Review: (Flashback) NEC MobilePro 880

Julio Ortiz has always had a soft spot for H/PC Professional, an early adopter and a hp fan, after all these years it seemed sensible to try something new. As a H/PC pundit and a writer, Julio needs something a little more scalable from his Handheld's. So after much deliberation the venerable NEC MobilePro 880 sub-notebook Handheld PC seemed like it fit the bill, but after nearly a decade can such a device really be all that useful?

In the latest HPC:Factor flashback review, where a legacy device is reviewed through modern eyes, Julio explores the merits of the NEC MobilePro 880 from a writers context and finds out if it offers value for money on the second hand market.

View: Flashback: NEC MobilePro 880

Good article...I especially enjoyed the current average price of $80. A far cry from the original cost. Now if we could just find some way to use the USB port with the 790 ROM....

Rich

There are still a lot of 880s going for $100 or more (winning bids) on eBay, far more than 800s are going for - and for good reason: it's a big improvement over the 800.

I didn't see mention of the ROM upgrade option in the review. Makes the 880 an even better buy even with the loss of USB function. (I still get lots of use and pleasure out of my "890." )

Overall, a thorough, helpful, and easy-to-read review. Nice work, Julio.

Nice review

Now's your chance to get one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-MobilePro-880-Handheld-PC-with-Accessories_...

also a cheap compaq aero 8000
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Compaq-Aero-8000-WinCE-mini-laptop-w-SmartCar...

I'm going to agree: it's a good review. OTOH, I disagree on the loss of USB function: I really, really like the ability to be able to handle USB drives. Heck, I've even got a 320 GB external drive around here that I formated in FAT32 (using a third-party program from a desktop), so that it's portable across both NT-based computers and my 880.

The 880 really is the equivalent of one of the new "Netbook" style subnotebook PCs, and while its browser is certainly a bit dated these days, it's otherwise a pretty handy machine.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Well, I bit the bullet and have ordered the "890" upgrade. I'll probably share my experiences about that one.

Ugh. Bad news. I installed the ROM fine and booted it up to test (which it came up with HPC2000). But when trying to take apart the Mobilepro per the instructions to install the battery, I accidentally ripped the video / LCD capable. So now my Mobilepro is officially dead.

Aw, man. (I never bothered to change the rechargeable backup battery in my "890," and it hasn't been a problem - other than the occasional "Backup Battery Low" warning.)

I have a couple of old parts 800s - I'm guessing the cable is the same. Maybe I can remove the cable from one and send it to you.

Email sent to Julio

Thank you all for the kind words. Rich, I have sent a response. I'll keep these options in mind.

Is there a way to disable the low battery warning?

Do you have screen images of Textmaker being used on the MP880?

Also, what version of Textmaker did you use?

How much was that version of Textmaker you used that worked so well on MP880?

Know of any good sources for (new) batteries for the MP880?


Thank you very much for doing this report. It's super informative for a college student on a budget who needs something the MP880 could possibly deliver.

Textmaker looks great on an SVGA screen...





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I am not keen on Handheld PC's that just look like a mini laptop. I do prefer the usual landscape Handheld PC shell (For example: HP Jornada 720). Inserting a pad to move your finger along the interface just makes you confused.