capability, functionality, etc.  I thought that the 6000 might be it.  The screen looks wonderful, and would be a really nice step up from the Newton.  What about available apps?  Handwriting recognition isn\'t a complete deal-killer for me if there are other great apps, and maybe an aux keyboard for use at the desk or on airplanes? Also, can OpenZaurus or Opie be used to replace the OS?  

Thanks! (my first post...looking forward to learning more about this device)

Mike

[coolass]

One thing people seem to be missing is that if you don\'t like something about the zaurus then change it,also about 90%of the apps are FREE!!!!!!! Even the demos rock and you can basicly use the forever with minor limitations.