If money was not a factor, which iPAQ would you buy?

		Thoughts Media Forums > POCKET PC THOUGHTS > HARDWARE DISCUSSION (open to all) > HP iPAQ Pocket PCs
If money was not a factor, which iPAQ would you buy?

FAQ

Page 1 of 2

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display Modes

#1 (permalink)

11-24-2003, 08:24 PM

Constant Caffeine Intellectual Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 171		If money was not a factor, which iPAQ would you buy? The company I work for is going to buy me a PDA. Fortunately I get to pick which one I want. I decided on the iPAQ line because of the functions they offer in a PPC. I have been really indecisive on the model because I would like to have the 128MB memory from the h5555, the CF slot from the h2215 all built into the h4155. Only HP engineers, and a select few, know if they are going to be releasing anything like that in the near future. I do have a need for the wireless function at work. With that in mind, I’m looking at the either the h4155 or the h5555. In addition, HP offers an extended 3-year warranty for $159.99. Does anyone think the extended warranty is necessary? By them offering this, it makes me think that they expect the device to fail sooner than later. My Joranda has held up this long, but who is to say about these smaller, more compact devices. Does anyone have any comments on which one would be the better choice and why? I asked a similar question about six weeks ago and Anthony Caruana was the only who replied and I appreciate that. I would like to get others views and experiences especially now that the h4155 is available. Thank you.

#2 (permalink)

11-24-2003, 11:20 PM

Janak Parekh Editor Emeritus Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 15,145		I wouldn't personally get either of the devices you stated -- I'd probably get a 4350, because I want the integrated keyboard and larger battery. That unit aside, I'm competely torn between the 4150 and 5550. I like the expandability of the 5550 (I already have sleeves) and 128MB, but I've held a 1910, and that form factor (which it shares with the 4150) is simply amazing. So I won't be of help, I suspect. --janak

#3 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 12:21 AM

Chris Spera Sage Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 758		Janak makes a good point... I've got a 5455 that was upgraded via PPC Techs to 128MB of RAM and I have a 1945 with a SanDisk SD W-Fi card (so I have a 4155, sort of... just go with me here...) One of the things that I've noticed about my use with each of these devices has been that 128MB of RAM is a must for me. I am an all in one kinda guy. If I wasn't, I'd probably be carrying 3-4 different devices because this one does this, the other one does this better than the other and the third does something that the other 2 don't do at all... Honestly, if I didn't have a PC Card Hard Drive and PC Card Sleeve as well as a couple really nice iPAQ specific leather cases, I'd probably ditch my 5455 and new LG VX6000 cell phone for a Samsung i700 PPC Phone. Like I said, all in one, though the i700 doesn't have BlueTooth or WLAN built in... If you're heart is set on an iPAQ, then let me offer this, as I've owned every series iPAQ (except the new 4000 series models): The 5500 series is a good device, but big. If you have need of Consumer IR, this is a good choice. Its got both WLAN and BT built in as well. The 4100 series is a good device. It has everything that the 5500 offers except 128MB RAM and Consumer IR (I think...) Its small, very portable, and VERY comfortable to use (the 1945 shares the same form factor...) The 4300 is ok; but just as large as the 5500 and the keyboard is a different color than the rest of the device, something I REALLY don't like. If you're a Blackberry convert, this is going to be a great device for you. I personally don't want a keyboard permanently attached to my Pocket PC. So... either the 4100 or the 5500 is a good choice, since they are essentially the same device (except for 2 specific features found in the 5500). However, you should know that its only a matter of time before Leonard from Pocket PC Techs (http://www.ppctechs.com) comes out with a memory upgrade for the 4100. All of my devices have been upgraded by him, and they are really good at what they do. Upgrading the device later may be an option for you... However, if you do that, and you have purchased the extended warranty, having the upgrade installed with void the warranty... And about that, I don't know that I would go with the extended warranty. I've never had a device crap out on me, that wasn't my fault... check out this and this on pocketnow.com... Its funny but not. Again, thanks go out to Leonard at PPC Techs for saming my @ss. I hope all of the rambling helps. Let us know if you have any other questions. We'll be happy to help out! Kind Regards, Christopher Spera __________________ Kind Regards, Christopher Spera Gear Diary Review Team

#4 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 05:29 AM

disconnected Sage Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 792		I've got the 5555, and have considered the 4155, but although I might be willing to give up the extra memory, I think I'd have trouble adjusting to the smaller screen.

#5 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 07:16 AM

Janak Parekh

Editor Emeritus

Join Date: Aug 2006

Posts: 15,145

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disconnected

I think I'd have trouble adjusting to the smaller screen.

I thought I would too at first when I retired the daily use of my 3870. However, I've adapted to a 3.5" screen on my i700 without too many problems. Of course, YMMV.

--janak

#6 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 10:59 AM

dh Mystic Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,679		Only one Ipaq would meet my requirements. l would get a 5550 with the Silver Slider CF and battery sleeve. I would not buy any other Ipaq because each one misses one or more of the features I want. Other possibilities would be the Toshiba e 805 and the Loox 610.

#7 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 12:02 PM

tanalasta Thinker Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 478		For me, it would come down to size... I like small devices i can fit into a pocket so would pick the ipaq 4xxx series. I don't like integrated keyboards because i find using the stylus faster and if i need to do large amounts of data entry, i do it on a PC. Basically comes down to personal preference They're all good devices As for extended warranty: does it cover accidental breakage? IPAQ's are usually fairly reliable and the price you're quoting is a bit pricey though... so third party insurance might be better...

#8 (permalink)

11-25-2003, 01:54 PM

aroma