The Death Of Style

[marlof]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.brighthand.com/article/The_Death_of_Style?site=PPC' target='_blank'>http://www.brighthand.com/article/T..._Style?site=PPC</a><br /><br /></div>Ed Hardy and Steve Bush over at Brighthand have a sweet spot for the HP iPAQ 1900 series. In his review of the original 1910, Steve <a href="http://www.brighthand.com/article/iPAQ_h1910_Review">wrote</a>: "<i>The iPAQ h1910 Pocket PC is the picture of understated beauty</i>", in his review of the iPAQ h1940 Ed <a href="http://www.brighthand.com/article/HP_iPAQ_h1940_Review">wrote</a>: "<i>I can comfortably say that HP's h1900 series is, hands down, the best looking group of handhelds ever made</i>". The 4100 series was clearly based on the 1900 form factor, and Steve <a href="http://www.brighthand.com/article/ipaq_h4155_review">wrote</a> in his review: "<i>The HP h4155 Pocket PC is an object of pure elegance, with a simplicity of design that could have just as well come out of Cupertino</i>". And now, with the <a href="http://www.brighthand.com/article/Roadmap_of_2004_iPAQ_Models?site=PPC">new line-up</a> of iPAQs, that form factor will come to an end. In the linked article, Ed Hardy has described why he feels this is a bad move, and he concludes with the following remarks: "<i>The best form factor ever created for a Pocket PC is the one developed for the h1900. HP would be short-sighted to give it up. This company needs to develop more handhelds using this basic design if it wants to keep growing its market share</i>". What do you think? Is Ed right and is HP at risk of losing market share by leaving this design, or do you feel the iPAQs could also have success in the market using a different (and from what I can tell: more boxy) design?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/marlof-june04-ipaq1910.jpg" />

[kkelley]

Personally, I have a 2215 (needed the slots), but I have always liked the 1900 form factor. I like the 2215 as well, but the 1900 just had that little bit more.

It seems that just about all of the new devices that are either out or coming out in the near future are going for the boxy design. Reminds me of Volvo cars (until recently - they're getting better :wink: ). However, unlike Volvo, PDA designers are moving in the wrong direction while subscribing to the slogan "Boxy is good!"

I agree that HP would be mistaken to abandon the form factor. Personally, when I buy my next PDA, form will definitely follow very closely to function. Unless someone comes up with something at least a little more stylish than a box of cracker jacks my 2215 (warts and all) will just have to keep on carrying the load.

[badbob001]

It is mentionsed that the 1900 design is from another company. Do you think HP owns the design and manufacturing rights or are they simply reselling a rebranded version? Maybe they don't their profits eaten up by an outsource.

I most definitely think a design with some curves is better than a boxy one (but lets not get too crazy with the curves like the bulgy Nokia 36xx). I'm embarassed to say that after I replaced my Palm Pilot Pro with a Palm III w/ the flip cover, I did occasionally stroke the cover with my thumb. My next device, the boxy Handspring Visor, not so sexy despite the non-flip hard cover.

Hmm. Maybe this means flip covers are sexy! I'm sure they can do wonders by slapping a nice curvy cover onto a boxy device.

I would like to see something like the 1900 but stretched a bit tall-wise to add a treo-like keypad and a bigger battery. Hey, that's the h43xx... which we'll never see again, right?

[R K]

For me, it's not so much about the curves as it is about the size.
I know a lot of people would love to have an iPAQ H19xx/H41xx sized device with the features of a next generation Pocket PC.

[PresBry]

Frankly, I like the more boxy designs.

In my opinion, which I'm sure is in the minority, the more curvy designs look more like something a high school or college kid would carry. They also look quite feminine and frail.

By contrast, I think the more square or rectangular designs look more mature and business-like. They convey power and sophistication.

Of course, this is pretty much my take on everything...cars, houses, etc.

[farnold]

What do they say there?

This company needs to develop more handhelds using this basic design if it wants to keep growing its market share

Gee, some guys never get it. Their taste is not everyone's... AND... Growth comes not from a basic design but from easy-to-use for non insiders. BRIGHTHAND zero points :wink:

[Stephen Beesley]

Frankly, I like the more boxy designs.

In my opinion, which I'm sure is in the minority, the more curvy designs look more like something a high school or college kid would carry. They also look quite feminine and frail.

By contrast, I think the more square or rectangular designs look more mature and business-like. They convey power and sophistication.

Of course, this is pretty much my take on everything...cars, houses, etc.

Couldn't agree more - in fact I was just in the process of typing much the same thing when I saw you post :D

One of the things I really do not like the the HP designs in question was the button layout - which is also one of the few things I am not sure about in the Ausus 730 design.

Probably my favourite design (apart from the original Jornada 54x) is the Toshiba e740/e750 design.

[powder2000]

Frankly, I like the more boxy designs.

In my opinion, which I'm sure is in the minority, the more curvy designs look more like something a high school or college kid would carry. They also look quite feminine and frail.

By contrast, I think the more square or rectangular designs look more mature and business-like. They convey power and sophistication.

Of course, this is pretty much my take on everything...cars, houses, etc.

Couldn't agree more - in fact I was just in the process of typing much the same thing when I saw you post :D

One of the things I really do not like the the HP designs in question was the button layout - which is also one of the few things I am not sure about in the Ausus 730 design.

Probably my favourite design (apart from the original Jornada 54x) is the Toshiba e740/e750 design.

I'm with you there. I too like the boxy design. I do like the 1900 form factor but the screen is too small and the button layout is ok. I really liked those toshibas though, and I know I'm in the minority.

[Darren Behan]

While technically you can fit other PPC's in your shirt pocket, IMHO the 1900 series was the only one that actually felt like it belonged there. Everyone has their own taste/needs, of course, but I lament the loss of the PocketPC in favor of the by an large brick like designs I'm seeing today.

db

[possmann]

Personally I love the 1900 design. It's easy to hold because of it's curves. Hold a stack of cards in your hands, then hold a stack of cards in your hands that is shaped like the 1900 series - which one is more comfortable to hold?

Hands down - looks go to the 1900 as well as ergonomics. Now if they (someone) came up with an ergonomic box-shaped device I'd be all for that as well 8)

[Evee Ev]

the 1900 form factor is the one for me too. the only caveat with that is the low processing power which doesn't make for good video playback and for some games.

[epdm]

Hi,

I admit that design may be an important consumer factor however in the case of HP... well...

You have the true Ipaq design (that aluminium futuristic look from the compaq models) which was consistent throughout the entire compaq range. IMHO this was a very stylish PPC design with an outspoken charisma. Granted the devices were large but if compaq would still excists that same design would have become smaller by now. Then HP took over and made a mess.

the problem is that HP had a very good design from their own. The HP Jornada 568 is IMHO a much better looking device than all the HP Ipacs put together (I'm NOT refering to the compaq Ipaq-design here). It was also the best thought out design as well with its flip-cover, sexy blue colour scheme etc..The only reason why ppl like the 19xx-series is mainly because they are so cutesy small.

Now as for the blocky look. What do you ppl think of the Toshiba E805. This is an outspoken rectangular design with a gorgeous dark purple colour scheme. Even it's button layout is more of an exercise in style than pure funtionality. The only thing they did wrong (and therefore broke that style) is with the use of leds. They should have used blue and white leds instead of plain green and orange leds. Generally I like that "style" as well. Just as I liked the original Ipaq style and HP's former Jornada style.

Another problem that HP aparantly is not aware of is this. Concistency is a trademark that MUST be used. Compaq clearly understood the message with their ipacs. But HP has no consistancy in its entire product range. It's as if they are still searching for a design that fits them. The only item that remains visible is the use of their logo.

Anyway. Whenever I'll buy a new PPC again it'll definitly won't be a HP product. Because they lack consistancy, have no vision (what's with that stupid numbering system and feature-list: 22xx series has CF+SD and upper models suddenly have no CF but only SD????). Also HP's models lost that futuristic look and look more and more like cheap toys with hitech features. If I want cheap looks I'll get a mitac which is also small form. :-(

I guess I have my eye set on Toshiba. I hope they can bring out a successor to the 805 with the SAME colourscheme and looks.

Regards,

Manu T

[BradPPC]

I have a problem with PPCs that are rounded on the bottom. My iPaq 3955 has a tendency to roll to the side when I use it with the Stowaway IR keyboard. I wonder if this issue will become more prevalant in the future with more BT and IR keyboards coming on the market. Then again, I imagine that future mobile typists will just switch to landscape mode with their 2003SE devices.

Anyway, I for one don't mind the boxy design, and I'm very, very interested in the touchpad concept. Bring it on, HP!

Brad

[Daimaou]

Well they may loose the Woman niche market for sure. My wife love her 1937, and more specially the design... no other PPC were as beautiful for her as this iPAQ

[Jason Dunn]

the 1900 form factor is the one for me too. the only caveat with that is the low processing power which doesn't make for good video playback and for some games.

The iPAQ 4150 has the same form-factor as the 1900, and it's running a 400 mhz Xscale. How is that lacking in processor power? :-)

[Jason Dunn]

Well I'll chime in here and say that the 4150 is the ultimate form factor for me - I've been using the X30 and dislike the boxy styling a fair bit. It's not as comfortable to hold or use as the 4150 is. But as long as some OEMs are making rounded devices, and some are making boxy devices, everything is just fine - you can each chose the design you want. :-)

[bigray327]

The 1900 form factor was a little too small and fru-fru for me, which is why I went with the beefier 2215 (and the dual slots, a mega-important factor that a surprising number of people overlook... where do you plug your GPS, people?!). I'm willing to trade a little size for added functionality. For instance, I will gladly buy the slightly bigger hx4700 for the added benefit of that nice screen, dual slots, and dual wireless. That's the dream machine, man, and if HP can't figure out how to cram it all into a smaller form factor yet, then I'll just have to carry it in my pants pocket instead of my shirt pocket. Good trade for me.

Futhermore, I know it's just an artist's rendition, but if the hx4700 ends up looking like the picture that ipaqabilities put out, I'll be thrilled. That's a wicked nice looking machine, way better than the 1900 could ever dream of, IMHO.

[rocky_raher]

[quote=PresBry]
Probably my favourite design (apart from the original Jornada 54x) ...
I agree. My first PDA was a Jornada 545. I am frankly puzzled why the integrated flip cover never caught on. It protects the screen, and acts as a sunshade when needed. The fact that so many third-party cases and covers feature it shows that there is a demand for it.

I also prefer the popsicle-stick stylus of the Jornada 545 to the skinny round stylii. I keep one at my desk and use it in place of the built-in one. Someday, after I've misplaced the last of my 545 styli and they're no longer available from HP, I'll probably whittle a new one out of a real popsicle stick. I'm serious.

[cdcooker]

4150 is the ultimate PDA form factor design that all Ipaqs should be based on, or should I say all PDA? While 19xx is pretty nice, I don't like the button layout. Also, it doesn't have standard size earphone jack.

The only thing that 4150 and all Ipaqs is missing is the lack of a scroll dial. Also, they should put the IR on the top of the device, not on the bottom. Right now, you really can't use it as a remote control.

I think the OEM company probably charge way too much that HP just don't want to deal with them anymore. Otherwise, the bonehead Ipaq group director need to be fired.

One question left to me is that who own the design patent? If the OEM does, then we may see a new batch of 4150 style PPCs from another company very soon. According to the article, the OEM approached Dell first before licensed to HP eventually, may be the rumoured Dell Axim X7 will base on this design.

Looks like the new Fujitsu Loox will win the desgin prize, it is a perfect marriage of 2210 and 4150.

HP, as popular as your Ipaq line is, please don't take it for granted. The war has just begun.

[Deus]

I think we have been bamboozled by HP. The new line of iPAQs are really Jornadas in my opinion. Whats i the name of a POcket PC anyway. iPAQs are not boxy and originated from Compaq. Fine, HP aquired them and kept making the same device. Now they are changing the form factor??All square devices? HP strung along the iPAQ fans for a while discountinuing the Jornada and is now going to re-release the 'new line of Jornadas' under the iPAQ name keeping the iPAQ fans.


Really...what about these new devices says iPAQ?

[Boxster S]

Frankly, I like the more boxy designs.

In my opinion, which I'm sure is in the minority, the more curvy designs look more like something a high school or college kid would carry. They also look quite feminine and frail.

By contrast, I think the more square or rectangular designs look more mature and business-like. They convey power and sophistication.

Of course, this is pretty much my take on everything...cars, houses, etc.

Couldn't agree more - in fact I was just in the process of typing much the same thing when I saw you post :D

One of the things I really do not like the the HP designs in question was the button layout - which is also one of the few things I am not sure about in the Ausus 730 design.

Probably my favourite design (apart from the original Jornada 54x) is the Toshiba e740/e750 design.

I'm with you there. I too like the boxy design. I do like the 1900 form factor but the screen is too small and the button layout is ok. I really liked those toshibas though, and I know I'm in the minority.

Last time I checked, my hand isn't made out of Legos. I prefer something with a more natural shape that first the contours of my hands. Boxy designs just aren't comfortable

[kkelley]

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I just don't like the boxy designs. They're uninspired. Besides, if all the devices are boxy, then where's the product recognition going to come into play. It can't if they all look alike.

Don't get me wrong, more features and memory are paramount, but if I can get the same features at the same price and one looks like a Chrysler K car and one looks like a BMW 5 series ... I'm getting the BMW. :)

[Boxster S]

The 1900 form factor was a little too small and fru-fru for me, which is why I went with the beefier 2215 (and the dual slots, a mega-important factor that a surprising number of people overlook... where do you plug your GPS, people?!).

I use Bluetooth GPS on my 4150. You ever heard of that? :lol:

[Noel]

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I just don't like the boxy designs. They're uninspired. Besides, if all the devices are boxy, then where's the product recognition going to come into play. It can't if they all look alike.

Don't get me wrong, more features and memory are paramount, but if I can get the same features at the same price and one looks like a Chrysler K car and one looks like a BMW 5 series ... I'm getting the BMW. :)

I think the auto reference is right on.
While I love the look and feel and function of my e805
I am also awestruck by the perfect compact qualities of my wife's 4150.
HP has the opportunity to EVOLVE this quality of product design the way Porsche did with the 911 - creating even more desireable objects - I can't help but think the success HP has had over the last year or so has been largely due to customer's picking up their Pocket PCs and not wanting to put them down!

:wink:

Noel

[marlof]

Me, I like my boxes curved, but not too much, thank you. I kinda liked my Jornadas (boxy, but curves in the right places) better than the original iPAQ design. Currently, I use a 2210 which (IMO) is one of the ugliest PDAs out there. But I am still (after almost a year) struck by the combination of functionality (multiple slots!) and small size by this Pocket PC. So although I am a sucker for design, I don't let my design taste rule my choice in Pocket PCs.

[SeanH]

where do you plug your GPS, people?!
Bluetooth! Bluetooth! Bluetooth!

[bigray327]

I use Bluetooth GPS on my 4150. You ever heard of that? :lol:
Fair enough. But where do you plug in your 4GB microdrive? And your TV tuner? And your FM radio? :D

[SeanH]

But where do you plug in your 4GB microdrive?
For now you can use this 2GB SDIO card. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0405/04053101pretecmmc4.asp It’s a lot faster and a lot less power then the 4GB Microdrive. There will be 4GB SDIO cards out by the end of the year. Large NAND flash is a huge focus for a lot of manufactures of Flash.

[Terry]

I hauled a 4155 to Europe and it was awesome. Great size and shape for travel. I even found an open WiFi point at one hotel.

I finally like a PPC better than my old Jornada and acutally use it daily (older iPaqs I've owned were only used on occassion). I would like 128 MB, but a PPCTech upgrade might be in my future.

[Boxster S]

I use Bluetooth GPS on my 4150. You ever heard of that? :lol:
Fair enough. But where do you plug in your 4GB microdrive? And your TV tuner? And your FM radio? :D

I have a 512MB SD card. I need no more than that.

TV tuner? What do I need that for?
FM radio? Only time I listen to my radio is in the car, and even then not very often. Radio sucks. They play the same damn songs over and over and over again. Blame Clear Channel!! That's why I have a 10-disc CD changer in my car so I don't have to listen to FM crap. And id I want music on the go, I just throw a few MP3's on my SD card.

[Jonathan1]

Welcome to the age of beige. I'm not overly impressed with any device, which is going to be released in the next few months. If not from an esthetics point of view then from ergonomic one. The Pocket PC's with a round base just fit better in the hand. I think OEM's just don't give a crap anymore and unfortunately its more about how much crap you can fit in the device.
I really wish Apple would re-enter the PDA market. In every previous instance of Apple bringing out more stylish hardware (Desktops and Laptops) the PC world soon follows and god knows the PPC needs some pep at this point.

[Evee Ev]

the 1900 form factor is the one for me too. the only caveat with that is the low processing power which doesn't make for good video playback and for some games.

The iPAQ 4150 has the same form-factor as the 1900, and it's running a 400 mhz Xscale. How is that lacking in processor power? :-)

true. silly me! i was thinking about the 1900. the 4150 addresses the speed issue quite nicely.

[Kati Compton]

I like boxy because it just seems like they could fit that much more cool stuff in there without actually making it "bigger". ;)

[ricoks]

I use Bluetooth GPS on my 4150. You ever heard of that? :lol:
Fair enough. But where do you plug in your 4GB microdrive? And your TV tuner? And your FM radio? :D

4gb microdrive all the way!!! 8O :lol: :D

Ever watch a movie?? I can fit like 10 of my favorite movies in great quality!!!!
i did that this weekend, and had MANY "awes!" as we watched the Matrix on my 2215!! 8)

Now, can't wait for the 4700. about the same size as the 2215 (right?) and still dual slots, but with dual Wireless!!! Now that ROKS. 8O

another note, that I don't think has been talked about yet: stylus. the 4100 series, due to depth, is a THIN stylus, and I prefer the thicker in my finger 2215 stylus - what do you all think, or do you use a non-slot loading stylus?? combo type?? :?:

Anyway, HP is still on top, and it seems they just are trying to figure out how to grab NEW users, not keep old ones. :?

my cents, not sure they're worth 2 tho!!

Ryan

[bjornkeizers]

For once I agree with brighthand. The 1900 has a superb form factor. It's a lot moe comfortable to hold then a boxy design like my TH55. I can hold my 1915 all day and not get tired. Light, sexy, cheap - for me, the perfect PPC.

[sebringal]

I see the same situation with Dell Axims----the X5 was very sleek, with curved lines that fit the hand well, but the newer X3 and X30 models are very boxy looking.

I sure hope someone is making better-looking models again by the time my X5 wears out!

[huangzhinong]

But where do you plug in your 4GB microdrive?
For now you can use this 2GB SDIO card. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0405/04053101pretecmmc4.asp It’s a lot faster and a lot less power then the 4GB Microdrive. There will be 4GB SDIO cards out by the end of the year. Large NAND flash is a huge focus for a lot of manufactures of Flash.

Yeath, the 2gb MMC is even $2000 cheaper than your NEW CAR. :D

[Mark Johnson]

Is Ed right and is HP at risk of losing market share by leaving this design...

Ed is RIGHT ON TARGET on this point. The curved bottom and curved back both make the unit fit into my jeans front pocket very comfortably. Try that with ANY of the competitors and you get jabbed in the thigh by edges and corners. The 1900/4100 design is ABSOLUTELY night-and-day better than the "bricks" that are coming back from all the OEMs this cycle. It's a great dissapointment to me. Only ASUS seems to be even trying to factor this in, but the A730 is still pretty big.

You would think that since NONE of the OEMs have made ANY progress in making a unit this time around that is even close to being either lighter or smaller total volume than the iPaq 1910 I've had since 2002, they least they could do is have an ergonomically comfortable design.

This entire PPC2003SE release cycle has been a dissapointment. Now I'm just waiting until the end of summer when I'll get to choose between the too-large but curved VGA ASUS A730, the slightly smaller but brickish and still too-large VGA HP hx4700, and the way-too-large way-too-brickish VGA Toshiba e80x.

Up too three years ago I was always excited about what the next PPC cycle was going to bring. I couldn't wait until I "got the opportunity" to throw a few hundred bucks at whichever maufacturer had the best. Now, I'm just resigned that I have to patiently wait another couple of months until I have to decide which compromise annoys me the least.

I'd pay twice the price of any of the three VGA bricks if someone would just sell me a unit with exactly the same dimensions and weight of my iPaq 1910 with a VGA screen...

[huangzhinong]

slightly smaller but brickish and still too-large VGA HP hx4700


Hx4700 is MUCH BIGGER than a730.

[bbarker]

I think we have been bamboozled by HP. The new line of iPAQs are really Jornadas in my opinion. Whats i the name of a POcket PC anyway. iPAQs are not boxy and originated from Compaq. Fine, HP aquired them and kept making the same device. Now they are changing the form factor??All square devices? HP strung along the iPAQ fans for a while discountinuing the Jornada and is now going to re-release the 'new line of Jornadas' under the iPAQ name keeping the iPAQ fans.
The new iPaqs definitely are NOT Jornadas.* No jog dial or switch on the side
* No flip cover
* No multi-function buttons (unless I'm mistaken)HP fired the Jornada team and kept the iPaq team when they bought Compaq. The iPaq team has resisted implementing Jornada design features.

Really...what about these new devices says iPAQ?* No jog dial or switch on the side
* No flip cover
* No multi-function buttons (unless I'm mistaken)Me, I like my boxes curved, but not too much, thank you. I kinda liked my Jornadas (boxy, but curves in the right places) better than the original iPAQ design.
I agree. They looked more professional than those older iPaqs and their design made more sense than the sleeves. Most importantly, the flip cover allowed them to be carried in a pocket without the added bulk and cost of a case. And the jog dial on the side made it easier to read.

Currently, I use a 2210 which (IMO) is one of the ugliest PDAs out there. But I am still (after almost a year) struck by the combination of functionality (multiple slots!) and small size by this Pocket PC. So although I am a sucker for design, I don't let my design taste rule my choice in Pocket PCs.
Same here.

I love the size and the shape of the 4100 series, although I'd prefer a 2200 if it had a faster processor. But both need a flip cover and a jog dial (did I mention that before?).

[karlth]

I loved the 1900 form factor, or should I say I loved how small it was. Finally we had a PDA small enough to store in a normal wallet.

I'll be buying a new PDA in a few weeks and it will be a 4150.

[foldedspace]

The original Fujitsu Pocket Loox was the best looking device ever made.

There's a reason places like CNET use it for their handheld link....

Curvy, with a ergonomic little bend for the jog dial. And a slick button layout. Pity about the screen, though....

[ctmagnus]

OEMs are shooting themselves in the foot by going boxy. Compaq and consequently HP had a wonderful marketshare with their curvy devices. Even Dell had a curvy device for a while, in the X5. But now all the big guys are going boxy again and I foresee a slowdown in Pocket PC sales (at least of the traditionally-curvy models) as a result.

[Vidge]

I have a defective x30 that I am returning. Today I got a 4155 (posting from it now :) ) and I have to say it fits my hands better than the x30 - and better than my T3 :(

[bbarker]

I have a defective x30 that I am returning. Today I got a 4155 (posting from it now :) ) and I have to say it fits my hands better than the x30 - and better than my T3 :(
How about other (non-style) comparisons between the two -- speed, functionality, screen, wireless, software, etc. Those are two models I am considering and it would be helpful to hear your impressions.

[Jonathon Watkins]

I see the same situation with Dell Axims----the X5 was very sleek, with curved lines that fit the hand well, but the newer X3 and X30 models are very boxy looking.

I sure hope someone is making better-looking models again by the time my X5 wears out!

Agreed Sebringal. My X5 is also still looking pretty good against these new square boxes. :?

Also agreed FoldedSpace - the LOOX was quite a looker. But I returned mine over the screen issues. :(

Come on folks, the future will be curvy! :wink:

[bbarker]

My X5 is also still looking pretty good against these new square boxes. :?
Still, given the choice between a large and contoured X5, and a small but boxy X30, I'd think small would be better. But I haven't seen an X30 in person.

[dh]

Style = Sharp = C860 :lol:

There's only so much a designer can do with a flat thing complete with a screen and four buttons. When are PPC OEMs going to wake up and start to be creative.

Once there were two creative companies, now there is one. (Will be two again when Motorola get thier clamshell thingy released).

And yes, my X5 still compares very well from both a design and a features point of view. I never did find a PPC that I felt was a sensible upgrade. As I tell my wife everytime she complains she has gained an ounce or two - Curves are Sexy

[Stephen Beesley]

Frankly, I like the more boxy designs.

In my opinion, which I'm sure is in the minority, the more curvy designs look more like something a high school or college kid would carry. They also look quite feminine and frail.

By contrast, I think the more square or rectangular designs look more mature and business-like. They convey power and sophistication.

Of course, this is pretty much my take on everything...cars, houses, etc.

Couldn't agree more - in fact I was just in the process of typing much the same thing when I saw you post :D

One of the things I really do not like the the HP designs in question was the button layout - which is also one of the few things I am not sure about in the Ausus 730 design.

Probably my favourite design (apart from the original Jornada 54x) is the Toshiba e740/e750 design.

I'm with you there. I too like the boxy design. I do like the 1900 form factor but the screen is too small and the button layout is ok. I really liked those toshibas though, and I know I'm in the minority.

Last time I checked, my hand isn't made out of Legos. I prefer something with a more natural shape that first the contours of my hands. Boxy designs just aren't comfortable

That is in your opinion - of course....

[firstbyte]

I waited for awhile with much time for comparison looking, and size and features won out over power and other things. A friend of mine has a Zire 72 and the 1945 is actually smaller. I never thought I would see the day when a a PDA with Windows [SIC] be smaller and last longer in battery department than a Palm device. I had Casio E-200 before this and an old boxy Jornada before that. The 1945 is the sleekest and most feature-packed (for the size) I have seen. By the way, no yellow tint on mine.

I am sad that HP decided to change the design completely, That is one reason I jumped on getting a 1945 before they were EBay-only devices. For 260.00, it was an absolute steal (my Casio cost 400.00 at the time). To cram bluetooth into it was genius! If I ever get a boxy PDA again, it better have cell phone functionality as well, because that is the only reason I would get a larger PDA again. I am intrigued by the Asus 730 if it really is only slightly larger than 1945. Kudos to them!

[MikeInDallas]

I own a 2210 and like it well enough, despite the misserable cursor button. But I have setup both a 1910 and a 1940 for others and have to say the cabinet is the most sturdy feeling I've seen of those comprised of plastic, the screen is brighter than my 2210, the size...is a dream, and at least as far as the 1940 is concerned, it's fast. One game runs faster on my Friend's 1940 than on my "400MHz" 2210...sigh.

I have either owned or setup one or more of the following PocketPC machines: iPAQ 3635, 3750, 2210, 1940, 1910, Audiovox (Toshiba) Maestro 1032, Toshiba e310 and e750, Casio (model#??), Dell Axim X3, and the Jornada 520 and 540, not to mention several H/PC machines. I still prefer a METAL CABINET found on the older Jornadas over the lighter plastic cabinets. The (what?) 520 I think...had the most sturdy box of the bunch.

Of the PocketPCs that are available today, the 1940 is my first choice/recommendation for someone looking for a small footprint PocketPC where a single flash card slot will suffice. It's a gem!

The 1910 I'm not as impressed with. Lacking software that I've come to expect on a PocketPC, not the least of which is a backup program, leads me to advise AGAINST this model. I was surprised to find the MS Reader wasn't installed in ROM either. The form factor and screen are very good, like the 1940, but the utter lack of what I now consider "standard PocketPC software", coupled with the lower memory and lack of a file store, makes me less fond of this one.

So, I think it would be a big mistake for HP to kill the 1940. When you have something that folks like, why change?

I'm still pondering the demise of the Jornada 700 series H/PC machines (those with a keyboard). There is no less than a cult following for this machine.

Mike Welch
Dallas

[Stevepup]

I love my 1945! I'd love for it to have Wi-Fi built in, but I'm saving up for a Wi-Fi SDIO card. It's a great size and shape, looks awesome (one of my friends used the term "sleek" to describe it), and fits so very well in my hand. When I don't have a shirt pocket or somewhere else to carry it, I have an awesome metal rhino-skin belt-clipped case that looks sharp and protects it better than anything could.

I think whomever has the license for this design has a great one, and if HP is going to abandon it, the license-holder had better wake up and take off with it. They have a good thing in the palm of their hands! 8O

[cdcooker]

Wow, i predicted correctly, the new Axim X50 has a very similar design of iPaq 4150. I believe the OEM company designed the X50 and sell it to Dell.

4150 is the ultimate PDA form factor design that all Ipaqs should be based on, or should I say all PDA? While 19xx is pretty nice, I don't like the button layout. Also, it doesn't have standard size earphone jack.

The only thing that 4150 and all Ipaqs is missing is the lack of a scroll dial. Also, they should put the IR on the top of the device, not on the bottom. Right now, you really can't use it as a remote control.

I think the OEM company probably charge way too much that HP just don't want to deal with them anymore. Otherwise, the bonehead Ipaq group director need to be fired.

One question left to me is that who own the design patent? If the OEM does, then we may see a new batch of 4150 style PPCs from another company very soon. According to the article, the OEM approached Dell first before licensed to HP eventually, may be the rumoured Dell Axim X7 will base on this design.

Looks like the new Fujitsu Loox will win the desgin prize, it is a perfect marriage of 2210 and 4150.

HP, as popular as your Ipaq line is, please don't take it for granted. The war has just begun.