PDA Reviews

HP has been one of those which are regarded as the stalwarts of electronic gadgets and computing devices. Just like in all types of gadgets, HP has been very successful even in the production of its PDAs as they are very well received not only by the businessmen but also the general public. But, earlier, PDAs were not as great as they are today. They are not that stylish and also not that great at performance as well. One such PDA is the HP Jornada 728 PDA. Let us look at the details of this PDA but readers are notified to keep in mind that this PDA is a basic one, and hence not to expect it to sport any of the modern features.

Design:

A huge one:
The HP Jornada 728 looks like a small scale laptop, but then, it cannot be called a palmtop as well since it is even bigger than a normal palmtop. The design, on the other hand looks like it is an archaic model. Some of the critics have also reported that it is more like a toy than like a mini computer. It measures about 7.4 inches wide, 1.3 inches deep and 3.7 inches high. These are rather unusual dimensions that you will not see nowhere in these days. Weighing about 18.2 ounces, it is also not very comfortable to hold in your hands. Hence, basically the design part of the PDA is completely archaic. So, at present, you can buy it only if you love antiquity.

6.5″ Display:
The 6.5 inch LCD screen may turn out to be a great plus. But then, it is not using the latest technology, which is the TFT matrix. Instead, the Color CTSN passive matrix is used here. This is means that the Jornada 728 Handhled PC comes with an old screen technology. It may not create a derogative feeling in the users, but still, to know how good a product is, we need to compare it with the other similar products and the Jornada 728 is clearly behind them when it comes to the technology that is used.

Features:

Since the model is a bit old, there will also be lesser features and also they will be less advanced than the modern PDAs. Even then, HP tried its best to incorporate the best technology available at that time. Let us see if they are applicable to the current trends of living.

Processor:
Since the processor is a very important thing regarding any electronic device nowadays, it is necessary that we should choose a PDA that comes with a reasonably good processor. Looking at the HP Jornada 728, it seems to have a good enough processor for a PDA. The 206MHz 32-bit Strong ARM SA1110 processor seems to be quite good for the applications featured on the PDA. Although the device will not be functioning at an ultra high pace, there will still be no complaints regarding its speed. You could not expect anything better in this part of the device since this was the then best available processor.

Operating System:
The operating system is one of the major drawbacks of the Jornada 728. It comes with the already superannuated Microsoft Windows 2000. This is a very old operating system and its oldness can be determined by the number of newer versions released by Microsoft after it, till date. Although it works fine without too many issues, the main problem with it is its compatibility. If you want to install any software on the device for any purpose, then the problem arises. Many of today’s software applications are not compatible with such old operating systems, and if you are really in need of such applications, then you need to browse for them on the internet, download them and then install them separately. This is a big headache but only if you are a frequent user of many applications. Conversion of data may also be problematic sometimes due to the change in operating system. Hence, the users are advised to look over their decision towards buying the Jornada 728.

Memory:
Memory is very important for a device to store data and also to perform better. The Jornada 728 comes with a 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of ROM, which is of type CompactFlash 1. The RAM is also SDRAM type so that there may not be many compatibility issues. But there is no option for the integration of memory on the Jornada 728 and the built in flash memory may not be sufficient for all. It can hence, only manage to save documents and PDF files but then, saving many mp3 files may not be possible.

Touch screen:
This is at least one of the more useful features of the Jornada 728 Handheld PDA. It comes with a touch responsive screen so that there is no need to place a joy stick or any other thing for the purpose of navigation through the device. There is also a stylus provided along with the device so that it will be great to use instead of the finger.

Keyboard:
This PDA surprisingly provides a complete keyboard so that even though it consumes a lot of space, occupying about 76% of the total device, it will be very easy for typing over the device. Since, it is very difficult to type documents lime Word and Excel on the touch screen keyboard, HP has provided this special full keyboard. Anyway, the device is already big and this keyboard has got nothing to do with it. Hence, it is a very good option provided by HP on the Jornada 728.

Internet Connectivity:
HP quotes that the Jornada 728 PDA comes with a High-performance internal modem with a bandwidth of 56Kbps and of version v.901. This can be considered as a good enough modem that helps you to connect your device to the internet wirelessly. With a reasonable speed, you can browse the internet and the bandwidth of 56 kbps means that it will be a speedy and secure internet connection. Along with the Internet connection, there is also e-mail support for your device along with a few attachments like POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, and LDAP, MS Internet Explorer for Handheld PC (ver. 4.01), which are likely to help you browse the internet.

Infrared:
For the sake of wireless communication, the Jornada 728 has a built in Infrared port system. Even though it is quite surprising regarding the absence of Bluetooth technology on this PDA, HP has made it over by providing the Infrared port. This will be a lot helpful for the transfer of data such as documents, PDF files, music files and many others. The transfer of the data is also pretty fast there are also no reported connectivity issues. Hence, this has eliminated the use of a data cable for the transfer of data between devices. You can also transfer data files between the device and your infrared provided mobile phone. This is also another useful feature provided by HP.

Software:
The Jornada 728’s package sports a decent software package that is also quite useful for office works. There is Microsoft Pocket Word which allows you to take and type notes and documents, or transfer the Word files from your desktop to read and edit them on your device while you are away from your office. Then there is Microsoft Pocket Excel which allows you to view and edit excel files on the HP Jornada, or you can also fill out different kinds of forms while you are on the go. Microsoft Pocket PowerPoint allows you to create presentations on your desktop, and then copy them to show on the HP Jornada. Or, you can also use a PC Card or a VGA adapter in order to project them on to an external monitor or a VGA projector.

Microsoft Pocket Access allows you to take the database information and fill in custom forms, when you are away from home. Microsoft Pocket Outlook allows you to keep track of different tasks, calendar events, contacts, and electronic mails. Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4 allows you to browse the internet from home on the HP Jornada or you can also subscribe to channel content. With the specially designed Microsoft Windows Media Player, you can listen to WMA or MP3 music files on your device. The Microsoft Voice Recorder allows you to record voice messages for later reference. Lastly, the Microsoft Terminal Server Client connects to the internet with the help of a Windows Terminal Server. Hence, at least, there is a very good package of software in the Jornada 728 PDA.

Performance

Overall, the performance of the HP Jornada 728 is quite satisfactory, except for a few issues, which are not that significant nor they are that frequent. A reasonably good processor, along with a good, but very old operating system, makes a mediocre combination and although it is reliable, it is not that necessary to choose such an old combination however good it is, since it may cause compatibility and speed related issues in the future. Lack of Wi-Fi is also another drawback of this PDA. This device was released at a period when Wi-Fi was no big deal. But there is a built in modem that can connect you to the internet. Hence, to conclude, even though the Jornada 728 is a reasonably good performer, you can see that it is very old fashioned and hence it develops a negative image in the minds of the users. But otherwise, it is fine.

Connectivity:

Coming to the connectivity options that you will find on the Jornada 728, you will find that there are quite a few of them. When you look at the sides and the back portions of the PDA, you will find the following connectivity ports: One IrDA infrared port, as we have already discussed for the transfer of data files, One RS232C serial port, One RJ11 modem port, for connecting your device to the internet, One PC Card Type II card slot, for reading SD memory cards, One CompactFlash Type I card slot, which holds the SD RAM cards used for storing data, One Smart Card reader slot, Audio speaker and microphone, which can be used for recording voices or sending voice messages, Stereo earphone jack to which you can connect your headphones or earphones. You can also connect it to external speakers if necessary but not to a home theatre system or a 5.1 channel audio system since there are no drivers installed in the device. Hence, it is a good thing that there are sufficient numbers of connectivity options on the Jornada 728.

Battery:

The Jornada 720 comes with a normal Lithium ion battery, which has a battery life for a period of 14 hours, as quoted by HP. This battery is only rechargeable but not replaceable. Hence, HP has provided another coin cell battery, which is a 3V battery and is known as CR2032 coin cell battery, for the sake of battery backup during emergency cases. But, if the lithium ion battery gets damaged, then there no replacement for that and it means that the whole device must be replaced and a new one must be bought.

Warranty:

The HP Jornada 728 comes with a warranty for parts and labor for a period of one year from the original date of purchase.

Verdict:

The HP Jornada 728 is one of the first generation PDAs that were released into the market quite a few years ago. First up, the size of the device is not comfortable to hold or keep in your pocket since it is too big for doing them both. Then, there are minimal features including the very old operating system that may cause compatibility troubles regarding some of the applications. But the performance aspects and the connectivity options on the Jornada 728 are the satisfactory ones. The battery is also a problem since it is irreplaceable. The cost of the device is obviously very low since it is an old model. But, all the readers are advised to go for another better option, just in case they are still in dilemma after reading this review. There are many wonderful PDAs in the market today, and from HP itself. So, you can choose another good PDA for pretty much the same cost.

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HP Jornada 728 Handheld PC - Technical Specification Table

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