Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA

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.

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?.......2006-09-24

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.......2006-01-03

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.......2005-08-21

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

After one year and alot of abuse, its still running strong.......2005-04-05

I purchased my Zaurus sl-5500 over a year ago and have never been disapointed. I choose the sharp pda because of the short lifespan that plagues most pda models (ahem... ipaq...). I had owned several sharp products in the past, including an imported md player , and still have all of them running strong. Sticking by sharp was definitly a good choice, because my zaurus has taken all kinds of beatings and is still running perfect. My zaurus has been dropped in a toilet, fallen out of my pocket while skateboarding, been tossed around all over the place, frozen, and sat on. Although the plastic casing has its share of scratches and dings, the zaurus still performs perfectly. I have it coupled with an ambicom wifi card and have loved its wireless support. I can scroll instant message and surf ubersite from the toilet with ease. I have changed the gui and have added all kinds of software and never had a problem with the system. I was afraid that my lack of knowledge would hurt my ability to use and take advantage of the zaurus's capabilities, but the software is intuitive and easy to use. The zaurus runs great as a stock pda, but it excels in its custamizability and compatability. I would recomend the zaurus to anyone looking for a pda, above any other brand.

Great PDA for the money.......2004-08-17

Right now the 5500 is around $200 and it is hard to beat this PDA at that price. Sure the 5600 and 6500 have fancier features, but they are still priced too high. The best thing about the Sharp Zaurus running Linux is the enormous amount of free software that has been developed for it. You can make this little PDA do ANYthing! My only gripe is that Sharp hasn't put more effort into making syncing the Zaurus with Linux easier out of the box. It's as if they assumed a Linux PDA would only be popular with Windows and Mac users. How dumb is that? Otherwise, my favorite PDA.

Dekcell Battery for Sharp Zaurus L-5000 SL-5000 SL-5000D SL-5500 SL-5500G SL-C5000 SL-C700 SL-C750 SL-C760 SL-C860 PDA, EA-BL06

Average customer rating:

Dekcell Battery for Sharp Zaurus L-5000 SL-5000 SL-5000D SL-5500 SL-5500G SL-C5000 SL-C700 SL-C750 SL-C760 SL-C860 PDA, EA-BL06

Manufacturer: Dekcell
ProductGroup: CE

Product Features:

Replacement PDA Battery for Sharp Zaurus L-5000 SL-5000 SL-5000D SL-5500 SL-5500G SL-C5000 SL-C700 SL-C750 SL-C760 SL-C860
Compatible Part Number: EA-BL06
Battery Type: Li-ion, Volts/AmpH: 3.7V 1100mAh
Brand new, 1 year warranty!

ASIN: B000N9DDOS

For Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Retractable Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle (US Standard)

Average customer rating:

For Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Retractable Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle (US Standard)

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

The Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle comes with everything you need to power and charge your handheld for your travel and in your car!
Also, because you'll have the Sync and Charge Cable you won't be left without a way to sync and charge your handheld with a computer!
Contains one Retractable Sync and Charge Cable (with USB charging function)
and one Travel Charger Adaptor for Sync and Charge cable
and one Car Charger Adaptor for your cable

ASIN: B000EA917Y

Product Description

The Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle comes with everything you need to power and charge your handheld for your travel! Also, because you'll have the Sync and Charge Cable you won't be left without a way to sync your handheld with a computer!

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 HotSync Sync and Charge Cable

Average customer rating:

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 HotSync Sync and Charge Cable

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

Durable, compact, strong and lightweight
No software needed, Synchronizes and charge your PDA at the same time
USB connection ,much faster than serial cable
Eliminates the need for cradle and AC/DC converter when traveling
Quality ensured by the original seller only: MyNetDeals

ASIN: B0007TEJRY

Product Description

This USB cable sync and charge your PDA/Handheld/Pocket PC at the same time with the PC/Laptop. No more bulky A/C adapter or cradle to carry when you travel. One of the best USB hotsync data cable for your PDA!

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 2 in 1 Flash PDA Stylus / Reset Pin (1-Pack)

Average customer rating:

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 2 in 1 Flash PDA Stylus / Reset Pin (1-Pack)

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

Help you click right and easy hand writing in the night and dark area!
2 in 1 stylus: Stylus + Reset Pin
Fits perfectly inside the silo of your PDA
Battery as well as a reset pin; Battery Life: 15 hours for continuous us
This PDA Stylus works for Handspring Treo 300,Handspring Treo 270,Handspring Treo 180,Handspring Treo 90,Sharp Zaurus SL-5500.

ASIN: B0009J7DP2

Product Description

This Flash 2 in 1 PDA stylus is a great new accessory for your PDA. A replacement for your existing stylus but with a built in LED tip. Stainleess Made. LED color: White

Car Charger for SHARP Zaurus SL-5500/ 5600/ 6000

Average customer rating:

Car Charger for SHARP Zaurus SL-5500/ 5600/ 6000

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

Charge your PDA on the go!
Plug never heats or overchargse the battery
LED charging indication
Uses standard cigarette lighter outlet

ASIN: B000BTSJ12

Product Description

This handy car charger charge your PDA while supplying your handheld device.

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 3 in 1 PDA Stylus / Pen (1 Pack)

Average customer rating:

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 3 in 1 PDA Stylus / Pen (1 Pack)

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

3 in 1: Ballpoint pen + Reset Pin + Stylus
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 3 in 1 PDA Stylus / Pen (1 Pack) is compatible with Handspring Treo 300,Handspring Treo 270,Handspring Treo 90,Sharp Zaurus SL-5500.
Wholesale,bulk order or customized manufacturing is available for Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 3 in 1 PDA Stylus / Pen (1 Pack). Email: sales@mynetdeals.com

ASIN: B0007XMSUA

Product Description

1. 3 in 1: Stylus + Reset Pin + Ballpoint pen. 2. This PDA Stylus works for Handspring Treo 300,Handspring Treo 270,Handspring Treo 90,Sharp Zaurus SL-5500.

For Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle (US Standard)

Average customer rating:

For Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle (US Standard)

Manufacturer: MyNetDeals
ProductGroup: CE

Product Features:

The Sync and Charge Cable - Car Charger - Travel Charger Bundle comes with everything you need to power and charge your handheld for your travel and in your car!
Also, because you'll have the Sync and Charge Cable you won't be left without a way to sync and charge your handheld with a computer!
Contains one Sync and Charge Cable (with USB charging function)
and one Travel Charger Adaptor for Sync and Charge cable
and one Car Charger Adaptor for your cable

ASIN: B000EAAU42

Product Description

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 miniSync - Complete Essentials Kit (US outlet plug, ClearTouch Crystal)

Average customer rating:

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 miniSync - Complete Essentials Kit (US outlet plug, ClearTouch Crystal)

Manufacturer: BoxWave Corporation
ProductGroup: CE

The miniSync - Complete Essential's Kit gives you everything that you need for your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500!
Special ClearTouch 3-Pack Bundle!
one miniSync
one Car Charger, and one Wall Charger for miniSync
one Battery Adapter PRO

ASIN: B0007POF9A

Product Description

The miniSync - Complete Essential's Kit gives you everything that you need for your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500!You'll have the ability to easily synchronize your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 with the miniSync and keep your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 powered and charged at any place and in any situation!

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 miniSync - Complete Essentials Kit (High Current Output) (US outlet plug, ClearTouch Anti-Glare)

Average customer rating:

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 miniSync - Complete Essentials Kit (High Current Output) (US outlet plug, ClearTouch Anti-Glare)

Manufacturer: BoxWave Corporation
ProductGroup: CE

The miniSync - Complete Essential's Kit (High Current Output) gives you everything that you need for your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500!
Special ClearTouch 3-Pack Bundle!
one miniSync
one Car Charger, and one Wall Charger for miniSync
one Battery Adapter PRO

ASIN: B000I8JBUE

Product Description

The miniSync - Complete Essential's Kit (High Current Output) gives you everything that you need for your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500!You'll have the ability to easily synchronize your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 with the miniSync and keep your Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 powered and charged at any place and in any situation!

Average customer rating:

Disappointing

3 MONTHS LATER LOOKING TO BUY A REPLACEMENT

Absolute Junk

This is a battery eater

Konica KD-220Z 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Konica
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Ceiva Advanced Digital Photo Receiver

PhotoImpact 6.0

Viking 64 MB MultiMedia Card

Ceiva Digital Photo Receiver

Olympus B-50SU 4 AA NiMH Batteries and Charger

Product Features:

2-megapixel sensor creates 1,600 x 1,200 images for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches

3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom for 6x total

8 MB internal memory; expandable via Secure Digital and MMC memory cards

Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port

Powered by two AA batteries (included)

ASIN: B00006NSRQ

Product Description

If you want a simple digital camera that can still produce high quality results, then you can do no better than the Digital Revio KD-220Z. Despite being very light, compact and easy to use, it's packed with useful functions and is remarkably versatile. For example, it has an optical 3x zoom lens. Impressive enough, but you can couple that with a digital 2x zoom and get a powerful 6x zoom performance. Switch to Macro mode and you can get incredible sharpness from as close as 10cm. The KD-220Z offers flash modes for every situation. You can leave it on AUTO. You can override it with Flash ON, when you want to fill in daylight shadows. You can opt for Flash OFF if flash is not allowed, or you want to capture a low-lit, moody effect. At night, Slow Synchro will give you a flash to light close portraits while combining that with a slow shutter to expose the background. And speaking of portraits, Red-eye Reduction makes everyone look more attractive!A useful 8MB memory is built in, but the KD-220Z also takes SD Memory Cards up to 128MB capacity. You'll find that the bright 1.6 inch TFT color LCD monitor gives excellent viewing. However, a USB cable is supplied so that you can also review your photos on a PC. Normally, automatic exposure is all you need to select. But you can choose the manual brightness correction if you'd prefer your subject a little brighter or darker. It's the final touch for the perfect picture. And if you use the Self-timer, that can include you!

Amazon.com Product Description

The 2.11-megapixel Konica KD-220Z digital camera is a step up from its predecessor (KD-200Z). One of the smallest and lightest digital cameras in its class, it's equipped with many features of higher, pricier classes. Built with a high-quality, all-glass 3x optical zoom lens, it boasts excellent design, ease of use, and versatility.

You can achieve up to 6x zoom by multiplying the 3x zoom lens and the 2x digital zoom, giving you the surest shot from any distance. The multimode autoflash includes slow-shutter sync and automatic white balancing. Reviewing your shots is quick and easy using the 1.6-inch LCD. Operational settings can be seen at a glance, and deleting unwanted pictures are a snap. The KD-220Z offers an 8 MB internal memory, and is expandable via Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards.

The KD-220Z comes ready to use right out of the package. Simply install the two AA alkaline batteries that are included, attach the strap, drop the camera into its included case, and you are ready to shoot. The KD-220Z is also packaged with a USB cable and AV cable, for connectivity to your PC or Mac.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2004-02-20

I got this camera as a birthday present six months back. I was looking forward to getting into digital photography.

Here are the results so far.
1. It takes a long time for the camera to settle on an image and allow you to take a photo. That's no good in a fast moving situation like a kids birthday party.
2. It takes too long for the flash to recharge, danger being that you miss photo opportunities.
3. As others have said, it eats batteries. You have to buy the lithium pack to get any kind of longevity. And then, you shouldn't use the view screen if you can avoid it.
4. Photo quality is very poor, even on the highest resolution. Any disposable plastic 35mm will give you just as good or better on film.
5. On high resolution there are very few photos, so you need to buy a card to get additional storage.
6. The movie option requires really good lighting, so I have only really got it to work in daylight out of doors.

On the positive side it is cheap and pretty easy to learn to use. It is very easy to transfer images to the computer, but I suspect that is due to the quality of my Dell, not the camera. The digital 2X3 zoom option only works on high resolution shots, but it does work pretty well!

The movie clips only play in Quicktime, so don't bother trying to load them onto other media players.

3 MONTHS LATER LOOKING TO BUY A REPLACEMENT.......2003-12-01

...this camera eats batteries like nothing else I've ever experienced. Cant think of anything in its favor.. its bulky and ugly.. and I feel embarrassed asking someone to take a picture for me, because it's difficult to use and very tempermental! Just arrived back from Chicago where I took 25 pictures.. and had to buy 4 new batteries along the way.. already searching online for a good replacement

Absolute Junk.......2003-09-18

I bought this camera for my 6 year old son's B-Day. Before giving it to him I tried it out to make sure that it worked fine. Here's the result:

Pro:
- Simple to use.
- Inexpensive.

Con:
- Very mediocre quality pictures.
- After taking about 3 pictures, you have wait about 10 seconds between taking pictures (none of the buttons will work until it recharges itself).
- Eats batteries like crazy. After using it for about 20 minutes taking 10 pictures it was nearly out of battery power.

Returned it immediately and got a Sony.

This is a battery eater.......2003-09-08

Bought the kd-220z at Frys for $120 with a $20 rebate and tried it for about 15 photos until the two new alkaline batteries went
dead. When I opened the package there was an insert from the factory which recommended use of a lithium CRV3 battery which came with the camera, even though the camera is touted as working with 2 alkaline batteries. The camera worked ok and the pictures were of good quality, though it took a second or two or three to actually take a picture after pressing the button. The menues and operation were effective but crude and slow - have to keep turning the display button on and off when switching from display to shoot. I returned it because it took so few photos with the alkaline batteries. I get the feeling the factory knew of this shortcoming and now includes the more expensive (to replace) lithium package. But then the cost is only $100.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics