CeBIT: Linux Mite(PDA) with Keyboard

Arris · Mar 20, 2002

From http://www.cebit.de/21508 :
In a big way Sharp presented its Linux-based handheld at the CeBIT this year that officially is named SL-5500G. The versatile PDA backs on the open source operating system Embedix from Lineo with Linux kernel 2.4 and uses a Qtopia environment from Trolltech as user interface.

"With an open source operating system for the SL-5500G we have created a basis for external software developments and offer a high investment security in the solution area", said Saskia von Boxberg, Sharp Electronics Product Manager. After the presentation of the prototype SL-5000D at the IFA 2001 the Japanese electronics combine has looked for partners an in december 2001 serveral companies presented their first applications at a developer's workshop.

The lower part of the gadget, measuring 74 x 138 x 18 millimeters, can be pulled out and a mini keyboard appears. Texts can be tipped much more comfortable with this Quertz keyboard than with a pen and virtual keyboard. Who prefers the touchscreen can simlpy flap the keyboard.

The heard of the Zaurus is a Strongarm processor (SA-1110) with 206 MHz, suppported by 64 Mbytes SDRAM memory. Good optics provides a touch sensitive, 3.5 inches reflective TFT colour display with 240 x 320 pixels (65,536 colours). According to the manufacturer the SL-5500G is weighing 194 grams inclusive battery and pen but without display cover. Shortly after the CeBIT the Zaurus SL-5500G from Sharp will be available for a price of 699 Euro. Included in delivery is also a docking station.

Sharp SL-5500 (non linux version with keyboard)

lokem · Mar 20, 2002

Interesting. Finally a big name using Linux on a PDA. Wondering how this will be compared to PalmOS and WindowsCE. The pullout keyboard does sound nice.

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CeBIT: Linux Mite(PDA) with Keyboard

Arris TechSpot Evangelist

lokem Newcomer, in training