Rating: 
Summary: Much rugged than the iPaq
Review: The only problems are poor screen outdors, and no removable battery (Which in only on the new 560 series) anyway is rugged and well finished. And includes good software. I like it a lot.
Rating: 
Summary: Like a second PC!
Review: The Jornada 548 is my first venture into the world of handhelds. I'm not a techno-weenie, so I was a bit slow getting started. It took me an entire day to figure out how to install all the software, sync up with my PC, and download my first MP3 song (the User's Guide could use some work), but I did it and it works great. I definitely recommend buying "The Pocket PC Handbook" by Dan Hanttula. I got the book even before I got the Jornada (I ordered everything over the Internet), and it was a great help. I also got the Targus keyboard, which is probably the best designed piece of hardware I've ever seen.The coolest thing of all was when my two daughters were fighting over the one "captive" PC for working on homework. I was able to download a template from Word on my PC that my daughter uses for her current event reports, and open it up in Pocket Word on my Jornada! Hooked up my Targus keyboard, and voila! A second PC! My daughter typed her entire report on my Jornada (in the living room!), and then we uploaded it back to the captive PC for printing. It's like having a second PC (that fits in my purse)! It synced everything perfectly--it couldn't have been simpler. I didn't buy it for use as a second home PC, so WOW, what a bonus! I may have to start hiding it so my kids don't take it over like they have the other PC . . . or maybe I'll just buy them each their own Jornadas! I'm giving it only four stars for the few quirks I've discovered so far: closing applications is a pain, it's a tad bit slow, and like many other people have reported, the battery drains fast. But overall, I'm pleased, and I'm off to Fry's for my first CompactFlash card for storing MP3 songs!
Rating:
Summary: You already know how it works!
Review: I needed a way to type class notes but didn't want to lug around a laptop. With the optional (Targus) keyboard, my Pocket PC becomes a perfect tool to type my notes without cords and plugs. I even use it in my engineering job where I have no time for fooling around. I must be able to quickly turn on my Jornada and immediately engage the program I need like Word, Excel, or my (added) Omni-Calc RPN calculator. I began using it with little or no learning since I already use MS Windows. I like the fact that this little gem is so robust and yet so small. These are qualities I have come to expect for Hewlett Packard since I purchased their HP64 calculator way back in the 70’s. You might note that the Jornada should not be compared to a Palm. This is because The Jornada is more than a handheld organizer it is powerful yet miniature personal computer that fits nicely into my shirt pocket. Yes it is bit heavier than the Palm's but is no bother at all to carry. The display is adjustable for outdoors, indoors, or special but I will admit that under office lighting, the glare on the screen makes it difficult to see without the cover that comes with it.
It holds a good charge even if it is a color display. In addition, it was very easy to hook up to my Home and Work PC's. Microsoft Activesync software was painless to install. Hey, I admit I'm not a great Window fan but I already use it at work and in grad school, so there is no learning curve with the Pocket PC OS (i.e. WinCE.) It is a bit pricy but like anything else, you get what you pay for. Also, I found loads of software and e-books to down load. I opted for a 128MB compact flash storage card for extra memory but 16 to 32MB should work well for most people. If you're looking for a laptop, check out this Pocket PC. It has RF exchange of business cards, printing, external sound recording, MP3 playing, audible book ability (optional software), read e-books, -- well, let's just say this is no scaled down unit and there is a lot of software. In summary, the Jornada is cool! I have no regrets; I'm sure you won't either.
Rating:
Summary: Throw your Palms Away.
Review: To the meat of this review.
A Palm or Handspring is fine but the HP is a true pocket PC. Add a type 1, 128-MB flash chip and you have something you can use to do almost anything you do on your desktop computer. I have passed Excel and Word documents between the desktop and the HP and edited in both locations and it works flawlessly. Connection at home to Outlook and at work to Lotus Notes 4.6 using Intellisync software. All notes, Emails, address books, to do, calendar sync flawlessly and are there to remind, use and edit. The Targus keyboard is wonderful for large data entry at high speed. Microsoft site has free program enhancements that allow you to have the HP screen displayed on your desktop PC while synced. One can work to the HP while being synced to the desktop. I listen to MP3 and the free media player allows viewing of MPG videos. I have taken pictures in the plant with the Nikon digital camera and pulled its type 1 flash card out and placed it directly in the HP and am able to view the pictures directly on the screen or pass them to the desktop. The USB sync is very fast. I have used a PCMCIA adapter and type 1 flash card to gather and pass files between machines in the plant and into the HP. Calling cards and addresses and notes, etc, can be passed to Palms via infrared but, remember, the Palm is limited on what it can accept and on its memory. You have to think small when comparing this to a Palm. Ebooks, well, you can read them or listen to them while going on a trip or just at home. The ease of use is a natural if you are familiar with Windows operating systems.
The HP is very rugged and reliable. The only drawback I have with it is the screen is difficult to see in direct sun light.
There are other Pocket PCs out there that are faster and have brighter screens but I don’t think they will be able to match the ruggedness or the appeal of appearance this professional machine has to offer. The HP is the only one out there that has a button on the top to turn the screen off and leave the computer on. This mode extends the battery live when listening to MP3s.Get the clear screen covers to protect your screen and some spare HP pointers. If you have a serial sync, I urge you to upgrade to the USB cradle for high-speed synchronization.
As a side note, the folks with the Palms and Handspring devices no longer come by and say, “ Hay, look what I can do on this thing.” Remember that a Palm is a Palm and the HP is a PC.
Rating:
Summary: A good buy
Review: I bought the HP Jornada 548 a few weeks ago and I have to say that I'm pretty happy with it. When I was shopping around for a PDA, the key bells-and-whistles that I wanted were the ability to listen to MP3s and to look at digital pictures, and the 548 does both of those. Plus, the PDA comes with a metal cover which protects the screen (so you don't need a separate case) and it isn't as bulky as the Cassiopeia (which is a comparable device for price and functionality). Of course, it does the typical things (such as clander and contact lists) as well as can be expected, and is useful in keeping all of my appointments. The things I don't like about it are the generally short battery life. If you use it to listen to music, the power gets drained pretty quickly (only a few hours of continuous music I would say). fortunately, the PDA comes with a function that allows you to turn off the screen when using the PDA as something that doesn't need the screen on (such as music playback). The other complaint that I have is the brightness of the screen. While it is beautiful color, it does have problems in the outdoors during the day, even in the shade. There are options to have different brightnesses (and contrast and sound configurations) bet even the brightest doesn't let you see the screen to well. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. BTW, you'll need a CompactFlash card to use the PDA as a decently long MP3 Player.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of a Small Field
Review: With the exception of difficult veiwing outdoors (I don't plan to use it outdoors), it exceeds all expectations. I also suggest anyone contemplating purchasing the HP 548, consider Dan Hanttula's book, "Pocket PC Handbook." It is a treasure chest of wonderous things the HP 548 will do.
Rating: 
Summary: Pick Something Else
Review: I had my Journada for 2 weeks before giving it away. Although a nice screen, it is totally worthless because you have to plug it in constantly. Forget this PDA if you travel. I bought a Palm Vx and love it. Batteries last for a month. I can't even find my car keys in the morning, let only remember to plug this piece of junk in every time I blink.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible, Fast, And Easy
Review: I searched the market for a PDA for a total of five weeks. I ended up with the HP. I tried the compaq and HATED IT, Palm devices are a thing of the past and HP was the best in size. The Casio I liked too but the devices were practically bricks with screens. I love my HP because it does exactly what i want it to do with fun extras. The best thing is that with the included software i can take pictures on my digital camera plug into the HP and edit, then print the file to a HP printer using wireless JETSEND! WOW! I am a student and I need just to get assingments and information quickly and efficiently . With extras like perfect handwriting recognition, Hot Keys, and a Voice recorder I view it as an extention of myself.
Rating:
Summary: A full sized computer in the palm of your hand
Review: I had always wanted to purchase a handheld PC. After doing a great deal of research into features and expandability and after trying many of the products on the market I settled on the Jornada 548. The first thing that you will notice about this particular pocket PC is the fantastic display. The images are very clear and the text is easily readable. The Jornada comes packed with great software to get you started like Pocket Word and Pocket Excel as well as a version of Internet Explorer. These programs are easy to use and your documents and spreadsheets can be exported and imported to and from their counterparts on a desktop. Already they have enabled me to work while on the go. There is even a built in microphone for making voice recordings if you want to capture an idea and can't right it down. The sound quality isn't perfect but it gets the job done. Also, users are not limited to text input, which can be through character recognition handwriting or an onscreen keyboard. Users can even draw or sketch right into the machine. The Jornada has all the regular features of a handheld - calendar, address book, memo pad, etc. The Jornada also comes with a bundle of software like the AvantGo for downloading webpages, Microsoft Reader for reading full text novels (this is great for those avid readers), and even a picture viewer. New software can be downloaded from the Internet to give your Jornada even more functionality. Expandability with flash cards for memory, modems and a keyboard make the Jornada the ultimate in handheld technology. If you are looking for for a handheld that will organize, entertain, and help you be productive, the Jornada is the one for you!
Rating:
Summary: HP Jornada 548
Review: The 548 is great. I have a compact flash modem and a wireless modem and both were easy to setup and use. I gave up my laptop when traveling and only bring the 548 with me. It does everything I need it to do while I am on the road. I also purchased the Targus stowaway keyboard for responding to long emails.
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