Product Specifications
General
BrandHewlett Packard
Technical Details
- A stereo audio jack (and Microsoft Windows Media Player)
- PC Card and CompactFlash card slots are now separate
- Convenient portable power
- The architecture has been redesigned for better power efficiency
- A Smart Card reader allows more security functionality to be added
Product details
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Hewlett-Packard decided to make a "do-anything" handheld device when they designed the Jornada 720, and on most counts they have succeeded. One of the nice things about Windows CE devices is that manufacturers don't have to stick to a specific design. They can make large screens or small screens, add keyboards or rely solely on the touch screen for input, and basically do whatever they want. The Jornada 720 sports a keyboard just large enough for comfortable touch typing and a large 640x240 screen that makes Web browsing and document editing much easier than is the case with a smaller device. This useful combination means that most people will be able to use the Jornada 720 as a notebook computer replacement. However, if you're looking for the ultimate in portable handheld computing, you'll have to look elsewhere.
The 720 is about as loaded as a Windows CE device can get; it comes with an integrated 56 Kbps V.90 modem, docking station for easy connection to a PC, AC adapter, and rechargeable battery. It's outfitted with 32 MB of RAM and a 206 MHz StrongARM processor that really makes applications fly. On the multimedia side you get an integrated speaker and stereo headphone jack for audio playback, and one of the most beautiful TFT active matrix displays we've seen. It can mix and match more than 65,000 colours at once, renders very crisp text, and never had trouble keeping up with our input like inferior passive matrix screens do.
The very thing that makes the Jornada 720 so useful--its relatively large size--is also its biggest drawback. Its weight can make it unwieldy, and there's no good way to get a grip on it when there isn't a flat surface to use it with. We ended up accidentally pressing keys far too often when holding the unit with one hand, though with a little practice juggling becomes much easier.
If you are graduating to the Jornada from a smaller handheld (such as a Palm) instead of slimming down from a notebook, prepare to be underwhelmed by its portability. Expect to be impressed, however, by its zippy performance, generous display, and expansion possibilities. --T. Byrl Baker
Manufacturer's Description
As a busy professional, getting more done in less time is a challenge you face every day. You need a convenient and reliable way to store your information - and keep it up-to-date - while away from your desk. Small and light, the HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC delivers the power, speed, and flexibility you need while on the go. Packed with memory, it lets you run the applications you need, as well as send and receive e-mail and use the Internet to do business away from your office.
Work faster than ever before. Get fast data access with a high-performance 206MHz processor, 32MB SDRAM, high-speed 51MHz memory data bus, and 2D graphics acceleration. Access e-mail and enjoy rich Web browsing while on the go. New Microsoft Internet Explorer for Handheld PC v 4.01 gives you rich mobile access to the Web. USB support provides for faster data transfer when connected to your PC.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
92 of 92 people found the following review helpful
I've never been a great user of handheld/pocket PCs of any nature. I use a Desktop PC for most of my work and have a desktop replacement laptop for work while away from home. When looking for a smaller and more portable device, I wanted something with a familiar "feel" to it - Windows CE was the obvious operating system to check out.
Not only does the HP Jornada 720 "look" like a mini-laptop, it acts like one as well. It comes equipped with a bright full-colour 640x240 display which, when used in conjunction with the internal modem, makes browsing the internet a breeze. None of this having to settle for a lesser browser, like Opera, on this machine - the pocket version of IE4 is pre-loaded as standard. HP Dial-Up makes setting up dial-up connections easy and makes setting up different ISP connections a doddle.
Email is handled by the pocket version of Microsoft Outlook (which you can set to download all or part of the emails synchronized on your ISP's server). Multiple email addresses are handled without a worry.
Also included are preloaded versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint. You can't create Powerpoint presentations but you can view them on a monitor with the HP VGA PC card (available separately).
You can download extras from Microsoft's website including the "Plus" pack for free. This gives additional programs such as Paint (ideal for doodling).
The whole device is well put together, the unit feels strong and resilient when closed. It is a tad heavy but can be carried within your jacket pocket without too much of a struggle.
Expansion is via the Compact Flash Type I slot in the base and Type II PCMCIA slot in the side of the unit. Additional tweaks have been thought about, such as an easily accessible section for storing the pen used for the touch screen.
Also preloaded is Microsoft's Media Player for playing music. The speakers aren't brilliant for this (but are adequate) though the sound is much better when you plug headphones/speakers into the audio jack. For convenience, volume/play controls are positioned within easy reach while the lid is closed (useful when using the 720 as a walkman).
Synchronisation with your PC/laptop is also a doddle using the supplied docking cradle and Active Sync. The unit is supplied with a serial cable but you have the option of USB-synchronisation as well (so get yourself a standard USB cable to speed things up).
The 720's fast 206MHz processor really does feel fast and, combined with "instant-on", makes this a very nippy machine. Take it out of your pocket, press "ON" and you're ready to type. It's as quick as that.
For something that does almost everything, the HP Jornada 720 is like a dream. Everyone I have shown it to has been well impressed with it. Hardly anyone could believe that so much can be done with such a small box.
Other applications include a note-taking program (not handwriting-recognition) which allows you to write on the screen and save your work. This is a little tricky due to the proximity of the keyboard but it's a useful addition. Don't feel like writing? Then record your notes by using the 720 as a voice recorder. Everything you need is supplied.
Depending on what you read, battery time is 6-8hours but you generally get more than that because it's unlikely you'll use the 720 non-stop for 6-8hours and power-management kicks in.
The only downside is the price (generally £560+VAT) and the weight. But for what you get in return, this is a good alternative to lugging around a 3-4Kg laptop with you everywhere. One other minor niggle is that the keyboard on the 720 is American - having symbols such as @ and " in the wrong place is quite annoying, but it is just an annoyance.
There isn't too much software around for the Jornada 720 but as everything you need is preloaded, you'll don't really need much else. You can obtain things like an eBook reader and books which provides a useful alternative to carrying half a library around with you on long journeys.
The 32Mb of memory is ample for most purposes, but if you intend to carry a lot of music with you, filling the Type I Compact Flash slot with either a 32Mb or 64Mb Compact Flash card will go a long way to enhancing your music experience.
I consider myself very lucky to have "struck gold" with the Jornada 720 first time out. Expensive as it is, I wouldn't have liked to have chosen a lesser (cheaper) device only to be disappointed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
I'm absolutely thrilled with my HP Jornada 720 PC. I purchased the item from new and I recieved the item in perfect condition, 24 hours after purchasing the product, with all perhiprials present and correct. The seller was courteous and helpful with flawless service and the product is fantastic. Top Marks!!!
It does everything that you could possibly require of such a device. It allows me to work on the move by editing and amending various documents, spreadsheets as well as accessing databases that I use through my work. I can also listen to my music if I desire thanks to Windows Media Player, and because the device features a headphone jack I can keep my music to myself (rather useful on the gatwick express - especially in the mornings when a lot of people are asleep!!)
You can also personalise your HP Jornada if you wish with a wallpaper of your choice (these are not included with the device but you can download plenty from "HPC Forums" or make one yourself - it's so easy to do).
I am also pleasantly surprised my how many perhiprials (hardware and software) are available for people who wish to expand on HP Jornada 720's already plentiful capabilities. I have purchased a Cisco Systems wireless card which is exceptionally useful, both for connnecting to networks at work as well as being able to access internet and e-mails in any location with Wi-Fi. I also use the "Microsoft Plus!" package which is available to download on the Internet (I aquired it from HPC Forums) and I have also purchased a programme called "PocketTV" which allows you to watch videos on your HP Jornada - again an incredibly useful programme which I would recommend. You can even download a flight simulator believe it or not!!! (Leo's Flight Sim - absolutely fantastic and also free!)
To conclude, despite being several years old now, the HP Jornada 720 is an exceptional device. It is as useful as any PDA I have ever used (which are quite plentiful in number), and is extremely versatile with corporate networking, both through cable and wirelessly. The QWERTY Keyboard is also a valuable bonus. A high quality, well specified handheld pc which really will make your life easier and more organised.
[ASIN:B00005B4OG HP Jornada 720 206MHz 32 MB Handheld Pocket PC]].
It does everything that you could possibly require of such a device. It allows me to work on the move by editing and amending various documents, spreadsheets as well as accessing databases that I use through my work. I can also listen to my music if I desire thanks to Windows Media Player, and because the device features a headphone jack I can keep my music to myself (rather useful on the gatwick express - especially in the mornings when a lot of people are asleep!!)
You can also personalise your HP Jornada if you wish with a wallpaper of your choice (these are not included with the device but you can download plenty from "HPC Forums" or make one yourself - it's so easy to do).
I am also pleasantly surprised my how many perhiprials (hardware and software) are available for people who wish to expand on HP Jornada 720's already plentiful capabilities. I have purchased a Cisco Systems wireless card which is exceptionally useful, both for connnecting to networks at work as well as being able to access internet and e-mails in any location with Wi-Fi. I also use the "Microsoft Plus!" package which is available to download on the Internet (I aquired it from HPC Forums) and I have also purchased a programme called "PocketTV" which allows you to watch videos on your HP Jornada - again an incredibly useful programme which I would recommend. You can even download a flight simulator believe it or not!!! (Leo's Flight Sim - absolutely fantastic and also free!)
To conclude, despite being several years old now, the HP Jornada 720 is an exceptional device. It is as useful as any PDA I have ever used (which are quite plentiful in number), and is extremely versatile with corporate networking, both through cable and wirelessly. The QWERTY Keyboard is also a valuable bonus. A high quality, well specified handheld pc which really will make your life easier and more organised.
[ASIN:B00005B4OG HP Jornada 720 206MHz 32 MB Handheld Pocket PC]].
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
This palmtop has the fastest processor of the range, with a built in 56k modem, 16 bit sound card and 32Mb RAM, Brilliant. What isn't disclosed is that the opearting system takes 16Mb of the RAM, however this aplies to all palmtops, so beware! Linux CE will soon be available, which is less then 1.4Mb Ram, and has much more options
