12-29-2002, 03:59 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,350
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iPAQ 5450 Reviewed On pocketnow
http://reviews.pocketnow.com/content.cgi?db=reviews&id=284
Derek Snyder and Russ Smith of pocketnow pull off another multipage review with many screenshots and pictures of the iPAQ 5450. Although they do see some flaws, their overall opinion seems to be pretty favorable. If you're interested in this device, go have a look.
Update: I've been informed that the site should be addressed as "pocketnow" in stead of PocketNow. So I've fixed my little mistake. If other sites have any special ideas on the use of caps in their name when quoted, please fill us in. We aim to please. 
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12-29-2002, 09:06 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 405
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Wow, talk about an excellent review. I dont think they left out anything when reviewing the 5450.
The only thing I do wonder is how the Axim X5 compares, in comparison to this handheld. I would have loved to see the editor's take, and comparison to the 5450, along with battery life, graphics, benchmark speeds.
Great job guys. :P
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12-29-2002, 09:12 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 513
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Saw the 5450(5455) and ViewSonic V35 in Sunday's CompUSA circular, verified it at my local store. Now they seem to carry the complete next-gen PPC line...
But I couldn't find the 5450 at Best Buy, the store employee said there's a chance the stores won't carry it at all, although you can order it online at bestbuy.com. Too bad the 10% coupons Best Buy periodically mails you are good in store only, if I recall...
BTW, just looking at them in the store side by side, the 1910 seems to outclass the V35 -- smaller WxH, rounded shape and smaller bezel makes a prettier-looking package. Then you flip the back and see the removable batt as well... Also the 1910's screen looks better to me...
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12-30-2002, 12:13 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 197
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Thanks
Thanks for the kind words. We really take the review process seriously (Thus the extensive detail).
I've asked some folks about how the Axim and the iPAQ compare. According to most, the screens are comparable but the reliability of the hardware is strongly in favor of HP. (As you might guess from the prices.) My own impression is that HP spent a lot of time working on the integration of hardware and software on the iPAQ. It shows in almost every instance but especially in the BlueTooth and WiFi Manager software. HP has outdone themselves (and put Microsoft to shame for thier Connection Mangler) in making connectivity simple, reliable, and flexible at the same time.
__________________
HTC HD2 US (unlocked) + 16GB micro SDHC (in holding)
HTC Evo + 16GB micro SDHC (in use)
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12-30-2002, 01:24 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
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Re: Thanks
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Originally Posted by Russ Smith
I've asked some folks about how the Axim and the iPAQ compare. According to most, the screens are comparable...
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Actually I've been using a 3955 (the 5450 I saw at CompuUSA seemed to have the exact same screen) and a Dell side by side with GPS programs for a few days and the screen of the Dell is really quite inferior, colors are less vibrant and have less "depth" and there is some "graininess" to the screen of the Dell that's a bit distracting especially when viewing maps like those of Mapopolis. In terms of brightness 100% on the Dell corresponds to about 50% on the 3955, which is not a problem for me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm planning to keep the Dell as I find it to perform very well but its screen is not in the same class as the 39xx or 54x series.
Also I'd say the backlit screen on the Dell is superior to the sidelit screen of my 3670, even if again, colors seem less vibrant. Overall it's much less "milky " though.
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12-30-2002, 03:34 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 253
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Re: Thanks
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Originally Posted by Russ Smith
Thanks for the kind words. We really take the review process seriously (Thus the extensive detail).
I've asked some folks about how the Axim and the iPAQ compare. According to most, the screens are comparable but the reliability of the hardware is strongly in favor of HP. (As you might guess from the prices.) My own impression is that HP spent a lot of time working on the integration of hardware and software on the iPAQ. It shows in almost every instance but especially in the BlueTooth and WiFi Manager software. HP has outdone themselves (and put Microsoft to shame for thier Connection Mangler) in making connectivity simple, reliable, and flexible at the same time.
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WHen are you going to review the 1910?
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12-30-2002, 05:05 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 92
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Re: Thanks
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Russ Smith
Thanks for the kind words. We really take the review process seriously (Thus the extensive detail).
I've asked some folks about how the Axim and the iPAQ compare. According to most, the screens are comparable but the reliability of the hardware is strongly in favor of HP. (As you might guess from the prices.) My own impression is that HP spent a lot of time working on the integration of hardware and software on the iPAQ. It shows in almost every instance but especially in the BlueTooth and WiFi Manager software. HP has outdone themselves (and put Microsoft to shame for thier Connection Mangler) in making connectivity simple, reliable, and flexible at the same time.
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For new devices just came out no more than three months, it's too early to talk about hardware reliability. The wireless and biometrics hardware drivers are obviously not without problems. Depending on specific usage patterns, most have experienced driver issues often while some seldom had similar issues. I have experienced both and have learned to avoid certain usage patterns to avoid these issues most of the time.
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12-30-2002, 05:07 AM
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Swami
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,396
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Comparison with the Dell Axim
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Originally Posted by Fzara
The only thing I do wonder is how the Axim X5 compares, in comparison to this handheld. I would have loved to see the editor's take, and comparison to the 5450, along with battery life, graphics, benchmark speeds.
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Geez, life isn't all about the Dell. :-D
Seriously, comparing it against the Dell wouldn't be best for many reasons. First, the Dell isn't really aimed at the same market as the 5450 (as their prices would indicate).
Second, I'm sure everybody would like to see every Pocket PC compared against every other Pocket PC, but that's not really practical. There are too many models out there for in-depth comparisons with every model.
Given those factors, if you did do a comparison of the 5450 with another Pocket PC, it should be something more comparable with the 5450, like the 3970 or the Toshiba e740.
Steve
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12-30-2002, 06:14 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,041
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Good review.
The 5450 is a sweet device. I would like to see the device come down between $299 - $399. For $699, mobility has to be an absolute must since the PPC is capable of the most commonly used PC applications. When I factor in the cost of a credit card reader and foldable keyboard, USB/Car charger/sync cable, you're talking about $1100. Not cheap. Since they are all similiar in size and weight for the most part, you pay for features. R&D cost money.
One of the things I'll be standardizing in my business is the use of PDAs. IPAQ. Best supported PDA in the industry and the peripherals you can get with it far exceeds any other PDA maker. At the time I bought the 3870, the screen far surpassed every other maker. Though the margin isn't as great, the 5450 and 1910 still hold the lead in their respective markets.
When more manufacturers start offering higher-end devices for less money, HP will have to follow. I'll be happy to see that day come.
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12-30-2002, 06:26 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 253
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For $699, I'd rather have a laptop. You can EASILY get great Toshiba, Dell, Compaq laptops for $700 or less after coupons (Dell ALWAYS has coupons) and rebates. There have even been recent deals over on Fatwallet for new laptops for $450 - $500.
$700 is way too much for any PDA IMHO, no matter what kind of features it has.
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