pocketnow.com Reviews HP's iPAQ hx4700

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=483' target='_blank'>http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=po...=reviews&id=483</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Ever since the release of the Toshiba e800 Pocket PC, users got a taste of what a true VGA screen experience on a Pocket PC was like. With the recent release of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, many more developers have been driving hard to release VGA-equipped devices. HP has decided to be second to none by releasing their iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC. With their fastest processor yet, Bluetooth &amp; WiFi connectivity, and a VGA screen, will they take the lead in this aggressive new race? Read on..."</i><br /><br />Now that people are getting their hands on the unit, I presume we'll see more reviews, but pocketnow is out of the gate early with an excellent review with lots of pictures and screenshots. I particularly like their "stacked Pocket PCs" side shot:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040927-pocketnowiPAQ4700.jpg" /><br /><br />Can you possibly have more Pocket PCs handy for a review? :lol: (The 4700 is on the bottom; how many of you can name all of the units without peeking at the review?)

[yanathin]

Very nice review... Although I wish they posted up the benchmark scores for the graphical system. I'm just curious on how it would run MorphGear compared to my 4150, and to see if putting in that ATi chip instead of the new Intel one was a good idea or not.

[SHC]

I agree the price is a bit high, especially in the UK where the cheapest I can find (allthough not in stock anywhere yet!) is £400 or about $700. I still want it though!

[darrylb]

Can you possibly have more Pocket PCs handy for a review? :lol: (The 4700 is on the bottom; how many of you can name all of the units without peeking at the review?)

Is that a challenge :D

h4150
X30
iPAQ 3715
iPAQ 6300
XDAII
iPAQ 5500/5400
4700

Now I feel really geeky :oops: Do I get a chocolate fish? :wink:

[bmcbride_81]

hey you beat me to it....the only one i had problems with is the new hp h3715

[ignar]

Hope 4700 is still functioning after that picture taken. :D

Nice review, but it would have been better if he mentioned a real VGA mode using SE_VGA. PIE is still not practical unless it's running on a real VGA mode.

[dean_shan]

I want to read more about the trackpad. I want to know how well it works during games and other real world applications.

[darrylb]

hey you beat me to it....the only one i had problems with is the new hp h3715

I got one yesterday, otherwise I would have struggled too.

[maximus]

hey you beat me to it....the only one i had problems with is the new hp h3715

I got one yesterday, otherwise I would have struggled too.

Ok, can someone please move the stack to my house ? :mrgreen:

[Ryan Joseph]

Wow, I had no idea the 4700 was that thin! 8O

Look at it compared to the i-mate! And it's only slightly taller than the i-mate, too!

I've been ruling it out because of its size, but seeing this comparison makes me reconsider. I really want VGA...but I really like my Phone Edition. Grrrr. :evil:

[Myrddin]

hmm... i hadn't much liked the look of it before, but now I see that stack photo.. its boxy look looks kinda nice.. hrm....mmmm

[jimski]

Great review! I can't get over the difference in performance between the 5400 (PPC2K), my current device, and the 4700. I was really only expecting more memory and VGA, (and WM2003SE and touchpad and...) not this incredible performance boost.

FYI- I received my two spare 1800 mAh batteries today (beat the device out by a day) and each spare battery comes with its own charging base. Guess that's why it costs $89. There is a short dongle on the side of the charging base that you can plug into the cradle and a socket to receive the charging (power) cord, so in effect the charging base can be installing in series between the power cord and the cradle. Don't know why they could not just integrate this into the cradle, but I guess its better than nothing.

My only gripe is that they could have included a simple clear vinyl pouch to store the charged battery in. I had a spare cellphone battery that contacted the chain from an ID badge in my Tumi bag and from the looks of the battery (totally charred and distorted contacts) it could have gotten hot enough to start a fire, possible while in the overhead luggage bin on one of my frequent flights. Just my 2 cents (about what the pouch would cost HP).

At least now when I finally get to play with my new device tomorrow, I will have two fully charged batteries to get right into it.

[Kai920]

Wow, I had no idea the 4700 was that thin! 8O

Look at it compared to the i-mate! And it's only slightly taller than the i-mate, too!

I've been ruling it out because of its size, but seeing this comparison makes me reconsider. I really want VGA...but I really like my Phone Edition. Grrrr. :evil:

My sentiments exactly! This 4700 would be an instant-buy for me if it had GSM capabilities. I would add this function via a CF card (http://www.peripheralcorner.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/47) but it would look UGLY :evil:

Is there a VGA/PPCPE device coming out on the horizon?

[vic2rp_stealth]

Me? Patience, patience and patience... Pls. help me Lord not to spend my money until all expected VGA devices comes out.

:devilboy: Spend it!!!
No, noh!

:lilangel: Patience is a virtue..
Yes! yes!

[Jonathon Watkins]

Me? Patience, patience and patience... Pls. help me Lord not to spend my money until all expected VGA devices comes out.

LOL, very true. I'm tempted by the 4705 now......

[yorkslad]

Just a shame its still not available in the UK yet :roll:

[allenalb]

does anybody have any idea what the pixels per inch would be on this screen?