The HP Jornada 560 Series

Hewlett-Packard's new Jornada 560 series Pocket PC 2002s retain the look and feel of previous HP Pocket PCs, but improve upon them in almost every particular. The new silver and sleek Jornada 565 and 568 resemble the original 540 series, but the new models are thinner and lighter, have a vastly improved screen, and a lot more power under the hood.

Faster, brighter, more colors, more memory... and flash ROM

As with all other new Pocket PC 2002s, the devices in HP's Jornada 560 series are powered by a 206 MHz StrongARM processor, making them noticeably faster than their predecessors. The screen on all the 560 series devices is a 16-bit color reflective display that is clearly viewable outside as well as inside. This is a big improvement over previous Jornadas, which were very difficult to view outside. The 3.5-inch screen displays 65,000 colors and the standard Pocket PC resolution of 240 x 320 pixels.

The Jornada 568 comes with a substantial 64 Mb of RAM memory, plenty for running programs and file storage. The less expensive Jornada 565 comes with 32 Mb of RAM.

The Jornada 560 series devices also come with 32 Mb of flash ROM. This type of memory is "non-volatile," which means that you don't lose the files stored on it if you run completely out of power. This is an important improvement for a number of reasons.

The Pocket PC 2002 operating system and built-in applications are stored in flash ROM. But since they only take up about 24 Mb, 8 Mb of flash ROM is available to the user for file and software storage. HP calls this memory "HP Safe Store" and allows users to interact with it in the same way they interact with RAM or a CompactFlash card. The HP Safe Store appears as a folder in File Manager. You can save files to it, or access files stored in it, just like you would any other folder (see Screen 1). And because it's non-volatile memory, you know that it won't be lost. The other big advantage of flash ROM is that as Microsoft updates its operating system and built-in applications, you'll be able to easily upgrade the Jornada by installing them in the flash ROM. Your unit won't become obsolete as quickly.

Screen 1: HP Safe Store appears as a folder in File Manager. You can save files to it or access files stored in it, just like you would any other folder.

More than one way to expand

The new HP Jornadas have a built-in Type 1-expandable CF slot, allowing you to add file storage or input/output capabilities. Much of the data you create and the third-party programs you install can fit in the 32 or 64 Mb of internal RAM. But if you start installing a lot of applications, or saving pictures and MP3s on your Jornada, you'll quickly find that you'll need the extra storage. Fortunately, prices on CF storage cards have fallen dramatically, with 128 Mb cards priced at below $50 by late summer, 2001.

The new Type 1-expandable CF card slot has a removable panel, allowing you to insert larger Type 1 CF peripherals, like modems and LAN cards. In addition, the new Jornadas have a removable battery slot, which lets you swap batteries and more. HP will be offering an optional extended battery pack that also adds a Secure Digital card slot. This gives you more battery power and two functional card slots. So, for example, you could use the CF slot for a modem and the SD slot to add storage memory. Some users may be disappointed that the CF slot is not the slightly-thicker Type II variety. But it seems likely that soon most cards will be available in the Type-1 expandable format and Type II won't be necessary.

Longer battery life

The removable battery pack gives you the opportunity to carry an extra battery pack or two, so you don't run out of power on long trips. The units ship with a lithium-polymer battery that is rated to last as long as 14 hours, if you use your unit with the backlight off. Actual battery life depends on how you use your device, and usually is less than manufacturer estimates.