Amazon.com Review
Pocket PCs aren't known as the budget PDAs of the handheld world--these fast, high-color machines are the ones you'll usually find in the $500 range, offering TFT displays and speedier processors than their less costly brethren.
But HP's Jornada 525 sells for under $400, nearly down to the range of the basic PDAs while still offering a lot of the upper-echelon goodies. The Jornada 525 ships with only 16 MB of integrated memory--normally a sizeable amount that gets eaten into quickly by Windows CE and its multimedia capabilities (we were only able to put a couple of MP3 files on the Jornada as it shipped). But you can add up to 128 MB of additional storage with a CompactFlash card. By boosting the storage, the MP3 playback actually becomes a viable option--for patient users.
The patience comes in with the serial connection of the Jornada. This is fine for normal synchronization of notes, e-mails, and other text files, but we found it painfully slow with multiple megabytes of MP3s. Playback of the music files was crisp through the stereo headphone jack and loud even via the built-in speaker. The Jornada ships with serial connection cable, but you can pick up a serial cradle. It also offers infrared transfer, if your PC or notebook offers the connectivity.
Weighing in at only 8 ounces, the Jornada fits snugly in the palm, with indented grips on the rubber sides, and offers four hot keys for quick access to the home screen, contacts, calendar, and tasks list. There's also a voice recorder built into the Jornada, accessible via a thumb button on the left side of the PDA.
Some flaws mar the overall design package: the flimsy CompactFlash slot cover feels like it could snap off easily and the rubber pieces on the top of each side look like they're meant to peel off (they're not) and do so with little resistance. The Jornada 525 also lacks a stylus slot on the device itself (the stylus is stored in the case that houses the Jornada), and the stylus could use a bit more heft.
Nitpicks aside, the Jornada provides a lot of kick from its 133 MHz processor--applications popped open quickly and we were able to multitask with little slowdown. The bright, 8-bit color screen was easy on the eyes and is also sensitive enough to allow touch manipulation.
Running Windows for Pocket PC and shipping with Microsoft Outlook 2000 also means that your Word, Excel, and e-mail files transfer to the Jornada seamlessly. The Jornada also runs on a rechargeable battery (although we didn't quite get the promised eight hours of life), saving on the cost of battery replacement.
While a redesign would definitely add to the Jornada's appeal, as it is it's a respectable Pocket PC for an excellent price. --J. Curtis
Pros:
- Inexpensive for a Pocket PC
- Light and sleek
- Bright color screen
Cons:
- Some design flaws
- Slow serial connection
Product Description
Here is a PC that fits your pocket and your life. The HP Jornada 520 series color Pocket PC lets you work where and when you need to. Not only will it help you stay organized, you'll be able to work away from your desk. With pocket PC versions of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel you can edit a spreadsheet on the plane, work on a Word document while listening to your favorite MP3 or record a voice memo instantly when that great idea hits. Plus, it is a wireless Internet-ready solution so you can connect to the Web to check stocks, pick a restaurant, or read your e-mail when you're on the road. Even free time is fun - the vivid color display enriches reading electronic books, playing games, and surfing the Web. And when you're ready for more, HP makes it easy with the built-in CompactFlash expansion slot to add memory and accessories.
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