The device sports a keyboard just large enough for comfortable touch typing and a large 640 x 240 screen that makes Web browsing and document editing much easier than is the case with a smaller device. This useful combination means that most people will be able to use the Jornada 720 as a notebook computer replacement. However, if you're looking for the ultimate in portable handheld computing, you'll have to look elsewhere.

The 720 is about as loaded as a Windows CE device can get; it comes with an integrated 56 Kbps V.90 modem, docking station for easy connection to a PC, AC adapter, and rechargeable battery. It's outfitted with 32 MB of RAM and a 206 MHz StrongARM processor that really makes applications fly. On the multimedia side you get an integrated speaker and stereo headphone jack for audio playback, and one of the most beautiful TFT active matrix displays we've seen. It can mix and match more than 65,000 colors at once, renders very crisp text, and never had trouble keeping up with our input like inferior passive matrix screens do.

The very thing that makes the Jornada 720 so useful--its relatively large size--is also its biggest drawback. Its weight can make it unwieldy, and there's no good way to get a grip on it when there isn't a flat surface to use it with. We ended up accidentally pressing keys far too often when holding the unit with one hand, though with a little practice juggling becomes much easier.

If you are graduating to the Jornada from a smaller handheld (such as a Palm) instead of slimming down from a notebook, prepare to be underwhelmed by its portability. Expect to be impressed, however, by its zippy performance, generous display, and expansion possibilities. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Large, colorful display makes working with large documents practical
• Keyboard is large enough for touch-typing, albeit at a slower rate than a full-sized keyboard allows
• Comes standard with so many features that you likely won't have to buy upgrades for some time

Cons:

• It's heavy and too big for most pockets
• Difficult to use without sitting it down on a flat surface

The Jornada 720 software allows you to send and to receive e-mail while away from your office. It features Microsoft Pocket Outlook and Internet Explorer for Handheld PC 4.01 (as well as the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook 2000). Create or edit documents as well as spreadsheets, and view presentations using pocket versions of familiar Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

At just over a pound, the compact HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC fits easily into your briefcase or handbag and offers you the advantage of up to nine hours of continuous use. It comes with a docking cradle that supports a serial connection to your PC, allowing you to synchronize with your desktop or notebook PC to keep all your work current. (You can also use an optional USB cable to connect to your PC.) It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to nine hours and includes an AC adapter.

Other features include PC Card Type II, CompactFlash Type I, and Smart Card reader card slots; and an infrared port that can connect with compatible IrDA- equipped devices. It also has an audio speaker and microphone, a headphone jack, and a built-in voice recorder.

The Jornada is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the box

• Jornada 720
• Stylus
• AC adapter
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• USB Docking cradle
• Sync cable
• User Manual