Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device. John -- "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." -- Robert Frost
On Thursday 12 September 2002 13:13, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
John
IIRC, you can use FTP to sync a Z-SL5500. Have you tried that? -- JAY VOLLMER JVOLLMER@VISI.COM TEXT REFS DOUBLEPLUSUNGOOD SELFTHINK VERGING CRIMETHINK IGNORE FULLWISE
Dear Jon, Think twice :-) I fell in love on paper wth the Zaurus. I tried and tried and tried, read almost everything about how to install, asked this list, got advice, tried them, recompile some modules, tried to redo the kernel, still some missing files, asked the list, got some answers but still missing files ... My Zaurus is a good toy to impress my friend wth ibut I try not to have it by my laptop at the time or I loose face ... Yes I got it working with my mobile phone through IR to grab email. and I succeeded (how ? don't ask) to sync it a couple of time with a Win XP machine, but by sheer luck because it sit stupid now. As with my SuSE box ... no joy, no luck, no nothing There are no negative issues about it, there a BIG ISSUE!!!! (and yes, like everybody with a Zaurus on this list - i think, from what I read ...- I've broken the stylus within 2 days of purchase ...) But I'm sure it's a nice machine. I dream to ssh into my servers from it ... On Thursday September 12 2002 19:13, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
John
-- Lao Toma Linux user #282453
On Thursday 12 September 2002 02:13 pm, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
John
I have a Zaurus and I sync it with SuSE. I do it through a Wireless card though so it is a bit easier than trying to get it to work with the sync cradle from what I have heard. I have used the cradle to sync with Win2k without any problems, but maybe I am just lucky. I just about to download the updated sync software to see if I can get Lotus Notes syncing to work which would be great (and mean I don't have to do personal development). There was someone on the forum who was having a terrible time with their Zaurus lately, but unfortunately I didn't have time to read the thread and see what the problem was (big project going on during the thread). I had been fairly active on ZaurusZone until recently (same project). The real question has to be, what do you intend to do with it? The ease of configuration is really based on what your end goal is. If you are using it mostly disconnected, then it is perfectly fine as is. You can move data back and forth via removable media (compact flash or secure digital (MMC or SD)). If you intend to be syncing it a lot, it really is a matter of whether or not you can get the sync software to work for you. I am about to go get my Zaurus, and try hooking it up the old fashion way (via cradle) and see if I can get it to work. - Anthony
Hi! What card do you use on the Zaurus for Wireless syncing? I've got a Bufalo card on my SuSE powered SONY Vaio. I'd love to hear from your old fashion way sync experience ... BTW, I'd like to use my Zaurus as a mobile terminal for ssh-ing to my servers and sync-ing with Qtopia desktop. Good luck! On Thursday September 12 2002 20:41, Anthony Moulen wrote:
I have a Zaurus and I sync it with SuSE. I do it through a Wireless card <snip> I am about to go get my > Zaurus, and try hooking it up the old fashion way (via cradle) and see if I can get it to work. <snip> - Anthony
-- Lao Toma Linux user #282453
On Thursday 12 September 2002 03:59 pm, Lao Toma wrote:
Hi!
What card do you use on the Zaurus for Wireless syncing? I've got a Bufalo card on my SuSE powered SONY Vaio.
I have a DLink card, it isn't the best card on the Zaurus because it has a wide profile and blocks the headphone jack, but it does work.
I'd love to hear from your old fashion way sync experience ...
I will have to get back to you on this one, my Zaurus went the way of everything else during the project work, it sat idle, it didn't have a charge when I picked it up today, so I have at least 3 or 4 hours of charging necessary to really play with it. But I will post back when I have it working. If it is simple enough to do, I will post a link to RPMs for my kernel and such, but don't count on that, I haven't build kernel RPMS before and every attempt till this point has failed miserably.
BTW, I'd like to use my Zaurus as a mobile terminal for ssh-ing to my servers and sync-ing with Qtopia desktop.
I used my Zaurus (until I broke it today trying to recharge it, so now I have to reinstall all the software again ;-), silly thing had to be hard reset) to ssh into systems, and telnet to systems. I have a friend that uses NFS with his Zaurus to have his home directory remotely mounted. And I know another person who has theirs setup via SMB for mounting. Just an FYI, I have had this Zaurus for a long time, used it on travel and at work, and have never until today had to hard reset it, this was my mistake, I pulled the power while booting when the battery had no charge. And I probably didn't have to hard reset it but I did because that was easiest, the only real data I keep on it is address and calendar, which were both out of date anyway.
On Thursday 12 September 2002 15:41, Anthony Moulen wrote:
On Thursday 12 September 2002 02:13 pm, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
John
I have a Zaurus and I sync it with SuSE. I do it through a Wireless card though so it is a bit easier than trying to get it to work with the sync cradle from what I have heard. I have used the cradle to sync with Win2k without any problems, but maybe I am just lucky. I just about to download the updated sync software to see if I can get Lotus Notes syncing to work which would be great (and mean I don't have to do personal development).
There was someone on the forum who was having a terrible time with their Zaurus lately, but unfortunately I didn't have time to read the thread and see what the problem was (big project going on during the thread). I had been fairly active on ZaurusZone until recently (same project).
Thanks for the comments from you and others here. I've been roaming the net looking since I posted the question. One site that had a specific patch for Suse 8.0 kernel to get it working with a USB cradle, along with install directions. http://www.ruault.com/Zaurus/ethernet-over-usb-howto.html One other site had alternative to patching the kernel by using a file called usbnet-standalone.tgz at http://humphrey.applitec.com/zaurus/ Only passing info along, this may be old to you guys using the Zaurus. Just looking to see what I'm up against before jumping into the water.
The real question has to be, what do you intend to do with it? The ease of configuration is really based on what your end goal is. If you are using it mostly disconnected, then it is perfectly fine as is. You can move data back and forth via removable media (compact flash or secure digital (MMC or SD)).
Yeah I'm mostly a desktop home user and enjoyed the Palm. After looking into moving up to a better Palm I started to look into the Zaurus, there's no question I'm hot on trying to get a Zaurus. The price has come and they can do so much more then the Palm. I run a dual boot system so if I have to sync in Win I will until I get it running on the Linux desktop. Thanks John "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." -- Robert Frost
From a previous post on this list: <quote> By "updated kernel" I presume you mean the steps in the SDB article: http://sdb.suselinux.hu/en/sdb/html/jreuter_zaurus_usb.html This boils down the howto in: http://www.ruault.com/Zaurus/ethernet-over-usb-howto.html into a very easy-to-follow set of steps to take with SuSE 8.0. <unquote> I followed that route but got stcuk in the middle on the 'make dep modules' where the compile.h was reported missing ... I posted this list for help ... And here I am tonight , hoping for the best ... I you ever try it, please report the results! TIA On Thursday September 12 2002 21:48, jfmurphy wrote Snip>
Thanks for the comments from you and others here. I've been roaming the net looking since I posted the question. One site that had a specific patch for Suse 8.0 kernel to get it working with a USB cradle, along with install directions. http://www.ruault.com/Zaurus/ethernet-over-usb-howto.html
One other site had alternative to patching the kernel by using a file called usbnet-standalone.tgz at http://humphrey.applitec.com/zaurus/
Only passing info along, this may be old to you guys using the Zaurus. Just looking to see what I'm up against before jumping into the water. <snip>
-- Lao Toma Linux user #282453
On Thursday 12 September 2002 14:13, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
I can't speak to the problems with the USB cradle - never went there with my Zaurus & SuSE. I also could not get the previous version of Qtopia desktop to run - library and path problems, and I didn't feel like fighting with it. On the positive side, the latest Qtopia RPM, v1.6 installed and runs and syncs without a hitch via ethernet (Socket 10/100 ethernet CF) and WiFi (D-Link DCF-650W) on 8.0. Yes, it was a dissapointment, originally, to find that the Z is a linux device that wouldn't sync with linux, but in my case the new Qtopia was the last piece in the puzzle. As far as everything else, I'm very pleased with my Z. Not just a PDA. Throw in an SD card and CF ethernet or WiFi, and you then have a very capable, very portable linux system. Makes it so I don't have to lug around my laptop nearly as much. -- Even if you do learn to speak correct English, whom are you going to speak it to? -- Clarence Darrow
On Thu, 2002-09-12 at 14:13, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
My Z is working fine and syncing with the Qtopia desktop 1.6 beta through the USB cradle. With SuSE 8.0, it does take some work on your part to get it working. There is a nice SDB article describing how to get the usbdnet module working so you can sync with the Z. I compiled the kernel module, but you can also download the 2.4.19 mantel kernel which has the module already built. I purchased a 128 MB Lexar SD card ($79) and a Linksys WFC-12 802.11b CF card ($79) and both worked perfectly out of the box. I can do wireless browsing and e-mail at home with the Linksys. It still has a few bugs and rough spots, but I would not want to go back to my Palm after using the Z. Best Regards, Keith -- LPIC-2, MCSE, N+ Once in a moment, it all comes to you As soon as you get it, you want something new Got spam? Get spastic http://spastic.sourceforge.net
On Friday 13 September 2002 06:07, Keith Winston wrote:
My Z is working fine and syncing with the Qtopia desktop 1.6 beta through the USB cradle. With SuSE 8.0, it does take some work on your part to get it working. There is a nice SDB article describing how to get the usbdnet module working so you can sync with the Z. I compiled the kernel module, but you can also download the 2.4.19 mantel kernel which has the module already built.
There was some warning with the Suse SDB article on how it would effect your other USB devices with the mantel kernel. If you have any other USB devices on your system did compiling the module effect them? I also have a USB printer and scanner setup on Suse. If I get the Zaurus, probably will give the module a shot rather then trying a brand new kernel. Question if you know, is the mantel kernel usually the one Suse adds to their next new distribution?
I purchased a 128 MB Lexar SD card ($79) and a Linksys WFC-12 802.11b CF card ($79) and both worked perfectly out of the box. I can do wireless browsing and e-mail at home with the Linksys.
It still has a few bugs and rough spots, but I would not want to go back to my Palm after using the Z.
Sounds good, I've probably gone through about 1000 messages about Zaurus from different groups. Plus gone through every site pertaining to Zaurus in the last few days. I would say about 90% of the users swear by them and would never look back. I've been using a Palm with Jpilot on Suse, planned on upgrading to a higher palm. The price of the Zaurus and Palm 515 are really close. Zaurus's options clearly go beyond palm, Zaurus looks like the winner. I just wanted to hear from someone that it did work from Suse. Thanks for the comments and also to all the others..... John -- "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." -- Robert Frost
On Fri, 2002-09-13 at 09:03, jfmurphy wrote:
There was some warning with the Suse SDB article on how it would effect your other USB devices with the mantel kernel. If you have any other USB devices on your system did compiling the module effect them? I also have a USB printer and scanner setup on Suse. If I get the Zaurus, probably will give the module a shot rather then trying a brand new kernel.
If you compile the module, it won't affect anything else USB related. I also use a USB mouse, USB camera, USB diskkey, and USB connection to the Iomega hipzip mp3 player. All continued to work fine.
Question if you know, is the mantel kernel usually the one Suse adds to their next new distribution?
AFAIK, mantel is the beta for new kernels. Best Regards, Keith -- LPIC-2, MCSE, N+ Once in a moment, it all comes to you As soon as you get it, you want something new Got spam? Get spastic http://spastic.sourceforge.net
Do you suppose that SuSE 9.0 will have this already compiled into the kernel (or an already built module)? On Friday 13 September 2002 10:11, Keith Winston wrote:
On Fri, 2002-09-13 at 09:03, jfmurphy wrote:
There was some warning with the Suse SDB article on how it would effect your other USB devices with the mantel kernel. If you have any other USB devices on your system did compiling the module effect them? I also have a USB printer and scanner setup on Suse. If I get the Zaurus, probably will give the module a shot rather then trying a brand new kernel.
If you compile the module, it won't affect anything else USB related. I also use a USB mouse, USB camera, USB diskkey, and USB connection to the Iomega hipzip mp3 player. All continued to work fine.
Question if you know, is the mantel kernel usually the one Suse adds to their next new distribution?
AFAIK, mantel is the beta for new kernels.
Best Regards, Keith
On Fri, 2002-09-13 at 19:07, mike wrote:
Do you suppose that SuSE 9.0 will have this already compiled into the kernel (or an already built module)?
SuSE 8.1 due within a couple months will definately have the module already compiled since the current Mantel kernel does. Best Regards, Keith -- LPIC-2, MCSE, N+ Once in a moment, it all comes to you As soon as you get it, you want something new Got spam? Get spastic http://spastic.sourceforge.net
On Thursday 12 September 2002 6:13 pm, jfmurphy wrote:
Thinking of purchasing a Zaurus SL5500. Is anyone using it with Suse 8.0, or have any experience with it. There seems to be some negative issues trying to get working well on a Linux desktop. You would think it would really be no problem seeing it's a linux based device.
I think the Z is great. As others have said, the QTopia Desktop works well with it, and the SuSE SDB article is very good. I have not yet used Wifi - FTP over cradle connection works fine for me. As with all things Linux, you may have to do a bit of experimenting (and bear in mind that this is the first "consumer" iteration of the device), but it's actually very good, and IMHO well worth getting. Kevin
Hi! I'm glad for you but still TRYING to get info on that 'compile.h' file missing when doing the 'make dep modules' as per the SuSE SDB article. :-(( I'm really surprised nobody - including SuSE - seems to know the answer (or care to throw it up!). Enjoy yoyr Zaurus. Mine looks sad and lonely in its craddle... On Friday September 13 2002 22:50, Kevin Donnelly wrote
I think the Z is great. As others have said, the QTopia Desktop works well with it, and the SuSE SDB article is very good. I have not yet used Wifi - FTP over cradle connection works fine for me. As with all things Linux, you may have to do a bit of experimenting (and bear in mind that this is the first "consumer" iteration of the device), but it's actually very good, and IMHO well worth getting.
Kevin
-- Lao Toma Linux user #282453
Okay I was able to get my Zaurus working over USB by following the following link's instructions: http://www.ruault.com/Zaurus/ethernet-over-usb-howto.html#suse It took a little work because the patch didn't work with Config.in in the USB directory of the kernel. So I have attached my Config.in to the bottom of this email. Sorry for folks looking at the web site. Everything else worked as expected. There is one minor annoyance, the CDCEther and acm modules load up, which is bothersome but doesn't affect anything. I wasn't able to make an RPM of my kernel unfortunately as I have an extra patch against my kernel for IPSec stuff I have running which doesn't agree with my kernel spec file. As stated though you can download a kernel from someone at suse that already has the usbdnet driver built into it. I also downloaded the updated qtopia desktop, which helps also, the older desktop tools were annoying and didn't work with installing packages.
participants (8)
-
Anthony Moulen -
Jay Vollmer -
jfmurphy -
Keith Winston -
Kevin Donnelly -
Lao Toma -
mike -
Naurgrim