Re: [NTLK] OT: Sort-of Right Device

From: Ivan Kowalenko <ivan.kowalenko_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu Mar 29 2007 - 14:38:44 EDT

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On Mar 27, 2007, at 15.07, Grubic, James wrote:

> I'm still waiting for a PDA with a hard drive. I don't know why
> this so difficult to do.

Recent Sharp Zaurus devices in Japan have 6 GB hard disks. The
problem is their size (as big as a CF card) and power consumption.

> The iPod is almost there, and they are only now realizing the
> potential of games but are cutting short of most PDA functionality.
> Then they come up with the iPhone, once again with no hard drive
> and no support for third party apps (in my mind, this one is a dud
> because I have no desire to change my cell phone provider or to buy
> a device with no hard drive). It will probably be a success anyway.

6 and 8 GB portable storage in a PDA is practically hard disk. I'd
buy an iPhone without the GSM radio, and with an open software
architecture... like a new Newton ;)

> I have a Palm Treo phone but the OS is primitive. I do however like
> being able to thumb-type when needed, although I don't use it for
> anything serious other than a calendar. Once again tho, the lack of
> storage space doesn't allow me to put a lot of music or movies on
> which I would love to use it for.

Well, SD cards are relatively cheap, and you can fit a movie in about
400 MB at 320x240 res. Again, the Zaurus has a full Linux OS, and the
new models in Japan (you can have them imported with an English ROM
installed) have a clamshell keyboard and a rotating hinge to use it
like a PDA tablet, and includes HWR and WiFi.

> Some of these other new devices look promising. I am not sure that
> I want to run Windows though.

You're in luck! The Zaurus runs Linux. There are three different
interfaces available, and three different Linux kernels.
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Received on Thu Mar 29 14:46:11 2007

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