Recently, the folks at Hewlett-Packard have kept us pretty busy writing reviews.
Two issues ago we reviewed their iPAQ h2200 (http://www.SmartphoneMag.com/nov03/h2200.asp), a stylish, compact Pocket PC with two card slots and plenty of power. In that same issue we also took a quick look at the new iPAQ h1940, h5100, and h5500 (http://www.SmartphoneMag.com/nov03/otheripaqs.asp). In the last issue we reviewed bargain Pocket PCs, including the iPAQ h1935, HP’s newest no-frills Windows Mobile device (http://www.SmartphoneMag.com/jan04/bargainppcs.asp).
We thought five new iPAQs in a three-month period was quite an accomplishment for HP—and then they sent us two more brand-new iPAQs: the iPAQ h4150 and the iPAQ h4350. These new Pocket PCs are small, lightweight devices somewhat similar in appearance to the h1935. However, there are significant changes to the design, especially in the h4350.
Snappy performance and other features common to the iPAQ h4150 and h4350
Both devices are powered by a 400 MHz Intel PXA processor with XScale technology. Performance on both seemed pretty snappy—I did not notice any long pauses while documents loaded. This general impression is supported by benchmark tests that rate the h4150 as one of the fastest Pocket PCs available (http://www.bargainpda.com/reviews/). Both devices have 64 MB of SDRAM, 55 MB of which is available to run programs and store files. The built-in Windows Mobile software occupies most of the 32 MB of flash ROM. A little under 3 MB of the flash ROM is available to the user to store data and programs. Both devices have a USB port for data synchronization, and both come with a USB sync/charging cradle. On the top of each device is an SDIO card slot, allowing the user to add storage memory and I/O peripherals. Also located on the top of each device is a standard 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack.
Both of these h4000 series Pocket PCs come with a 3.5-inch diagonal, 240x320 pixel, transflective touchscreen capable of displaying 65,000 colors. They have very nice screens, quite viewable indoors and reasonably so outdoors. These are the same screens used on HP’s h1900 series Pocket PCs, and some users have complained of a yellowish tinge to the screen if you looked at it from an angle. I did notice this on both devices, but it was very minor and did not bother me.
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth worked like a charm
The h4150 and h4350 both come with integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth wireless capabilities, as well as an IrDA port. The wireless capabilities worked without a hitch. I was able to connect to our network and browse the Web using the Wi-Fi capabilities. I transferred files back and forth between the two iPAQs using Bluetooth. I also beamed contacts back and forth using IrDA. You turn the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability on and off using the built-in iPAQ Wireless application (Screen 1), which is accessed from the Start menu. Leave it off when you’re not using it, to conserve battery power.
Screen 1: The iPAQ Wireless application built in lets you turn Bluetooth and WLAN (Wi-Fi) on and off.
Speaking of batteries, both of the new iPAQs come with user-replaceable lithium-ion rechargeables. The h4150 has a 1,000 mAh battery and the h4350 a 1,560 mAh one. HP sells an optional 1,800 mAh extended battery for the h4150 and a 3,600 mAh extended battery for the h4350. Both devices have a built-in NiMH rechargeable backup battery. Some reviewers have complained about the relatively short battery life of the h4150. HP does not give an official manufacturer’s estimate on either device,
Both iPAQs have two LEDs that flank the on/off button at the top of the device. They indicate when the battery is charging or fully charged, alert you when an alarm or appointment comes due, and tell you if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability is turned on.
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