The Sharp SL-6000L incorporates the industry first full native VGA resolution display, 802.11b wireless LAN, a QWERTY keyboard, dual CF and SD expansion slots, and a USB host port in a durable design optimized for enterprise mobile solutions. The OS platform features a powerful embedded Linux and Java environment for rapid enterprise application development. The Sharp Zaurus SL-6000L offers the corporate user a new level of handheld productivity tools, delivering one of the most flexible and powerful handheld computing solutions in the market today.
1 Sharp Zaurus 6000L
I jsut received this yesterday and here's my first impression.
I've been using a Sharp Zaurus since the pre-release 5000D. I've had a 5500 for 3 years and I've loved it. I like having a handheld computer vs. a PDA. I have a Treo 600 so I've gotten very familiar with the Palm OS. Hey, it's ok but it's not Linux. I had a Psion 5mx which I loved and used for years. As for Windows devices, forget it. With all the fun I have had with Microsoft operating systems on my computers over the years, I have no desire to wrestle with a scaled down version of bloat and the Blue Screen of Death.
The 6000L has a gorgeous 480 x 640 display. It is beautiful. The best I've ever seen on a handheld, bar none.
One of the biggest attractions of the 6000L for me is it's ruggedization. I'm hard on things. I drop things a lot and I work in a factory, all hard edges and lots of places to get hurt. I've taken out my 5500 at work and my hands have lost their grip and voila! flying Zaurus. It's survived, but I think I'm better off with something a bit more robust. The 6000L seems sturdier and that is what I need. I will put it to the test.
I took the 128 mb SD card and the 128 mb CF card from my 5500 and put them in the 6000L. I will probably replace the CF card with something larger. I use the CF card strictly for storage and file transfer.
People complain about the PIM functionality of the Zaurus apps. I find them perfectly suited to my needs. The Hancom apps included work extremely well with MS Office apps.
Just one complaint so far, directed at Sharp. Hey, Sharp, are you listening? How about a Linux version of the PC applications? It seems silly to have a Linux handheld and not include Linux apps to sync and transfer files.
My first impression is I love the 6000L. The apps are great, I can use a lot of things from the 5500 on the 6000L. I haven't had a chance to test the wireless yet, but I will soon. I expect it to be solid and reliable. Solid reliability is something I've come to expect from the Zaurus and Linux.
2 Writing this on my 6000L
I'm writing this on my new Zaurus. Firstly to the reviewer who complained about the handwriting recognition, it's the best I've seen. You can train every letter to the way you write. The other side to this pda is that, if you need software that doesn't come with this pda, you better be willing to tinker with downloaded packages.
3 What can I say? Simply the BEST in every category.
What can I cay that has not already been said? The 6000L does everything you could ever assk of a notebook, much less a PDA. It has USB host capability, meaning it can control OTHER USB devices...like USB JUMP drives, USB hard drives, etc, etc.
And that is just ONE of the expansion slots, in addition, it's got it's crade connector, SD card slot and CF card slot. More expansion than you will ever need. And you don't even need to waste slot using WIFI, becuase it is BUILT-IN...with other PDA's and NOTEBOOKs, you would have acard sticking out of the unit blicking obnoxiously, telling the world you are accessing the internet (or work's VPN)...this is much subtler, there is very little that lets anyon know you are really not making a grocery list, but rather surfing the web or emailing a friend.
The only significantly negative review I have seen here at Amazon is from someone who never actually bought one...If you think it costs alot for approx seven big ones, then you have obviously NOT tried this out. People seem to think smaller means it should be cheaper, but when you pack as much punch into a PDA as a notebook has and shrink it to this size, it SHOULD cost a premium.
Sure, there are a few minor quibbles with this unit as with ALL PDA's and notebooks, but when you compare this unit to it's closest competitor...the specs will blow you away on this unit.
This baby is worth every penny and then some. I won't go into all it's features as that has been covered previously in detail, but I will say that even all those feature merely scratch the surface of what is available (or will be available) to do on this fantastic handheld.
4 Absolutely Best PDA / Notebook Replacement on the Market
This item is amazing. It has all the features a PDA, with LINUX power under the hood. There are so many great linux applications that can be used with this it is hard to know where to start.
It also plays MP3 files and MPEG movies (that's right, MOVIES) and to top it all off it's got built-in WIFI...not only WIFI but a full-functional web browser and email client. The web browser is amazing as it can view any web page, not just those written for PDA screens, this unit with it's hi-res 480x640 screen resizes webapages to fit on the whole screen and still be readable !
If you need more room, press a button and it switches to landscape mode !
It integrates your contacts as your email address book and plays tons of games.
If your a techie, this unit will connect into LINUX systems and has a fully functional shell to allow you to log into other linux machines and servers....even through a VPN.
To call this a PDA is really like calling a full blown LINUX laptop (that just happens to have organizer software on it) a PDA. This is much more of a notebook replacement that fits in your pocket. With built-in WIFI, and SD card AND Compact Flash slots, you can utilize this with any digital camera to view, edit and store your images.
Truely an amazing buy at less than seven hundred dollars.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, can compare to the features, applications and expandablility of this little amazing device.
5 Bigger and better than the 5xxx, but needs more work.
The device has some very attractive features; the display is strikingly bright, there is a way of changing from portrait to landscape mode, turn on or off the backlight (saves power), the built in WI-FI makes it also a very good hot spot locator and impromptu web browser (in the unlikeliest places!) The battery lasts for ever, unless you use the Wi-Fi.
In the not-so-bright side; according to Sharp, software for the SL 5x00 will not work on the 6000, and there is no compiler (yet) for it, which means that you are stuck with the apps Sharp shipped it with.
Another, more serious, problem is that the stylus often goes out of alignment so that it needs very frequent recalibrations (a couple of times a week).
I am also having problems witrh the alarms feature in the calendar.
6 Good start, but needs a lot of work
The Linux-based Zaurus series is kind of a weird orphan. It lacks the polished side of a Palm OS device, and contrary to what one would think, lacks a lot of the power that Windows CE devices have. Heresy for a Linux zealot, but what can I say- I use what works, which is often Linux, but it isn't a religion for me. The Zaurus series has been pretty sad for me. Hardware wise, it's great- but without decent software, the loaner SL-6000L I have isn't doing much. It's great for surfing the web- but then again, my Sigmarion III handheld PC, with a real keyboard and 800x480 screen, is even better at it. It does ebooks ok, but then again, I can do that fine on my Sony Clie NX70V- and without having to worry about the battery dying. I might be able to use the Z as my one and only PDA if only it had a good notetaking app, but not one has shown up for any Zaurus SL model in the last 4 years. All I want is something that is similar to capabilities in what PocketPC has with the built-in Notes app, and I'd be willing to pay $100 for such an app. Heck, I'd pay $200 for handwriting recognition- the little keyboard and really crappy character recognition do not cut it. Here's to hoping for the Zaurus's (hazy) future!
7 Zaurus + Wizzyweb = Yizes
I use wizzyweb.com to make php and perl web applications over the Web on my zaurus... I get an idea at Starbucks and I have a working application 5 minutes later, there is nothing like it!
8 Zaurus SL-6000
The Zaurus series is super awesome. With it's new portrait view I was able to terminal server, using rdesktop a free alternate to Win ConnectZ, in to my Windows 2000 server at a resolution of 640 x 480. Compaired to older modles and other manafactured products where you get stuck scrolling around to use terminal server or have to adjust the screen resolution to match the PDA. One of the single grestest things about the Zaurus is that it is Linux based and has a comunity of people writing software for it. If you can't find what you want at the Zaurus web page, myzaurus.com, there is a tremendous resource for applications at http://www.killefiz.de/zaurus. I recently found a port of Gaim, an AOL Instant Messanging program, that works with the Zaurus there.
I do want to warn the potential buyer to read the warrenty carefuly to make sure the Zaurus doesn't fall outside of your expectations. I recently found out what the phrase "...with .01% or fewer pixels failing to light or remain lit at all times." means to me.
Even with my runin with Sharp's technical support and warranty policy my Zaurus is a wonderful machine.
9 Great for what it IS; Don't expect it to be what it is NOT
This machine is really quite nice. However, it was not quite what I wanted and I sent it back and bought an inexpensive laptop instead.
Pros
====
WiFi - 802.11b. Easy to set up and configure.
GREAT screen. Really. Except actually maybe TOO fine resolution for the physical size! Text and images are *small* on this thing although everything is legible and images look great!
Linux OS. Really really really linux. I was able to, for example, mount NFS shares off of my server and play MP3s that were stored on the server as if they were local files. Not for the Linux neophyte, to be sure. But you really don't need to know anything about Linux to use this thing -- its just that you *can* use the Linux-y stuff if you want to.
Cons
====
Comfort. Although the screen is great and the Opera browser is very nice and the screen rotates to portrait mode, I never was able to get very comfortable holding and navigating pages. My hands would cramp, it's awkward to use the pull-out thumb board in portrait mode, you are constantly having to tap the screen with the stylus to browse links, etc. It was basically uncomfortable, ergonomically-speaking, to use.
Slow "Wake Up". Using a Palm m500 for the last three years, I expect my addressbook to be on and instantly usable when I press the addressbook button. But this mini-micro-laptop-wannabe took a couple of seconds -- literally, two or three seconds -- to "wake up" before I could, say search for an entry. That became quite annoying after a while. You have to understand that the Palm Pilot series is designed as an *extension* of the desktop -- the SL6000 is more like a desktop *replacement* (practically). But it does not work well for me as merely a PDA.
Poor support. Almost zero "official" information on Sharp's website(s). All information stops at the SL5600. This became *extremely* frustrating!
Not fully compatible with SL5xxx series software. The older software works, mostly, but sometimes doesn't work quite right. There doesn't appear to be much new software written for the SL6000. Not too many titles that will take advantage of that huge screen, for example.
Strange UI design weirdnesses. I can't fully explain, or give details (mostly because I don't remember specifics and I don't have the thing anymore), but there were some basic user interface things that weren't "polished" or fully realized. Small details that Palm OS has worked out MUCH better.
Will not sync natively (or in an officially supported manner) with my Linux desktop. Looked to be too much trouble to (A) set up syncing and (B) migrate over my Palm databases (addresses, calendar, etc.)
Palm PIM apps are difficult to migrate to the Z.
===
Well, there you have it. I bought the thing for its Linux OS, WiFi, and huge PDA screen. I returned it because it is not really a laptop replacement, or a PDA replacement, but falls somewhere in between. I doubt I would have been happy with a Pocket PC product for many of the same reasons that I returned the Zaurus, although that is speculation. (The issue there is moot as I will *never* buy a pocket PC or anything else that requires MS Windows in any form)
I think I would have been happier with the Palm Tungsten C (which has WiFi) or Tungsten E, or the Sony Clie UX50 or Sony PEG-TJ37, if I was looking for a new PDA. However, it turns out I was looking for a laptop, so a laptop (and WiFi PCMCIA card) is what I got.
10 Gread product, little support
First of all, don't buy this product if you want a "polished" PDA with lots of commercial apps to choose from - stick with a Palm or PocketPC.
With that out of the way, this is by far the best handheld computer I've ever owned. I stress the word "computer" because this can do everything my laptop can do. The big screen is the most gorgeous PDA screen I have ever seen. It's even better than the imported Japanese Zauruses. It has bright vivid colors, the backlight can be used as a flashlight in a dark room, AND it is totally usable outdoors in direct sunlight. Believe me, this a rare combination! The 640x480 screen, switchable "on-the-fly" at the touch of a button between landscape and portrait mode makes it incredible versatile for web surfing and editing documents. The pull-down thumbboard is plenty usable for short writing tasks, if you want to do more you can get an external keyboard that connects via infrared. Built in WiFi, built in USB host, CF and SD slots, the feature list goes on and on.
The biggest downside is that Sharp has essentially decided to stop supporting the consumer market in the US. So there aren't a lot of official resources. Fortunately, there are websites like www.zaurususergroup.com that fill in the gap. Over there you'll find an active community that can help you get the most out of your Zaurus. Since most of the basic software is open source (Linux, Qtopia, etc) it's easy to customize and develop for, and compatible with many other Linux applications. You can even install X-windows.
Bottom line, if you want the most powerful handheld device ever made, and you aren't afraid of rolling up your sleeves and figuring a few things out for yourself, this device will do more than you can imagine was possible from a PDA.
11 amazing
the new SL-6000L is worth upgrading just for the screen quality.
the rotate, zoom in and zoom out options really compliment the use of the opera browser.
i had no problem connecting to my 802.11b network at home or
work.
i was somewhat dismayed to have to use an 2.5 mm audio adapter for headphones, but then i plugged in with a standard cellphone mic and earpiece and used z-meeting to call gnomemeeting at home.
one word of advice, don't install the old fnbc server ipk. after rebooting from the command line, the screen became unresponsive (touch functionality lost) and i had to flash back to factory settings. there is a new vnc server ipk for the 6000l and that seems to work ok.
using any of the "old" apps sometimes flips you back into a screen reminiscent of the old sl-5500 and the rotate feature button won't work.
to sum it up... amazing !!! it is just like a powerful laptop,
voip phone, movie playing, mp3 rocking, corporate machine turned personal digital butler.
12 Awesome PDA
I'm actuay writing this review on my SL-6000! It far exceeds any expectations I had before buying. The only drawback is sparse development resources and available software. It does run Zaurus 5000 and 5600 programs, but not well and not in VGA resolution.
Battery life: for me, reading and surfing the web... about 4 to 5 hours. That is with an IBM microdrive installed, which is power hungry.
13 I wait Zaurus 6000w
I found Zaurus 6000w (with bluetooth) on Japan amazon.
The price difference between 6000l and 6000w is $50.
I'll wait for 6000w. I don't want change memory CF card to
BT card each time I want connect to Inet.
14 Resolution!
I want to know what's with the idiots complaining about the price. "I could buy two of my 5600's" or whatever.. So what, I could go buy 600 pencils too, who cares? Where else can you get a 480x640 screen in a handheld for ANY price (except Japan)
Guess what? The top of the line stuff costs more. What DID you expect?
And it's not like it's even -that- much more. The price is about one would expect, if one were to compare the features and prices of what's out there.. so when the other clueless metntions .. The price must be in Yen? Nobody will buy it at that price?
I just shake my head and wonder how people with this much staggering brain power have surivied long enough to even figure out how to string together a coherent sentence.
15 Has potential...
I'm writing this from my new Zaurus SL6000l, yay!
Haven't gotten a really good chance to get it working with my other stuff yet. I was immediately disappointed to find that qtmail won't do imaps or smtp over ssl; our mail server won't accept clear-text passwords over the net (does anyone anymore?). Seems like a big shortsight for a business-class PDA.
Support files are sure tough to find on the Sharp site, still looking for kernel sources so I can compile up a FreeS/WAN kernel module.
I'm really looking forward to trying out one of the VOIP clients with it; the speaker and mic on the back are clearly positioned with using it as a phone in mind.
Yes! The screen does rock, I can't believe how tiny but fine it is. I'm going to be permanently cross-eyed in no time from working from 6" away!
Soon I'll be looking into trying OpenZaurus, it's clear that's the way to go.
I originally ordered mine from here; on the catalog page it said 'ships in 2-3 days.' After purchasing it, though, the wait got longer and longer; when it went to almost two weeks, I began to get angry, so canceled and ordered from PC Connection instead. Two days later it was in my hands!
16 Excellent PDA, but with some "oddities"
OK, so the screen on this thing is magnificent, absolutely unbelievable. The ability to rotate it to landscape mode really makes web browsing a practical reality for a PDA, and that's a BIG first ! The WIFI card is ridiculously simple to set up and works just peachy. I had mine up and synching with Outlook 2003 15 minutes after the battery was charged. Built-in software is quite good, and very complete. Some of the 3rd party applications I had on my SL-5600 wouldn't run, but the ClearSky program I use to control my telescope ran just fine.
I was initially concerned about the ability to run the DVD movies I had ported to my SL-5600 as they acted extremely "weird", but if you click/hold the Media Player icon and specify to run in magnified mode, they work spectacularly.
But leave it to Sharp, other connections are definitely non-standard. Even the stinking headphone jack is a 2.5mm stereo instead of the 3.5mm jack that every known set of headphones on the planet uses. There are adaptors available (for the Treo which it seems also uses this bizarre choice) but you have to buy them separately. The built-in USB port uses some kind of cable that only exists in the outer reaches of Latvia, so I can't testify as to the value of that port.
On the other hand, it is extremely well made and is far more "rugged" than the earlier SL 5xxx series. It's also a bit LARGER. Unless you're the size of the Incredible Hulk, you're unlikely to have pockets that will accomodate this sucker. The "up" side to this is that it really is a laptop (or at least a sub-notebook) replacement. Superb battery life, excellent recoverability features, geeky enough for the propeller beanie crowd, but absolutely tame for those that just want the ultimate PDA and wouldn't know a ROM from a bowl of cornflakes.
So what the heck, take the plunge and live a little. The screen alone makes this thing worth the price.
17 Are they serious?
The price must be in Yen, because there is no way anybody is going to buy one of these for that price. Not even in Canadian funny money.
