In an earlier review of Sharp's original Zaurus developer model (the SL-5000) at Geek.com, Thomas Brady commented that “Linux makes the Zaurus a flexible, powerful handheld that is extremely developer friendly,” but noted that “when it comes to serving as a mission critical PIM-vehicle, though, the Zaurus is lackluster,” “the PIM… applications are a bit disappointing,” and that its “synchronization is awkward”, resulting in an overall quality rating of “3.5 Geekheads.”

A year and a half later, Brady now notes that the SL-5600 offers “a few variations on a great theme.” According to Brady, “Everything seems better integrated, I must say. Whereas I didn't recommend to my not-so-savvy friends that they buy a Zaurus, I think I'll change my stance now. It's still not really for beginners, but it's much closer. It's also much more suitable as a PDA for advanced users than the previous edition.”

In this new Zaurus review, Brady gives the SL-5600 a rating of “4 out of 5 Geekheads” for quality, deducting two half-points for mechanical construction and “application clunkiness” issues. But when it comes to “geekness,” Brady gives the SL-5600 the top rating — a solid “5 out of 5 Geekheads.”

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The earlier review, of the original SL-5000 developer model, is here.

 
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