Handheld Reviews

For the Linux junkie, the 5600 is a "must-have". I mean how cool is it to run a website from your pocket! If you feel pretty comfortable with Linux/Unix, then you will love it. Add on a wireless CF card and you can surf wirelessly and connect to wireless hotspots.

The Personal Information Manager (PIM) definitely isn't as mature as PalmOS and it can show at times in terms of the features and usability of the grahical interface. There are also the standard issues that go along with installing software packages on linux. For the person who just wants a PDA that you can keep phone numbers in and play the latest version of foo-bar-tastic Mega-Brickout2004 on, go with a Palm or Windows based PDA.

If you are comfortable with linux, then this is your product. It is essentially a mini-desktop computer that can run Apache, OpenSSH, FTPd, etc and at the time I'm writing this it's the fastest PDA in terms of CPU speed. The internal ROM is a little small, so you may want to look into adding a SD card for additional storage. But to be honest, I love mine.

I've been using Palm PDAs for about five years now and wanted to upgrade to something new. I had seen the Zaurus 5500 and was going to purchase one before I heard that the 5600 was being released. The 5600 is fast, applications load quickly and the OS seems to be very stable. I haven't had anything crash yet. Setting up wireless networking with a CF card is trivial, plug the card in, run the network config application and type in your WEP key and you're on the net. Surfing with Opera is excellent, you can zoom in and out on web pages and I haven't found any pages that it won't display. I have yet to try the Hancom applications for reading and writing Word and Excel docs but everything else works very well. Now I just need to find an SSH client for it and I'll really be in business.

The SL-5600 comes with QTopia, an embedded version of Linux. It looks really good, and the software ROCKS! It can read and write Microsoft Word and Excel files, etc.

Synchronization leaves a bit to be desired. It doesn't work flawlessly, and only works with Windows.

HOWEVER, the Z's true strength is in Open Source softare. You can keep the included QTopia and install Linux apps. Or, you can replace QTopia with one of the OpenSource Linux distributions, and have a Linux workstation that gives you complete control. With the large amount of available RAM and two expansion slots (SD cards at least to 512 MB and CompactFlash cards), you have room to install anything you need. A huge amount of OpenSource Linux software is available for the Z, and most of it has been scaled down so that it takes a lot less space than it would on a full-sized machine. What this equates to, is that a 256 MB SD "hard drive" is equivalent to a 5-10 gigabyte hard drive on a full-sized computer.

OpenEmbedded (www.OpenEmbedded.org) and now Debian Pocket Workstation (http://www.pocketworkstation.org/) are two of the available Linux distributions. What's exciting about Debian Pocket Workstation is that you can run QTopia and a complete Debian distribution on the same machine. Switch back and forth as you need to. You can also build a complete cross-compilation tree on your own Linux computer, and compile and/or modify available open-source software for the Z.

If you want a simple, turn-key organizer, the Z probably isn't for you. But if you want a complete, powerful computer that fits in your pocket, the Z is the best machine you can get. Definitely worth its purchase price.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.

Navy blue velvet swirls give this case a feminine, non-geeky look snazzy enough for evening wear. My Visor fits snugly inside along with about 7 credit cards and a driver's license. There's room for about 15 bills in the folding money compartment. More than that and it's too thick to zip.

To secure the Visor in the case, the hard cover is slipped under a wide nylon strap and then the Visor is snapped in. No Velcro, easy to snap out, but no more hard cover protection over the buttons and screen. So don't overstuff the case, squeeze it over the buttons, or put it in a tightly packed briefcase, or you may accidentally turn the Visor on.

The outer case is stiffer than a typical wallet, and fits comfortably in your hand while open, serving as a mini desk while using the Visor. Since the case is too stiff to completely lay flat, I prefer to snap the Visor out when I'm working at my desk. I don't have trouble removing the stylus, but I have small fingers. It might take a little practice if you have sausage fingers or long nails.

This is a good quality product. It completely encases my Visor, so it is better protected from water, dust, or the lint in my briefcase. If only there was room for my lip gloss.

I have this Visor case as well as the Hawaiian print version. I love them. They make it easy to identify my Visor if I've left it laying next to my husbands. It's fun to be able to coordinate the Visor to my purse or outfit.

It protects the Visor well. My only problem is that occationally it's hard to get the pen out of the Visor. It's not difficult enough for one not to purchase it, however.

1. Protection: This case protects the visor from all sides because it zips up; There is little point in getting a carrying case that does not protect your visor in this way, especially if you carry your visor in a purse/bag where it knocks against stuff. 2. Size: This case is of the smallest I've ever seen for visors. It is only just big enough to fit the visor, and has a couple of pockets so you can use it as a wallet if you wish. Nothing else. I needed a protective case that did not add to the size and weight of the PDA. 3. Attachment: You use the protective cover of your visor to secure it into the case, and you can store it face-up or face-down (more secure during storage/travel). Besides the fact that I didn't want velcro on my visor I like the fact that I don't have to give up protecting the screen during travel because most cases are not hard enough to prevent the visor from turning on accidentally. 4. Price: The best. Similar cases range from $25-40 at least. ... 5. Look: I love the leopard print, but INCIPIO offers other, less abnoxious, patterns as well.