Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Model#: F1868AA Weight: .80lbs Height: .70"     Width: 3.10" Length: 5.20" Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars	Retail Price: $299.99 Online Sale Price:
Features: Compatible with the essential Microsoft programs you use the most--Outlook, Word, Excel Capture your thoughts with the built-in voice recorder Integrated MP3 player and e-book reader Expandable via CompactFlash cards What's in the box: Jornada 525, Carrying pouch, Stylus, AC Adapter, Serial cable, Quick Start Guide, UserÆs Guide, Microsoft ActiveSync CD-ROM

User Submitted Hewlett Packard Jornada 525 Color Pocket PC Reviews (cont...)

The main reason for deciding on a 525 was its price, but I was also pleasantly surprised by its great functionality and design. The device fits well into my hand and exudes a sense of quality - no thin plastic body but substantial metal with rubber coating on the sides for a better grip. It looks pretty cool.

Of course there are a few compromises compared to higher-priced Pocket PCs: The 525 does not come with a cover, although one is available separately; the stylus cannot be stored in the device itself, although there is a slot for it in the included protective glove. Also, this Jornada has only a 256 color display, and no USB interface, however, a serial cable is included for synchronization. Another thing that's missing is a docking station, but again this can be purchased as an accessory. The 525 has only 16 MB memory, and not the fastest processor (SH3, 133 Mhz).

But all these things do not bother me too much. I synchronize via infrared anyway (which you CAN do with this device), and I have already purchased a cover - the silver-colored one looks quite good with it! Sure, the 16 MB memory is not great, but luckily the 525 has a Compact Flash Card slot. With prices for these cards plummeting, I put in a 128 MB CF card and I'm loaded for bear.

If you are like me - and I would dare say like most of the Pocket PC users - you will probably use such a device mainly for storing contacts and appointments, for playing Solitaire or read an eBook while waiting at the doctor's office, or for listening to MP3 files when the wait gets REALLY long. Also for storing other information like credit card numbers, passwords and PINs, and for keeping track of projects, orders, etc. With the optional camera module, one can even take pictures and view them.

All these things work on the Jornada 525, and work well. I would urge anyone who is in the market for a Pocket PC to really think about what he/she wants to do with it, and not blindly go for ads that make you want to spend hundreds of dollars more for a little more speed, contrast, and built-in memory. The fact is that all these devices have a very short shelf life, and what is top-of-the-line today, will very likely be gone by this time next year. Unless you are one of those rare power users who really live and breathe this technology, I believe the Jornada 525 will more than meet your needs.

The reason I didn't give 5 stars is that in my experience its battery life is not the best - I've learned to never stray too far from an electrical outlet. But again: This also depends on what kind of applications you are running, and how many at the same time... Nothing to gripe too much about.

Date: 2001-11-06
Great machine, especially for the price
I have been working with the Jornada 525 for two weeks now. I love it! Nothing about it is outstanding, but it is a fine machine that I got mostly so I could run ListPro, by Ilium Software. And it runs that nifty little program really well. Most of the new machines cost three or four hundred dollars more than I just paid for the 525. If I'd paid that much I might be disappointed with some of the streaking in the colors on the screen, and the fact that the stylus is in the cheap case and not stored in the device. Also, the Microsoft applications are pretty weak, even though they do the job -- this is the older PocketPC opperating system, not the new version that just came out. All in all, for the money, this machine is great. And I had great service from Amazon!