Re: Question for the Zaurus Community

On Wed, Aug 06, 2003 at 10:20:22AM -0700, Hani Duwaik wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I'm considering purchasing a Sharp SL-5x00.  However, I was hoping
> someone could answer a few of my questions (they're not sold locally,
> so I can't pick one up and play with it).

I only JUST got this in my inbox (Sept 22nd, about 6 weeks after you
apparently sent it), so I apologize if this was already answered. :^)


>  - How does it manage files?  
>   For instance, the Palm OS doesn't allow you to place .pdf or .txt
> files directly on a card and open it.  Rather, you need an application
> running on your desktop to convert the file into something the Palm App
> can recognize.  As such, files only exist within the apps that run
> them.  With the Zaurus, I was hoping that the files can exist seperate
> from the apps and can be easily manipulated (ie: I can use ftp or scp
> to copy mp3's/txt files from a server to the CF and use an app on the
> Zaurus to open the files).

The filesystem on the Zaurus is like that of a desktop.  The CF and SD
cards are pretty much just like removable drives (think: floppies or
CDROMs).

If you want a PDF, you can put it on a CF card, and then view it with a
PDF viewer on the Zaurus.  You can move it back and forth between the
internal memory (storage) and the external storage (CF/SD) pretty easily.

It's definitely a LOT more like you're used to on a desktop PC than PalmOS.


>  - How memory intensive are the apps?
>   Currently, I'm looking at the SL-5000D to start off with and play
> around.  However, I understand it has only about 32Mb of built-in
> memory.  As such, how many apps can it run at once and how is the
> performance (does it lag, is it choppy, etc.).  I'd also like to play
> mp3's and want to know if the SL-5000D can play them decently.

I can run Terminal, SSH, Opera, and have a bunch of PIM apps 'always running'
("Fast Load") in the background on my 5000D with little trouble.


>  - Is there a noticeable performance difference between SL-5000D,
> SL-5500 and SL-5600?
>   Is the StrongARM 206Mhz fast enough to run Zaurus, OpenZaurus and/or
> OPIE?  Or is the 400Mhz Intel needed?

The 5000D and 5500 will have the same performance.  I can't really say
whether the 5600 seems faster or not, not having played with one much.

(Once I get a job, pay off all my bills, and buy some new shoes, I'll
consider upgrading from my 5000D to a 5600 :^)   In the meantime... :^( )


> In general, I'm looking for information about how well the various
> Zaurus perform as compared to other PDA's such as Palm Vx and/or
> Tungsten C.

I can only compare it to my old Palm III.  Sorry ;)


Good luck!

-bill!

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