Compaq iPAQ H3970
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Vertical PDAs:
Introduction 1. Palm or pocket? 2. Compaq iPAQ H3970 3. Palm Tungsten | T 4. Toshiba Pocket PC e740 5. PDA Comparison 6. New releases 7. Editor's Choice About RMIT Test Labs |
The Compaq iPAQ runs Pocket PC 2002. Like the Toshiba E740, it uses a 400MHz Intel Xscale PXA250 processor and has 64MB of RAM. It features 48MB of Flash ROM compared to the Toshiba’s 32MB, which means you can store more files or programs safely in the non-volatile area. It also features built-in Bluetooth, unlike the Toshiba.
One thing missing from the iPAQ is a slot for a CompactFlash card. However, you can buy an expansion pack that will then enable you to use Type I or Type II CompactFlash cards. Other expansion options include a dual-slot PC Card expansion pack (two Type II or one Type III), the SPS 3000 expansion pack for barcode scanning, a Bluetooth wireless pack with CF slot, and a wireless pack for GSM/GPRS networks. There is also an array of leather and plastic cases and covers.
Adding wireless capabilities to this PDA is quite expensive—you need to buy the add-on sleeve and then fork out at least another AU$200 for a CompactFlash wireless network adaptor. This not only bulks up the cost, but adds considerable bulk and weight to the unit itself. The next model after this, the H5450, will have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless built in, but will be considerably more expensive.
Another option is to buy the PC Card sleeve. This is even bulkier than the CompactFlash sleeve, but may be useful for companies who have already invested in PC Card adaptors for their notebooks, or who need to use a single vendor’s products for security reasons.
The iPAQ has a beautiful screen and was the pick of the lot in terms of sharpness, brightness, and contrast. The voice recorder and speaker weren’t any better than Toshiba’s, but that wasn’t too much of a concern for us. The iPAQ doesn’t have a removable battery and the manufacturer claims battery life is up to 14 hours.
| Product: | Compaq iPAQ H3970 |
| Price: | AU$1299 |
| Vendor: | HP |
| Phone: | 13 23 93 |
| Web: | www.hp.com.au |
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| Interoperability: |
½Windows only. |
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| Futureproofing: |
Plenty of RAM, SD/MMC, no CompactFlash. |
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| ROI: |
½Good price, good features. |
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| Service: |
1-year warranty, parts and labour. |
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| Rating: |
½ |
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