Re: Recommendations for future Sharp Z models?

> Joseph Pingenot wrote:
>
>> Where's a good place to go to put in my (and others') two cents about
>>  what we'd like to see in future Z models and ROMs?  Is this list for
>>  that purpose (or is it just for development on the Z platform), and
>>  do Sharp people listen in?
>>
>
> Why not here... I think there's still some Sharp people round here...
>
> How about taking a C760, and adding
>
> 1. Bluetooth built-in.

May be useful for those with a Bluetooth Mobile and/or Notebook

> 2. 802.11(g?) built-in.

I would put emphasis in 802.11b first - the iPAQ 5450 and the Toshiba 
750 have it already intergrated. 11g is only needed for video or file 
streaming over a network. 11b is enough for a handheld (IMO).

> 3. Still More Memory... RAM & Flash. (You can never have enough)

Completely agree! Should also have an integrated Microdrive.

> 4. Drop the stupid SD card slot. It's proprietary & an almost (IMO) 
> complete waste of time. I don't think I've had a stable SD card yet... 
> At least with built-in flash you can use JFFS2... Just wack in 512MB 
> of flash & be done with it. With builtin networking you won't need to 
> use the CF slot for network cards...

Well, if 3. does not work, SD seems to be the best solution for me. I 
didn't have a problem with my 256MByte SD card at all and I don't think 
it is proprietary. It rather is a standard (which seems to be not 
completely adhered to). Note that having a low level of integrated 
memory and providing a large capacity on plugin memory keeps the 
initial price low so that we all think it is a cheap model!

> 5. Higher capacity battery. Hell with Li-Poly batteries you could make 
> the case into the battery.

Well, have not yet used my Z5500 in situations without  power plug in 
the vicinity

6. Even faster processor
Samsung recently announced a 533MHz for a Smartphone. As a Macintosh 
user (estimated to be representing 5% of all users), I would definitely 
like to see a PowerPC 405LP processor from IBM inside... This could 
enable binary compatible software, i.e. making the next "Zaurus" a 
"MacZaurus".

7. New models for the Eurpean market
Well, just recently we have to import directly from Japan or the US and 
don't get a localized version (we would need a QWERTZ keyboard here in 
Germany and opening a Zaurus and switching the keycaps is only part of 
a solution).


Nikolaus Schaller