HP iPAQ rx1955 PDA Review

[ruby]

Here's a relatively well priced and solid PDA from HP working on the Windows-based software. The iPAQ is the rx1955, a slim and lightweight mid-range handheld that sports Windows Mobile 5.0, Microsoft's most up-to-date OS for mobile devices. The rx1955 looks identical to its 1900 series predecessors and measures 4.47 x 2.78 x 0.5 inches and weighing 4.4 ounces.

Like other recent 1900 series models, the rx1955 eschews the ubiquitous Intel XScale processor in favor of one from Samsung; specifically a 300 MHz SC32442 300 CPU. The system includes only 32MB of RAM along with 64 MB of ROM: 36 MB of the total memory is available to users. The user-available memory is non-volatile so it will remain intact even after a drained battery or hard system reboot. The convetion today is Flash, not RAM, FYI HP.

The rx1955 uses a conventional 3.5-inch, 240 x 320 resolution TFT display, and features the standard compliment of four application buttons and directional thumbpad. All of the button functions are fully customizable, and the right-most button sports a wireless icon and can be used to quickly summon the wireless connection dialog. The factory battery is a removable1100 mAh Lithium-Ion battery, but it's behind a thin and somewhat flimsy cover that can be tough to remove and even tougher to get back on properly.

Bare bones software is included. This includes familiar Outlook productivity applications like Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Messaging along with the other Office mainstays of Word and Excel. New to Windows Mobile 5.0 is Microsoft's PowerPoint Mobile for viewing your .ppt files, a task which used to require third-party software. You can't use PowerPoint mobile to edit or author presentations.

Well, basically you'll get a solid PDA for cheap. By comparison, Dell's Axim X51 lacks Wi-Fi, though it does include Bluetooth, a faster processor and more ROM than the iPAQ.

Cons: No cradle, so you must sync and charge the unit via a USB cable/AC adapter pair. Wifi may drain battery if you do'nt sut it off. No Bluetooth.

Pros: Durable and fairly snug-fitting nylon slip case protects the unit while traveling. Nice design, no antenna. Cheap but incldues WIFI.