05-16-2003, 11:00 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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A Laptop That Docks and Syncs With Your Desktop
http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20030515.html
For those ultra-mobile geeks among our readers that are always looking for the smallest possible Windows XP system, Sharp has something that may interest you.
"Sharp, has taken this merger of the laptop and PDA to a new level. It has introduced an ultrathin laptop that can synchronize its data with a larger PC via a desktop cradle, in the manner of a Palm or Pocket PC."
There are additional specs at Sharp's USA site, including pricing which starts at $1,499 before accessorizing.
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05-16-2003, 11:05 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 735
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Nice but slooow due to it's battery-friendly Crusoe processor. Good for most people but not good for people who do CPU crunching work.
And actually, its syncing function is nothing like that of a Palm or PocketPC! It just syncs files not PIM.
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05-16-2003, 11:08 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 270
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If I were still traveling and the ergonomics were better (see Walt Mossberg's review), I'd buy it in a minute. I always hated that "briefcase" business that I used to have to do to move many files/folders from one machine to the notebook. Synching a notebook is the way to go (as long as it's not ActiveSync. What a disaster that would be!).
I think that this is the first of many. The PDA is an extension of my desktop. A PDA/Notebook cross would be the deal for travelers.
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Thanks!
Peace,
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05-17-2003, 12:34 AM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 899
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I think this particular unit has been around the reviews circuit for awhile, I seem to remember reading it everywhere (ex: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1042183,00.asp reposted from recent thread). Just saying that there should also be other places with opinions/judgments on it for an interested buyer to dig up...
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05-17-2003, 12:35 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 88
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Thanks, Ed. Love the "synchronization to desktop via a cradle" concept. I'm certain that something like this (only not sluggish, and with built in DVD-ROM drive) is in my future. I've been lugging around a desktop replacement type of laptop, and I am beginning to develop an appreciation for light and thin. I already have the need to sync my laptop with my desktop (and in as hassle-free a manner as possible). Hope more laptop vendors embrace this concept.
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05-17-2003, 12:37 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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I was interested in one of these until I found out that 256 MB was the maximum RAM you could put in it. Windows XP would barely breath with 256 MB...no sale here. :roll:
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05-17-2003, 12:44 AM
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Editorial Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,411
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Doesn't seem much earth shattering here. My Vaio slimdock is darn near as skinny (with out the dock) and does have a modem and 100Bt port. Has more ummpf to with a real Intel processor. I get about 4 hours of normal use.
I can stick it on a network and share the drive. 10 years ago you could take an Apple Powerbook and hok it to a desktop via SCSI (you put it in the chain) and it would become a drive on the desktop. How far we have come.
The only thing I don't get is the 'sync' capability. I've always thought it was criminal that didn't exist, out of the MS OS box or via a third party. Why the heck can't I sync the PIM info (Outlook) and a specific file folder between my desktop and laptop? Guess no one ever had that requirement before :?
Actually I can do the PIM. I run an exchange server and it keeps my PIM info. The desktop and laptop access it and the laptop is set up for off-line use. Bit extreme for most.
__________________
Sometimes you are the anteater, sometimes you are the ant.
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05-17-2003, 12:45 AM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 541
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Barely breathe? I play games on an XP machine with 256MB RAM, it's not too bad at all.
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05-17-2003, 12:58 AM
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Oracle
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 974
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no go - would rather get a tabletpc... more options, but i do like the idea of syncing files - would rather have it include PIM stuff too and not just files
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05-17-2003, 01:17 AM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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Just keep in mind all a few things.
1. This is not intended to be a desktop replacement, unlike most laptops and tablets.
2. Yes, many of us have a (w)lan at home so the share/sync thing isn't a big deal. However, think about your mom or brother-in-law that wants to carry some work around with them. Pop it in the cradle and it is done. No ipconfig, no NAT, no config at all.
I would never consider this device personally. I am happy with a laptop as my sole PC and my Pocket PC as my truly mobile companion, but those of you with hyper-game machines that occasionally need real Windows processing that is mobile and don't want to fool with a router, LAN, etc., this is something to consider. I just thought it was interesting. First laptop I've seen with a docking station and thought it was even more interesting that the laptop must be off to sync. Kinda cool. 
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