My experiences with the hp Jornada 928 wda

[marlof]

I've been using the hp Jornada 928 wda for some weeks now. In that time I've grown very fond of using a Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition device. As we've talked about the Phone Edition quite a bit, I will not touch the operating system in itself here. In stead, I'll concentrate on the flaws and strong points of this particular device. &lt;!><br /><br /><b>flaws</b><br /><i>Battery life</i><br />There should be a way to add more battery life to this device without the need of replacing batteries. Other than with the battery solution in the 56* series, there's no way to exchange the standard battery with an extended battery for power users. All you can do, is get a few spares of the replaceable battery. If you can find those that is... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ppcw.net/stories.php?story=02/08/31/9531515">Arne Hess</a> from PPCW.net received a message from HP regarding the battery life of the hp Jornada 928 wda. He was told that because of the active flip, many users don't shut the device off, but just close the lid. That does turn off the screen, but keeps the device itself running until it automatically suspends after the set period of time. HP strongly advices to press the power button before closing the lid, in order to maximize the battery life of the hp Jornada 928 wda. Although it sounds logical, I have some problems with this advice:<br />• This would mean that any active GPRS connection will have to be killed. Pressing the button during a GPRS connection brings up the screen that says supsension will terminate the connection session, and if you don't want to do that, you should just turn the screen off.<br />• I guess what hp is saying that if you want to keep your GPRS connection alive (one of the big advantages of GPRS), your battery life will suffer. I'm sorry, but I got this device to use it as a connected device, not to have it suspended and disconnected all the time. <br /><br /><i>Phone usage</i><br />Using this as a phone (using the earpiece or speakerphone) has you fiddling with volume settings too much to make it a pleasant experience; one has to use the headset most of the times. <br /><br /><i>Reprogramming buttons</i><br />The up / down buttons to the side can't be programmed to do anything else than volume control. Looking at the previous flaw, that might be useful, but I miss using those for turning pages when reading ebooks.<br /><br />Flaws others reported, but that didn't bother me:<br />• I have no problem with the screen quality. The screen is not watery to my eyes (perhaps I'm in sync with this).<br />• I am not bothered by a darker spot in the top left corner. At first I didn't even notice it, but now I can see it if I hold the 928 at a certain angle. Some say that's interference by the GSM radio, but if you change the angle you'll see the spot grow. It looks to my atechnical eyes as if something in the top left corner inside the unit is throwing a shade over the screen, blocking the sidelight at that point. If I hold my 928 at a regular angle, I don't see it at all.<br /><br /><b>Strong points</b><br /><i>Active Flip</i><br />This toggles both the screen and the speakerphone functionality, and keeps your screen clear from smudges and scraches. I would not mind if this would become a standard solution in all Pocket PC Phone Edition, as it is simply brilliant.<br /><br /><i>Dual screen</i><br />I just love the small phone screen on top of the device. It enables you with the flip closed to see the incoming callers ID, and then decide whether or not you should take that call.<br /><br /><i>CF slot</i><br />Just plug in your Bluetooth or WiFi card, and you're a happy camper.<br /><br /><i>HP connectors</i><br />The standard Jornada connectors means there's tons of accessories to be had, like GPS devices, Stowaway keyboard, car chargers etc. The 928 has a running start with many of the HP tailored accessories out there.<br /><br /><i>Exchangeable batteries</i><br />Especially I think battery life is lacking, it's a good thing that you can replace one of the two batteries. All hp has to do is to make sure that some online store is going to carry those. So far I've not been able to find them.<br /><br /><i>Standard headphone socket</i><br />The 928 is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone socket. This makes it easy to replace the standard stereo headset with your favorite stereo headphones. Downside is that you can't use standard headsets, that usually use the 2.5mm socket as provided in the XDA. I still have to find a plug for this.<br /><br /><i>Memory</i><br />Other than the XDA / T-Mobile / MDA, the hp Jornada 928 wda comes with 64 MB of memory. As I'm always loading more programs into my device along the way, I know I'll need all the memory I can get. <br /><br /><i>hp dialer SIP</i><br />hp has provided a Software Input Panel that you can pop up in any program, and use as an interface to the phone and SMS bits. This is a very simple, easy-to-use and effective tool.<br /><br /><i>On hold, voicemail</i><br />Of course you can always use the voicemail of your telco, but this device has some cool additional features. If you receive an incoming call that you want to take, but to put on hold, you can press and hold the green button on the top. This will play a customisable "be right with you" message to the caller from the device. If you don't take the call, you can select a built in voice mail program to record a message. This means you don't have to dial into the voicemail of your provider, but can simply listen to the recorded messages on your device. <br /><br /><b>Conclusion</b><br />This device has turned me into a bigger fan of the Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition that I already was. As I'm not a phone, but a data person, a connected PDA that can be used as a phone suits me better than a phone with PDA capabilities. I love the form factor, and the hardware and software solutions hp has chosen. The main flaw that keeps me from naming this device a super device is its battery life. Right now, using my device sometimes has me worried about the effect on battery life. That should not be necessary. My point is that any device should be able to get you through a "from the moment you get up until the moment you get back into bed" period of time. If it is able to get you through more than one day is not that important to me, as I charge my device at night. Having to worry about battery life during the day takes the fun away of using the device 'though. May be my opinion will change when I'll be able to use this with replaceable batteries, but so far I've not been able to locate those, as I'm not based in the UK.<br /><br />Do my battery worries keep me from using this device? No way. I have the luxury of a choice between using a hp Jornada 565, an iPAQ 3870 and this one. Every day, I go with this one. Using a Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition simply is brilliant. Some points need to be finetuned in the future, both in OS, hardware and device specific software, but all in all, I love using this device on a day-to-day basis.

[wiz]

Marlof,

I couldn't agree more. I too have the 928, and it is gradually becoming my premier choice, more or less banning my 568 + Audiovox GSM/GPRS to the desk's drawer.

The cradle, however, hints at a possible extended battery type of expansion, with or without PC card sleeve or other goodies.

Let's hope HP has not abandoned all development yet, and will provide the power users among us with solid battery replacement options.

Willem

[Martin I Pettinger]

Hi

Saw the device in the shops today and it looks good

I returned to the PDA market a few months ago and plumped for an iPAQ 3850. Now I am looking to purchase a mobile phone and I'm starting to think maybe I've made the wrong choice.

Question is can a "normal" PDA be upgraded to the new Phone PocketPC. I am interested in a bluetooth phone and linking my iPAQ via a Compact Flash Card.

When I think of the cost of this - BT Phone, CF sleeve and CF card I am starting to think - hmm maybe I should have waited. Then I think maybe the wda is a lot of compromises - its looks bulky for one.

Also I think how does this compare to an XDA.

Martin

[tekguru]

I agree with all the points above, with the addition of the fact that for me at least the volume of the in built ear piece is just to low. While walking round the city you can have trouble hearing a caller.

Battery life is a problem especially as spare batteries are not yet even on hp's UK pricelist until the new list comes out in mid-September.

Any 928 addicts may want to join the 928 eGroup for lovely and interesting discussions:

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URL to the page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jornada928

[mstie423]

Interseting, i thought the 928 was identical to the 560 series... for instance the dark spot at the top left sounds the same as with my 568. Odd that they would have changed the battery type too, since the 560's is expandable. Thanks for the article
•MARC

[Barry_Rau]

I Had a close up look at one of these a few weeks ago (Very Nice units) I wish they were going to be released here in the US market. I got a T-Mobile MDA instead because it is available. :D PPC Phone is a very good thing..

[teddyp]

Vodafone UK are now selling spare batteries on special order through any of their high street shops. They also do the pocket keyboard (they are both £50 each).

I notice on the 928 CD that there is also a MMC battery listed but I cannot find out whether they are available Has anybody any news?

[stitics]

Hello all. I have been lurking iaround here for, well, since the last day for that contest. anyway, I keep hearing people mention that the HP 928 isn't going to be released in the US, but i also hear that it will be carried and supported by Voicestream. Any informed persons with the down low on this. I have really been looking forward to obtaining one, since, among other things, all my accessories will work with it. I am a current HP 568 owner...I have previously owned HP 565 (which I returned as soon as I found out the 568 existed), HP 548, HP 545 (see 565 story previous), and Philips Nino 201 (I think).

[marlof]

Question is can a "normal" PDA be upgraded to the new Phone PocketPC. I am interested in a bluetooth phone and linking my iPAQ via a Compact Flash Card.

Theoretically, the Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition OS could be put on a regular device. Fujitsu Siemens is going to do that with the Pocket Loox, once the GPRS/GSM module arrives. I don't think you'll be able to get this OS for the iPAQ though. Using a headset to your phone and Running Voice from www.pocketpresence.com might take you close.

Also I think how does this compare to an XDA.

Both good devices, but with very different specs. This device is bigger, and has a worse battery life. But I love the active flip, the bigger memory, the built in CF slot and the use of Jornada accessories. If I'd be using this more as a phone, I'd prefer the XDA. But as I'm almost data only with this, I'm glad I can just stick a standard CF WiFi card in it. :)

[marlof]

Odd that they would have changed the battery type too, since the 560's is expandable.

In fact, they divided the Jornada battery in 2 520 mAH batteries. One is built in and non-user replaceable. The other is exchangeable. Another accessory that doesn't fit: the Pocket Keyboard. There's a special one for the 928. As the 928 is already pretty large, and the Pocket Keyboard for the 56* series put quite some extra size to it, I'd like to see one of those before buying it... Or maybe I should just be your guinea pig. :)

[teddyp]

Odd that they would have changed the battery type too, since the 560's is expandable.

In fact, they divided the Jornada battery in 2 520 mAH batteries. One is built in and non-user replaceable. The other is exchangeable. Another accessory that doesn't fit: the Pocket Keyboard. There's a special one for the 928. As the 928 is already pretty large, and the Pocket Keyboard for the 56* series put quite some extra size to it, I'd like to see one of those before buying it... Or maybe I should just be your guinea pig. :)

I should be getting my keyboard today I will let you know what I think

[jllcs]

Odd that they would have changed the battery type too, since the 560's is expandable.

In fact, they divided the Jornada battery in 2 520 mAH batteries. One is built in and non-user replaceable. The other is exchangeable. Another accessory that doesn't fit: the Pocket Keyboard. There's a special one for the 928. As the 928 is already pretty large, and the Pocket Keyboard for the 56* series put quite some extra size to it, I'd like to see one of those before buying it... Or maybe I should just be your guinea pig. :)

Hi,

I thought the 928 battery consists of 2 x 760mAH ? I examined the back of the removable battery which labels 0.76AH or 760mAH. My set is bought in Singapore

[marlof]

Sure enough! 0.76 Ah. Don't know wherever I found the 520 mAH that got stuck in my head, but I just yanked out the battery and found 0.76Ah too. And AllNetDevices (http://www.allnetdevices.com/wireless/news/2002/07/26/hp_intros.html) talks about 2 x 760 mAh as well.

[jllcs]

hmmm, I'm rather surprise to learn the 928's battery life seems a distant second to the XDA. Both are roughly on par in battery capacity ( 928 = 2 x 760mAH = 1,520 mAH, XDA = 1,500mAH). Furthermore, isn't the 928's TI OMAP processor core, which is at a lower clock speed of 132mHz than the XDA's 206mHz, supposedly battery friendly by integrating both the application processor and the GSM/GPRS baseband into one ? The outcome is rather intriguing in that the 928, despite its unique adoption of "energy efficuent" TI-OMAP engine and a relatively large combined battery, fares so poorly against the XDA's battery stamina. Could the 16-bit screen and the additional 32MB ram space be the culprits (versus XDA) ??? Other than a relatively weak battery system, I'm enjoying this 928 in many ways.

OK, having ranted the above, I must say that the battery stamina, while short of good, is not that bad either. On my usage pattern, at least it can last me one whole day without charge with around 30 % to spare at the end of the one-day cycle. So I can still leave my office without an extra battery and an extra charger and bring it back to charge by the next day at office.

[Ravenswing]

• I guess what hp is saying that if you want to keep your GPRS connection alive (one of the big advantages of GPRS), your battery life will suffer. I'm sorry, but I got this device to use it as a connected device, not to have it suspended and disconnected all the time.

Now, I don't actually like the trend toward convergent devices for several reasons, but I have to leap in with a defence on this one.

If you really want this device to be connected all the time that means that both the software and the transmitter must be active all the time. My T68 is currently claiming a standby time of 191 hours on a full charge, but only 5 hours and 18 minutes of talk time. (And if I have an active BT connection going those figure would drop a lot.) I think you're asking a lot from those batteries to keep an active GPRS connection going at all times, drive software listening to that connection, and still get a day of battery life.

Just my 2p.

[marlof]

hmmm, I'm rather surprise to learn the 928's battery life seems a distant second to the XDA.

Today in the car, I didn't bring my car charger, so I let the 928 sit in the cradle on battery power, but with the lid open, and I noticed something weird. So let's try the following. Turn your 928 on, with the lid open. Do not attach any power cord. Then use the button to suspend the device. Now watch. With me with no other programs than PocketNav running, after a minutes the unit mysteriously turns itself on again. If it does that with all devices (even with the lid closed, and the screen off) every few minutes, I can imagine why it's power hungry.

[marlof]

If you really want this device to be connected all the time that means that both the software and the transmitter must be active all the time.

Yes, at the moments I choose to do that (i.e. when I want to suspend the device while keeping the GPRS connection active). And my T39 and 3870 bluetooth connected combo did that pretty well.

I think you're asking a lot from those batteries to keep an active GPRS connection going at all times, drive software listening to that connection, and still get a day of battery life.

Not all the time, but there are times when I wouldn't mind having an open connection. Like when I expect an important e-mail. Or when I am waiting for someone to get online that I want to IM with. Right now, all I can do is have the GPRS connection open AND keep the PDA from suspending. That is a lot worse than giving me the option to suspend the PDA except for the GPRS connection.

[tekguru]

I guess what hp is saying that if you want to keep your GPRS connection alive (one of the big advantages of GPRS), your battery life will suffer. I'm sorry, but I got this device to use it as a connected device, not to have it suspended and disconnected all the time.

But surely you can't actually use the connected GPRS though? Even after dialing out and accessing email (and disconnecting) the [G] indicator remains on he LCD indicating GPRS is active, but it's no use.

You can't leave MSN Messenger connected, or leave Email active to check for new Email every X minutes as they seem to require a logged on connection.

The connection can remain for me until the 'turn off after X minutes' timer hits but then the machine turns off and the connection is lost.

So what use is the GPRS still being connected?

Unless of course I'm missing something?

[marlof]

Unless of course I'm missing something?

You are. The [G] in the phone screen indicates that you're connected to the GPRS network, in that you can fire up a GPRS connection. Only in area's where there is no GPRS coverage, the [G] disappears on my screen. If you make that connection, you'll see the signal strength symbol change to the icon with the two arrows pointing left and right.

[tekguru]

Ah thanks Marlof, but in that case why have it listed in the settings as GPRS indicator, or not give a better explanation.

[heywoodg]

I am very tempted to get one of these (they are still available from some sites), but they seem to be discontinued? Does anyone know why? Is there a replacement coming out? Why else would HP chose to pull the product?