Got the Zaurus semi-working with my Linux desktop now (Slackware 9.1) via the cradle. I've been trying to get it working with Qtopiadesktop but they're not talking together, but that's sorta fine, for now, since I can actually connect via ping to the Zaurus when its in its cradle (Kudos to the kernel maintainers for putting the Zaurus code into the kernel by default...the second I plugged in my Z, it loaded the drivers).

I even did an Nmap scan against it:

Starting nmap 3.45 ( http://www.insecure.org/nmap/ ) at 2004-05-21 04:21 EDT
Interesting ports on 10.150.1.20:
(The 1649 ports scanned but not shown below are in state: closed)
PORT STATE SERVICE
21/tcp open ftp
25/tcp open smtp
587/tcp open submission
631/tcp open ipp
3306/tcp open mysql
3333/tcp open dec-notes
6000/tcp open X11
10000/tcp open snet-sensor-mgmt
Device type: general purpose
Running: Linux 2.4.X|2.5.X
OS details: Linux Kernel 2.4.0 - 2.5.20
Uptime 0.065 days (since Fri May 21 02:47:47 2004)

Nmap run completed -- 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 8.093 seconds

That's ROM version 2.38. Nice, eh?

I'm just playing around before bedtime... :o)

While multitasking last night when I got home from work, I decided to go to Sharp's site, download the 2.38 software that typically comes on the companion CD, and sync my Zaurus to the desktop in Windows XP.

All went well. I suppose I can even use this particular version of QtopiaDesktop in Linux. I ended up pulling out the Z's cradle, which I hadn't used in over 2 years, installing the USB and USB networking drivers, and sync'ing the Z. I did have to play with the Z's network settings. So, now, I've a synched Z and also did a backup to the desktop. I even got the Today software to work! That same version wasn't working in v3.10. AAAHHH...the joys of older ROM versions. Thank God Sharp still keeps older ROM versions on their site for download...not too many sites do that...they tend to want to force the latest versions of software onto their customers.

Anyways, I'm again sorta happy with my Z. I do sorta miss ROM 3.10's interface though.

I've got some news. I just saved alot of money on my GIECO insurance... Just joking...hahahaha.

Really...

I ordered a new PDA last week and it arrived yesterday afternoon. I'm now the proud owner of a Dell Axim X3i. It's gorgeous and I like it alot. I just have to get used to the lack of a keyboard and CF slot.

I also WAS going to sell my Zaurus on eBay but decided to keep it. It's still functional (paint is starting to rub off...I can actually see what's under the silver paint in some spots).

I also FINALLY salvaged my old PIM address book data. I had to go to Sharp's site, download the 2.38 ROM, install it, and restore my old backed up data. From there, I was able to populate my Dell PDA's contact list via IR. That was kinda drastic. but I did a backup of the data that was in the Zaurus with ROM 3.10, so I can always go back to 3.10. What's cool is that when I restored backed up data back to v2.38, I had access to my data that was in zSafe, so that data is also recovered. I just hate how 2.38's Documents tab is cluttered and unorganized...oh well.

I now have a new PDA, so I can play with the Zaurus like it is the lab toy it is. I can put OZ on it and not have to bitch about incompatibilities with my backed up data or some piece of software. I can run 3.10 if I want and then populate the contact list from my Dell Axim. Funny, I had to buy a whole new PDA, spending $400+, so I could 'release' myself from the Zaurus' inadequacies...so I could actually enjoy it. I'd actually looked at Sharp's new SL6000 but kept thinking of my problems with the 5500. It would've been stupid of me to buy another Sharp product.

So, I'll still play with the Zaurus but will rely on the Dell for work-related things and PIM functions.

what I really have to get used to is actually having to buy most of my software (for the Dell). Oh well...the sacrifices we have to make to have the good things in life...