ZDNet: The Handheld That Will Make You Like Linux

“As much as I’ve followed the open-source software movement over
the years, I’d never tried Linux. I’m a business user, not a geek,
and groping through the labyrinths of a foreign operating system
just isn’t my idea of fun.

“But last week I finally dipped my toes into open source by
trying out a Sharp Zaurus SL-5600, a handheld that made its U.S.
debut in April. To any of you who (like me) loathed the thought of
trying Linux, I’ve got to say: Come on in, the water’s just fine.
In fact, it’s downright refreshing…

“Here’s my assessment: At $500 or so, the SL-5600 delivers a lot
of bang for the buck, especially if you use your handheld more for
work than for play. Sharp, a consumer electronics maker, has
designed the Zaurus with the corporate customer in mind. It’s Wi-Fi
ready. By July, Sharp officials tell me, it’ll have a VPN client,
as well as drivers that will allow it to hook up to high-speed, 3G
mobile voice/data networks from the likes of Sprint and
Verizon…”

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