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   * Jornada 680

Pocket PC and
Handheld Reviews

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HP  Handheld Series FAQ

Q:  Where can I get this 620LX/660LX HPC Pro upgrade?

A:  Unfortunately, HP is no longer selling this upgrade (which was available as recently as this past summer of 2001).  They have even removed it from their shopping website, www.hpshopping.com .  Some other vendors, including
MobileTech in the UK, no longer carry it.  Your best bet may be to either post on the online boards or check eBay from time to time for availability
or check our site www.usedhandhelds.com.

Q:  What does this HPC Pro upgrade get me?

A:  Several things!  They include:

• The updated Handheld PC Professional Pocket Office Applications, including a much needed database application in Pocket Access.
• Improved stability in the OS.
• Runtimes for Visual Basic, so now developers can develop applications for Windows CE using VB for CE.
• A suite of HP-specific applications/utilities, including QuickPad, HP Macro, HP Backup, HP Hotkeys, and others.
• A driver to make the screen display 64K colors.
• For the HP 620LX, you get an additional 16MB of RAM (the 660LX already has 32MB).

Q:  Is there a big difference between the 620LX/660LX models and the 680/690 models?

A:  Yes.  Physically, the HP Jornada 680/690 models are sleeker and sport better keyboards.  The shortcut keys across the top of the keyboard are actual keys and not the "soft icons" on the 620LX/660LX. The 680/690 models are also smaller and have built-in 56K modems.  The 620LX/660LX have the Compact Flash
and PCMCIA slots separate, whereas the 680/690 have a strange but ingenious piggy-back combination. The 620LX has 16MB RAM by default.  The 620LX/660LX by default come with Windows CE 2.0, whereas the 680/690 come with Windows CE 2.11.

Q:  What's this HP Jornada 680e model I've seen?

A:  It is the same as the HP Jornada 680 but it does not have the built-in modem.

Q:  What Ethernet/wireless card works best with my HP Palmtop?

A:  For information on Ethernet cards, http://www.cewindows.net is an excellent website. It also includes information on ISP's that are compatible with Windows CE, peripherals, and much, much more.

Q:  What's the difference between a "Palmtop PC" and a "Handheld PC"?

A:  Nothing at all.  On models prior to the HP Jornada 680, HP called their devices "palmtops".  This went all the way back to their first palmtop, the HP 95LX back in the very early 90's. 
The following is a quick lineage of HP palmtops.

Q:  Why would I prefer a palmtop over a Pocket PC/Palm-sized PC or a Palm/Handspring?

A:  It is really about what you plan to do with it, and what your preferences are.   Some people find the keyboard better then Jot or Graffiti. 
It is mostly a laptop replacement.  With built-in Pocket versions of Word and Excel (and now Access), along with the web browser and modem, You have the power of a PC in a small package.  You can take your palmtop with you to most places.

Q:  Can I synchronize the REX 6000 organizer with my HP 600 Series Palmtop?

A:  No, you can't.  The Truesync CE software does not recognize it and will not sync with it.  There are no plans for an update to be released.

Q:  Can I synchronize my REX 3, Pro, or 5000 series organizer with the HP Jornada 720?

A:  No.  The 720 uses the newer StrongARM processor, which TrueSync CE does not have a version for.  No updates are planned.

Q:  Is the Windows CE Handheld Professional 3.0 software the same as Windows CE 3.0?

A:  No. Windows CE Handheld Professional 3.0 is really Windows CE 2.11 for Handhelds (like the HP Jornada 680).  Microsoft's wording is a little awkward.

Q:  I like programming.  What are my options for programming for Windows CE?

A:  Several are available.

BasiCE
Dialect
Ewe
PersonalJava
Pocket Scheme
PocketC
Python CE
Waba
Microsoft eMbedded Visual Tools
XLisp-Plus

Q:  Isn't there an upgrade for the HP Jornada 680?

A:  Yes, there is, but it's not available anymore.  You can always look on the old stand-by, eBay. or visit www.usedhandhelds.com where you can trade in your old unit and get a newer unit by paying the difference.

Q:  What does the HP Jornada 680 upgrade do?

A:  It basically turns your 680 into an HP Jornada 690.  The upgrade includes:

• 32MB RAM
• 65K color driver in ROM
• Some updates to the HP software

Nothing earth shattering, but for the extra 16MB alone, it might be worth picking up if you find it cheap enough.

Q:  What this new HP Jornada 728?  Is it much better then the HP Jornada 720?

A:  HP decided to come out with an updated version of their handheld PC/palmtop line in 2001, and the 728 is the result.  It is basically the same thing as the 720 except with 64MB RAM, a slightly newer casing, and (presumably) updated drivers.   However, the operating system is the same, as well as the Office and PIM applications.

Q:  Is there an upgrade for the 620LX/660LX to the Handheld PC 2000 OS (found on Jornada 720/728)?

A:  No, there is not.  HP is not going to offer an upgrade for these models.

Q:  Is there an upgrade for the HP Jornada 680/690/720/728 to Windows CE.Net?

A:  No.  HP has not released an updated ROM and it is unlikely that they will.

Q:  Can I upgrade my HP Jornada 680/690 to the Pocket PC operating system?

A:  No.  The versions of Windows CE for Pocket PCs and Handheld PCs/Palmtops have different interfaces, and are meant for different markets. 

Q:  Can I use the new Microsoft Visual Studio.Net 2003 to write applications for the HP Jornada 680/690?

A:  No, you cannot.  The new development tools for "smart devices" (PDAs, Handhelds) are only for Windows CE.NET and Pocket PC devices.
 

**These FAQs have been taken and modified from http://www.mobilecubed.com.