Re: Sharp Linux slashes Win2002 - is it curtains 4 win2002 ?

The more time I spend with the Sharp Zaurus, the more convinced I am that it has what it takes to takeWin2002 on.

The Sharp Zaurus has been designed so that the purchaser can't tell that it is Linux underneath, unless the user specifically adds some 'Expert' features such as TERM terminal support & browsing software for navigating the Linux filesys.

Like REDHAT they have introduced an install packager/depackager that makes it so easy for non unix types to add apps etc:

BUT the real proof of just how good the Linux appraoch is was yesterday when I went & purchased a LINKSYS CF Wi-Fi card. I went into the shop, the shop had 2 brands - SOCKET & LINKSYS, I knew that LINK-D worked but they didn't have, so I plugged the LINKSYS in & it *instantly* configured - the shop assistant who had never seen a Zaurus Linux, took it & instantly & intuitively (just from the screens & icons) configured the card to connect to his shop Wi-Fi lan & then went ahead accessing the web.

The brilliant OPERA browser made it easy to read normal web pages with its sizing feature (5 page sizes) start small, then when u want detail select BIG & the page resizes then use V & H scroll bars (most PDA browsers will use v & h scroll).

NEXT I tried installing the LINKSYS in the iPAQ (using a CF jacket add-on) but nothing. So I looked at the instructions and they require that you pre-configure the card then install the drivers.

In the case of the SOCKET brand Wi-Fi card, it didn't work in the Zaurus & I am waiting for an email from them to learn if they will supply Linux drivers (their European sales mgr had publicly said they would but people who followed up his offer said they were not getting any replies.

One other big nitpick with Win2002, many times when I want to install a bit of software (such as linksys) on the PDA, it first insists on installing a product on my PC, then on the PDA so my PC registry is rapidly filling up with entries & products that I want on the PDA. Zaurus doesn't do this - you just sync over or copy the software to a CF or CD card. Then start the installer & it tells you what it found & allows you to install that item with a click.

Cheers

Doug Marker
EDIT#1 added last para
EDIT#2 corrected a wrong statement

especially not, vet each of the functions in this way. So they will be at the gloss-over mercy of the Marketeers and a cursory play with one in a store :(

Do you know of any website which has done ~ the sort of hands-on verifications you're doing? I mean.. in the US and for certain consumer goods, we have CU (Consumers Union), a private testing group which attempts to play Fairwitness. (They were among the first to report on the roll-over propensity of the SUVs (UAVs), and explore the effects upon other drivers of - these behemoths with too-high bumpers.)

But that's the only place I can think of, who would do what you are up to. And while they surely have an IT department.. it might not be as familiar with business uses as you / your company. I think it's important too, that the same person evaluates all the models, even if more than one does so. I hope there will be a way for your data to get around.

Meanwhile I'll try to drop in on eBay periodically.. think if I see a clean Z-5000 I can steal for <250 (now!) -- it might be hard to resist.. Maybe I can kidnap the sister of a prominent Linux coder.. and get my own Tornado Notes!

[or "our motorcycle guys will shave your sister and tattoo a Windoze logo on her scalp"]

:-\ufffd

Ashton
with delusions of Microslothian behavior..
Hell - Billy's a 'role model' - no?

PS [edit] It always makes my day when M$ loses out technically in the occasional fair fight - One More Time. (Not that this much affects the retards amongst us.) This retard says... still tryin to keep W98/Mozilla patched together -- avoid the lengthy angst of converting all \\-lore into new /-lore :(

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