Compaq Aero 2130 review

You won't need to worry so much when using the Aero's built-in microphone to record memos. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of sound it achieved, even at the lowest quality level of 8Kbytes/sec, which works out at around two minutes per megabyte. Like the Jornada, but unlike the Nino, recording is made easy by a one-touch record button at the top of the machine.

In terms of bundled software, Compaq includes an impressive multifunction calculator - which can handle anything from currency converting to working out loan repayments - and a less impressive finance management program. Another bonus comes in the form of the Audible Content Player, which allows you to download audio books, news articles and more from the Audible Web site. This is an expensive way to get the news though, and the only UK-based publication available for subscription is the Economist.

The Aero's biggest problem, though, isn't the battery life or character recognition, but its non-Windows CE rivals, the Palm series. These may have mono screens, but they're also cheaper and lighter - for instance, the Palm V (reviewed issue 54, p167) costs around £260 and weighs just 115g. But even at the slightly higher price of £340, we'd recommend the Compaq Aero over both the Nino 500 and the Jornada 420. Theædecisive factor isn't the TFT screen, or the fashionable brushed-silver finish, but quite simply speed. For once this is a Windows CE machine that's not a pain to use.

Author: Tim Danton