(gift-registry thing put me to sleep last night)
My C3000 First-Impressions/Observations (Hardware Only)
Audio: The speaker in the C3000 beats the C760's in both maximum volume and audio quality. I'm sure it helps that Sharp put a speaker grill in the C3000, instead of hiding the speaker somewhere in the unit like they did with the previous C-series.
Interesting fact: When the C3000's volume is turned up to the max, vibrations can be felt in the base of the unit.
Keyboard: The keys of the C3000 do not have quite as audible of a "click" as the C760's. IMO, this is a good thing; all that clicking on the C760's keyboard annoyed me greatly. The keyboard framework of the C3000 is solid, whereas the C760 keyboard would flex when a key was pressed, especially around the edges. Also, the keys on C3000's keyboard are softer, so it seems less tiring to type on.
Build Quality: The C3000 retains the excellent build quality of the previous Zauri and improves on it. The metal hinge of the C3000 should provide better structural integrity than the previous C-series. The C3000 does away with the space-wasting large-battery cover of the previous C-series; now the base of the unit is one piece (except for the small battery cover). My only complaint is that the battery cover flexes and creaks when pressure is applied.
Accessories:
-The included USB sync cable is a standard USB Mini-A to full-size A adapter that you can now find in any electronics store.
-The EA-BL11 battery included with the C3000 is 1800mAh; the large-battery included with the C760/C860 is 1700mAh. Both batteries are electrically and physically compatible (tested by switching batteries between C3000 and C760)
-The C3000 comes with both a plastic CF and SD card insert to protect those slots when not in use.
-The included plastic stylus feels cheap and light. Do yourself a favor and pick up some metal replacements.
-The included EA-72 100V AC adapter is the same as those used with the previous C-series Zauri
Other Observations:
-The IR port, having been moved to the left side of the unit, will either be a help or a hinderance, depending on the position of the IR port on the devices you need the C3000 to communicate with. This works perfectly with my Nokia 6230 because I can now position the 6230 to the left of the Zaurus so that it is facing me (IR port is on the right side of phone)
-The email light of the previous C-series has been turned into an HDD indicator light. I find it facinating for there to be such a thing on a "PDA", and it is mesmerizing to watch! There is an option to revert the HDD light to an email indicator, though.
-The I/O port's cover is not easily taken off; there is only a small hole through which a paper clip must be inserted and pried out. I seems as if Sharp does not want the user to open it. I have not tested the I/O port of the C3000, and will not do so until I can be sure that it will cause no damage.
-The LCD position sensor is now below the hinge. Therefore, the screen will switch to portrait only when the LCD is fully rotated and locked into place.
