Handhelds/PDAs - Palm vs Zaurus vs others - Opinions? Experiences?

[Jeffry Smith]

On 3/21/07, Ben Scott <dragonhawk at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello, world!
>
>  So, I'm thinking about getting a new handheld computer (AKA PDA),
> before the one I have now finishes crumbling into dust.  (For purposes
> of this discussion, let's assume my handheld and my mobile phone will
> be two different devices.)  I'd like to hear people's opinions and
> experiences on brands, models, etc.
>
>  I've been a Palm user since forever.  I used to be a big fan of
> Palm.  But the limitations of the Palm OS are getting rather old,
> development has stagnated, and Palm Inc has decided to go swimming
> with a ball-and-chain named "Windows Mobile".  So I'm thinking it may
> be time to get off this ship.
>
>  I'm especially interested in the Sharp Zaurus.  I understand that,
> while it's nominally not sold in the US, it's pretty easy to find
> vendors importing it, and that the manufacturer support picture is
> pretty good (for the immediate future, anyway).
>
>  One thing I want from a handheld is that it has to be a good PIM
> first -- good calendar, contact, task list, and notepad functionality.
>  Not Emacs, but something easily usable with one hand while I've got
> my head stuck inside a computer cabinet.  This is one thing the Palm
> always did *very* well.  What about the Zaurus?
>
>  My handwriting sucks.  I've managed to train myself to Graffiti, but
> that's about it.  If all the
> Zauruses... Zauri... Zaurus models have built-in keyboards, I guess
> that's moot.  Right?
>
>  The Zaurus runs Linux, which is uber-cool, especially for more
> sophisticated things.  Can anyone comment on how Linux software
> translates to the Zaurus platform?  Is it just a recompile, or is it
> mostly incompatible?  Does it use X for graphics, or something else?
>
>  What about sync'ing with a desktop Linux PC?  I ass-ume, since it
> runs Linux, that basic interoperability is a no-brainer.  Is there
> anything like jpilot for the Zaurus?
>
>  Any other handhelds people like these days?
>
>  Comments, suggestions, flames, dopeslaps, etc., welcome.
>
> --
> "One day I feel I'm ahead of the wheel / And the next it's rolling over me"
>                                                  -- Rush, "Far Cry"

Check out the Nokia N800 - it's sold in the US, and has an active
linux community (supported by Nokia) - http://www.maemo.org.

jeff