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  | Hewlett Packard Jornada 525 Color Pocket PC
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Average user rating:  | |
 The Jornada 525 is a lightweight champ | |
| I got a terrific deal on my Jornada, squeaking in under some of the economy PalmOS deals. Having used it now for a month or so, I can say that it's worth the advertised retail price--any money off that is icing on the cake. The drawbacks were mostly mentioned in the review--no stylus slot, serial data transfers (USB is not available for the 520-series), and 8-bit color doesn't really lend itself to viewing photos or the like. However, in a PDA at this price, any color is a terrific bonus. I carry the soft case that came with the Jornada everywhere I take it, and it has a small loop where you can store a stylus. And you can get around the transfer speeds by using CompactFlash memory and purchasing a USB CF reader (they have gotten very inexpensive). I have my MP3's downloaded in a flash (pun intended). (Note that if you try this, it is probably best to store your files somewhere under the "My Documents" folder on the CF card--you can create it if it doesn't already exist.) This unit works well as an MP3 player, though I did notice a slight pop between tracks using the included Media Player. It is also a terrific digital recorder, and if you search around in the settings long enough, you can even change the recording format for better quality sound (the default format is proprietary to HP, so if you want to listen to it on your computer you will need to download a driver from hp.com). The quick-access keys on the unit are user-assignable, and there is extensive customization available--both device-specific and the usual PocketPC stuff. The display has a few different lighting presets and is generally easy to read in all lighting environments. The speaker leaves something to be desired--it is pretty tinny and not really useful for listening to MP3's, for example; however, plugging in headphones solves that problem nicely. Overall, I couldn't have asked for much more than this at double the price I paid. | |
 3.5 Stars | |
| this is my first pocket pc that i purchased it to replace my handspring visor. the metal case is very sleek, matched with the color screen, it definitely is a head turner. the rechargeable battery is a nice feature, although the life span is rather short. the serial sync cable included works fairly well but a usb cable would have been better. the infared sync works well with my laptop, but it's much slower than the serial cable. one thing that does annoy me is the fact that you can not store the stylus on the pda itself (like on the palm or visor) rather it stores in the protect sleeve instead. if you get this device you will soon find that the built-in memory is not enough, so i highly recommend getting an additional compact flash memory card. i have used it as an mp3 player but since i store the music on the expansion cf card, reading from the cf slot drains the battery pretty quick. i have also done some light editing of word and excel documents while on the go which works out great. i also have a cf analog modem and cf wireless card to access the internet, it's not very fast but gets the job done when i need to chek my email. color depth is not all that great, you cannot view pictures or video very well but that might be expecting too much. | |
| Excelent form my purpose | |
| I`m from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I bought my Jornada 525 on november 2001 and I`m realy happy with this unit. It is really elegant for business and it has the basic programs that a business man need. Unnluckily, it was discontinious. |
