Writing On Your Palm Reviews the iPAQ 5400

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://writingonyourpalm.net/column021230.htm">http://writingonyourpalm.net/column021230.htm</a><br /><br />Jeff Kirvin reviews the latest powerhouse in the iPAQ family, the 5450. Given that it can use all of the sleeves and other iPAQ 3000 series attachments it is bound to be the most powerful versatile Pocket PC built yet. The price is also one of the highest "At a list price of $699 - more than many desktop PCs - the new top-of-the-line iPAQ sets high expectations. Does it deliver?"<br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/ipaq5400.gif" />

[spg]

Nice review. I like the 5450 as a device, it really appeals to my geek side. But, the price tag turns me away. It is really just too expensive for my tastes.

On a side note - Nice 2003 avatar Ed! :)

[ricksfiona]

The cheapest price I saw a 3870 was $499. Now, if you add the price of a CF sleeve and a WiFi CF card, you're getting close to $200 increase, which is the list price of the 5450.

With the 5450, you're getting a faster processor, superior graphics, better screen and a SDIO slot vs standard SD. So in a sense, you are getting more for your money with the 5450.

I'd still like to see the 5450 come down AT LEAST $200. You can get a 5450 for about $650, so $399 I think would be a much more reasonable price.

Will I buy one? For business: Yes. Personally: Maybe. Businesses can depreciate the cost of their equipment, so it doesn't sting us as much. To buy the 5450 for personal use AND pay the $30 or so a month for Internet access at Starbucks doesn't make too much sense to me. Nor buying a 5450 so that you can surf the net on your living room couch either.

For a home user, I say wait until the price comes down to about $399. Really, it won't be that long and you probably don't 'absolutely' need the enhancements right now.

For $200, there are a lot more fun things to spend that kind of money on.

[Ed Hansberry]

In your example, the 3870 is waaaaaay overpriced IMHO. I am not saying you can get it cheaper, but given that it is now two generations old, it should be cheaper.

[Boxster S]

The cheapest price I saw a 3870 was $499. Now, if you add the price of a CF sleeve and a WiFi CF card, you're getting close to $200 increase, which is the list price of the 5450.

With the 5450, you're getting a faster processor, superior graphics, better screen and a SDIO slot vs standard SD. So in a sense, you are getting more for your money with the 5450.

I'd still like to see the 5450 come down AT LEAST $200. You can get a 5450 for about $650, so $399 I think would be a much more reasonable price.

Will I buy one? For business: Yes. Personally: Maybe. Businesses can depreciate the cost of their equipment, so it doesn't sting us as much. To buy the 5450 for personal use AND pay the $30 or so a month for Internet access at Starbucks doesn't make too much sense to me. Nor buying a 5450 so that you can surf the net on your living room couch either.

For a home user, I say wait until the price comes down to about $399. Really, it won't be that long and you probably don't 'absolutely' need the enhancements right now.

For $200, there are a lot more fun things to spend that kind of money on.

I don't know where you've been doing your price checking at :o

-- If you don't need Bluetooth (which is pretty crappy in its current state right now), you can get a 3835. Retail price of the iPAQ 3835 now is $449-$50 MIR @ Staples.com. Add in the $50 electronic coupon for Staples.com and it comes down to $349.
SKU# 471245

-- Best Buy has the D-Link DCF-66W CF Type-I Wi-Fi adapter for $79.99 - $40 MIR = $39.99. It's currently not in stock though online, but my B&M store had it.

https://ssl.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?&bfinfo=9364-0-0-0-a9btl&b=0&e=11177336&m=1481&cat=564&scat=566

-- Office Depot has the same DCF-660W for $79.99. Use a $20 off $75 coupon from Office Depot.com to bring it down to $59.99. There's also a $5 MIR to bring it down to $54.99.

Item# 613738, rebate below

http://209.69.149.201/sku/showrebate.asp?sku=613738&level=SK&sid=GACTVE6W23899HPBXLMJ0EDCCVU4BN7A&odserver=www.officedepot.com

-- CompactFlash sleeves for the iPAQ can be had from $20 - $30 if you look at any Office Depot or Staples clearance rack. But even if you want to go on the "high side", Circuit City has one for $39.99

Model # CPQ 170339B22


Grand Total (Staples, Best Buy, Circuit City)

iPAQ 3835 - $349.99
DCF-660W - $39.99
CompactFlash Sleeve - $39.99


Total = $429.99 (minus $10 - $20 if you can get a CF Sleeve at OD or Staples clearance rack. My Office Depot has plenty for $20).

That is HARDLY an extra $200 for a Wi-Fi card and a sleeve. Not even BEFORE rebates ($79.99 + $39.99 before rebates).

And if you HAVE to have a 3870, add an extra $100 to that total price I listed bringing it to $529 total.

Better yet, buy a Dell Axim 400MHz/64MB for $299 - various coupons (ranging from 10 - 15%) that Dell runs + $39.99 for the Wi-Fi card. You've got a 5450 killer for under $350 :D

[Janak Parekh]

Better yet, buy a Dell Axim 400MHz/64MB for $299 - various coupons (ranging from 10 - 15%) that Dell runs + $39.99 for the Wi-Fi card. You've got a 5450 killer for under $350 :D
Except it's not. You don't have the remote control, the integrated Bluetooth, the biometric scanner, the SDIO slot, the sleeve capability, etc.

This debate has been done before, I think ;)

--janak

[Boxster S]

Better yet, buy a Dell Axim 400MHz/64MB for $299 - various coupons (ranging from 10 - 15%) that Dell runs + $39.99 for the Wi-Fi card. You've got a 5450 killer for under $350 :D
Except it's not. You don't have the remote control, the integrated Bluetooth, the biometric scanner, the SDIO slot, the sleeve capability, etc.

This debate has been done before, I think ;)

--janak

-- Biometric scanner. Nifty, but I'm the only one that uses my device.
-- Integrated Bluetooth. I've heard of more issues with Bluetooth than good. It's definitely not as compatible or as reliable as Wi-Fi in its current state.

What I Don't Like About BlueTooth -- "pocketnow" (http://articles.pocketnow.com/content.cgi?db=articles&id=92)

-- Remote control. Umm, I already have a universal remote for my TV/DVD/VCR. Paid $12 for it at Wal-Mart
-- Sleeve capability. You call making up for the iPAQ's lack of expandability a FEATURE? The Axim has CF Type-II and SD. You don't need SDIO when you have a CF-Type II slot. Keep a memory card in your SD slot, and keep a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, etc. card in your CF slot.

[Janak Parekh]

-- Biometric scanner. Nifty, but I'm the only one that uses my device.
I keep a password, because if I lose my device there is confidential stuff in there I can't afford to give out.

-- Integrated Bluetooth. I've heard of more issues with Bluetooth than good. It's definitely not as compatible or as reliable as Wi-Fi in its current state.
I have a T68 which I use, via BT, with my 3870 all the time. Extremely reliably, may I add. Maybe it's not good for you, but for me it's a must.

-- Remote control. Umm, I already have a universal remote for my TV/DVD/VCR. Paid $12 for it at Wal-Mart
Agreed, small thing.

-- Sleeve capability. You call making up for the iPAQ's lack of expandability a FEATURE?
I own several sleeves. I use a CF+ daily; the supplemental battery is a must with my Microdrive. The PC sleeve comes in handy when I need to use ORiNOCO PC cards at customers to do things like range tests. I don't want to lose their investment, and their flexibility. A 5450 with a CF+ sleeve == WiFi + BT + CF + SDIO. Two whole slots free for memory and other apps. That's unbeatable expandability, and the CF+ is actually pocketable in both my jeans and khakis.

Our opinions differ on this, and are going to continue to differ, but there's a use for the features I mention above. :)

--janak

[Boxster S]

-- Biometric scanner. Nifty, but I'm the only one that uses my device.
I keep a password, because if I lose my device there is confidential stuff in there I can't afford to give out.

-- Integrated Bluetooth. I've heard of more issues with Bluetooth than good. It's definitely not as compatible or as reliable as Wi-Fi in its current state.
I have a T68 which I use, via BT, with my 3870 all the time. Extremely reliably, may I add. Maybe it's not good for you, but for me it's a must.

-- Remote control. Umm, I already have a universal remote for my TV/DVD/VCR. Paid $12 for it at Wal-Mart
Agreed, small thing.

-- Sleeve capability. You call making up for the iPAQ's lack of expandability a FEATURE?
I own several sleeves. I use a CF+ daily; the supplemental battery is a must with my Microdrive. The PC sleeve comes in handy when I need to use ORiNOCO PC cards at customers to do things like range tests. I don't want to lose their investment, and their flexibility. A 5450 with a CF+ sleeve == WiFi + BT + CF + SDIO. Two whole slots free for memory and other apps. That's unbeatable expandability, and the CF+ is actually pocketable in both my jeans and khakis.

Our opinions differ on this, and are going to continue to differ, but there's a use for the features I mention above. :)

--janak

I agree, everyone is entitled to their opinions. And IMHO, $700 for a PDA is ridiculous. I personally would GLADLY give up biometric scanning and Bluetooth to get an Axim Advanced & $300+ pocket change ;)

[jimski]

Interesting comparisons. I have been using a 3870 since June and most recently, the 5450. Trust me, it is worth every penny.

Yes, the fingerprint reader and remote control infrared are nothing more than icing (at least for me) but that's not why I bought the 5450.

The two things that make the 5450 stand out above all other are the built-in WiFi and removable battery (and Bluetooth, but that aready was a part of the 3870).

Yes, I own both a CF and PC Card sleeve, WiFi PC Card, CF Card Modem, along with AC adaptor, Instant Power cartridges, etc., etc. Frankly, I just got tired of lugging all this crap around. While all this stuff will work with my 5450, I don't expect to need it.

Now, while I am at any one of our facilities, I can instantly connect via the integrated WiFi, without the need for any add-ons or adapters, keeping the 5450 pocketable, hence the term, Pocket PC.

When I am out of the office I use the integrated Bluetooth through my T68i, again without the need for any additional stuff. BTW, Bluetooth on the 5450 has been seamless (big improvement over the 3870) although the WiFi is a bit buggy (lockups-reboots).

Of course all this connectibility needs power. Throw in a couple wafer thin removable batteries and I can finally leave the laptop home when I travel.

If you don't already own a 38XX or 39XX with all the add-ons, then the 5450 is a good deal. Nothing else to buy (except a battery or two) and unlimited flexibility.

[Boxster S]

Interesting comparisons. I have been using a 3870 since June and most recently, the 5450. Trust me, it is worth every penny.

Yes, the fingerprint reader and remote control infrared are nothing more than icing (at least for me) but that's not why I bought the 5450.

The two things that make the 5450 stand out above all other are the built-in WiFi and removable battery (and Bluetooth, but that aready was a part of the 3870).

Yes, I own both a CF and PC Card sleeve, WiFi PC Card, CF Card Modem, along with AC adaptor, Instant Power cartridges, etc., etc. Frankly, I just got tired of lugging all this crap around. While all this stuff will work with my 5450, I don't expect to need it.

Now, while I am at any one of our facilities, I can instantly connect via the integrated WiFi, without the need for any add-ons or adapters, keeping the 5450 pocketable, hence the term, Pocket PC.

When I am out of the office I use the integrated Bluetooth through my T68i, again without the need for any additional stuff. BTW, Bluetooth on the 5450 has been seamless (big improvement over the 3870) although the WiFi is a bit buggy (lockups-reboots).

Of course all this connectibility needs power. Throw in a couple wafer thin removable batteries and I can finally leave the laptop home when I travel.

If you don't already own a 38XX or 39XX with all the add-ons, then the 5450 is a good deal. Nothing else to buy (except a battery or two) and unlimited flexibility.

Everything you mentioned can be done with a Dell Axim (minus the fru fru finger print scanning and remote stuff) :lol: Surely, you can pick up the Wi-Fi D-Link card that I mentioned above for $39.99 after rebate and go get yourself a Bluetooth card if you're so inclined. Need a removeable battery, the Axim has it. Jog wheel too and dual slots. As for the antenna on the DCF-660W antenna, its no more intrusive than the little nub on the 5450.

For a company that has money to blow on anything, I guess I can see how a 5450 might seem appealing. But to your averago Joe, an Axim Advanced for $299 + a little over $100 for a Bluetooth CF card and a Wi-Fi CF card seems like a much better deal.

Me personally, I'm happy with my iPAQ 1910 :P

[Ed Hansberry]

I agree, everyone is entitled to their opinions. And IMHO, $700 for a PDA is ridiculous. I personally would GLADLY give up biometric scanning and Bluetooth to get an Axim Advanced & $300+ pocket change ;)
And that is why there is choice. :) But quit saying you can build a 5450 with an Axim or Toshiba and some cards. you simply cannot, at any price.

[ExtremeSIMS]

Kinda silly argument if you ask me. I could drop a supercharger, improve the suspension, etc. in my Subaru Legacy GT until it had the specs of a another car, but it would never be that car. At the same time, I liked the styling, the all-wheel drive, and the price. I bought what I wanted.

Ditto Pocket PC - I thought about the Axim, the HP 545x, and the Toshiba e740 (heck, even the Sony Clie NX60), and in the end, I picked the Toshiba. The aesthetics spoke to me (I'm also a Mac user :lol: ), and the form factor if integrated CF won out over the Bluetooth and biometrics.

[ipaq38vette]

Im happy with my iPaq 3800+CF sleeve+Linksys wifi card. I have had a number of problems with the wifi card, but they have been resolved. The only way I would pay $700 for a PDA is only if it included +128MB RAM and +64MB ROM. 3 generations ago, the iPaq 3700 series had 64MB RAM capability.

Also, is the 54xx CPU slowed by WiFi? On my 3800 the WiFi card eats up system resources

[Daniel]

I agree, everyone is entitled to their opinions. And IMHO, $700 for a PDA is ridiculous. I personally would GLADLY give up biometric scanning and Bluetooth to get an Axim Advanced & $300+ pocket change ;)
And that is why there is choice. :) But quit saying you can build a 5450 with an Axim or Toshiba and some cards. you simply cannot, at any price.

Actually, I have to agree with Ed on this one.

Adding expansion packs and cards to a device changes the the fundamental "feel" IMO, one of the cool thngs about a device with the extras built in is that you don't have to add stuff to it. I like the idea of having Wi-Fi and BT built in.

Daniel

[eustts]

Did anyone notice that the article states that the 5455 runs PPC phone edition? :?: Fourth paragraph down...

The HP spec sheets states PPC 2002.


Maybe the article was inferring that if it were to run PPC phone edition;- it would be an easy implementation.

:D