Sharp Electronics today announced November availability of developer units of the Zaurus SL-5000D, which represents the first Linux-based PDA from a major consumer electronics corporation. According to a news release issued by Sharp, “the Zaurus SL-5000D open software platform, which includes a powerful… Personal-Java VM, offers a powerful development environment for configuring, customizing, and deploying embedded Linux software solutions.”

“The Zaurus SL-5000D offers incredible potential for the developer community,” added Steve Petix, associate vice president, Mobile & IT Solutions Group. “We are excited to support both Linux & Java developers as they create next-generation mobile applications for this powerful new platform.”

By joining the Sharp Developer's Program, members of the development community can register for developer units, download developer's tools, and gain access to resources and support.

Main features of the Zaurus SL-5000D are as follows . . .

Hardware:

• CPU — 206MHz Intel SA-1110 StrongARM system-on-chip processor
  
• Memory — 32MB DRAM and 16MB Flash
  
• Display — 3.5-inch 240 x 320-dot pixel (“quarter VGA”) reflective TFT 65,536 color LCD with touch panel support
  
• Keyboard — front lighted QWERTY keyboard with a slide cover
  
• Dual card slots —
  • one CompactFlash type II for memory or other peripheral expansion
    
  • one secure digital (SD) card slot for secure memory storage or other peripheral expansion
• I/O ports —
  • IrDA 1.2
    
  • Serial port (via cradle)
    
  • USB (via cradle)
    
  • Stereo headset jack; includes audio input (mono)
• Power source — Lithium ion battery (950 mAH)
  
• Bundled accessories — USB connected cradle; AC adapter

Software:

• Operating system — Embedded Linux based on Linux kernel 2.4.x (Lineo Embedix)
  
• Java runtime environment — PersonalJava v1.2 compliant with extensions
  
• GUI — based on Qt/Embedded (Trolltech)
  
• Browser — Opera
  
• Application software — based on Qt Palmtop Environment (Trolltech); includes: productivity suite (todo list, calendar, calculator, address book, text editor), entertainment package (mpeg player, image viewer, games), Internet package (email client, web access), utilities (screen calibration, backlight control, app installer, network setup, I/O controls).

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