While Pocket PC devices dominated mindshare, the Handheld PC form factor served users who prioritized typing over pocketability. The HP Jornada 720, released in 2000, represented the pinnacle of this category.
The HP Jornada 720’s clamshell design provided a near-laptop experience. Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Handheld PC Concept
Handheld PCs (HPCs) differed fundamentally from Pocket PCs:
| Aspect | Handheld PC | Pocket PC |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Clamshell | Slate |
| Input | Physical keyboard | Stylus/SIP |
| Screen | Wide landscape | Portrait QVGA |
| Pocketable | No | Yes |
| Target user | Mobile writers | General consumer |
For journalists, field researchers, and traveling executives, the HPC keyboard enabled genuine productivity.
Jornada 720 Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | StrongARM SA-1110 206 MHz |
| Display | 6.5" 640×240 TFT (half-VGA) |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Storage | 16 MB ROM + CF slot |
| Keyboard | 83-key QWERTY |
| Connectivity | IrDA, serial, CF modem |
| Battery | 6+ hours typical |
| Weight | 510g (1.1 lbs) |
The half-VGA display provided excellent horizontal resolution for document work, while the 206 MHz StrongARM delivered responsive performance.
The Keyboard Advantage
The Jornada 720’s keyboard transformed mobile productivity:
Typing Experience
- 83 keys including function row
- 95% spacing of full-size keyboard
- Tactile feedback superior to later netbooks
- Thumb-typing possible for handheld use
Real-World Use Cases
Journalists filed stories from press conferences:
“I wrote entire articles on the Jornada during conferences. The keyboard made it possible.” �?Tech journalist, 2001
Researchers collected field data:
- Interview notes captured in real-time
- Forms filled without paper
- GPS integration for location tagging
Executives maintained communication:
- Full email composition
- Document review and editing
- Presentation review
Software Suite
The Jornada 720 ran Windows CE 3.0 with Handheld PC-specific software:
Pocket Office
- Pocket Word: Full document editing
- Pocket Excel: Spreadsheet functionality
- Pocket PowerPoint: Presentation viewer
- Pocket Access: Database management
Included Utilities
- Pocket Internet Explorer: Web browsing
- ActiveSync: Desktop synchronization
- Voice Recorder: Audio notes
- Calculator: Scientific functions
The half-VGA display made document work genuinely comfortable, unlike cramped Pocket PC screens.
Connectivity Options
Built-in
- IrDA: Wireless file transfer
- Serial port: Modem, GPS, accessories
- CompactFlash Type I: Storage, peripherals
Popular Accessories
- CF Ethernet adapters for wired networking
- CF WiFi cards (early 802.11b)
- CF modems for dial-up
- GPS receivers for navigation
Linux and Hacking
The Jornada 720 developed a strong Linux community:
Linux Support
- Familiar Linux: Full Debian-based distribution
- OpenZaurus: Lightweight alternative
- Dual-boot: Run both Windows CE and Linux
The active processor and open hardware documentation made it ideal for embedded development experimentation.
Comparison with Competitors
| Device | HP Jornada 720 | Sharp Mobilon | NEC MobilePro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Display | 640×240 | 640×240 | 640×240 |
| Build | Premium | Plastic | Sturdy |
| Battery | 6 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Price (2000) | $699 | $499 | $599 |
HP’s build quality and keyboard justified the premium pricing.
Legacy and Collecting
The Jornada 720 remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts:
Why It Endures
- Build quality: Premium materials age well
- Keyboard: Still superior to modern tablets
- Battery: Replaceable, available
- Linux: Active community support
Current Market
- Working units: $50-150
- Mint condition: $200+
- New-in-box: Rare, $400+
The End of an Era
HP discontinued the Handheld PC line in 2002, focusing entirely on Pocket PC. The category effectively died as:
- Pocket PCs added phone functionality
- Laptops became lighter and cheaper
- Smartphones emerged as the convergence device
Yet for writers and field workers, nothing has truly replaced the HPC’s combination of pocketability and typing comfort.