Entered CNET Catalog: 03/22/2003
SKU: 0074000062191
Manufacturer: Sharp Electronics
Manufacturer description
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5600 combines state-of-the-art Sharp technology and Sharp innovation to deliver a unique and compelling PDA solution. The Sharp Zaurus SL-5600 offers everything from mobile communications to mobile multimedia; keyboard integration and dual expansion delivering one of the most versatile and flexible PDA solutions on the market today. Sharp's color LCD technology and high-powered processor deliver top quality multimedia for all corporate and personal needs. The SL-5600 has a 3.5" 65,536 Color Reflective TFT Front-Lit Screen with 240 x 320 resolution for outstanding graphics and clarity. Sharp's clever integrated keyboard design allows easy data input without sacrificing space. Edit text or e-mail effortlessly with a standard QWERTY keyboard. In addition to the SL-5600 built-in QWERTY keyboard, the stylus and touch screen allows you to navigate through applications with ease. With optional Compact Flash modems and Sharp Mobile Services you can have wireless connectivity virtually anytime, anywhere. With its replaceable 1700mAH Li-ION battery, larger than any other battery in a smart handheld device, the Zaurus provides extra long battery life so you can be mobile longer. Linux and Java based architecture provides a powerful and open operating environment - allowing many Linux and Java developers to write applications for the SL-5600, and integrated into various enterprise environments.Product summary
The good: Built-in keyboard; 96MB of combined memory; CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots; compatible with Microsoft Outlook and Palm Desktop; excellent audio.
The bad: Big and heavy; dull screen; limited third-party software; lacks jog dial.
The bottom line: By boosting its speed, adding memory, and smoothing out software kinks, the Zaurus SL-5600 Linux handheld offers a challenge to Pocket PCs and Palms.
Average user rating: from 25 users
4.0 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/14/2003
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| Big and bulky: The Zaurus is not quite as big as a breadbox. |
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| Slumbering giant: However, it is large, heavy, and thick. |
At 5.4 by 2.9 by 0.9 inches and 7.8 ounces, the sleek, silver Zaurus SL-5600 is not only thicker and heavier than its predecessor, it makes handhelds such as Handspring's Treo 90. Add in the 7-ounce AC adapter and cord, and the SL-5600 hits the ground stumbling at close to a pound.
The SL-5600's accurate 3.5-inch touch screen is the center of attention, though it's an older, reflective TFT rather than a new, transflective display. While we liked the clear-plastic screen cover, it comes off all too easily and doesn't form a stand when you flip it over. Pull down the bottom of the unit, and you'll find a minimalist, 37-key QWERTY keyboard. At 4.7mm across and spaced 2.4mm apart, the oval, Chiclet-style keys are sufficient for tapping out one-line e-mails and short lists but too cramped for marathon typing. The SL-5600 has reasonably accurate handwriting recognition, and there's a handy place to stash the stubby plastic stylus. While the onscreen keyboard is not much help, the PickBoard predictive spelling application helps find common words.
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| The clear-plastic cover protects the screen, but it comes off too easily. |
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| A cradle and cables accompany the Zaurus, but you may recharge it via the AC adapter. |
In addition to dedicated Calendar, Contacts, Home Screen, and Email keys, as well as a program launcher, the SL-5600 has a five-way navigation button. But its most notable absence is a side jog dial for quickly running through lists or Web pages. A standard headphone jack is conveniently placed at the top of the unit, and the rear speaker is surprisingly loud. On the other hand, the SL-5600's microphone is pointed to the side and back, so it's likely to pick up stray noise.
The SL-5600 comes with a USB 1.1 synchronization cradle to connect to a host PC. For older computers, Sharp sells a $40 serial port adapter. The good news is that you can plug the AC adapter directly into the SL-5600 when you want to leave the cradle behind. Sharp says the 1,700mAh lithium-ion battery takes up to four hours to charge, but it can rejuice in as little as an hour and can be changed in a few seconds.
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| Double barrel: The SL-5600 has both CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots. |
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| Lots to do: Here's a view of the device's well-stocked Applications screen. |
With a 400MHz Intel XScale processor and 96MB of combined memory (32MB of active SDRAM and 64MB of flash memory), the SL-5600 is one of the best-equipped handhelds around. With the Linux OS and the included applications taking up 34MB, there's still room for additional programs, addresses, appointments, and a backup. If that proves constricting, you can augment your storage with Secure Digital and CompactFlash cards, including IBM's 1GB Microdrive hard disk.
This mighty mite comes with a generous batch of software, including the Opera Web Browser, an e-mail client, a calendar, an address book, and a to-do list. If time hangs heavy, there's a clock and a world-time map. You also get ImagePad, which displays and edits pictures, as well as runs slide shows. It's also excellent for doodling with the stylus. Hancom's Mobile Word, Sheet, and Presenter are competent applications and compatible with their Microsoft counterparts (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, respectively), but none have spelling checkers.
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 Slider hider: You can slide the Zaurus open to hammer out a quick note. |
Although the SL-5600 has infrared, it lacks Wi-Fi. Once we downloaded the right drivers from MyZaurus.com, we were able to get a Socket low-power WLAN card working. A variety of approved cellular, networking, and dial-up modem CompactFlash cards are also available. The SL-5600 uses a 400MHz Intel PXA250 XScale processor, not the low-voltage PXA255, which has a faster CPU bus and uses less power. With 32MB of SDRAM and 64MB of flash memory, the Zaurus gives you plenty of room to work in. Taking about 3 seconds to start or close programs, we were able to back up the system in 2 minutes and restore it in 3 minutes, 15 seconds, including restarting the system.
As an indication of its speed, the SL-5600 took 27 seconds to synchronize 760 contacts and two months' worth of appointments with a Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 host notebook. That's about 10 seconds slower than with a Toshiba e740, although both systems use the same CPU. Each moved data back and forth at 115K per second over their USB connections.
 Dim view: Unfortunately, the Zaurus hasn't graduated to the bright, transflective displays used by its competitors. |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
It would be better with PocketPC OS
Pros: 1) Da keyboard! have you ever tried to update an excell file with the stilus pen? how about configure a router for us geeks, the keyboard is a must. 2) CompactFlash slot, if you need to use a modem or a 10/100 ethernet NIC you need it. (Not all sites are
Cons: Linux-Java OS??? What the H... Very little support on that OS, every needfull application you want to add cost you $29.95 and up. Drivers for some NICs and other periferrals require 3rd party drivers and/or some modification to the Kernell. I'm a geek but
Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Best mobile tool
Pros: Opera browser by far the best pda internet experience. Excellent software bundle. Twin card slots. Lots of developer support means huge variety of software. Sharp provides regular ROM updates, unlike Palm, Toshiba or HP
Cons: PIM apps not as good as Palm or Pocket PC. No usable SMS application to link with phone.
Review:
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Best PDA for technical users
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Review: This handheld can't be beat for technical users who need to get real work done. Its flexibilty stems from its Linux base, and give the power user all the hooks they need to do whatever they need. Standard productivity users will also be pleased as the newly updated applications allow the Zaurus to compare quite nicely with the Pocket PC too.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Reliable, unlike Pocket PC
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Review: The screen isn't as good as the ipaq 3900 in most circumstances. Other things are better, including a usable keyboard that is noticeably faster than the ipaq on-screen keyboard. While my ipaq needs resetting multiple times per day, I have reset the SL-5600 only once in 3 weeks. It works instantly with the Socket Low-Power Ethernet CF. It works with the recommended driver for Socket Low Power 802.11b. I have spent more time with ipaqs trying to get undocumented drivers to work with PC and CF cards. There is a noticeable delay when the Zaurus is turned on and the screen light is getting brighter. During that period of about 5 seconds it doesn't act on key input. The alarm (3rd party) has worked every time, unlike the Pocket PC 3800 and 3900, which sometimes fail to alarm until turned on after the set alarm time. Having the ability to see whole file names, and to copy all files is nice, too. This is also unlike the Pocket PC. Putting Microsoft Reader for encrypted books on an ipaq 3800 seems to have really screwed it up, so I am reading books (unprotected) in Palm reader format using a free reader program on the Sharp. As a user of numerous PDA's for years, I will be switching all the important things to the SL-5600. There is an occasional program (Pocket Genealogist) that needs a Pocket PC, but overall the Zaurus is more reliable.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
more than just a pda
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Review: Sure it has a calandar, todo list address book. But if that's all you need get a palm. If you want tons of free software, massive expandability, then this is the pda for you. the trick is that it isn't a PDA, it's just a really small linux box with PIM apps. Example: I have installes apache webserver with PHP and MySQL. Why? So I can have a test server with me at all time while I work on web sites. Even if I'm nowhere near a real web connection.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
better than the best
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Review: having already owned the 5500, i must say the 5600 is closer to perfection. the zaurus was the first real pda i've ever owned. at half the price of comparable wince (pocketpc or whatever) pda's, this is truly a bargain. with the open source community going strong, total cost of ownership wins out too. in the past year (with the 5500), i've played with well over 200 applications for zero cost. it's easy, go to http://www.killefiz.de/zaurus/, browse, download, and enjoy. try that with proprietary systems 
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
The ultimate configurable PDA!
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Review: i've owned the sl-5500 (older model) for one year. before that i owned a wince PDA. with the pocketPCs all you can do is open and close programs. with the zaurus you control the machine(anything!). for example you can set up cron to do automatic tasks everyday or check your email every half hour and make a beep come on if you have a new message. the zaurus is an ultra configurable PDA. you can even change the operating system if you don't like it. because the zaurus runs linux, 95% of the software is FREE! i use the zaurus in school (electrical engineer student) to do things unheard of with the pocketPC. for example i run the following software in the zaurus (all free): http://www.octave.org/ http://www.ma.utexas.edu/maxima.html http://www.cs.uni.edu/Help/gnuplot/ and many more. the pocketPCs all they have are look alike calcultors software. once you find out the possibilities the zaurus offer you'll never go back to pocketPCs. the list of new software available to the zaurus keeps growing exponentially. you can use the zaurus like a pocketPC (easy use, regular PDA) and at the same time learn the ins and outs of a real computer. the option is there. the pocketPCs don't have any options, you just use whatever there is. Also, by playing with the zaurus i was able to get my linux certification last summer. yes, by using the zaurus you actually learn. i installed a full C/C++ compiler (many other languages available)and I started doing small programs in the zaurus. I don't need a PC. if you are into computers, this will be your ultimate toy.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Computer for your pocket
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Review: This is the closest thing to having a pocket size computer. It is powerful, and the keyboard rocks. Many advanced features for the expert, simple interface for the beginner
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Not your typical PDA
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Review: Though this handheld offers the standard PIM functionality, this is not a typical PDA. This handheld has the advantage of offering a full blown Linux Operating System. This is by deffinition a handheld computer. Unlike the MS PocketPC OS's, Sharps handheld allows the user to not only organize their lives with PIM apps, play games, browse the internet, and edit and view documents, but this handheld allows users to do almost anything they can do with their home computers: serve websites, develop (and run) programs directly on it, manage unix networks, and so much more. Sharp did not hold back on the functionality of this handheld. Sharp support is also great. They have provided an online community with access to information for developers and users. Oh yeah, did I mention that the majority of software is FREE. Sharp supports development of software for its handhelds by the Open Source Community. Though this device is new, there is already a extensive software base with plenty more FREE apps on their way! I am absolutely pleased with my Z! I would never trade it for any of those PPC or palm devices.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Absolutely the best...
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Review: Full blown Linux, access to a command shell, a fully functional up to date modern web browser, MySQL, PHP, Apache, Samba, ZGCC, SSH, ....If desktop Linux can do it so can a Zaurus. That's probably it's strongest feature. I was asked to create a PDA friendly interface to our web product after a PocketPC user in the company couldn't get the current site to work. I tried it on the Zaurus and it worked fine. After doing some research I realized Pocket IE is crippled. No support for style and script tags and only HTML 3.2 supported. Crippling software to fit it into an embedded system just isn't acceptable to me. Using a better, less bloated system is the proper way of doing it and Sharp's decision to use Linux was the best thing for the Zaurus. Those worried about Linux being difficult to learn don't worry because you'll never know it has Linux on it. The other people I know with a Zaurus have never used Linux before and sleep with and cuddle their Zaurus like a teddy bear.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
A Fiddlers Dream
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Review: If you like to fiddle, this is the only solution to your riddle. A Unix/Linux user's dream.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Gee wiz! This is one swell pda.
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Review: CF, SD, video, mp3, keyboard, nice display, mic, speaker, a ton o free software, linux community support, what more could you want?
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Desktop to PDA
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Review: I never could get around to buying myself a laptop because i could never really in the true sense carry it around with me. I am a physician (resident) and where i work there are enough desktops but i always needed something to manage my work and little things in life. I looked around and all my peers had palms and pocket pc. But Only I have a Zaurus. Even though there were only a few medical programs like epocrates on Z, I decided to take the plunge since the features were too ATTRACTIVE to miss. That i could write this review in time (see end) flat is simply marvelous. Youv prolly already read all the nice features the Z has I just want to say this is one marvel. If u are looking for a computer buy it. PDAs youl find on every street corner but there are only so many Zs. I wouldnt talk about all the free softwarez available for the Z just do a search for the zaurus software index last count i remember was in a couple of 100s. 5 min flat thinking and writing. Beware this message was composed and sent over a wireless network using my Z.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
a real handheld!
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Review: this does it all. forget palm, windows... this is a real linux handheld computer with thousands of open source and free applications.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Powerfule, Handheld Computer -- UNBELIEVABLE
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Review: The term 'PDA' does even come close to describing this powerhouse. The 5500 was decent, but we will all admit it had its problems, but SHARP has obviously learned from its mistakes. The 5600 is an absolute dream. To the average user, this system performs all of the functions of a PDA without any problem. I installed the software, plugged in my ubs cable, and I had all my information sync'd in minutes. The everyday user will never even realize this system is LINUX based. To the corporate user and advanced home user, there is no substitute for the 5600. How many handhelds can serve web pages, php, and mysql? The 5600 does it all, plus with the plethora of developers out there using OPENSOURCE and FREE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS this unit will not fall short to the power user.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Not an ordinary PDA
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Review: Don't be fooled by it's relatively diminutive size. What you have with the SL-5600 is more akin to a Linux powered ultra-mini portable. With a robust and stable version of the 2.4.x linux kernel, you power-users out there can rest assured that you can develop/surf/play/compose to your hearts content on this little machine. The slideout keyboard is a nice for input that the virtual writing area(analogous to Virtual Graffiti for you Palm users) would be too slow or prohibitive due to screen real estate limitations to use. The dual expansion slots are fantastic, allowing me to use connectivity peripherals such as CF Wifi, bluetooth, and/or GPS cards while having a SD card in for mass storage. I've used PDAs since the PalmPilot Personal in 1995, and must say that I was worried leaving my HandEra 330 behind for this due to sync issues I've heard of from users of the SL-5500. However, Sharp has made the transition painless, and enjoyable. There is also a new update to the SL-5500 coming before the end of May that will bring users of the 5500 to the experience of the 5600. From a pure PDA standpoint, there are still a few things that Palm and even PPC users will tout above the Zaurus line. To those, I say wonderful, I'm glad you found something you like. Personally, I like having the ability to have my calendar, appts and addresses handy while I surf the net wirelessly, or listen to streaming music wirelessly across the network as I work on a Word document. All the while having the option to connect to the internet, download software updates, even watch the occassional DivX rip of a DVD from my collection off my CF card. If all you need/want is an electronic calendar/date book, get a Palm or PPC. If you'd like the option to do more, get a 5600.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Fantastic pocket computer
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Review: I have two of these little guys now, and love them. Im a sysadmin, and nothing beats having full-blown linux OS in my pocket. I can login to any Linux or Windows server with the wireless or through my cell phone, even Windows Terminal Services and Remote Desktop! Plays hundreds of games (Doom!!) and the scheduler reminds me when I need to sleep... The QTopia desktop is a fine replacement for/upgrade from PDA or PPC, but still has Linux under the hood, with all the power and flexibility intact. (This is no neutered, stripped down pocket OS!)
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Powerful tool, full-fledged computer in your hand.
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Review: As an old Pilot 5000 user who has been using his Handspring PDA for these last few years, migrating to the new Zaurus SL-5600 was painless. The linux-based platform and applications has greater utility than PocketPC/WinCE.Net equivalents, plus the open development environment bodes well for the future (innovation, security, developer community, etc.). If Sharps supports the volunteer and 3rd-party developer communities like Palm did, this platform will eclipse other enterprise-level offerings. My only complaints center around IR-based external keyboard support for the 5600 and the lack of carrying cases accomodating the 5600's form factor (ie. the battery hump). But give it time; I'm sure either Sharp, the user community or a 3rd-party vendor will come up with something for both issues.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
very good handheld - more than just a PDA
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Review: Its a great computer in your hands and not just a glorified PDA for appointment keeping. For me, I dumped my Laptop once I had the Zaurus in my hands. Can do a lot of functions, very decent PIM apps which does its work - albeit could do with some polish. But peroiodic upgrades to the ROM and more importantly open source community support keeps it abreast of the other PDA alternatives and makes it better than them. Lots of apps have being developed in the last year for the Zaurus 5500 alone. Lastly I never used the handwriting once I slid open the integrated keyboard. Not even a addon keyboard with other PALM's comes close to this functionality.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
THIS IS THE BEST PDA!!
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Review: I love the powerful extra battery and the software works great. The keyboard is a nice feature. Definitely a great buy!
User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Mediocre HW, High Price, Screen Dust, High Price
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Review: While I am a Linux fan, the SL-5600 has the following issues: - Dated Screen (Reflective) - Screen "Dust" problems - Old X-Scale Processor with Cache Flaw - No Consumer Level IR
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
embedded linux pda rules
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Review: The flexibility given to one by the use of this pda is incredible. Linux as a platform, integrated hidden keyboard, multiple i/o ports. Once critical mass hits, this thing will blow everything else out of the water.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
This is all I wanted!
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Review: This PDA packs a lot of power. The softwarea has a lot of functionality and the battery life is amazing. It's not a PDA but more like a real computer. Im able to do my office productivity, access my email, and run real applications on it!! GREAT JOB SHARP!
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Great mini computer
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Review: I have used the Zaurus 5600 for less than a week but am already quite impressed. It syncs without a hitch to MS Outlook. The Zaurus accepted my WI-FI compact flash card and I was up and surfing at the University Library. The email client is great. I got about 4-5 days of battery life (used 30 min. each day) before charging for the first time. Files are easy to transfer and there are some cool apps out there. I wish it had updated MS Word/Excel/PPoint mini programs such as a spell check. It would be way cool if there were a app for the Zaurus developed that worked with OpenOffice. I had tried they Zaurus 5500 but returned it last year. The apps still needed work. Overall I am quite impressed with updated 5600 and its apps. For those wanting an alternative to Palm and Pocket PC this is a winner.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 25 user reviews
Different
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Review: I've just received mine and i've started to work with it. Every pda should have a keyboard. It's really fast and works greit. I liked a lot the Opera browser (better than any PDA browser i've seen). Emdebix Linux seems to be really robust. I hope it succedes, it's a greit tool.
