Sharp Pushes Linux and Java for New PDA

Coldly passing on such fashionable PDA operating systems as Palm OS and Pocket PC, Sharp just announced that it will rely on Linux and Java for the development of applications for its upcoming Zaurus SL-5000D PDA. Sharp's PDA uses Lineo's Embedix Plus, provided by Lineo. Embedix Plus provides a GUI framework, web browser, Java capabilities and a suite of PDA applications. Embedix Plus PDA includes Lineo's Embedix, a Linux kernel configured for embedded devices, Trolltech's Qt/Embedded GUI application framework, Insignia Solutions Jeode PDA Edition, and Opera Software ASA's Opera 5 for Linux Web browser. Also included in the development partnership is Qt Palmtop from Trolltech, an application environment for embedded Linux-based devices. Sharp says it is working with PersonalJava runtime environments like intent by Tao Group Ltd. to support various customer Java requirements. Sharp started accepting pre-orders for the development kit yesterday, for those who have registered on the Sharp Linux/Java PDA developer site .