Product Description

The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 combines state-of-the-art Sharp technology and Sharp innovation to deliver a unique and compelling PDA solution. The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 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.With optional peripherals and Sharp Mobile Services you can have wireless connectivity anytime, anywhere. Sharp's clever integrated keyboard design allows easy data input without sacrificing space. Edit text or e-mail effortlessly with a standard QWERTY keyboard. Sharp combines the best of both worlds by offering two expansion slots. Two slots allow you to add two peripherals simultaneously such as a CompactFlash modem card and SD memory card. This seamless design makes upgrading easy and simple. Sharp's color LCD technology and high-powered processor deliver top quality multimedia for all corporate and personal needs. The SL-5500 has a 3.5" 65, 536 Color Reflective TFT Front-Lit Screen with 240 x 320 resolution for outstanding graphics and clarity, indoors or out. Listen to your favorite music or movie clips anytime, anywhere with the Stereo Headphone Jack. In addition to the SL-5500 built-in QWERTY keyboard, the stylus and touch screen allows you to navigate through applications with ease. One-Touch Access allows you to instantly view calendar, address book, menu and e-mail with just one press of a button.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25278 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sharp
• Model: SL-5500
• Display size: 3.5

Features

• Linux/Java-powered handheld computer with 64 MB RAM, 206 Mhz Intel processor, and organization and productivity software
• High-resolution color reflective TFT screen with support for over 65,000 colors
• Integrated QWERTY keyboard that slides out from bottom of handheld
• Listen to MP3 or watch MPEG video; includes stereo headphone jack
• What's in the box: Zaurus SL-5500, EA-70 AC Adaptor, Docking Station (USB), AC Adapter and Power Cord, Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, Stylus, Display Protection Cover, CF Slot Protection Card

Amazon.com Product Description
Note: There is a software update available for download at: http://www.myzaurus.com/ROMupdate3.asp

Combining the power of a PC with the fun of multimedia, the Zaurus SL-5500 boasts a powerful Intel StrongARM 206 MHz processor, 64 MB standard memory, an MP3 and MPEG-1 multimedia player, and a voice recorder. It also features a high-resolution color reflective LCD and an integrated keyboard with a sliding cover.

Because of its open-source Linux/Java-based platform (with Qt/Embedded GUI), applications can be easily customized to fit your personal and business needs.

Sharp's built-in QWERTY keyboard design allows easy data input without sacrificing space. In addition to the keyboard, you can use the stylus and touchscreen to navigate through applications with ease.

Incorporating Sharp's leading LCD technology, the Zaurus SL-5500 has a high-definition color reflective TFT screen with over 65,000 colors and a 240 x 320 resolution. You'll get bright, vivid color no matter what the lighting, making it simple to view a movie or pop in a video while on the move.

The two built-in slots for Secure Digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) cards provide dual expansion capabilities and simultaneous use of accessories such as optional modems, memory, LAN cards, and digital cameras. The Zaurus SL-5500 is compatible with a number of modem options for maximum flexibility in communication.

The Zaurus SL-5500 comes equipped with an extensive software application package including address book, calendar, calculator, text editor, to-do list, and Word and Excel viewing and editing capabilities. Its PC synchronization program for Microsoft Outlook makes it easy to keep all information up-to-date. The Zaurus also comes complete with a docking station that features an integrated USB cable and AC adapter for easy synchronization and battery recharging.

The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 comes with an AC power adapter and cord, USB synchronization cradle, stylus, display-protection cover, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

What's in the box

• Zaurus SL-5500
• EA-70 AC Adaptor
• Docking Station (USB)
• AC Adapter and Power Cord
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
• Stylus
• Display Protection Cover
• CF Slot Protection Card

Customer Reviews

WiFi phone?
There's an alternative firmware set for this device that can be used to create a mono-enabled system capable of VoIP via WiFi.

the way of the dodo
So now sharp has given up on america, as far as linux palm pcs are concerned. The scene is desolate, tumbleweeds blow through, and ebay is littered with bargain used and refurbished sl-5500s.

So if you're interested, you're probably looking for a palm pc that does everything, without spending a lot of cash. However, there are some things that you may consider.

First off, the battery supply will probably be finite. Such lithium ion batteries will only last a few years outside of the factory, even if they are never used. A few refurbished and used models come with batteries that are already worn out and don't hold a charge. Mine works fine.

Secondly, the software scene is in a bit of disarray. I'd bet that 90% of zaurus software (that is not japanese) is at least a year old, and has not been updated since. Granted, i was able to find just about everything i want, but i find the stagnancy of the software scene unnerving.

Now, the device is great. It is complex as hell. It will waste a few days of your life if you do something stupid like format a memory card on anything but fat 16, but it truly can do everything. Oh, and i can't sync this thing to save my life. Different ROM versions work with different sync software versions. Not that i care, i just put files on a sd card and move it between the pc and the sl.

Now the hardware is really neat. The design is brilliant in a lot of ways, and 'unique' in one sense. The microphone and the earphone jack are the same jack. You can record sound through normal headphones. Take some time to reread the last sentence. Now the screen cover and the sliding keyboard business qualifies as the brilliant side. Removable battery.. there's even a little door you can open and shut, that protects the sync port. Never seen anything like this.

To get down to brass tacks, this is the best linux pda you're going to get without spending a fortune.

Update -
Spent a few months with this thing, and i can confirm that it can in fact do almost everything. The IR is too weak to use it as a good TV remote, that's about all it doesn't do. I've got wifi and GPS cards that work great. If you look hard enough for software to do something, you'll find it.

Not perfect but superb
I've been running an SL5500 since they came out. Being a Linux geek wannabe type, the Zaurus was a natural. Sure some interfaces are prettier and some PIM apps on other platforms may be slicker but as they say, "Beauty is only skin deep."

My Zaurus sees almost daily use as a network troubleshooting aid on my job in field service maintaining Cat Scanners, MRI's and other medical imaging devices. Slap in a CF network card, configure it to the network and wham! I'm on the network. I don't have to wait 10 minutes for my company issued Win2k pro laptop to boot up. (Did I mention I loathe all things MS?) And yes, besides being a very adept network device capable of a myriad of server duties, it can be a very decent PDA.

The Zaurus is a very capable device with a huge library of s/w downloads available that can make the little guy do just about anything except make toast. (And I'm not too sure that it can't do that.)

The latest ROM (V3.10) converts the calendar and contacts to an SQL based database. A SQL database on a PDA. What will we see next?

The 5500 has treated me so well I just had to add a SL6000L to my Zaurus fleet.

Count me as another satisfied Zaurus user