Hewlett Packard IPAQ hx2750 Pocket PC

The HX2750 is my first foray into the world of PDAs. Up until this point I had resisted the urge. I already had my Toshiba notebook and three desktop PCs so how could I justify the expense of what I perceived to be just another expensive "toy"?

Well with my travel frequency on the increase and functionality of PDAs improving all the time I decided it was time to take the plunge and invest in one myself. Once that decision was made, deciding on the HX2750 was easy. I wanted power, storage, connectivity and expandability, the HX2750 provides all this and more.

Processor:
Intel? PXA270 Processor 624 MHz

The fastest of the PDA processors on the market when purchased.

Operating System:
Windows Mobile™ 2003 software - Second Edition

Memory:
256 MB total memory (128 MB ROM and 128 MB SDRAM); Up to 185 MB user available memory (includes 80 MB iPAQ File Store)

Display:
3.5" Transflective TFT QVGA; 64K colors; portrait and landscape mode.

For many, this is viewed as a negative in their reviews. Personally I find the screen to be bright and clear and all that I would ever need but it isn't VGA and as such may not be as color accurate, though personally I couldn't ask for better.

Connectivity:
Wi-Fi (802.11b), Bluetooth? wireless technology, Serial IR

The HX2750 works well with all of the connectivity options easily controllable via the HP management application providing a range of options, profiles and security.

Expansion slots:
Integrated Compact Flash Type II (CF) and Secure Digital (SDIO) slots - Supports SD/MMC type standard, SDIO ready

The expansion slots provide for plenty of opportunity for expansion with a wide range of proprietary and third party accessories available.

Battery:
User replaceable 1440 mAh Lithium Ion battery

The standard battery easily handles several days of PIM and file access/editing usage without recharging but if heavy usage of WIFI or Bluetooth activity on battery is expected then the optional extended 2880 mAh Lithium-Ion battery should be considered. It has been reported that WIFI and Bluetooth can drain the battery at a rate of approximately 25% per hour.

With battery charging options being via AC Adapter, Car Adapter or USB cable, all of which are supplied, I have found no problems with keeping the battery charged and ready.

Dimensions (L x W x H):
4.71 x 3.01 x .65 in.

The physical design of the HX2750 is one of its most pleasing aspects. A hard plastic flip cover (removable) that stays up when flipped up protects the display, rubber side grips provide a comfortable and just as importantly, a secure grip.

The look and feel of the HX2750 is excellent

Weight:
5.8 oz

Warranty:
One-year parts and labor. 90 days technical support for software.

Enhanced security:
Biometric fingerprint reader, HP ProtectTools secured by CREDANT Technologies

Personally I am not overly concerned with this level of security though I had to try it out. Once I had set up the security and became used to the fingerprint scanner it did work well and has obvious advantages for those who see this level of security as a must.

Software:
Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Pictures, Terminal Services, MSN Messenger, Solitaire, Jawbreaker, ActiveSync, Calculator and Windows Media Player 9 from Microsoft. HP Image Zone, HP Wireless, VPN support, LEA, HP Mobile Printing, iPAQ Backup, HP Profiles and iTask task manager from HP.

The software bundle is a little light but I was more concerned with the hardware I was receiving rather than the software it was bundled with.

Price:
$499

The one downside of the HX2750 is the price. It is a little high but considering what you are getting it isn't that bad. Definitely priced and marketed for the professional.