Manufacturer: Sharp Model#: SL-55 Weight: 0..4lbs Height: 5..4"     Width: 2..9" Length: " Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars	Retail Price: $399.99 Online Sale Price:
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

User Submitted Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Reviews (cont...)

I can also highly recommend the Linksys WCF12
compact flash card for use with the Zaurus.

Cheers

Date: 2002-09-23
I wanted to like it.
I bought this for my husband as a present. He never had a pda, but needed the organization one could provide. He is not a computer geek, but graduated with info systems degree, so he is not completely out of the technology field. He could NOT get this thing to syncronize with Microsoft Outlook. Yes, we tried the manual (to no avail) called the customer service people. They were nice, but they couldn't do it either -- three different times. They told us that "product development" would have to call us. They never did. We called again 5 days later. "Oh, they never called you? We will ask them again." We said "don't bother, we are taking it back."

I really thought this was nice with the keyboard and the options, and that I didn't have to be a slave to Microsoft stuff, but I guess trying to work the two companies together isn't always easy or effective. No, I don't want to have to learn Linnux, or Unix or even DOS. That is why Windows was so successful, we didn't have to know how it worked or much programming to just use the thing. Unfortunately, with the Zaurus, you couldn't "just use the thing" in our case, anyway.

It is going back. If you want a pda to actually assist you with your data, hence the name PDA (e.g. EASILY answer e-mail, plan schedule, check internet info, maintain addresses, store and retrieve documents/photos, etc.) look around more or try this out before buying. If you want to do fancy stuff, maybe this is more for you.

I have a feeling this item will be copied (nice screen, size, little keypad, etc.) with a more widely-known operating system and I will buy it then. It may be unfortunate that the companies making the money aren't the ones thinking up the stuff, but thems the breaks. I just want the thing to work "quick and dirty" -- I know some of you will get that reference!

Date: 2002-09-09
Embedded is power,
The most notable attribute mentionable is the sheer force behind this device. Unlike the Pocket PC operating system (OS), this little Zaurus is running an embedded distribution of the Linux OS. Need I say more? The possibilities are endless. Sharp hosts a great Internet site that's for application distribution and support. It's at myzaurus.com. Here you can get applications, updates and documents. You can download the console for running terminal commands.

There were a few quirks that I experienced with loading application packages. There is an auto-reboot after you finish installing a package or a group of packages on the device. I could not get the Zaurus to recognize more packages after the first reboot. Without looking into it more, I loaded as many packages as I could at once, and then let it do the auto-reboot.

If you have a problem with the system that a software restart does not fix, you can reset the system to factory defaults quite easily, and restore from backups. The procedures are clearly documented in the manuals that accompany the device.

The sync worked as well as I could expect. I did not try the Intellisync software on my desktop because the instruction manual stated that only one of the two sync software choices can be installed on your PC system at one time.

Personally, I love using this PDA. Everything you need is built-in. The fact that you have support for both SD memory and CF memory cards opens so many doors for expansion. The onboard mini QWERTY keyboard is outstanding. There is a software keyboard and text recognition application that comes with it as well. Just the games that came loaded on the unit displays its superior graphics capabilities.

I tested my IPAQ with the Pocket PC 2k2 OS, and the Zaurus on my friends wife, who knows nothing about computers, to see which she thought was more intuitive to use for basic word editing, solitaire, etc. She was lost on the Zaurus. She didn't like the text recognizer on the Zaurus, but found the Pocket PC text recognizing software much easier to use. The text recognition software on the Zaurus is not as forgiving as the Pocket PC version, or you have to train it to your handwriting style. Overall she did much better using the Pocket PC.

Generally, I would rate the Zaurus as being more geared towards the advanced computer user, or someone that is good at reading manuals and taking the time to learn. If you want a good "no-brainer" PDA then I would recommend a Palm or Pocket PC.

Date: 2002-09-03
new forum (zaurushacks.com)
Bought this pda and i loved it so much i created the zaurushacks.com forum for people to meet, exchange info, troubleshoot, etc. hope to see you all there.

-joel