Created: 11 September 2026 · Last edited: 14 October 2026
The Zaurus SL-C – 5th Gen represented a major evolution of Sharp's clamshell Linux handheld, retaining the distinctive rotating VGA display and QWERTY keyboard while moving to Intel's 416 MHz XScale PXA270 processor. The series began with the SL-C3000 in November 2004, which introduced a built-in 4 GB Microdrive, making it one of the first handheld computers to combine a high-resolution VGA display with substantial internal hard-disk storage. The 3.7-inch 640 × 480-pixel, 65,536-colour display retained Sharp's CG-Silicon System LCD technology, while the rotating screen allowed the familiar Input Style and View Style configurations.
The subsequent SL-C1000, SL-C3100 and SL-C3200 retained essentially the same hardware platform but offered different combinations of Flash memory and hard-disk storage. The C1000 replaced the C3000's 4 GB Microdrive with 128 MB of Flash memory, while the C3100 combined 128 MB of Flash with the 4 GB drive. The final C3200 increased the hard drive to 6 GB and added further English-learning and text-to-speech content. All four models provided 64 MB of SDRAM, SD/MMC and CompactFlash Type II expansion, USB connectivity and IrDA, and ran Sharp's Linux-based Zaurus software platform.
Specifications
- Display: 3.7 inches, 640 × 480 px — System LCD (CG-Silicon)
- CPU: Intel XScale (PXA270) — 416 MHz
- Rear camera:
- 1.3 MP
- unknown
- Battery: 1800 mAh (removable)
- Operating system: Lineo uLinux
- OS version at launch: 2.4.20
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Zaurus Spitz SL-C3000
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 64 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 4 GB
- External storage: SD/MMC, CompactFlash Type II
Released in November 2004, the SL-C3000 was the world's first PDA with a built-in hard drive: a 4 GB Microdrive, which worked alongside 16 MB of Flash memory and 64 MB of SDRAM. It had no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but wireless connectivity could be added through compatible CompactFlash cards. The Microdrive could also be accessed from a connected PC using the Zaurus Drive function, effectively allowing the internal hard drive to be used as external storage.
At 124 × 87 × 25 mm and approximately 298 g, the C3000 was considerably thicker and heavier than contemporary PDAs such as Sony's popular CLIÉ line, reflecting the space and weight required by its built-in hard drive.
Zaurus SL-C3000 photo taken from a Facebook post by Henry Freyer's.
Zaurus Akita SL-C1000
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 64 MB
- Built-in storage memory: None
- External storage: SD/MMC, CompactFlash Type II
Released in March 2005, the SL-C1000 was a lower-cost, hard-drive-free version of the C3000. It replaced the 4 GB Microdrive with 128 MB of Flash memory, making it lighter and less vulnerable to mechanical shock while retaining the same 416 MHz PXA270 processor, 64 MB of SDRAM, VGA display and dual SD/CompactFlash expansion. At 124 × 87 × 23.4 mm and approximately 278 g, it was slightly thinner and about 20 g lighter than the C3000.
Zaurus Borzoi SL-C3100
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 64 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 4 GB
- External storage: SD/MMC, CompactFlash Type II
Released in June 2005, the SL-C3100 combined the 128 MB of Flash memory of the C1000 with the 4 GB Microdrive of the C3000. Apart from its revised dark metallic colour scheme and a substantially expanded collection of English-language, business and educational content, its hardware was largely unchanged from the C3000. At 124 × 87 × 25 mm and approximately 298 g, it was therefore virtually identical in size and weight to the C3000.
Zaurus Terrier SL-C3200
- Waterproofing: None
- Dustproofing: None
- Operating memory (RAM): 64 MB
- Built-in storage memory: 6 GB
- External storage: SD/MMC, CompactFlash Type II
Released in March 2006, the SL-C3200 was the last Zaurus model ever produced, bringing Sharp's Linux-based handheld range to an end after several years of development. It retained the 416 MHz PXA270 processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and 128 MB of Flash memory, but increased the internal Microdrive from 4 GB to 6 GB
It also expanded the supplied English-learning material, adding TOEIC preparation software and a text-to-speech application, while retaining the same basic clamshell hardware as its predecessors.
At 124 × 87 × 25 mm and approximately 298 g, the SL-C3200 retained essentially the same dimensions and weight as the C3000 and C3100.