HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC - Buy, Sell, or Repair

 

 

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What is the difference between the terms "Handheld PC", "Pocket PC" and "Windows CE"?

Pocket PC and Handheld PC refer to specific types of mobile devices while Windows CE is the operating system that is in all Handheld PCs and Pocket PCs.

1.      A Pocket PC is a class of device that has a quarter VGA (320x240) screen and contains a consistent package of integrated applications, wireless and wired connectivity options

2.      A Handheld PC is a class of devices that has half VGA (640x240) or full size (640x480 or 800x600) screens with or without an integrated keyboard and contains a consistent package of integrated applications, wireless and wired connectivity options

3.      Windows CE is a compact, modular operating system from Microsoft that was designed to support a broad range of client devices. Windows CE combines the flexibility and reliability of Windows with real-time processing support.


Why does the Jornada 720 need to be connected to AC power when not in use?  

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The unit will drain the main battery even if it is not in use as power is required to retain the RAM contents. In prolonged storage of the unit, the main battery will be eventually drained flat and the RAM contents will then be powered by the coin-sized backup battery (CR2032) instead. However should the backup battery be also drained dry, and then all the contents stored in the RAM of the unit will be lost.

Therefore it is a good practice to always connect it to AC power when it is not in use so that the data in RAM is always retained. 


What is the Microsoft ActiveSync software for?

Though the unit works perfectly as a standalone computer, there are times where it will be needed to connect to the desktop or laptop PC to transfer files, update device drivers, install software, etc onto the unit. To do so, Microsoft ActiveSync needs to be installed on the desktop or notebook PC.

If both machines are "ActiveSync" successfully i.e. connected, this activesync icon  (in the task tray) turn green can be seen.


How are new program(s)/applications installed on the unit?

More functionality to the unit can be added by installing third party software designed specifically for MS Windows for Handheld PC 2000 (Windows CE 3.0) and that are compatible with the HP Jornada's StrongARM SA111X processor. Typically, software is installed by first:

  1. loading the installation file(s)s onto the desktop PC or laptop (partner) 
  2. "ActiveSync" both machines and
  3. executing the installation file(s) downloaded earlier 
  4. if prompted by the installer, perform a soft reset of the unit

How is a program removed/uninstalled from the unit?

It can be done by using either:

1.      Add/Remove Programs (on the desktop or laptop PC from the MS ActiveSync application) or the

2.      Remove Programs control panel (on the unit itself) to remove programs i.e. Start > Settings > Control Panel > Remove Programs

The latter option is recommended as it does not require setup an "ActiveSync" first in order to remove programs. 


Why does the unit come with a main battery and also a coin-size backup battery?

Because the data saved on the unit is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) it is extremely important that a continuous power supply is maintained to the PDA at all times. Therefore it uses 2 types of batteries. The main battery (lithium-ion rechargeable battery) supplies power whenever the PDA is not connected to AC power.

The coin-size backup battery (CR2032) is used to protect/preserve the data in RAM when the main battery is not installed or when it is flat. However should the backup battery be also drained dry, then all the contents stored will be lost in its RAM .


How long does the main battery last before it needs to be recharged?

The power drain on the main battery charge (lithium-ion rechargeable battery) depends on many factors, such as its screen brightness, the power saving scheme chosen, etc. Using default product settings with the wireless LAN card, the main battery should last up to 2 hours of continuous use without recharging. 


How long will the data be retained after the main battery is drained to the point at which the unit can no longer be powered on?

The backup battery will protect the data when the main battery runs out of power. It will have about 3 weeks of data retention time before the backup battery also loses its charge too, which at this stage all the data/contents or custom settings in RAM will be lost forever. 


If the unit has stopped responding or hangs, turning the unit off and on again does not help. What should be done in this case?

A "soft-reset" should be performed on the unit. (as illustrated below) which is similar to restarting a desktop PC using Ctrl+Alt+ Del. It restarts the Windows CE and preserves any saved data.


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