Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Handheld

The Zaurus stands out from the PDA market for two reasons: firstly it runs Linux and secondly it has a built-in keyboard.

The hardware used by Sharp is pretty standard in comparison to its peers: 206MHz ARM processor, 64Mb RAM, CF & SD card slots and a 240x320 pixel colour screen. The keyboard is hidden behind the lower section of the front panel which itself houses seven buttons and a five way navigation pad. Considering the size of the keys (i.e. very small) its a very usable keyboard and I find myself using it in preference to the built-in handwriting recognition.

The Zaurus ships with a USB cradle which connects to a Windows machine (although you can make it talk to Linux or Mac OS X by downloading additional software). The power adaptor can be used through the cradle or plugged into the Zaurus itself for use as a travel charger. A flip cover is supplied which protects the screen whilst in your pocket, although its strange that the cover was made opaque when a clear cover would have allowed you to use the Zaurus with the flip closed, which can be convenient when you are only looking up information.

The software side of things is more confusing. The version of PDA software shipped with the unit is pretty poor. The address and calendar applications are awful. The To-do application links with neither and is truly dreadful.

However things can be improved - the Sharp UK site has links to an updated software ROM which can be loaded onto the Zaurus and improves the software somewhat. Better still the US site has an even newer download which not only further improves the PDA applications but adds newer versions of the Opera web browser and Email application.

In this fully updated state the Zaurus is a competent PDA. In some areas it falls behind both Pocket PC and Palm's PDA software. And the multimedia applications aren't great. The battery indicator is almost useless, which is an especially large problem as the battery life isn't great.

It does have it strengths though.

The Hancom Office suite is included. This is compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint and allows you to edit Word and Excel files on the road.

The there is web browsing. Opera 6 is the most capable browser I've ever used on a PDA. It supports SSL, Javascipt, downloads, etc. Pretty much like a desktop browser, something that neither Palm nor PPC owners can boast.

Being based on Linux there is a healthy user community which builds and distributes applications for the Zaurus and has produced better examples of all the built-in applications and usually for free. Even the operating system can be replaced with capable (and free) alternatives.

Finally, upgrades. Since buying my Zaurus there have been three operating system updates, each of which Sharp has made available to all Zaurus users. Contrast this with HP, Toshiba and others who failed to provide upgrades to Windows Mobile 2003 for large numbers of their users. Sharp should be applauded for providing extended support to customers in this way.

Overall though, the Zaurus is more of a Pocket Computer than a PDA. The Zaurus would make a good replacement for a laptop on most trips. It can certainly do most of the things a laptop can and its much easier to carry. If you are looking for more than just a PDA, especially if you are Linux-savvy, then this could be the machine for you.