Sharp Zaurus SL-C3000 Reviewed

Bill Kendrick writes "Sharp's hard-drive-packing SL-C3000 model Zaurus (available in the U.S. from Dynamism) has been reviewed by BargainPDA. They cover the differences between this one and earlier, similar models, and even go over some of the stuff interesting to Linux users."

Autonomy ?

[mirko]

A year ago I sold my SL-5500 because it couldn't stay on batteries for more than 1h30, how far has it improved, now ?

but does it

[minus_273]

run linux? Seriously, anyone know if there is a siginificant difference in performance using the default installation and an open embedded build of linux?

Lack of WiFi frustrating

[chris09876]

It's too bad it doesn't come with built-in WiFi. That would really increase the usability of the device. WiFi is so prominent now, there should really be WiFi built into *everything*. (Yes, I want to be able to control my oven from work) :)

Nice units, but...

[ackthpt]

Zaurus are nice units, but the battery life seems rather short. I picked up one of those SL 5600s off the home shopping thingamabob, with the $25 discount for first-time buyer, etc. Nice unit, but after using it for a few months the battery would hold a charge for noticibly shorter lenght of time.

Has anyone a recommendation on a better source of batteries for these puppies?

I'd have it with me at work, but it's run down again.

Why's this in the Linux-Corner?

[koi88]

I'm running BSD on my Zaurus [openbsd.org], you insensitive clod!

Lack of Bluetooth frustrating

[fm6]

Bluetooth would be more to the point. WiFi only works if you're near a hotspot. With Bluetooth, you can network through your cell phone and control your oven from anwhere you can see a cell phone tower.

WiFi is fine for laptops. To use a laptop, you at least need a chair, and preferrably a table. Whoever provides you with these conveniences is probably going to go the extra 500 meters and give you a hotspot as well. But for a device you use while standing on a street corner, you want Bluetooth.

Re:Main differences

[bungo]

Sorry, I can't agree with you. The main feature is the hard disk,
not the usb.

I've just instaled gcc on my c3000, a full uncompressed install,
abd next I'll be downloading some software and be compiling
on the c3000 itself.

I'v already installed alot of other prepackages software on to
the hard disk. If this was any other model, I would have had
to used CF cards - and anyway, my CF slot is occupied
by a d-link wireless card as I'm posting this from my c3000.

With around 2.5g free space, that's a massive amount of storage
which is always with you - far better than swapping SD and CF
cards.

btw, I got mine from www.trisoft.de, I have no conection to
then, but they gave me fanstatic service and ship to all Europe.