Hewlett-Packard was first out of the door with a device running Pocket PC 2002, and the surprising result is a lean, mean machine - that unfortunately has one major flaw.
When Hewlett-Packard introduced the Jornada 540 series running the original Pocket PC 2000 operating system to the market, it quickly lost the popularity contest to Compaq's iPAQ H3600 series which not only arguably looked better, but also outperformed the 540 series - as well as Casio's devices - in terms of speed. With the introduction of Pocket PC 2002, the playfield has been leveled since all devices using that operating system available to date use a 206 MHz ARM-based processor. The short version? Compaq and other competitors have something to worry about, and for being the first Pocket PC 2002 device that hit shelves, the Jornada 560 series has given us a surprisingly pleasant experience for being "first of the first".
The grey eminense | A front view of the HP Jornada 560
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Our review device, a HP Jornada 565 isn't the top-of-the line model (the Jornada 568), but the only difference is that it sports 32 MB RAM instead of 64. Aside from that, it's the same 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 16-bit reflective sidelit TFT display, CompactFlash Type I expansion slot-equipped device as the 568.
The left side of the device is graced with one of the first major benefits of the Jornada 565; a up/down soft rubber jog button, which makes reading and browsing a truly enjoyable experience. No other PPC 2002 devices have a similar button, and it's completely amazing how much of a difference this little button does when it comes to comfortability when reading documents. Just below, the standard dual-function voice record/open Notes application button for PPC devices is located.
Furthest down on the left side of the 565, you'll find the compartment for the backup battery which extends sideways, with a pull-sideways-to-unlock lever in place to ensure that the compartment stays shut. The backup battery provides some 24 hours of extended memory preservation for the Jornada in case the main battery should run out of juice, and should also be counted as one of the great advantages of the device (neither Compaq's nor Toshiba's devices have backup batteries, although Casio's E-200 PPC 2002 model has).
On the bottom of the Jornada, the microphone slot is placed far to the left, and the unit's USB/serial connector centered. The Jornada 560 series come with USB cradles as a standard, but it's also possible to purchase a serial cradle. As for the quality of the cradle, HP can add another 'excellent' remark from us to its score sheet - the device slips into the cradle so easy you wouldn't believe it, and ejects just as easily.
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