Sharp Ships Linux PDA
Rugged, Wi-Fi-equipped Zaurus SL-6000 is designed for corporate use.
Agam Shah, IDG News Service
A Linux-based handheld supporting enterprise applications and
databases has begun shipping from Sharp.
The Zaurus SL-6000, priced at $699, is targeted mainly at corporate customers, says Deanna Davis, a Sharp spokesperson.
"It is designed to be an enterprise piece as opposed to a [personal digital assistant] that anyone would buy," she says.
Product Specs
The PDA is powered by an Intel XScale 400-MHz processor. The device has 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of flash memory, and a lithium polymer battery. It has a VGA screen and an integrated speaker and microphone to record and play back conversations.
In addition, the SL-6000 provides built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi networking and slots for CompactFlash and Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard.
It has a built-in QWERTY thumb keyboard that can be protected by a sliding control panel. The PDA can withstand a 1-meter drop, the company says.
The device supports Java, which is important for business application use, Davis says. It also supports IBM's WebSphere application server, she adds. Sharp unveiled the PDA last fall.
IBM and Sharp are working together to sell the product through the companies' respective channels, Davis says.
