HP's Jornada 680

"The Best Little Handheld on the Planet!"
Hewlett-Packard's new Jornada 680
sets the keyboard standard for
pocket-sized Handheld PCs

BY ED ZABREK, M.D.

Have you ever dreamed of a Handheld PC with a more natural feeling keyboard? I'm not talking about one of the big "mini-notebook" Handheld PCs, but a real handheld; one you can easily hold in your hand and actually slip into your pocket. Well dream no more! The engineers at the Hewlett-Packard Company (www.hp.com/ jornada) have given us the HP Jornada 680 Handheld PC, a pocket-sized powerhouse with a 76% full-size keyboard that you can actually use! I'm writing this review using my 680 and I may never pull out my laptop again.

The Jornada 680 is one of Hewlett-Packard's two new Handheld PC Pros, and is the latest Handheld PC in the 600LX series. The H/PC Pros use the latest version of the Windows CE operating system (2.11) and the latest set of the built-in "Pocket" applications (Pocket Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Outlook and now Pocket Access and InkWriter). Unlike the larger HP Jornada 820, the 680 slips easily into the breast pocket of a suit jacket (purse, briefcase, lab coat, etc.). This makes the 680 easy to take and keep with you wherever you go. But there are other small Handheld PCs available. What sets the 680 apart from them is its keyboard. There is no question in my mind that the 680 has the best, most typeable keyboard found on any of the smaller, pocketable handheld devices.

Deep purple case packed with features

The Jornada 680 has a traditional clamshell case, deep purple (almost black) in color with silver accents. The 680's spring-loaded case hinges keep the clamshell from flopping open accidentally without needing the usual latch to keep it closed. Controls for the 680's voice memo recorder are found on the left front edge of the case, and now include an "Audio Lock" to prevent accidental recordings. The pop-out stylus is stored in a slot on the right front edge of the 680. The PC Card slot is on the left side of the case and the phone plug and power input on the right. The serial port and a security cable slot are found on the back.

The Jornada 680 sports a speedy 133 MHz, 32-bit Hitachi SH3 processor. The 680 comes with 16 MB of SDRAM (upgradeable by the user to 32 MB) and 16MB of ROM (also user upgradeable). The 680 has a 6.5" diagonal 1/2 VGA (640x240), 256 color touchscreen. The screen is large enough to view Pocket Excel spreadsheets, type business reports, term papers, and this review. It's even pretty good for viewing Web pages. You can use the 680's built-in 56k, v.90 modem to connect to your Internet Service Provider, download your E-Mail (including attachments!) and browse the Web using Microsoft's Pocket Internet Explorer 2.0, also built into the ROM of this Jornada.

The 680 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessors (the HP 620 and 660LX). It measures 7.4 x 3.7 x 1.3 in, and weighs in at a mere 1.1 pounds. 11 shortcut keys are found on the top row of the keyboard. These launch the major software programs found on the Jornada. These are actual keys, not the membrane hotkeys found on the older 600s. The right margin of the screen has four "soft" keys (HP calls them "hard icons") that let you quickly access the 680's HP settings application, page up and down, and switch between tasks. To make room for more important keys, HP made the shortcut keys 1/2 normal size. Note also that the keys on the number row, immediately below the quick launch keys, are just little narrower than the letter keys. On a standard keyboard, the zero is above and to the left of the P key. On the 680, the zero is above and to the left of the O key. A few other compromises were made in key placement to keep the most important keys as large as possible. A touch typist will need to adapt to these changes.

You can use the HP Hot Keys utility, accessed from the Control Panel, to re-program the shortcut keys or the hard icons to launch the application of your choice. For example, I have reprogrammed the 3rd hotkey (microphone/memo-record) to activate Pocket On-Schedule (www.odysseyinc.com), a third-party contact manager I personally cannot function without.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Odyssey Computing is just completing a major revision of Pocket On-Schedule. An upcoming issue of Handheld PC Magazine will be reporting on the next version of this exciting program.]

Handy and safe Voice Recorder controls

Voice Recorder is the feature that lets you record short voice memos and play them back at a later time (like a tape recorder). So if you're running to a meeting and someone shouts, "Don't forget to call me!" you can pull out the 680, hold down the record button and say "Call Janice ASAP." This feature is built into most Windows CE devices, but HP improved the positioning of the Voice Recorder controls by placing them on the front edge of the case and including a locking button that makes it impossible to accidentally start a recording. The controls on the left edge of the case are similar to tape recorder controls, and include (from right to left) the Audio Lock, the Record button (hold it down and speak, let it up to stop recording), the Play Next and Play Previous buttons. The last two buttons let you replay recorded messages without opening the 680 ­ a very handy feature. Recording and playback is a breeze. HP did away with the annoying white "memo-record" button that kept getting accidentally pressed on the 620/660LX. Actually, the LED is still there and flashes red to remind you of pending appointments. HP just eliminated the record feature of this button.

Unfortunately, the 680's speaker is small and on the bottom of the unit. With the sound turned up, playback is reasonably audible but is rather tinny sounding. If you keep your 680 in a briefcase or leather case (like I do) these sounds are muffled and easy to miss, even with the volume turned all the way up. I realize you can't put a super-loud, hi-fi speaker in something this size, but HP might want to put a little attention on the placement of the speaker for the next version of the 680. Even a mono or stereo headphone jack would be a welcome addition on future Jornadas utilizing this form factor. It would provide better listening quality for memos. It might even let you enjoy the new MP3 standard of recorded music. (A Windows CE MP3 player is available from XAudio, Web: www.xaudio.com/wince/).

Be careful with the ingenious PC Card / CompactFlash slot

The 680 comes with a Type II PC Card slot that lets you add storage memory and use PC Card I/O devices such as Ethernet LAN adapters, wireless modems and more. At first look, I could not find any CompactFlash slot on the 680. On closer examination, it's there, piggy-backed onto the full sized, type II PC Card slot and is accessed from the bottom of the case (see Screen 1). You have to open a hinged trap door to get access to the slot. It's a rather ingenious arrangement, but a little difficult to use. It also looks and feels a little fragile, so handle with care and make certain you carefully read the instructions on how to use and access this feature.

Screen 1: The Jornada 680's unique Compact slot is accessed from the bottom of the case. The Compact slot flips up and the CompactFlash card slips in, as shown here.

When you slip the larger PC Card into its slot, the whole Compact slot arrangement expands down out of the bottom of the 680, leaving a small protrusion about the size and thickness of a PC Card on the bottom of the 680. With a PC Card in the slot, the 680 no longer rests evenly on a flat surface. You have to flip down a small support piece on the opposite end of the unit to stabilize it.

I was mildly disappointed to find out that the Compact slot is a "Type I" slot. This means that it will not accept the newer Type II Compact cards coming out. For example, IBM has developed a 540-megabyte Type II compact "Hard Drive" card; Motorola has created a two-way Paging card that will turn you PDA into a complete 2-way communications device; SanDisk, Pretec, and other developers are coming out with super high capacity CompactFlash cards. Fortunately, the 680's larger PC Card slot is Type II (CF+) compatible. You can use a Compact-to-PC Card adapter to insert any of the newer CompactFlash Plus cards into the larger PC Card slot. (Interesting note: Hewlett-Packard seems to have fixed a problem associated with applications installed on memory cards. When you reboot or reset an H/PC, one of the first things it tries to do is display the H/PC desktop before it tries to read an external memory card. You can get a message indicating the H/PC can't find the application(s) installed on the memory card, and the desktop icons do not appear properly. The Jornada 680 did not have this problem.

Additional hardware improvements

With any electronic device, and especially computers, one of the surest and simplest ways to fix a problem that just won't go away, is to turn the device off and back on again. With the Jornada 680 (or any Windows CE device) this means pressing the "reset" button. Conveniently, HP placed the 680's reset button on the keyboard, right next to the "Q" key. It's recessed so you won't accidentally press it, but it's right there when you need it.

HP improved its docking cradle from the previous 600LX series. The Jornada 680 snaps quickly and easily into this sturdy base, letting you power your 680, recharge its batteries, synchronize your data with your desktop PC, and install third-party software on your Handheld PC Pro. The cradle will accept a Jornada 680 with the standard (7-hour) or optional (21-hour) rechargeable battery. The 21-hour battery sticks out the back of the 680's battery compartment, adding about an inch to the width of the Jornada. I found the 21-hour rechargeable battery available in the U.S. for $109.95 at MobilePlanet (www.mobile planet.com). It should be available through HP dealers world wide. (Note: 600LX series batteries are NOT compatible with the Jornada 680.) For day-to-day use, you probably wouldn't want the width and weight of the 21-hour battery, but it might make sense if you take long trips.

The 680's AC power adapter is a little larger than previous models, consisting of a "power brick" and two separate cords. Note that the AC adapter from the 620LX and 660LX work with the Jornada 680 and are smaller, simpler, and more portable. If you want to purchase a spare AC adapter for the 680, you might consider that. The synchronization cable included with the 680 is identical to those used with the Jornada 420, 820, and the 620/660LX.

The stylus, housed in a slot on the front of the unit, has a unique spring release mechanism built into the "chrome" head. The stylus is released by pressing on the front of flat portion of the chrome head extension. The stylus has a clip on one end, and clips into your shirt pocket just like a pen.

H/PC Pro software from Microsoft

The Jornada 680 uses the Microsoft Windows CE 2.11 operating system and Microsoft's Handheld PC Professional Edition "Pocket" applications. These include Pocket Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet Explorer, and Outlook (with Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and InBox). Also built in from Microsoft are a host of accessories, utilities, communications features, Windows Explorer, and a new application called "InkWriter" (see Screen 2), which lets you make and store handwritten notes and simple sketches. The big change with the built-in applications is the addition of Microsoft Pocket Access (see Screen 3), a diminutive version of Microsoft's popular desktop PC database program. Users can create Access databases on either desktop or H/PC and keep the data synchronized between platforms. Pocket Access stores its data on external storage devices (like PC storage cards), allowing access to very large databases from small devices like the Jornada 680.

Screen 2: InkWriter, built into all H/PC Pros, lets you make and store handwritten notes and simple sketches.

Screen 3: Pocket Access lets H/PC Pro users create databases on their H/PC and keep them synchronized with desktop PC versions of Access.

HP bonus software adds breadth

As nice as the above applications may sound, you'll find them on Handheld PC Pros from any of a number of manufacturers. What differentiates the 680 is the add-on software that HP included. This includes the following:

HP Backup (see Screen 4) ­ this comprehensive built-in backup/restore utility lets you can quickly and easily back up your entire 680, or just the Pocket Outlook data onto a PC or CompactFlash storage card to have a portable fail-safe method of protecting your data. (The older 600LX series also came with this utility. You can use this backup/restore feature if you're upgrading from a 620/660LX to restore data backed up from the older device to the new Jornada 680.) Unfortunately, this is an "all or none" proposition. Other than the ability to only backup Pocket Outlook data, there are no provisions for other partial backups and/or restores. If you need such capability, I highly recommend bSQUARE's backup utility (www.bsquare. com; see review, Mar/Apr 99 issue of Handheld PC Magazine). Whatever method you use, I always recommend that you backup often!

Screen 4: HP Backup lets you backup and restore your entire 680, or just the Pocket Outlook information. As shown here, you can use HP Backup to save data to a PC or CompactFlash storage card.

HP Dialup ­ HP simplifies the ordeal of setting up your Internet service provider (ISP) and e-mail account with this application. HP Dialup is a step-by-step "wizard" that takes you through this rather detailed process, making it painless and virtually foolproof. Of course, you must first have an ISP and know the appropriate dialup numbers for your area. (If you do not have a dedicated ISP, now may be the ideal time to try one out.) Once the HP Dialup is completed, you can connect to your ISP with the 680's internal 56k modem and retrieve your e-mail using Pocket InBox, or browse the Web with Pocket Internet Explorer. HP Dialup does not help configure your 680 for AOL, CompuServe, or Prodigy.

HP Quick Pad (see Screen 5) ­ an incredibly useful program that lets you quickly enter random information for later "through-put" to Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Pocket Word, or as an e-mail message. For example, let's say I want to send a memo to Rich Hall about an article I want to write for Handheld PC Magazine. I open Quick Pad and start writing the memo. When it's done and I'm ready to send it to Rich, I forward it from Quick Pad to InBox, address the message and send it off. I could have forwarded it to Pocket Word and printed it out, or forwarded it to my Tasks list for later action. This is an incredibly useful program that will have you asking, "Why didn't somebody think of that sooner?"

Screen 5: The HP Quick Pad lets you take quick notes and save random information. You can later forward your quick notes to Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Pocket Word, or InBox.

HP Viewer (see Screen 6) ­ provides a single screen to view and navigate between Pocket Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks. HP Viewer opens up with a detailed month-at-a-glance view of your Calendar. While Pocket Calendar has a similar view, it does not list specific appointments. I did have problems viewing my extensive contact data with the HP Viewer. I have about 1000 contacts, and when I try to access the HP Viewer's Contact view, my 680 goes into terminal "hourglass" mode, forcing me to reset the machine. HP is aware of the problem with the HP Viewer and is working on a fix that will be downloadable from HP's Web site this summer. HP Viewer replaces the calendar view icon found on the task bar of the 620/660LX.

Screen 6: HP Viewer provides a single screen to view and navigate between Pocket Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks. The HP Viewer month-at-a-glance Calendar view is shown here. Tap on the icons on the left to access Contacts and Tasks.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: I got the perpetual hourglass the first time I accessed my Contacts from HP Viewer, with a list of 135 Contacts. I reset the 680, went back into HP Viewer, and had no further problem viewing Contacts ­ Rich Hall.]

HP Hot Keys ­ as mentioned above, the hard and soft icons are "re-programmable" to suit the needs of the user. This makes customizing the hot keys a breeze. Although this is possible on many H/PCs by editing the Windows CE registry, it can be a risky proposition.

HP Settings ­ this utility lets you change many of the 680's settings and configure a system-wide password ­ whenever you power on your 680 you're asked for the password. (Note: Pocket Word and Excel have options for encrypting a specific document.) Many users avoid using password protection because the H/PCs power down automatically to conserve battery life. New to the password protection utility is a delay feature that suspends the activation of password protection for a user-definable length of time.

HP Macro (see Screens 7 & 8) ­ The Jornada 680 comes with this built-in macro utility, along with a number of pre-recorded macros. A macro is an automated sequence of keystrokes that is activated by pressing a combination of keys, or tapping on the macro name in a list. For example, if you press the Ctrl-Shift-B (at the same time) you run a built-in macro that backs up your Pocket Outlook databases. Press Ctrl-Shift-A to do a complete system backup. The HP Macro icon is present on the taskbar (it looks like a tiny green house with a red roof). Tap on the icon to display a list of macros (see Screen 7). Tap on the desired macro to run it. At the bottom of the list is the "Macro Control" option. Select this, and then "Macro List" and you get a more detailed list of the macros.

Screen 7: Tap on the HP Macro icon in the taskbar to display a list of macros. Tap on the desired macro (or use its shortcut keys) to activate the macro.

From this view you can also create your own macros by selecting "New Macro" from the Edit menu (see Screen 8). HP Macro uses the HP Macro Programming Language to create the macro "scripts." You can write the macro using macro commands, or record the macro on the fly. The documentation in the manual is virtually non-existent, and the on-board help files are not much better. Hopefully, HP will post additional documentation in the near future. This is potentially one of the most useful utilities to come with the 680, and one that will probably be very popular with the more technically-oriented users.

Screen 8: The HP Macro utilities "New Macro" screen lets you use the HP Macro Programming Language to create or modify macros. You can also record macros on the fly.

Additional software from third parties

HP includes six additional programs with the Jornada 680. Some of them are built into ROM. Others come on the Jornada CD ROM, to be installed while your 680 is connected to your desktop PC. The user installable programs include TrueSync 2.0 (StarFish; Web: www.starfish.com; for downloading Pocket Outlook date to the Franklin REX card, (www.franklin.com/rex), Image Expert CE (Sierra Imaging; Web: www.sierraimaging. com; a digital camera linking program); Outside In (Inso Corporation; Web: www. inso.com; an e-mail attachment viewer); and Pocket Quicken (more on this below). Three additional programs are built into the 680: bFIND and bFAX Pro (bSQUARE, www. bsquare.com; see review, page 22, Mar/Apr 99 issue) and OmniSolve (Landware; Web: www.landware.com; a financial calculator that provides the same features as HP's popular business calculator; see Screen 9).

Screen 9: OmniSolve is a forms-based financial problem solver that includes amortization, currency and unit conversions, data calculations, retail percentages, and investment analysis. Shown here is OmniSolve's calculator screen.

Pocket Quicken (from On The Go Software, www.onthegosoftware.com) -- This Pocket version of Intuit's popular Quicken program lets you track your personal finances on your 680 and "synchronize" your Pocket Quicken data with your desktop Quicken to keep your accounts up to date (see Screen 10). I use the word "synchronize" loosely, because much of it is a one-way transaction. Any transactions entered into Pocket Quicken will synchronize (upload) to your desktop Quicken, but the only data that "synchronizes" from your desktop PC to the 680 are the account names and final balances of each. The transaction history does NOT transfer down to your Pocket Quicken. This arrangement would work if you use your 680 as your primary input device for Quicken, but that's not how I use Quicken. I have recommended to On The Go Software that they consider a more complete two-way transfer of data from desktop Quicken to Pocket Quicken and vice-versa. Pocket Quicken is due for solo release sometime in June, 1999; and according to a source at On The Go Software, it may be somewhat different than the version that is currently shipping with the 680.)

Screen 10: A Pocket version of Intuit's popular Quicken program lets you track your personal finances on your 680 and "synchronize" your Pocket Quicken data with your desktop Quicken.

[EDITOR'S NOTE about Microsoft PowerToys 2.0: I tried to install the whole thing on the 680. It kept crashing the control panel. The problem seems to be with the "Control Panel Annunciator" application in PowerToys. I advise you not to install that application. The rest of PowerToys seems to work fine.]

Shop around

Hewlett-Packard has never been far off the top of any list for service and quality. I expect that this machine will continue that trend. If you need help with the HP 680 you can call a 970 number (toll call) for support and service or 800-443-1254 for automated toll-free pre-sales information. The HP Jornada 680 comes with a limited one-year warranty. The warranty doesn't cover backup battery and does not apply if the 680 has been damaged by accident or misuse. The warranty is also voided as the result of a service or modification by any other than an authorized Hewlett-Packard service center.

Hewlett-Packard has priced the HP Jornada 680 at $899.00. It is available through HP dealers as well as Office Depot, CompUSA, and many catalog and Internet purchase sites. I was able to find the best price on the Internet at buy.com (see sidebar).

HP's Jornada 680 is one of best, most innovative computer products to hit the market since the introduction of Windows CE. Its small stature, small but typeable keyboard, bright beautiful color touchscreen and enhanced functionality make it a natural for handheld users who want to carry power in their pocket.