Power: 1250 mAh L-Polymer removable/rechargeable; backup battery
Dimensions/weight: 5.43 x 3.3 x 0.63 in (13.8 x 8.4 x 1.59 cm) 7.29 oz (206.8 g)
Accessories, standard: USB desktop cradle/charger, AC power adapter, charger adapter, holster with belt clip, battery, "getting started" poster, companion CD
Options: iPAQ Expansion Pack, Expansion Pack Plus, and Style Packs, slim and extended batteries for Expansion Pack Plus products, slim and extended Battery for iPAQ h5100/5500, battery charger, charger adapter, automobile power adapter, USB/serial AutoSync cable, USB/serial sync cradle, CF modem, belt and other cases, foldable keyboard, thumb keyboard, stylus 3-pack, screen protectors
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, Wireless Control, Backup, Image Viewer, File Store); audio, power status and power standby setup utilities. USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): FULL VERSIONS: Adobe PDF viewer, Audible Player, Afaria device management agent, Cisco Call Manager, IP blue VTGO, Running Voice IP, Avaya IP, Resco File Explorer 2003 (U.S. only), Colligo Personal Edition, MobiMate WorldMate, ClearVue Suite, F-Secure, Check Point, NetMotion Mobility, Margi Presenter-To-Go, iPresentation Powerpoint converter, Jeode Java VM, RealOne Player for Pocket PC, HP Mobile Printing, Citrix client software, iPAQ User Guide in .pdf format, safety info and World Phone numbers in .pdf format, SingleTap software catalog. TRIAL VERSIONS: eWallet, ListPro, Cadenza mNotes, CNM Xpress Conferencer, Vindigo
Comments: Top-end device with plenty of power and connectivity; ability to use Expansion Packs, optional 2500 mAh battery, and extensive suite of add-on software a plus; expensive because of unique features—if you don't need them look elsewhere
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HP iPAQ h5100: Successor to the h3900
This successor to the h3800/h3900 series iPAQs is almost identical to the h5500 except that it doesn't have a biometric fingerprint reader or Wi-Fi capability (note the absence of an antenna nub on the top of the unit). It has the same 400 MHz Intel PXA 255 processor inside, but only 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash ROM (with 4 MB of the ROM available to the user). Like the h5500, it comes with a 1250 mAh rechargeable battery and accepts the optional 2500 mAh lithium polymer extended-service battery. An SDIO-compatible SD card slot is built in, and it accepts the optional Expansion Packs to add hardware features. The most noticeable outward differences between the h5100 series and the h3800/h3900 series are that the navigation button has been redesigned and the placement of the application launch buttons has been changed.
The Navigation and application launch button layouts of the h5500, h5100, h3900, and h1940 respectively. Note the Biometric Fingerprint Reader on the h5500. HP redesigned the navigation button and changed the placement of application launch buttons on the h5100 as compared with the h3900. the button layout of the h1940 and its predecessor the h1910 is different from that of the other three iPAQs.
The h5100 comes with the Windows Mobile 2003 software package and the same add-on software found on the h5500 (with the exception of the Wireless Control utility). It's designed for mobile power users who don't require the power and connectivity of the h5500, but still want a powerful device with a rich suite of add-on software. The h5100 is priced at a relatively hefty $599.
HP iPAQ h5100 Pocket PC
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Spec Sheet
HP iPAQ h5100 Pocket PC $599.00
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: 64 MB RAM, 32 MB flash ROM (about 4 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, voice record button and volume up/down rocker
Communications (built-in): Class II Bluetooth with 4 dBm transmit and up to 10 m range
External Ports: USB/RS232 serial, IrDA, audio speakers, 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack
Card slots: Same as h5500
Power: 1250 mAh L-Polymer removable/rechargeable; backup battery
Dimensions/weight: 5.23 x 3.3 x 0.63 (13.3 x 8.4 x 1.59 cm) 6.59 oz (186.9 g)
Accessories, standard: USB desktop cradle/charger, AC power adapter, charger adapter, holster with belt clip, battery, "getting started" poster, companion CD
Options: iPAQ Expansion Pack, Expansion Pack Plus, and Style Packs, slim and extended batteries for Expansion Pack Plus products, slim and extended Battery for iPAQ h5100/5500, battery charger, charger adapter, automobile power adapter, USB/serial AutoSync cable, USB/serial sync cradle, CF modem, belt and other cases, foldable keyboard, thumb keyboard, stylus 3-pack, screen protectors
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. USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): FULL VERSIONS: Adobe PDF viewer, Audible Player, Afaria device management agent, Cisco Call Manager, IP blue VTGO, Running Voice IP, Avaya IP, Colligo Personal Edition, MobiMate WorldMate, ClearVue Suite, F-Secure, Check Point, NetMotion Mobility, Margi Presenter-To-Go, iPresentation Powerpoint converter, RealOne Player for Pocket PC, HP Mobile Printing, Citrix client software, iPAQ User Guide in .pdf format, safety info and World Phone numbers in .pdf format, SingleTap software catalog. TRIAL VERSIONS: eWallet, ListPro, Cadenza mNotes, CNM Xpress Conferencer, Vindigo
Comments: Expandability via Expansion Packs, and add-on software a plus; a relatively expensive device for its set of features
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The HP iPAQ h1940 Pocket PC
The iPAQ h1940 is an update of the original h1910 that we reviewed in the March 2003 issue (www.PocketPCmag.com/ Mar03/ipaqs.asp). This is HP's no-frills, bargain Pocket PC. Outwardly it's identical to the h1910, but there are some internal changes. The h1910 was powered by a 200 MHz Intel processor but the h1940 has a 266 MHz Samsung ARM processor. It has 64 MB of RAM like its predecessor, but comes with 32 MB of flash ROM for program storage and non-volatile memory. This is a 16 MB increase in ROM over the h191
0 and up to 14 MB of it is available to the user for data storage and program installation. The other important difference is the Bluetooth transceiver built in the h1940. Both the h1940 and the h2200 (see h2200 review) have the slightly small 3.5" diagonal, 240x320 pixel color touch screen. All of HP's newer iPAQs use the same Transflective TFT screen technology. All are very readable.
Like the h2200, h5500, and h5100, the h1940 uses the latest version of Microsoft's software for Pocket PCs, Windows Mobile 2003. The h1940 also has the iPAQ Image Viewer, a backup utility, the Bluetooth manager, and a few other HP configuration utilities. The suite of add-on programs is not quite as full as the ones found on the higher-priced iPAQs. Missing are some of the security and enterprise-related applications. For details, see spec sheet following each device.
The h1940 is a very nice entry-level Pocket PC. But the fact that you cannot use Expansion Packs with it means that it doesn't have as much expansion potential as its higher-priced brothers. On the other hand, even the h1940's skimpy suite of add-on applications is lavish compared to the offerings of some of HP's competitors. The HP iPAQ h1940 is priced at $299.
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Spec Sheet
HP iPAQ h1940 Pocket PC $299.00
Contact: www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html
Hardware
CPU: 266 MHz Samsung 2410 (ARM)
Display: Same as h2200
Memory: 64 MB RAM (56 MB main memory), 32 MB flash ROM (about 14 MB user-accessible as File Store)
Input and control: Same as h2200, plus voice record button
Communications: Same as h2200
External Ports: USB/RS232 serial, IrDA, audio speaker, 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack
Card slots: Same as h2200
Power: 4.46 x 2.75 x 0.5 (11.3 x 6.98 x 1.28 cm) 4.37 oz (124 g)
Accessories, standard: USB sync cable, AC power adapter, charger adapter, 2.5-mm-to-3.5 mm audio adapter, "getting started" poster, companion CD
Options: SD file storage cards, spare/replacement 900 mAh battery, automobile power adapter, AC power adapter, charger adapter, USB desktop cradle/charger, stylus 3-pack, nylon case, leather belt case
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, File Store); audio, power status and power standby setup utilities. USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): FULL VERSIONS: iPAQ Image Viewer, Adobe PDF viewer, Audible Player, ClearVue Suite, Margi Presenter-To-Go, RealOne Player for Pocket PC, Resco File Explorer (on h1945 only), 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, Resco Picture Viewer
Comments: A relatively inexpensive, no-frills unit; does not accept Expansion Packs
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Software updates for existing iPAQ users
HP will offer Windows Mobile 2003 software upgrades for owners of its iPAQ h5400, h3900, and h3800 Pocket PCs. They have no plans to upgrade the iPAQ 3600, 3700, 1910 or Jornada 560 series.
What is a Windows Mobile Smartphone?
by David Shier
This was the simple question posed on the Pocket PC magazine wireless forum (www.pocketpcmag.com/forum) back at the end of May, but like a lot of simple questions, it has a complex answer.
The term "smartphone" generically refers to a cellular or mobile phone that provides advanced data functions in addition to the voice features of a regular mobile phone. Of course, even the least expensive mobile phone includes some amount of memory for storing a phone directory, and most can send and receive text messages, but a smartphone has many more features. To be considered a smartphone, a mobile phone should have many of the following features:
Appointment calendar
Internet browser
E-mail in addition to SMS (short message service) messaging
Graphics capability
Multi-tonal ring tones
MP3 player
Digital camera
Smartphones come in many sizes and shapes, and smartphones have been introduced in the last year or so by virtually all the cell phone makers, including Handspring, Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, etc. In fact, the Pocket PC Phone Edition introduced last year and sold in the U.S. by T-Mobile and AT&T certainly qualifies as one. But that's not what Microsoft means when they talk about a "Windows Mobile Smartphone."
"Windows Mobile" Smartphones
Recognizing that a certain group of users was especially interested in PDA functionality, Microsoft created the Pocket PC Phone Edition OS and software, allowing manufacturers to create devices that were primarily PDAs and secondarily mobile phones. The devices have a large, color touch screen in place of a conventional telephone keypad, and a full suite of Pocket PC software. However, Microsoft also recognized that there was an even larger group of cellular phone users that wanted advanced data features on their mobile phones, but did not want to compromise its primary purpose—which is to be a phone. So Microsoft developed the hardware specifications and software for a new class of devices, which they called "Microsoft Windows Mobile Smartphones" to distinguish them from similar products.
As with the Pocket PCs, Microsoft created hardware specifications and the software and then left it to their manufacturing partners to create the physical devices.
Phone first, PDA second
While the Windows Mobile Smartphone is based on the same operating system as the Pocket PC, the hardware specs and user interface of the device are tailored to support its primary use as a phone. Microsoft people like to say "it's a phone first, and a PDA second." Instead of a touch screen, it comes with a standard 12-key phone keypad which allows dialing by touch—a difficult feat to accomplish on a touch screen. The Smartphone is much smaller than a Pocket PC and uses a smaller 176x220 pixel display. In addition to the keypad, the Smartphone has a large five-way navigation button for program navigation and control. For Pocket PC owners, the look and feel is comfortably familiar. In addition, many of the same applications are there, including Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Inbox, Pocket Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, and Windows Media Player. And of course, it wouldn't be Windows with out Solitaire. Finally, the Smartphone has a user-installable version of the desktop PC synchronization program ActiveSync.
A number of the most popular Pocket PC applications, such as Ilium Software's ListPro (See Screens 1 and 2) have also been ported over to the Smartphone platform. Although the Windows Mobile Smartphone uses the same basic operating system as the Pocket PC, applications have to be redesigned to accommodate the different screen size and the fact that the Smartphone does not use a touch screen interface. Although more and more third-party Smartphone applications are being introduced, you should not assume that every Pocket PC program will be ported over to the Smartphone platform.
Screens 1 and 2 (above): Ilium Software's eWallet (top) and ListPro (bottom) are two of a number of Pocket PC applications that have been ported over to the Windows Mobile Smartphone.
Using the Smartphone
Since Microsoft emphasizes the telephone capabilities
of the Smartphone, the most important feature is the keypad for entering numbers. Unfortunately, given the priority given to the phone, I feel there are glaring omissions in the current models, including voice dialing capability and Bluetooth connectivity. On the other hand, I like the Smartphone's method for searching Contacts for a phone number to call. Similarly to the keypad on your home phone, each number on the keypad has a group of 3-4 letters assigned to it (2 = a, b, c; 3 = d, e, f; etc.). Start keying in the name of a contact (first or last) and Contacts displays a list of names that match the letter combinations you have entered so far (again, first and last; see Screen 3). Entering even a couple of letters reduces the list to a reasonable size. Then you can use the navigation button to select the contact you wish to dial. This proves to be fast and easy.
Screen 3 (above): Start entering the name of a friend or associate and Contacts displays a list of the names (first and last) that match the letters that have been entered so far.
I was a little concerned about my ability to use the PIM applications without a touch screen. However, the navigation button works well for most applications, with the odd exception of Solitaire. The game doesn't use the navigation button at all—instead it assigns numbers to each of the card piles and you must press the numbers for the card you want to move and the location you want to move it to. Employers will like the fact that this makes the game tedious to play; you won't find many employees wasting company time playing Solitaire on their Smartphones.
Pocket PC Magazine, November '03 Page 5
