Hewlett Packard IPAQ h4355 Pocket PC

As a long-time user of PDAs, I continue to be amazed at the incredible improvements that each succeeding generation of products brings. There are many excellent points that this unit has going for it, and I would especially single out the following: 1) built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; 2) highly usable and convenient integrated keyboard; 3) excellent screen; 4) long-lasting battery; and 5) extremely comfortable and useful form factor (more on that below). I've concentrated on the device itself, since the MS Mobile 2003 operating system is common to all the latest products.

To elaborate on some of these pros, the built in Wi-Fi allows for easy flexibility in using the integrated SD expansion slot for other options, such as additional memory, camera or GPS accessories. The quality of the Wi-Fi is excellent, and I have been very pleased with its reception and lack of interference. Battery life has been terrific, even with extensive usage of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features (with the screen brightness typically set to 50/75%). But one of its strongest points, in my view, is the size/form of the unit. This may surprise some readers, since it is also one of the areas that is most often cited as a tradeoff versus other Pocket PC's. But realistically and practically in mobile usage, I have found it to be a much more handy and functional size. I have owned smaller and larger PDAs, and this is the best compromise I've experienced in terms of usability, especially due to the always accessible, backlit keypad. My hands are fairly large, and I have found the keyboard to be very convenient and usable for everyday tasks (which would NOT include extensive typing, for which other options are available, if desired). I also find this integrated keypad much more convenient than the add-on thumb pad option that I had used on an iPAQ 2215 (less bulky/awkward and backlighting is very helpful in low light situations).

I do have a number of cons to mention. It can be tricky to place the unit in the awkward desktop cradle/charger, which seems to have been designed to save costs by handling many different models. The case that is provided is flimsy and does not protect the top of the unit. Although the numeric keys are nicely distinguished by a slight charcoal coloring (verses the silver tone of the balance of keys), there is no NUM lock key, which would make using the numbers pad much more convenient and functional. While the unit itself is on the more expensive side (typically available for about $500), I do feel it is well worth the cost if you value the features that set this unit apart. However, for HP to charge $100 for a second battery (which can be very important at times), is fairly unconscionable.

Overall though, the positives far outweigh the limited negatives, and I do strongly recommend considering this product, if you are in the market for a Pocket PC.

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The following are some of the basic specifications of this unit. I have summarized and added some comments to this information (below) from the HP site, where you can find additional details if you might wish (www.hp.com). There are many other sites to learn more about this and other brands and models, but one of the most helpful that I have found is from Pocket PC Magazine, which can be found at http://pocketpcmag.com.

* * HP iPaq H4355 * *

OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft? Windows? Mobile 2003 Premium software for Pocket PCPocket (which also includes Pocket PC versions of Microsoft Outlook?, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer). − In my personal experience I have found this latest update of the system to be noticeably faster and more efficient than prior versions, especially with the 400MHz processor below).

PROCESSOR: 400MHz Intel? XScale™ technology-based processor

INTEGRATED WIRELESS: 1) WLAN 802.11b; 2) Bluetooth?; 3) IrDA

DISPLAY: 3.5" transflective TFT display with 64K colors

MEMORY: 64MB SDRAM, 32MB Flash ROM Memory (55MB user accessible) and up to 2.8MB iPAQ File Store

DIMENSIONS: 5.4H x 2.9W x 0.6D (in inches) – Please note this is well in line with many other systems and one of the stronger points for this system, in my opinion.

WEIGHT: 5.8 oz. (165 g) – Also very similar in weight to many other PPC's

INPUT METHODS: Integrated and backlit keyboard – To this I would add that the integrated microphone also allows for audio input via a hardware button on the left side of the device.

POWER: 1) Battery: Removable/Rechargeable 1560 mAh Lithium-lon user swappable battery. − There is also an optional extended 3600 mAh Lithium-lon battery available; 2) AC Power: AC Input: 100~240 VAC, 50/60Hz

EXPANSION: Integrated SD slot − Supports SD/MMC type standard; SDIO ready

AUDIO: 1) Microphone; 2) Speaker; 3) 3.5 mm headphone jack; 4) MP3 stereo (through audio jack)

HP EXCLUSIVE APPLICATIONS: 1) Bluetooth? Manager; 2) iPAQ File Store for non-volatile storage in Flash ROM; 3) iPAQ Backup utility for Backup/Restore to Main Memory, Memory Card or iPAQ File Store; 4) iPAQ iTask Manager to access and launch programs easily; 5) iPAQ Image Zone to view images and create slide shows; and several Utilities, including 6) Self Test; 7) iPAQ Audio and 8) Power Status

ERGONOMIC DESIGN FEATURES: 1) Instant-on/off and Backlight Power button; 2) 5-way Navigation button; 3) Touch-sensitive display for stylus; 4) 4 programmable application launch buttons (Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, iTask); 5) Built-in speaker and microphone; 6) Record button