In the age of smartphones and tablets, it's easy to forget that there was a time when handheld computers were a novelty and a luxury. One of the most iconic devices of this era was the HP Jornada 720, a powerful and versatile handheld computer that still holds a special place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll take a trip down memory lane and explore the features, capabilities, and enduring appeal of the HP Jornada 720, as well as how it can still be used and appreciated today.

A Brief History of the HP Jornada 720

The HP Jornada 720 was released in 2000 as a successor to the popular HP Jornada 680. It was part of the Jornada 7xx series, which were designed as high-end devices for professionals who needed a portable computer with advanced features and capabilities. The Jornada 720 ran on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system and was powered by a 206 MHz StrongARM SA-1110 processor, making it one of the most powerful handheld computers of its time.

Design and Build

The HP Jornada 720 was known for its sleek and elegant design, featuring a clamshell form factor with a full QWERTY keyboard and a 6.5-inch, 640x240 pixel, 16-bit color touchscreen display. The device also had a built-in stylus for precise navigation and input. The Jornada 720 was relatively compact, measuring 7.4 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches and weighing just under 1 pound, making it easy to carry around and use on the go.

Features and Capabilities

The HP Jornada 720 was packed with features that made it a powerful and versatile handheld computer. Some of the key features included:

32 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM, expandable via CompactFlash (CF) and Secure Digital (SD) card slots

Built-in modem for dial-up internet access

Infrared (IrDA) port for wireless communication with other devices

USB and serial ports for connecting to peripherals and syncing with a desktop computer

Microsoft Pocket Office suite, including Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket PowerPoint

Voice recording and playback capabilities

Support for a wide range of third-party applications

The Jornada 720 in the Modern World

While the HP Jornada 720 may seem like a relic from the past, it still holds a certain charm and appeal for tech enthusiasts and collectors. The device's solid build quality, tactile keyboard, and unique form factor make it a joy to use, even in today's world of sleek smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, the Jornada 720's compatibility with a wide range of third-party applications means that it can still be used for a variety of tasks, from basic word processing and spreadsheet management to gaming and multimedia playback.

There is also a small but active community of Jornada 720 enthusiasts who continue to develop new applications and modifications for the device, expanding its capabilities and keeping it relevant in the modern world. Some of these modifications include:

Upgrading the processor to a more powerful ARM-based chip

Installing a custom version of the Linux operating system

Adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities via expansion cards

Replacing the original battery with a higher-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Embracing the Nostalgia

For those who grew up using the HP Jornada 720 or similar handheld computers, the device represents a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in the world of personal computing. The tactile feel of the keyboard, the satisfying click of the stylus on the touchscreen, and the unique form factor all contribute to the enduring appeal of the Jornada 720.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, there is something comforting about returning to a device that prioritizes simplicity, ease of use, and a focus on the essentials. The HP Jornada 720 may not be able to compete with modern smartphones and tablets in terms of raw power and features, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the early days of handheld computing.

In conclusion, the HP Jornada 720 may be a relic from a bygone era, but it still has much to offer for those who appreciate its unique design, features, and capabilities. Whether you're a collector, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the nostalgia of using a classic handheld computer, the Jornada 720 is a device that is well worth revisiting and appreciating.