On the surface, the Pocket PC 2002 OS looks much the same as the old OS. But there are a variety of enhancements to the stable of applications (like Word and Excel), new software such as MSN Messenger, added security and antivirus protection, and improved handwriting recognition.
The Jornada 568 features a CompactFlash Type 1 slot, so you can add more CF memory as well as hook up CF peripherals, such as modems or network cards. You'll probably want to expand on the memory front--64 MB is decent for a Pocket PC, but you always want more to play back any video or audio files. And CompactFlash memory prices have plummeted in recent months, making it an affordable upgrade.
The well-designed Jornada 568 sits nicely in hand, with a sturdy flip-up cover adding little to the overall weight (6.1 ounces without the cover and 7.0 with). The bright, 16-bit color TFT screen can be easily read from even sharp angles. While the 240 x 320 pixel, 3.5-inch diagonal screen isn't as large as some, it's big enough to keep you from squinting, even while reading books with Microsoft Reader.
Hooking the Jornada 568 up to your PC is handled either through the USB cradle (with a pass-through connector for the AC power adapter) or via infrared. In addition to the ActiveSync 3.5 software, HP includes Outlook 2002, Audible Player 2.0 for playing audio books, and MusicMatch for ripping and playing digital audio files. In addition to syncing up with Outlook files and directories, the Pocket PC versions of Word, Excel, and Media Player enable you to transfer almost any of your desktop files to the 568.
Powered by a 206 MHz StrongARM processor, the Jornada 568 can handle extensive multitasking without any slowdown. The bottom of the PDA offers four buttons for quick access to menus and applications--Home, Contacts, Calendar, and Tasks--as well as a four-direction navigation pad and scroll buttons on the side panel.
The Jornada 568 also functions as a voice recorder--just press the red button on the side and talk away--with a built-in microphone and speaker. But the speaker, while adequate for the normal beeps and burps of the OS, isn't great for music playback. You'll want to connect some headphones to the Jornada and, unfortunately, HP doesn't include any.
The rechargeable battery for the Jornada 568 promises up to 14 hours of life and we were able to get right around that. It also features a light at its top that glows green when the PDA is fully charged, and also flashes to alert you to appointments.
With its power, expandability, and the new Pocket PC 2002 operating system, the Jornada 568 makes an excellent all-around workhorse palmtop. --J. Curtis
Pros:
This compact and elegant Pocket PC enables you to copy, edit, and store Word and Excel documents, check e-mail, surf the Web, read electronic books, and listen to digital music. It comes with 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash ROM, and a 206 MHz 32-bit StrongARM processor ensures speedy and powerful computing. Synchronize with your PC using the included USB cradle (or optional serial cradle).
The Jornada 568 features a CompactFlash Type 1 extended slot, allowing you to add memory cards and accessories like wireless modems and digital cameras. The Jornada 568 also has an infrared port, a USB/serial RS232C port, AC input jack, and earphone jack. Images come out crisp and clear on the Jornada's 240 x 320 pixel TFT LCD screen with 16-bit color (65,536 colors to be exact).
The Jornada 568 comes with Pocket Outlook, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Terminal Services Client, MSN Messenger, Microsoft Reader 2.0, and Microsoft Windows Media Player 8 for Pocket PC. Bundled software includes Landware's OmniSolve, Developer One's CodeWallet Pro, Certicom's MovianVPN, and HP Chai and HP Microchai for Java-based applications.
The lithium-polymer battery is removable and rechargeable, and lasts up to 14 hours on one charge. The Jornada 568 comes with a USB cradle, AC adapter, a metallic-silver flip cover, and a case. It is backed with a one-year warranty.
What's in the box
