HP Jornada 420

HP has included a fair memory specification, with 8Mb of ROM for the preloaded system applications and 8Mb of RAM. This is enough if you aren't intending to install other applications, and there's room for memory expansion via the Type I or II Card slot at the top of the machine. If you want to use the machine's voice recorder, a second of legible sound consumes 11Kb, so 1Mb of RAM only provides 90 seconds of sound.

The look and specifications of the cradle, which hooks up to your desktop computer's serial port, won't shock regular palm PC users. The hidden advantage of Windows CE is the high levels of compatability with most standard Windows applications, via ActiveSync. This automatically synchronises Pocket Outlook with Microsoft Outlook when your PC and handheld are connected. It removes the possibility of forgetting to update your Outlook files, unlike many other systems, which require you to manually synchronise.

Even with a colour screen, the Jornada didn't live up to our expectations. Its awkward design is unlikely to attract impulse buyers or make major inroads into the consumer market. To be fair though, HP is aiming squarely at the corporate buyer, with the 420 being hooked up to a PC and only being removed for short periods. Although ActiveSync performs well in this area, ultimately this is a first-generation colour Windows CE device that suffers from a clunky design. It's also slow which makes it hard to recommend, especially with so many manufacturers readying rivals.

Author: Tim Danton