Let\'s Hope Sony will switch to Linux

[sakamoto]

I hope Sony will switch to Linux ROM after six months of stop Clie product release outside Japan.

I\'m saying this is not because of i like Sony more then Sharp, actually, i like Sharp\'s product, but they don\'t want to sell the best model (Cxxx) to outside Japan.

If Sony switched the Clie PDA with Linux ROM, then Sharp may start to consider to sell Cxxx product outside Japan.

Saka

[ccrandal]

If they had a UX model with a larger, brighter screen running Linux I\'d definitely be interested.  But, Sony\'s products are so damn proprietary and I don\'t ever see them releasing specs to their products for developers to port Linux to the Clie, nor do I see them using an open-source OS on their products themselves.

Not sure if a Clie with Linux would encourage Sharp to release the C series here in the US.  For some reason, people in the US by and large aren\'t interested in such a device.  And those that do want a handheld/PDA will want something with Palm or PPC so it works with all of their desktop stuff.  Sharp\'s PIMs are weak and there\'s no way to sync a Zaurus with something such as Siebel.  So, if the only market for this device is the geek market, I don\'t think it\'d be financially viable for them to sell in the US.

Curt

[sakamoto]

If they had a UX model with a larger, brighter screen running Linux I\'d definitely be interested.  But, Sony\'s products are so damn proprietary and I don\'t ever see them releasing specs to their products for developers to port Linux to the Clie, nor do I see them using an open-source OS on their products themselves.
Curt

Actually, Sony has some proudct embeded Linux, GPS and Digital Video Recorder for example. But again, only selling in Japan. All these japanese company have same problem, only want to sell the most advance or innovation product in local, not only electronics devices. I agree with you, even if they use Linux with Clie, they may not release the source code for you to enhance it.

Other then the size and screen problem for UX model,  the SM also one of the biggest stopper, if they replace with SD &  CF card slot will be wonderful.

Not sure if a Clie with Linux would encourage Sharp to release the C series here in the US.  For some reason, people in the US by and large aren\'t interested in such a device.  And those that do want a handheld/PDA will want something with Palm or PPC so it works with all of their desktop stuff.  Sharp\'s PIMs are weak and there\'s no way to sync a Zaurus with something such as Siebel.  So, if the only market for this device is the geek market, I don\'t think it\'d be financially viable for them to sell in the US.
Curt

Zaurus has open OS, there is no problem to sync with Siebel, if Siebel release their spec and linux developer want to write a sync program. The problem is whether Sharp want to promote their product (specially C serices) to consumer market outside japan. Yes, they have SL-5/6 series selling outside Japan, but it for corporate market and the size is too huge!!

Saka

[ccrandal]

Zaurus has open OS, there is no problem to sync with Siebel, if Siebel release their spec and linux developer want to write a sync program.

Not likely to ever happen.  What would Siebel, or anyone else that had an app that worked with Palm/PPC, have to gain by either opening their APIs or developing their own Linux syncing software?  The Z is not appropriate for corporate use and their existing customers get along just fine with Palm/PPC.

I just don\'t see the appeal of a Linux-based PDA to the general public here in the US.  For one to be successful, the apps need to be solid, and whoever was selling the device would need to work with 3rd party app vendors to make sure there was compatibility with their products.  Unfortunately, it\'s probably easier and more cost effective to go with Palm or PPC.

[Zuber]

I like Sony Products, but hate Sony. If that makes any sense.

They have an gift for going out of their way for making things propriatry. Not sure how helpful or in tune it would be to have Sony in the Linux camp.

As an example, some time back I was thinking of getting a Sony Clie NX model. It had a compact Flash slot built in.

But apparantly, Sony deliberatly made it so that you could not use Compact flash memory with it. You had to use the Sony standard Memory Stick.

In addition, Sony got some WiFi cards which are apparently rebranded versions of the Symbol/Socket cards. Apparantly, they made some tweaks to the cards/Clies firmware so that only the Sony Branded models would work, not the other brands.

Hence, for any technical stuff I tend to try and steer clear of Sony products unless it really does stand out way above the rest. For them to actually go to such great lengths to cripple their products is really low.

They are a giant, they can afford to. Loosing my business is not likely to make a dent in the bank balance.
Having a big name is always nice, but do you really want Sony on the seen braking new ground on making Linux products propriatry...

[ev1l]

The thing is, they go out of their way to cripple their hardware, and then wonder why the things don't sell like hot cakes.

[padishah_emperor]

mmh, I have to say after buying Sony products for the best part of my adult life, they are crap.  I've had their TVs, VCRs and various audio equipment, including amps, speakers, walkman etc. etc.  all crap.  All of it malfunctioned, or packed up or developed some kind of fault, I know about 5 or 6 people off-hand, who bought Sony TV's and they all developed the same fault.  Their stuff looks nice, but that's all.  The Clie NX70/V was the last straw, I will never in a million years buy a Sony product again.  I've learned the hard way, spending lot's of money on 'bling' goods, buys glitz but no substance.

Let's hope Sony stay away from Linux and PDA's.  Let them keep making Viao's and stuff so people who think they are getting good value can waste their money.

The PDA, a Personal Digital Assistant is becoming an obsolete idea, which is why I viciously attack anyone who 'downgrades' my C860 by calling it such, the concept of the PDA with it's main function being PIM provision will go into phones and into consumer devices like the PSP etc.  I don't see Sony's strategy changing, I can imagine one or two PocketPC's being made by them but they will want to push the PSP from now on.

Just as Apple will integrate a colour screen and PIM functions into a future iPod.

This is good for the Z, it leaves it as one of the few true pocket computers as the PDA concept dies. I know people can't understand why Sharp don't sell the Z worldwide, it's simple and I'm surprised so many don't get it. It's because it is not in their interests, a global push of Linux handhelds would provoke Microsoft, they don't want that. Also, it's a false statement, Sharp may not sell the C series worldwide, but it's available, I bought mine here in the UK with no problems, it had to be imported/converted, so what? I've still got one, and I'm already planning on getting a spare.