Hewlett Packard Jornada 540 Color Pocket PC

The Pocket PC OS is also responsive and well thought out--a big improvement over WinCE. In addition to the suite of powerful pocket applications (Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, PIM, and Scheduler), the Jornada can also serve as a digital voice recorder (to capture those spur-of-the-moment thoughts), an MP3 player, audible content player, and even an e-books reader.

The standard 16 MB memory is expandable using standard CompactFlash cards. The product ships with a synchronization cradle (which supports USB or conventional serial interfaces), a serial sync cable, and an AC power adapter. A microphone and a small speaker are built in. For MP3 use, we recommend expanding your RAM to 64 MB with a CompactFlash card to provide an hour of near CD-quality music.

Most Windows users should be able to run through the setup wizard and start using the Jornada and its applications without cracking the manual. Learning to use handwriting recognition, which is integrated into all the applications, requires mastering a few special stylus strokes, but you should be writing smoothly within half an hour. In comparison with Palm's Graffiti system, the Pocket PC system is fully on par.

In our tests, setting up a connection to a desktop PC for synchronization was simple. Within 20 minutes, we had installed the ActiveSync software, hooked up the supplied cable to the serial port, plugged in the AC power, and established a connection. An optional USB synchronization cradle is also available. Synchronization is automatic and file transfer is simple using the Windows Explorer-like interface.

The only real caveat is that Pocket PC works best in a Windows-centric world. At launch, it appears that there is no support for synchronizing with non-Microsoft e-mail and scheduling applications. (With an optional modem or network-interface card, you can send and receive Internet POP mail directly via your ISP.)

The choice between Pocket PC and Palm still comes down to tradeoffs. Palms are still lighter, smaller, and cheaper, and they do the basics beautifully. The Jornada 540 is slightly bigger, 5 ounces heavier, a little more expensive, but vastly more powerful and flexible. The choice all depends on what you expect your PDA to do. --Thomas Mace

Pros:

• Handsome, compact design
• Superb color screen
• Large application suite
• Easy setup and intuitive interface

• No support for synchronization of non-Microsoft e-mail and scheduling applications
• 5 ounces heavier than Palm V

If you ride the bus or train home from work or school you can listen to popular MP3 and WMA music and compile your own digital music playlists. You can also listen to or read your favorite books and articles from leading newspapers and magazines. You can even create a digital photo album to share with friends. With the stereo-quality audio system and vertically aligned pixel color screen, you can listen, read, and relax wherever you may be.

The HP Jornada 540 allows you to synchronize data with your desktop PC easily and quickly. Then carry and access your contacts, tasks, calendars, memos, and e-mail anywhere. You can even view e-mail attachment files or review Microsoft Excel and Word documents. Download digital music, images, and other multimedia files from your desktop PC, and capture your thoughts with the built-in voice recorder. As far as connectivity is concerned, the HP Jornada 540 is fully capable. You can review and act on your e-mail, surf the Web, send instant messages, and stay up-to-date with the latest news, sports scores, and stock information.

Designed to fit the way you live, the slim and sturdy HP Jornada 540 features a rubber protection strip to make it easy to grip and carry anywhere. Its elegant alloy casing projects style and professionalism in any environment, while its sleek metal cover provides durability and protects the screen from scratches. You can also personalize it to fit your needs with a variety of accessories. Stay in touch, get online, do more in less time, and do it all in style with the HP Jornada 540 Color Pocket PC.

What's in the box

• Jornada 540
• Stylus
• Hardcover
• Serial cable
• AC adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• Jornada CD-ROM
• HP documentation pack
• HP Jornada Accessory Guide
• Microsoft ActiveSync CD-ROM and Getting Started with Microsoft ActiveSync booklet

I also own a Palm IIIc and find it easier to use compared to the Pocket PC version. The Palm platform is almost idiot-proof, unlike Pocket PC which has a higher learning curve for ordinary users who are not so computer-literate. I didn't even need to read the manual to use my Palm Pilot.

Also note that there are more software available for download onto the Palm platform.

Upside is that Jornada 540's screen/display is great, you can work on Word & Excel documents, unlike in Palm Pilot, memory is expandable, you can play MP3's, record voice messages, and plug in your earphones if you want to listen to music. Compared to Palm Pilots currently in the market, Jornada has more features and better display resolution.


Too much fun   November 24, 2000
Michael Espinoza (New York, NY USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I got my Jornada and it really blew me away. As an owner of a Palm VII and V, my Jornada really just made them look stupid. It comes with Word, Excel, Money, Outlook...and that's just scratching the surface. It can play MP3s and, with the right software, even movies. Granted its short on memory; I strongly recommend buying more. I bought a 128MB CompactFlash card (maybe an overkill) and it doubles as an awesome MP3 player. I always have it in my pocket, so I just plug in my headphones and I walk around campus with music.

I downloaded Microsoft Transcriber (which is free) and I can't say enough about it. 10 times faster and easier than using graffiti, you just write as normal. When you're done it converts your writing to text. It even reads cursive! I have pretty mediocore penmanship and it can read things that even other humans cannot.

It has a built-in microphone and speaker. It comes with PeaceMaker to exchange contacts and business cards with Palms. It has Internet Explorer so it can view regular web pages; not just preformatted AvantGo pages. I like the flat stylus better than the skinny Palm one...its wider, so you can grip it more like a normal pen than a toothpick.

Here are the downsides: like every color screen, its hard to see in daylight, though there are preset brightness settings to help you out a bit. It needs more memory, so get a compactflash card. The serial cable is a bit slow; a USB cradle or cable will save you a LOT of time, especially if you transfer a lot of MP3s or web pages. It WILL crash every once in awhile. Its really not a big deal. All you do is take your stylus and tap the button on the back. 3 seconds later its up and running again.


HP = "Happy People", or, Every Customer is Satisfied   November 16, 2000
Andrew Moore (Memphis, TN)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The HP 540 Color Pocket PC is great if you need a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or if you just want to have the latest, coolest, and the most neatest gadjet around. There is one CON: -Not Enough Memory- I recommend buying the HP 545 Color Pocket PC if you are looking for something with more power, but if you are looking for something with a low price and ~OK~ power, get this! It's great to have! If your looking for a PDA, get the HP series, they're the best! I only accept HP and nothing else! Go With HP!


The Best in Handheld computers   November 11, 2000
Carol Langstroth (Milford, PA USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

..I first bought a handspring ..but found it ate batteries like they were comming out of style. ( had to replace them every other day) I was getting angry as I need this to keep track of the three jobs that I have. Then one night I bought this wonderfull thing. I can actually read it..Use it every day without having to replace the batteries. It keeps track of evcerything..time..tasks..phone numbers ...lets me have some fun as I can play games and read a book. It has made my life better as I can schdeule my life to fit everyhting I do.