Readable screen, replaceable battery
Because the h2200 has a smaller form factor, it cannot use the Expansion Packs designed for the larger h3000 and h5000 series iPAQs. However, with the combination of SDIO and Type II CF slots, and integrated Bluetooth, it has the expansion and communications arena well covered.
The h2200 comes with a 16-bit, 65,536 color, transflective display. The screen is excellent indoors, and although transflective TFT screens have been criticized for their outdoor performance, I found the screen to be more than adequate in bright sunshine (when turned to its brightest setting). Unfortunately, the h2200 does not have the automatic light sensor found on many earlier iPAQs. On previous models the light sensor would automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the ambient light changed.
The h2200 sports a standard 2.5 mm headphone jack for attaching a set of stereo headphones (not included). It also includes a 115.2 Kbps IrDA infrared port, which can be used to beam information to other devices. The infrared port is powerful enough that you can use your Pocket PC as a remote control for controlling your TV, stereo, and other home equipment. To this end, the easy-to-use Nevo Remote Control software comes preinstalled (Screen1). I tested it thoroughly with all my home entertainment gear and was very impressed.
Screen 1 (above): the combination of a powerful infrared port and the Nevo Remote control software shown here lets you control your TV, VCR, DVD Player, and more with the iPAQ h2200.
It is powered by a 900 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which can be removed and replaced by the user. HP has designed replaceable batteries into all their more recent iPAQs, allowing you to carry a spare with you and swap batteries when you run low on power. The h2200 has an internal backup battery that will maintain power to the RAM, preventing data loss while you switch main batteries. A nice addition to the battery information display on the h2200, h5100, and h5500 is the Standby screen, which gives you an estimate of the remaining usage time based on the current battery charge (Screen2). It also lets you set the "standby period" of the device—the amount of time the battery will keep the RAM memory alive after the Pocket PC receives the final "low power" warning and goes into standby mode. Displaying the amount of time left is much more useful than displaying a percentage of the total battery capacity.
Screen 2 (above): The Standby screen in the battery information display gives you an estimate of the remaining usage time and lets you set the "standby period" of the h2200.
I used the h2200 as a typical user would for two days straight without recharging. I checked my e-mail, ran software programs, and wrote and read Word documents. It wasn't continuous usage, but I believe I mimicked reasonably heavy business use. It was nice to see that I could make it through a couple of full business days without receiving the "low power" message.
The unit comes with a new style of sync-and-charging cradle, which can power the h2200 and charge a spare battery at the same time.
Windows Mobile 2003 software for the Pocket PC
The iPAQ h2200 (along with the h5100 and h5500 described on Three Other New HP iPAQs) comes with the latest version of Microsoft's operating system and applications for handheld devices, officially known as "Windows Mobile 2003." It includes version 4.2 of the Pocket PC OS and "Pocket" versions of Outlook (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Inbox), Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer. It also includes Pocket PC versions of MS Reader, Windows Media Player, File Explorer, a couple of games, and a number of utilities to help you configure the Pocket PC. You will also find MSN Messenger, Pocket MSN, and Terminal Services client for connected use. A complete listing of the Microsoft applications that come with Windows Mobile 2003 devices can be found on our website.
A review of Windows Mobile 2003 that focuses on the improvements made to the OS and the built-in applications can be found on Chris De Herrera's "Windows Mobile 2003" article. It's worth mentioning that the new OS has been streamlined in many ways. It now includes the runtime engine for .NET Compact Framework, Microsoft's replacement for eMbedded Visual Basic (eVB) as the development language of choice for the Pocket PC. If you need to run Pocket PC applications that use .NET, you no longer need to load the framework. Unfortunately, the new OS no longer includes the eMbedded Visual Basic runtime engine, which many popular Pocket PC applications are based on. The first time you try to install a Pocket PC application that uses eVB, you will get a message saying that the runtime engine must be loaded. Fortunately, Microsoft provides the runtime engine free of charge on their Web site (www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/downloads/evb/evbEULA.asp). Go to the Web site and download the necessary .CAB file, copy it to your Pocket PC, and tap on it in File Explorer. It will automatically install itself. Windows Mobile 2003 also includes a greatly enhanced Connection Manager, making it much easier to keep your Pocket PC connected via a wireless connection.
To be able to sync an h2200 or any Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC with a desktop PC, the PC must use ActiveSync 3.7, which is included on the software CD that ships with the new Pocket PCs. You can also download it from Microsoft's Web site (www.microsoft.com/mobile). If you have a previous version of ActiveSync already installed on your desktop PC, you will be prompted to upgrade when you attempt to sync your h2200.
Extensive suite of additional software from HP
The iPAQ h2200 comes with an extensive suite of additional software from HP and third-party vendors. Some of it is already built into flash ROM, but most of the programs are found on the software CD that ships with the h2200 and must be installed by the user.
Built into the h2200 are a number of iPAQ specific tools from HP:
iPAQ Task Manager—lets you launch and close applications easily.
Bluetooth Manager—lets you set up and monitor Bluetooth connections.
iPAQBackup—a utility to back up to and restore data from main memory, a storage card, or the iPAQ's File Store. The File Store is a portion of flash ROM that can be accessed by the user to store data and program files. (iPAQ Backup uses the Sprite Pocket Backup engine.)
Nevo Universal Remote Control—lets you use the h2200 to control your TV, VCR, and other appliances.
iPAQ utilities for adjusting audio settings, monitoring power, and adjusting power conservation modes.
iPAQ Image Viewer—lets you view images and create slide shows.
The iPAQ Image Viewer is great for carrying around my personal photo album (Screen 3). If you are in a business that makes extensive use of images, such as real estate or insurance adjusting, you will find this application very handy. Please note that the iPAQ Image Viewer is in addition to a similar but not quite as feature-rich Microsoft application called Pictures. Also, the built-in Bluetooth Manager found on the h2200 replaces a similar Microsoft application that comes with Windows Mobile 2003.
Screen 3 (above): The HP application iPAQ Image Viewer lets you bring a digital photo album with you on your h2200.
Areas of improvement
The new device does have a couple of shortcomings which, although minor, should be mentioned. As I noted earlier, the h2200 lacks the automatic light sensor found on previous iPAQs. That was a handy feature and I think it was a mistake not to include it.
The other problem I discovered may actually be a Windows Mobile 2003 issue and not specifically related to the h2200. I had my IMAP4 e-mail set to check for new mail every 15 minutes, wirelessly through a Bluetooth connection. I found that when it would connect, the process of checking the message headers and starting the synchronization consumed virtually all of the h2200's CPU power, stopping me from running other applications.
Turning off the "automatic checking for new messages" option corrected the problem. However, whenever I attempted to sync Inbox, I couldn't do anything else on the h2200 until the process was complete. Given that this unit has a 400 MHz processor, I would think it should be able to multitask, syncing my Inbox in the background while I look at other e-mail, respond to messages, or run other applications. Having said this, I'll just no
te that my device is a pre-release engineering sample, and the final release product may not have this problem.
I have two other minor details I would like to see changed. First is the unit's thickness. It would be nice if the h2200 could be as thin as the h1910. It would be easy to slip into the pocket of a dress shirt that way. Given the current thickness, it is now best carried in the breast pocket of a suit or sports jacket.
The second has to do with the supplied case. I have yet to see a Pocket PC ship with a case of decent quality. The h2200 is the best so far, with a nice nylon case that fits snugly and is very functional. However, the case lacks a belt loop, and without one it serves only to protect the unit from scratches. I am a heavy user and like to have these things on my hip for fast and easy access. Give me a belt loop and the supplied nylon case becomes truly usable.
My Pocket PC of choice
It takes something significant to make me change my device of choice. I upgraded from my iPAQ 3760 when the 3870 came out with embedded Bluetooth. Neither the 3970 nor the h5450 were compelling enough to make me switch. The new HP h2200 iPAQ is a rock-solid unit that is more compact and more functional than any previous iPAQ. It is ideally suited to the mobile businessperson and executive. This is now my Pocket PC of choice and will become my standard equipment. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the strongest endorsement I can give.
The HP iPAQ h2200 has a suggested retail of $399.00. It is available from HP or from your iPAQ supplier of choice.
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Derek Ball is the CEO of Sonic Mobility (www.sonicmobility.com) in Calgary, Canada. Sonic builds wireless software for mobile devices such as the Pocket PC. Derek is also the co-author of the best-selling book, How To Do Everything With Your iPAQ Pocket PC. Derek has published several books and written over 60 articles. Derek lives with his wife, three daughters, dog, and cat in Calgary. Contact Derek at [email protected].
Spec Sheet
iPAQ h2200 $399.00
Contact: www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html
Hardware
CPU: 400 MHz Intel PXA-255 with XScale technology
Display: 3.5" diagonal, 240x320 pixel, 64K color, transflective TFT touchscreen
Memory: 64 MB RAM (56 MB main memory), 32 MB flash ROM (about 3 MB user-accessible as File Store)
Input and Control: Pen entry with handwriting recognition, soft keyboard, block and character letter recognizers, power on/off button, 4 application launch buttons, 5-way navigation button, microphone for voice recording
Communications (built-in): Class II Bluetooth with 4 dBm transmit and up to 10 m range
External ports: USB/RS232 serial, IrDA, audio speaker, 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack
Card slots: SD (SDIO compatible), CF (Type II)
Power: 900 mAh L-Ion removable/rechargeable; backup battery
Dimensions/weight: 4.54 x 3.0 x 0.61 in (11.5 x 7.6 x 1.5 cm) 5.1 oz (144.2 g)
Other features: Speaker, microphone, alarm/charging indicators
Accessories standard: USB desktop cradle/charger, AC power adapter, charger adapter, slip case, battery, "getting started" poster, companion CD
Options: SD and CF storage cards, 1GB Microdrive in CF format, U.S. and international power adapters, automobile power adapter, spare battery, USB/serial AutoSync cable, USB sync cradle/charger, CF modem, stylus 3-pack, foldable keyboard, belt and other cases
Software
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC 2002
Built-in MS apps.:
BUILT IN: Windows Mobile OS v 4.2, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Inbox, Pocket Internet Explorer, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, MS Reader, Notes, File Explorer, Windows Media Player 9.0, Pictures, text and character entry software (soft keyboard, Transcriber, single-character handwriting recognition software), Solitaire, Jawbreaker, Terminal Server Client, Calculator, Voice Recorder, Asset Viewer, MS Messenger, various setup and configuration utilities, VPN Client, Server Sync client, Infrared Beaming, built-in support for external keyboard functions. USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): ActiveSync 3.7 (desktop PC software for device synchronization), Outlook (desktop PC version), Windows Media Player 9.0 for desktop PCs running Windows, Microsoft Reader eBooks, games (Minesweeper, Reversi, Hearts) Built-in Mfg & 3rd party apps.: BUILT IN: HP iPAQ apps (Task Manager, Bluetooth Manager, Backup, Image Viewer, File Store); audio, power status, and power standby setup utilities; Nevo Universal Remote Control. USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): FULL VERSIONS: Adobe PDF viewer, Afaria client, Audible Player, Cadenza mNotes, ClearVue Suite, ET Player, F-Secure, Margi Presenter-To-Go, PeacemakerPro, PocketWatch, iPresentation Mobile Client, RealOne Player for Pocket PC, HP Web Registration, HP Mobile Printing, Citrix client software, User Guide in .lit and .pdf formats, safety info and World Phone numbers in .pdf format. TRIAL VERSIONS: eWallet, ListPro, Cadenza mNotes, Vindigo
Comments: Small, relatively inexpensive device with CF and SDIO card slots, great display; does not accept Expansion Packs; has same connector as h5000 series so you can use keyboards, sync cables, and other h5000 accessories
Three Other New HP iPAQs
by Rich Hall
In addition to the new iPAQ h2200, Hewlett Packard introduced three other new Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PCs in the U.S.: the iPAQ h5500, the h5100, and the h1940. Complete specs can be found after the review of each device. Find out more about these devices on HP's Website (www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html). You can purchase them through an HP dealer or at e store (www.shopping.hp.com).
HP iPAQ h5500: HP's top-of-the-line Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Pocket PC
This is the successor to the h5400, which we reviewed in our March 2003 issue (www.PocketPCmag.com/Mar03/ipaqs.asp). The h5500 is similar to the h5400, but comes with 128MB RAM instead of 64MB. It also comes with Windows Mobile 2003 software, some new add-on programs, and a new CPU.
HP iPAQ h5500 Pocket PC
Powerful hardware features
The h5500 is powered by the latest Intel processor—the 400 MHz PXA255. It has a bright and very readable 3.8" diagonal, 240x320 pixel color touch screen and a single SDIO-compatible SD card slot. It is designed to accept iPAQ Expansion Packs, so you can add CF or PC Card slots, digital cameras, GPS receivers, and many other hardware accessories. It has an ample 128 MB of RAM to run programs and store files. The operating system and other built-in software programs occupy about 65% of the 48 MB of flash ROM, leaving 17 MB free as a non-volatile "File Store" for the user. The h5500 comes with a 1250 mAh lithium-polymer rechargeable user-replaceable battery. HP offers a 2500 mAh extended-service battery as an option.
What makes the h5500 (and the h5400) unusual are its built-in wireless options and biometric fingerprint reader. It not only comes with an IrDA port, which is standard on all Pocket PCs, but it has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11b) capability built in. The biometric fingerprint reader is an enhanced security feature that lets you "password-protect" your h5500 with your own fingerprint.
Impressive suite of add-on software
The h5500 and all new HP Pocket PCs use the Windows Mobile 2003 software that's described in the review of the h2200 and reviewed separately on Chris De Herrera's article on Windows Mobile 2003. In addition, the h5500 comes with a rather impressive suite of add-on software from HP and third-party vendors (see the complete list in the spec sheet). Common to all of the new HP Pocket PCs are the iPAQ Image Viewer, Task Manager, Bluetooth Manager, Backup, and a variety of HP configuration utilities. In addition, the h5500 has Wireless Control, which lets you turn the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transceiver on and off. Add-on software from third-party vendors includes full versions of Westtek's ClearVue Suite (document and PowerPoint viewer for the Pocket PC), F-Secure FileCrypto (encrypts sensitive information), iPresenter Mobile Player (displays Powerpoint presentations on your iPAQ), a number of voice-over-IP applications, and more.
The h5500 is designed for mobile power users who require wireless connectivity, amp
le file storage, extra security, and more. Priced at $649, it's one of the most expensive Pocket PCs available.
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Spec Sheet
HP iPAQ h5500 Pocket PC $649.00
Contact: www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html
CPU: 400 MHz Intel PXA-255 with XScale technology
Display: 3.8" diagonal, 240x320 pixel, 64K color, transflective TFT touchscreen
Memory: 128 MB RAM, 48 MB flash ROM (about 17 MB useraccessible as File Store)
Input and control: Pen entry with handwriting recognition, soft keyboard, block and character letter recognizers, power on/off button, 4 application launch buttons, 5-way navigation button, microphone for voice recording, plus voice record button and volume up/down rocker, biometric fingerprint reader
Communications (built-in): Class II Bluetooth with 4 dBm transmit and up to 10 m range plus Wi-Fi (802.11b)
External Ports: USB/RS232 serial, IrDA, audio speakers, 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack
Card slots: SD (SDIO compatible)
Pocket PC Magazine, November '03 Page 4
