Jornada Pocket PC - Why I LOVE it!
Written: May 14 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Color, expandable, durable, a true pocket PC, synchs great with my PC
Cons: Less colors than originally advertised but this didn't affect performance
The Bottom Line: HP's version of the Pocket PC is really fun, addictive, and practical.
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| hitekmastr's Full Review: Hewlett Packard Jornada 545 Pocket PC |
I have never been a "PDA" user because they were bulky, heavy, overbuilt, black and white and more inconvenient to use than a paper calendar or laptop. Then I got my Jornada. It happened to be a 545 and while I would recommend a 548 or higher model if you can afford it, I LOVE my Jornada!
When I first got my Jornada I didn't really know what I would do with it. Finding out has been tons of fun. But first, let's talk about the features.
The features are the same as almost any pocket PC. This is basically Hewlett Packard's version of the Pocket PC, in fact. It runs Microsoft's CE operating system and synchs beautifully with my desktop PC. All I have to do it put it in the docking stand and plug it into the back of my PC. There is a shared folder on the desktop where I can easily edit programs, add/delete, load or download.
Because it's a "PC" it has the ability to interpret handwritten text using a touch stylus (I bought extra styluses but the original one has never broken or worn out). You can also input using an onscreen keyboard -- you press the keys by touching them with the stylus. Sounds cumbersome, but you get used to it quickly. Also, you can get a compact, collapsible keyboard that allows you to input like a computer keyboard. The portable keyboards are smaller than I expected and this surprised me.
I like the expandability. You can expand memory and add more powerful batteries if you like, or run from a wall outlet. Contrary to some opinions I've read, it lasts for 8 to 10 hours and mine has held its battery charge life and I've had it over 6 months.
What do I use mine for? I travel a lot and when I'm trapped in an airport with nothing to do and a flight delayed for an hour, or even while watching TV at home and feeling like "multitasking" I pull up a chess game and amuse myself with that or some other game. That's the "not so serious" use.
It's great for my business applications - I load documents using Microsoft Word or Acrobat reader (sold separately) if I want to load in some documents I got over the web, to read. There is a LOT of software for this little PDA available on the Internet, most of it allows you to run standard text, publications, spreadsheets, etc. Versions of Word, Excel, etc. are built in. I have also loaded some nice color graphic images (glacier, etc.) which I keep in memory just to impress people who get curious.
When the Jornada was first introduced, there was some flap over the number of bits (12 vs. 16) and the colors, but I find the colors to be excellent and I am not looking for true color in a small PDA, and I think the colors are fine (most PDAs still don't even have color!). Color photos of my family on vacation look great on the screen.
The hardest thing to get used to is the navigation system. You have to click on a hierarchy of screens that lead you to editing and program screens as well as applications, and the standard features like a calendar/datebook. I won't talk about the datebook except to say that I use it all the time and it works fine, and this is one of the killer apps for PDAs. Sorry, but although I like the datebook a lot, I still prefer a small vestpocket paper calendar. A better application is the contact feature, that allows me to keep detailed information on all my important contacts, easily downloaded from the contact software on my PC.
A more interesting application that I am just beginning to use is the WIRELESS Internet access feature. Using a Minstrel modem (it looks like a very thin wraparound case for the Jornada and when it's on it looks like part of the Jornada). I am using it with GO AMERICA's mobile Internet service and the screen displays the Internet VERY well, much better than I expected! I am delighted to have access to the Net (including emails) on such a small portable device and this is one of the best reasons to own one. I'd rather carry this than a laptop!
The only big disappointment I've had was when I tried to take advantage of the "free starter kit" advertised on the Internet - when I tried to access it on several occasions, it refused to accept my entry and I never got my kit which made me angry but the kit is NOT offered by Hewlett Packard so it wasn't their fault.
I am still exploring the applications for my Jornada, working with the spreadsheet software, doing a bit of note taking and writing, and experimenting with various software packages that keep becoming available online for this wonderfully addictive little device.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 500
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Epinions.com ID:
hitekmastr
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 1 member
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