http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT2134869242.html
Sharp has announced a new PDA for the non-Japan market which features an embedded Linux operating system and a Java application environment. From a hardware perspective, the device is based on an Intel StrongARM system-on-chip processor. The user interface consists of a bright, full-color "quarter-VGA" LCD touch/display along with a built-in QWERTY keyboard (located behind a slide cover).
To support the device, Sharp has launched a developer website and has indicated an intention to strongly promote the emergence of a developer community around the Linux/Java PDA environment.
Note: more (and larger) photos of the SL-5000D are available here.
Here is a summary of the specifications of the new Sharp Zaurus SL-5000D Linux/Java PDA . . .
Hardware:
CPU -- 206MHz Intel SA-1110 StrongARM system-on-chip processor
Memory -- 32MB DRAM and 16MB Flash
Display -- 3.5-inch 240 x 320-dot pixel ("quarter VGA") reflective TFT 65,536 color LCD with touch panel support
Keyboard -- front lighted QWERTY keyboard with a slide cover
Dual card slots --
CompactFlash type II for memory or other peripheral expansion
Secure Digital (SD) card slot for secure memory storage or other peripheral expansion
I/O ports --
IrDA 1.2
Serial port (via cradle)
USB (via cradle)
Stereo headset jack; includes audio input (mono)
Power source --
Lithium ion battery (950 mAH)
Battery life: ~8hr (backlight off) ; ~2hr (backlight on)
Lithium battery preserves memory contents during battery low condition; additional battery preserves memory contents during battery change
Bundled accessories -- USB connected cradle; AC adapter
Software:
Operating system -- based on Lineo's Embedix Embedded Linux with Linux kernel 2.4.x
Java runtime environment -- Insignia's Jeode PDA Edition (a Sun-authorized Virtual Machine that is compatible with the PersonalJava specification)
GUI -- based on Trolltech's Qt/Embedded
Browser -- Opera
Application software -- based on Trolltech's Qt Palmtop Environment; includes: productivity suite (todo list, calendar, calculator, address book, text editor), entertainment package (mpeg player, image viewer, games), Internet package (email client, web access), utilities (screen calibration, backlight control, app installer, network setup, I/O controls).
When can I get one? And for how much?
Sharp has announced that developer units will be shipped in November, 2001. Initial pricing for developer units is $399. Consumer pricing is expected to be in the mid-$500 range; a delivery date for the consumer version has not been announced.
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