PDA With HDD and Linux!

[PockyBum522]

This is a very interesting PDA, running linux and sporting a keyboard and HDD, I think this is a great leap in PDA technology. Your thoughts?
From dynamism: http://www.dynamism.com/sl-c3000/
The Sharp Zaurus SL-C3000 is the fifth generation of the groundbreaking SL-C line of PDAs. (Like its predecessors, the SL-C3000 runs LINUX.) The SL-C3000 is the only PDA on the market with an internal HDD. The 4gb (1 inch) drive offers unparalleled storage (for a PDA) and opens up myriad new options--including using the Zaurus as a portable media player. And, since the Zaurus's HDD is plug-n-play recognized by Windows, moving data is by USB 2.0 connection is fast and easy.
Sharp is a display technology leader, and the Zaurus SL-C3000 3.7" VGA (640x480) screen is truly awesome: bright and razor sharp. The swiveling screen transforms the shape of the Zaurus from PDA-style to laptop-style. (The Zaurus is fully-functional either way.) Once in laptop-style, you can utilize the QWERTY keyboard, with its great tactile feedback. Other technical specs include an Intel XScale PXA270 processor (416mhz), 64mb RAM,16mb flash ROM. There two I/O slots (1 CF, 1 SD)

[noolly]

This is an interesting device and it is good to see Sharp thinking outside the square.
It has some good points:
-interesting form factor
-VGA screen (swivel)
-USB 2.0
-Optional VGA out connection
-Internal HD
-CF and SD slots
-machine will show up as a network device under Windows XP
But also some bad points:
-Internal HD only 4gb
-Only 64mb RAM
-Zaurus OS has been approximately 97% converted from Japanese to English, so some incidental pull-down menus are not readable!!
-Limited software compatibility
-Price
-Wack keyboard
-No integrated wireless: and this is a big negative for me. I found their reasoning a little bizarre, "Sharp may not integrate any wireless technology because there are so many options in Japan; instead of marrying the Zaurus one of them, they leave the architecture open."
In my experience integrated wireless is better because it is more reliable, uses less power and doesn't take up a CF/SD slot.

[PockyBum522]

Yes, I found the 64mb very surprising. However I think this is a good first step. I'd love to see more PDA's like this in the future.

[jkendrick]

I am evaluating the Sharp for an upcoming review. The amount of memory is very sufficient for a Linux based PDA. They don't need more memory than that. Here's some photos comparing the size of the Sharp with a Toshiba e800 and a Sony U:
http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkonther...pics_sony.html

[noolly]

It's smaller than I expected, however it does weigh nearly 300g...... I look forward to the review JK.

[Sargetech]

Sorry folks,,,for me no wireless means NO WAY!!!