It's a sign of the times when Compaq's Aero 8000 runs Windows CE in a box bigger than a Sharp PC-A250 (reviewed issue 23, p86) running Windows 98. So what's the big idea? Windows CE uses no moving parts, while software in ROM means immediate start-up times, high reliability, and long battery life all highly desirable qualities in a portable.

Hewlett-Packard was the first company to fit Windows CE Professional into a larger form factor with its Jornada 820 (reviewed issue 16, p98). This offered you basic office software on a cheap portable with a half-decent screen and keyboard, but with battery life almost three times that of an average notebook. Now Compaq wants a piece of the action with its brand new Aero 8000.

Side by side with the HP Jornada 820, the Aero 8000 is a much larger device. Both share approximately the same 25mm thickness, but the Aero's footprint is significantly bigger at 216 x 277mm when compared to the Jornada 820's 180 x 245mm. It's slightly heavier too: 1.32kg compared to 1.12kg, but neither can be described as a burden to carry around. Speaking of which, Compaq offers a carrying handle accessory that bolts directly onto the back of the Aero. The handle is comfortable, but a bag would offer better protection from theft or physical knocks.

The Aero's larger design gives it the benefit of a bigger screen and keyboard. The former has a 10in diagonal and runs at a resolution of 800 x 600, which compares favourably to the Jornada 820's 8.2in, 640 x 480 screen. While both displays suffer from the characteristic banding and low contrast of cheaper DSTN panel technology, the Compaq is significantly brighter and clearer. And if you thought it was nice to use Windows CE at a comparatively high 640 x 480 resolution, wait until you try it at 800 x 600. The applications don't feel cramped, while menus no longer pose a threat to your Desktop real estate. However, it was still very easy to lose the mouse pointer on both displays.

Compaq has made the most of its additional size with the keyboard, which looks much more professional than the somewhat toy-like appearance of the HP Jornada 820's. However, the HP boasts a longer key travel and feels better. Compaq's keyboard is slightly stiffer than HP's, often leading to slipped fingers as typing speeds increased. However, the Aero does feature a PS/2 port for an external keyboard and has a slightly larger touchpad, although this made little difference compared to the Jornada's in use. Remember that, unlike other CE devices, neither of these models have touch-sensitive screens.

The Aero's 64-bit Hitachi SH4 processor beats at 128MHz, compared to the Jornada 820's StrongArm SA-1100 running at 190MHz. Both models feature 16Mb memory as standard, although in use, the Aero felt considerably faster than the Jornada 820, particularly when opening applications and control panels. The Aero's internal memory can be expanded to 64Mb using standard notebook SO-DIMMS whereas the Jornada's memory can only be expanded using memory cards.

Both models feature an independent PC Card and Type II CompactFlash slots as well as 56K internal modems, fast 4Mbit infrared ports, proprietary RS232 serial ports for connection to a PC, and a VGA output to an external monitor. Compaq has also fitted a nine-pin serial port to its Aero, while HP has squeezed a USB port into its Jornada 820 (even though device support for USB is currently thin on the ground under CE). Compaq has emphasised the corporate pitch by fitting a credit card slot that can read and write smart cards. Used with a password, these removable smart cards offer a high level of security.

The standard suite of Windows CE applications are present, including Pocket versions of Word, Excel, IE, Outlook and PowerPoint, the latter particularly useful when used with the VGA output to an external monitor or projector. The bad news for writers is that, unforgivably, Pocket Word still has no word count feature. Compaq has installed several additional utilities, including one that makes setting up Internet access easier, and another that plays audio files, which can be downloaded from www.audible.com. The Aero features audio I/O jacks, along with a built-in microphone and speaker.

Standard battery life is seven hours, extendible to 12 with the optional long-life battery. This is what CE is all about, and anyone wanting a portable for basic office apps and email should forget about Windows 98 and head in the direction of Compaq and HP. The Aero 8000 costs about the same as the Jornada 820, and you do get a bigger and brighter screen, faster chip and higher security with the smart card. All in all, $1,995 isn't much for a decent portable, and those wanting a quicker, sharper, more corporate model won't be disappointed by the Compaq Aero 8000.