Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Review
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Manufacturer: Sharp
Model#: SL-55
Weight: 0..4lbs
Height: 5..4" | | Width: 2..9"
Length: "
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Features:- Linux/Java-powered handheld computer with 64 MB RAM, 206 Mhz Intel processor, and organization and productivity software
- High-resolution color reflective TFT screen with support for over 65,000 colors
- Integrated QWERTY keyboard that slides out from bottom of handheld
- Listen to MP3 or watch MPEG video; includes stereo headphone jack
- What's in the box: Zaurus SL-5500, EA-70 AC Adaptor, Docking Station (USB), AC Adapter and Power Cord, Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, Stylus, Display Protection Cover, CF Slot Protection Card
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User Submitted Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Reviews (cont...)
Date: 2004-08-17
Great PDA for the money
Right now the 5500 is around $200 and it is hard to beat this PDA at that price. Sure the 5600 and 6500 have fancier features, but they are still priced too high. The best thing about the Sharp Zaurus running Linux is the enormous amount of free software that has been developed for it. You can make this little PDA do ANYthing! My only gripe is that Sharp hasn't put more effort into making syncing the Zaurus with Linux easier out of the box. It's as if they assumed a Linux PDA would only be popular with Windows and Mac users. How dumb is that? Otherwise, my favorite PDA.
Date: 2004-04-03
The swiss army knife of palmtops
After reading a variety of reviews on a number of palm devices, I decided to try the Zaurus. So far, I havn't been dissapointed with my decision. The Zaurus GUI is responsive and the applications appear to work well and intuitively. The text reader application did lock up on a huge file. Other than that, no problems. As stated previously, this product's greatest strength is the Linux OS that lies underneath rhe hood. I've downloaded a few UNIX shell based tools that have compiled and worked without a hitch. I love using Opera with a d-link cf wireless card. It required almost no tweaking and works great. The Zaurus is made of plastic but appears to be fairly durable. The battery is a bit underpowered on 5500 (The 5600 has a battery 2X larger.) If you plan on networking the 5500, read the security information regarding ftp weaknesses in early models. Overall, a great value for $200!
Date: 2004-01-19
Zaurus 5500 PDA
I was a Sharp Wizard user, so I was excited when they came out with a more sophisticated PDA. I was swayed by the price and the pull out keyboard unit. Since I purchased it in November 2003, I have not been able to sync anything but the address book and calendar. This is a waste to me. After several e-mails and phone calls to Sharp, I am considering chalking this up to a bad experience, and jumping out of the Sharp bandwagon and purchasing a Palm or IPAQ. I am truly disappointed with this product and pray that you do not make the same mistake.
Date: 2003-10-08
I love it!!!
This is an absolutely great PDA. It runs linux and there is tons of free software available for download. It runs, Java and Python, my two favorite languages so I can easily write my own software for the Zaurus.
Date: 2003-08-26
Only for experts
I bought this based on a recommendation from a tech insider who said "your tech teams will love it", but even they were frustrated with the syncing options and software. The unit performs ok, but it is not intuitive on installation and hot syncing. Too many different programs to keep straight. Finally when installing on my XP system it (along with the tech support people Sharpe directed me to delete several critical drivers that it conflicted with - only to have equally important pieces of equiptment fail. WHAT A PAIN! If you do not enjoy plumbing the depths of your computers operating systems and bios - order something with more dependable software. The unit looks great and has good graphics and adequate functionality, but woe to the operating system.
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