[KLUG Members] Question

[Adam Tauno Williams]

>>2. New Laptop. ~ $1300. Caveat -- I won't get a laptop with the Windows
>>   tax.  No debate here.
>Would this be a mac you're considering? :) sorry, just the fanatic in 
>me :)

Spent onyl ~1k for my new one (2Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 40Mb HD).  The cost difference
between the decent used ones and the new ones make it a not-worth-the-bother.

And with a new one the battery actually holds a charge!  And given batterns can
run ~$150...

> > 3. Sharp Zaurus SL-5500. ~ $200. With a wireless card (which I'd get 
> > for any of these machines) this is the ultimate 
> > just-whip-it-out-and-play
> >    toys. I'm looking for mobility over supercomputing.
> I have a Zaurus SL-5500, and I don't use it anymore, since I've got my 
> iBook. I'm waiting for a synchronization solution with OS X Mail, iCal 
> and Address Book. One issue I'd have with my Zaurus is that via USB, it 
> would cut out the network connection after so long, I guess it was some 
> sort of timeout or something, or an issue with power management.

I've played with several PDAish things.  Honestly, the WinCE ones seem the most
usable,  but still I could never handle creating an e-mail of any length, etc..
on one.  But then I carry a full sized USB keyboard everywhere I go.

BTW,  I'm in a hotel in Detroit right now... AND THERE IS A WORKING ETHERNET
JACK!!!!!!!  Just DHCP and go!  The first time ever for me,  I'm going to wander
about for the next few days in a blizzful daze.  Even my VPN works!  

>>Does anyone with a Sharp Zaurus want to offer their opinion on its
>>usability and/or performance? Also, can any wireless cards upgrade to
>>the forthcoming 802.11g standard, or is it all proprietary for now?
>I think 802.11G/B/whatever is a hardware thing, but if you can find an 
>02.11g card with PCMCIA drivers, it should work.

Right, cards cannot be upgraded without liberal use of a soldering iron.