The iPAQ hx2000 Series And Its Flipcover

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.brighthand.com/article/hx2000_Series_Will_Have_Flipcover?site=PPC' target='_blank'>http://www.brighthand.com/article/h...pcover?site=PPC</a><br /><br /></div>Ed over at Brighthand wrote in with a nifty newsbit: the iPAQ 2000 series devices are going to have an <i>over-the-top</i> flipcover. Looks like the Jornada designers are still there... somewhere. ;)<br /><br /><i>"It appears that HP designers have finally begun to listen, as a flipcover will soon be part of multiple iPAQ models. Of course, the hx4700 is one of these. Its flipcover attaches to the left side and can be flipped around to the back. This model will soon be joined by the iPAQ hx2000 series. According to photos that were leaked to Brighthand, the handhelds in this series will also include flipcovers. These will be translucent plastic and connect near the top of the Pocket PCs, allowing them to be flipped up and out of the way (see picture at right)."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20041006-iPAQ2200Flipcover.jpg" /><br /><br />Way to go, HP. :clap:

[Jonathon Watkins]

At last! :D That wasn't so hard now HP, was it???

How, what about the rest of you manufactures?

[JonnoB]

Finally!!!! :D

[surur]

Jornada Lives!!! :multi:

Long live Jornada!! :way to go:

Surur

[Paragon]

After 845,863 threads, 10,987,613 posts in various forums, 3,675,981 emails, 6540 news, and enews articles, and millions of rants worldwide, HP finally got the idea that a flip lid might be a good idea. 8O

Dave

BTW...Janak, you may want to change the title from 2200 series to 2000 serise. ;)

[jasondearyou]

I'm not too happy with the spec though.

For one: Bluetooth 1.1? want 1.2.

The previous post said that it would be QVGA, then what's TFT VGA, is that QVGA?

I like the large storage space and the finger print reader but that should have been on the h4700.

It would be interesting to see how these come out after the Dell X50v threat and the First Loox 720 passes over, hint, im leaning hard to either one.

:devilboy:

[PR.]

I want the fingerprint reader on my 4700 :(

I miss it from me old 5450

[Janak Parekh]

BTW...Janak, you may want to change the title from 2200 series to 2000 serise. ;)
Good point. Done. :)

--janak

[outdoor]

I used to use a palm IIIc and i never used a case because of its flip pad. Its nice to see HP implenmenting the flip cover design. Saves alot of money for people who try to find the right case for their ppc. :wink:

[Duncan]

HP Does Something Right - that deserved some kind of emphasis...

[Darius Wey]

Actually, I must say it is very nice to see HP incorporate a flipcover design for the device. Although, call me fussy, but is that flipcover "plasticky"? I would have much preferred a light metallic design, but hey...a flipcover's a flipcover, and just as long as it serves its purpose right? :)

[Shrink]

Actually, I must say it is very nice to see HP incorporate a flipcover design for the device. Although, call me fussy, but is that flipcover "plasticky"? I would have much preferred a light metallic design, but hey...a flipcover's a flipcover, and just as long as it serves its purpose right? :)

I owned a Jornada 548 (metal flipcover) and a 568 (plastic) and both were perfectly fine. The only downside with the plastic was that the silver finish rubbed off where the metal cover was more durable.

I agree with everybody - the addition of the flip cover ressurects the spirit of the Jornada!! :D

Now to see the price :eek:

[johncruise]

I must admit, even though I am not a big fan of HP PPC's... I like the way they put the flip cover back on to their units :-)

:way to go:

[Jonathan1]

*sighs* Does HP do this just to frustrate people. The device looks fantastic. Everything I want....EXCEPT VGA. What the hell is wrong with that company. Its got high end RAM. High end ROM. CF, SDIO, BT, WIFI. Everything! Except VGA!?!?!? Do they intentionally do this to irk people off?!?! :frusty:

[Shrink]

*sighs* Does HP do this just to frustrate people. The device looks fantastic. Everything I want....EXCEPT VGA. What the hell is wrong with that company. Its got high end RAM. High end ROM. CF, SDIO, BT, WIFI. Everything! Except VGA!?!?!? Do they intentionally do this to irk people off?!?! :frusty:

The 2750 has a TFT VGA screen.

[Jonathan1]

The 2750 has a TFT VGA screen.

Where did you hear this? I'm not seeing anything in the article other then QVGA being the only screen for this device. :confused totally:

If you are talking the 4750. The device is too large to comfortably fit in the pocket. I played around with one Monday. Its too big.

[johncruise]

*sighs* Does HP do this just to frustrate people. The device looks fantastic. Everything I want....EXCEPT VGA. What the hell is wrong with that company. Its got high end RAM. High end ROM. CF, SDIO, BT, WIFI. Everything! Except VGA!?!?!? Do they intentionally do this to irk people off?!?! :frusty:

I would guess they do this to reach out all potential PDA market. Some people may not want a VGA because of the added price. Just hold on to your seat.... I'm pretty sure there will be an upcoming batch that would suite your needs.

[Shrink]

The 2750 has a TFT VGA screen.

Where did you hear this? I'm not seeing anything in the article other then QVGA being the only screen for this device. :confused totally:

This is from the PDA Gold preview at http://www.pdagold.com/articles/detail.asp?a=205 :


HP iPAQ hx2750
This is most likely the only iPAQ capable of being a best-seller in this series. This model includes an amazing 214 megabytes of accessible memory, which should be more than enough for the current time being. This model also boosts a 624MHz processor and is the only model to include biometric fingerprint reader.

In the box: HP iPAQ hx2700 series Pocket PC, lithium-lon 1440 mAh removable/rechargeable battery, AC adapter, charger adapter USB desktop synchronization cradle, stylus, protective plastic flip cover, Getting Started Guide, How Do I…? Guide and HP iPAQ Pocket PC Companion CD.

Dimensions: 119.4 x 76.6 x 16.3 millimeters
Weight: 164.4 grams
Processor: Intel PXA270 624 MHz
Storage: 128MB RAM and 128MB ROM (214MB user accessible, whereof 93MB iPAQ File Store)
Transflective TFT VGA display with 64k color LED backlight display, resolution 240x320 pixels, diagonal 89 millimeters
Integrated microphone, receiver, speaker and one 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, MP3 stereo (through headphone jack)
Bluetooth 1.1
WiFi 802.11b
USB client (1.1), serial port and infrared-port
Expansion slots 1x SDIO and 1x Compact Flash type II
Battery: Li- Ion 1440mAh ( interchangeable)
Security: integrated biometric fingerprint reader
OS: Windows Mobile 2003 Second Editon

[Jonathan1]

This is from the PDA Gold preview at http://www.pdagold.com/articles/detail.asp?a=205 :


Transflective TFT VGA display with 64k color LED backlight display, resolution 240x320 pixels


I think that is a typo. All of them are listed as VGA and the res is out of wack for a VGA device. It should be listed as 640 x 480. And I highly doubt that eveery model here would be VGA. PPCT even lists the specs on the front page as:

So much for the hx moniker -- they're all QVGA. Nevertheless, some great details in there; for example, all three are listed as having a flip cover.

[Shrink]

So much for the hx moniker -- they're all QVGA. Nevertheless, some great details in there; for example, all three are listed as having a flip cover.[/quote]

Shoot - I didn't notice that every one of those devices was listed as TFT VGA. Unreasonably hopeful thinking on my part. :oops:

Looks like I will be aiming for the X50 instead. I am really surprised that they aren't trying to match Dell X50 specs and making their high end VGA. They sure are spreading themselves thin in their product line now with so many QVGA devices.

[Mark Johnson]

*sighs* Does HP do this just to frustrate people. The device looks fantastic. Everything I want....EXCEPT VGA. What the hell is wrong with that company. Its got high end RAM. High end ROM. CF, SDIO, BT, WIFI. Everything! Except VGA!?!?!? Do they intentionally do this to irk people off?!?! :frusty:

I would guess they do this to reach out all potential PDA market.


The only thing here is that I'm thinking Jonathan1 and I can't be the only ones reacting to HP's entire 2004 product cycle by saying:
Oh come on HP! Where's a VGA "PocketPC" that actually fits in my pocket? The hx4705 should be called a "BriefcasePC" or a "PursePC" but not a "PocketPC."


I'm pretty sure there will be an upcoming batch that would suite your needs.

I really doubt there's else coming from HP before PPC2005. If Dell doesn't come through with "pocketability" on the x50 then I'm stuck with my 1910 until Spring.

[rzanology]

this thing looks perfect. what is the size of it compared to the 2215? will it be the same size??? some one please tell me yes!

[Sven Johannsen]

Well, let me join in the disappointment. Lack of VGA is just incredible. I loved my Jornadas and it appears to me that the flip cover on this is not specifically designed to not interfere with a card in the CF slot, as the Jornada cover was. I am assuming the slots are at the top, but then HP managed to stick an IR port on the bottom of my 4155 to make it easy to beam to my belly button, so who knows.

[jimski]

If you are talking the 4750. The device is too large to comfortably fit in the pocket. I played around with one Monday. Its too big.

Well, I have carried my 5450 in my front dress shirt pocket for nearly two years and must say that my new 4700 fits quite nicely (NCR=No Case Required). Always within reach and ready for action. Snug enough to not slip out easily.

Now, a casual shirt is a different story. Guess I have to start looking for a new case.

[dean_shan]

Is it just me or does the flip-cover look really cheap. It's almost as if it was an after thought. It makes it look more like a toy to me. Thanks but no thanks.

[Janak Parekh]

PPCT even lists the specs on the front page as:

So much for the hx moniker -- they're all QVGA. Nevertheless, some great details in there; for example, all three are listed as having a flip cover.
Don't cite that as authoritative, though. I only used the same sources you guys saw. My gut feeling is that it's not VGA, given the model number designation. I'd love to be wrong.

--janak

[carphead]

Now I don’t want to sound negative or anything but my first thought when seeing that picture was PHOTOSHOP. To me it looks like some body messed whit that picture.

Nice device just the picture looks odd to me.

Still I won't be buying one. Mainly because it doesn't have USB host and VGA but also because it's HP

[Zack Mahdavi]

The specs for this device look great, but am I the only one here that things $550 for a PDA is too steep? I paid $400 for my iPaq 4155, and that was $50 less than the most expensive PDA I've ever bought, an m505. I'm really hoping that Dell's new PDAs will force HP to lower their iPaq prices.

[Adrian Knack]

You know what would be interesting... if we designed the specs (realistically) of a series of devices (including what it might look like i.e. the iPAQ h4150 - not everyone can draw...), a low end, mid, and high end based on what we believe works best and see if anyone takes notice for next year (obviosuly chip speeds might increase etc. but you get the idea).

Maybe the website constructors might run it as a competition type thing, first you submit your designs then have a vote on the best from each catagory. Maybe then designers will take it into account for next year and we can all (or most of us) be happy with our very own design?

[Jonathon Watkins]

HP Does Something Right - that deserved some kind of emphasis...

Owch! Harsh, but...... Fair. :lol:

I can't understand why the OEMs haven't produced PPCs with flip covers since the Jornada. Unless there is a sinister flip cover patent war going on that we don't know about. :wink:

[Mark Johnson]

...am I the only one here that things $550 for a PDA is too steep?

Part of me agrees with you (I'd always like to save a buck.) But overall, I'd have no problem spending $500 to $600 for a "pocketable" VGA unit just because I've "saved" for two years now.

Up until December 2002, I averaged six months to a year per unit and probably $300 to $400 each. I figure I would "normally" have sent $1200 to HP since Dec. 2002 if they had brought smaller/lighter/higher-resolution follow-on to the 1910.

I really hope someone in HP's marketing department is listening; I'm deeply dissapointed that since the 1910 arrived, they have brought nothing significant to the table for users like myself who are all about the pocketability. I would have been happy, truly HAPPY, to have had the OPPORTUNITY to give HP my $1200 by buying a couple of updated PPC's over the last 20 months. These last two years have broken me of the habit of expecting to replace my PPC frequently.

It's been a long twenty months of Utter Boredom watching one "me too" after another PPC trickle onto the scene. Sure I would *like* BT and/or WiFi, but don't really care all that much about either. (BT has been a waste in my opinion since MS never got around to implementing the HID profile. All I'd want BT for is a keyboard. It's only the last couple of months where the third parties have WORKED AROUND this glaring design omission.) The only REAL progress I'm concerned with on the PPC is the arrival of VGA and no one seems to be able to ship it on anything even CLOSE to the pocketability of the 1910, much less an improvement over the 1910/

I've got money buring a hole in my pocket (for two years now) for a higher-resolution 19xx. Maybe Dell will take my money. We'll see the x50 and then we'll know. Even if it's $600, I'd just be giving Dell a portion of the money I would "normally" have sent HP by now. If the rumored specs turn out to be right, the x50 will still be a bit larger than I'd like, but close enough.

What we really need is an OEM with a design team required to wear only jeans and a t-shirt to work. Take away their coats and dress shirts and we'll get some smaller-than-1910 and lighter-than-4oz units in a hurry!

[Oleander]

Is it just me, or does it look like HP still have 2 different RD departments - one (Compaq) who made the last generation iPAQs and one (HP) who made the current. All these new models released have a lot of resemblance to the old Jornadas and IMHO are all butt ugly! :?

[Stephen Beesley]

Is it just me, or does it look like HP still have 2 different RD departments - one (Compaq) who made the last generation iPAQs and one (HP) who made the current. All these new models released have a lot of resemblance to the old Jornadas and IMHO are all butt ugly! :?

Have to agree that these look much more like what the Jornada would have developed into than an continuation of the iPaq line.

For me however, Being an former Jornada owner, this is a welcome development. I must be one of the few people who really did not like the style of the 19xx, 4xxx iPaqs.

Like many others I just wish at least one of these offered VGA... :(

[surur]

I can't understand why the OEMs haven't produced PPCs with flip covers since the Jornada. Unless there is a sinister flip cover patent war going on that we don't know about. :wink:

You have to understand the OEM's have no interest in having our devices last as long as possible. If they make a flip cover and you still promise to replace your unit every year they will be happy to introduce them.

Unfortuanately many people with Jornada's are still using them, becaue with a flip cover they are actually smaller than a newer unit with even a small case (e.g the aluminium hard cases and most leather cases) and they last a lot longer.

And BTW, I loved my Jornada 568, and still regret the day I let is slip out of my pocket in the theatre, never to be seen again :cry: I never did like the look of the Ipaq's, much too curvy, with only one slot, and the included cover case was just stupid (and became dusty very quickly)

I agree, if this had VGA it would be close to the top of my list. Of course my struggle currently is between phone edition units in QVGA and VGA units such as the Loox or Asus.

Surur

[Stephen Beesley]

...I agree, if this had VGA it would be close to the top of my list. Of course my struggle currently is between phone edition units in QVGA and VGA units such as the Loox or Asus.

Surur

My dilemma exactly! Although as I have only just replaced my Jornada I think it is actually going to be a while before I can justify my next purchase :D.

One thing I would like to see is flip covers that can flip all the way over to the back - like the one on the 4700.

[Jonathan1]

Unfortuanately many people with Jornada's are still using them, becaue with a flip cover they are actually smaller than a newer unit with even a small case (e.g the aluminium hard cases and most leather cases) and they last a lot longer.

And BTW, I loved my Jornada 568

:way to go: I'm still loving my Jornada even though the exterior of is is trashed and the hardware is not aging like a fine wine. I love the fact that I can just toss the thing into my laptop backpack and not have to worry about the screen. :rock on dude!:

[draiken]

Jornada Lives!!! :multi:

Long live Jornada!! :way to go:

Surur

Long live indeed

[Thinkingmandavid]

Surur wrote:
Unfortuanately many people with Jornada's are still using them, becaue with a flip cover they are actually smaller than a newer unit with even a small case (e.g the aluminium hard cases and most leather cases) and they last a lot longer.


That is true, in the last two years I have been amazed at those who still use their Jornada.They keep saying good things about it.
I think the flip cover is a good investment and it is not bulky. A good addition to that would be a holster for it on your hip.

[rocky_raher]

My suggestion/request to HP: Bring back the Jornada name!

After the Compaq acquisition, it made sense to call all their PDA's iPaqs, because they had the majority of the PPC market. By now everyone knows that iPaqs come from HP, so why not return to the classic HP name?

[ppcsurfr]

Well, let me join in the disappointment. Lack of VGA is just incredible. I loved my Jornadas and it appears to me that the flip cover on this is not specifically designed to not interfere with a card in the CF slot, as the Jornada cover was. I am assuming the slots are at the top, but then HP managed to stick an IR port on the bottom of my 4155 to make it easy to beam to my belly button, so who knows.

Speed... this thing is fast... even the entry model is fast.

Carlo

[PPCRules]

... call me fussy, but is that flipcover "plasticky"? I would have much preferred a light metallic design, but hey...a flipcover's a flipcover, and just as long as it serves its purpose right? :)
Is it just me or does the flip-cover look really cheap. It's almost as if it was an after thought. It makes it look more like a toy to me.
Rest assured that (if this series succeeds at all) there will be plenty of after-market replacement covers for this.

A lot of money is made on selling cases, part of the reason PDAs seldom ship with a decent case (e.g., Dell X5 - hahahaha!). Compared to fashioning a leather case to skin-fit on each particular models, with all the access holes where needed, it would be simple to stamp aluminum, tatanium, copper, etc. (I'd kinda like galvanized steel) into a replacement cover for a line like this. Sure to be a big business.

[Darius Wey]

A lot of money is made on selling cases, part of the reason PDAs seldom ship with a decent case (e.g., Dell X5 - hahahaha!). Compared to fashioning a leather case to skin-fit on each particular models, with all the access holes where needed, it would be simple to stamp aluminum, tatanium, copper, etc. (I'd kinda like galvanized steel) into a replacement cover for a line like this. Sure to be a big business.

Just as long as the access holes existed. I'd hate to think of the existence of a flipcover device where access holes were lacking, effectively making the flipcover a permanent attachment. Ick. :P

[manywhere]

I think that is a typo. All of them are listed as VGA and the res is out of wack for a VGA device. It should be listed as 640 x 480. And I highly doubt that eveery model here would be VGA.
Are you psychic? :lol:

Yes, that was a typo by me and it is corrected now. (Too little coffee for me that day... :oops:) So, FYI, all of the hx2000 series iPaqs have got only QVGA.

[PPCRules]

My suggestion/request to HP: Bring back the Jornada name!

After the Compaq acquisition, it made sense to call all their PDA's iPaqs, because they had the majority of the PPC market. By now everyone knows that iPaqs come from HP, so why not return to the classic HP name?
Great thought.

It's interesting how quickly times change. At the time of the merger, it was SO important that they pick only one line of Pocket PC to keep. Now, just a few short years later, HP has 4, 5 (I can't keep count) "lines" of current Pocket PCs*, and they're even obsoleting lines after only one product. I think you're right; it would be great for them to use both names.

* largely in response to Dell, I believe.

[Sven Johannsen]

I can't understand why the OEMs haven't produced PPCs with flip covers since the Jornada. Unless there is a sinister flip cover patent war going on that we don't know about. :wink:

:worried: It's the after market case cartel.

I'm not sure you are going to see a lot of third party flip covers produced. You didn't when the Jornada was out, though HP itself made a line of 'designer' covers.

[normaldude]

Woohoo!!! Finally a small Pocket PC with a flip-top cover!

If this is just a cruel rumor, I will cry..

[eugarps]

Yup, HP, I'll buy one of these. When you gonna let me do it?

[Prevost]

Sad thing that for you to get a PDA with a flip cover you must agree to purchase what with little doubt is THE UGLIEST PDA EVER DESIGNED.

Looks pretty much like a cyclop.

[jlp]

I have to repost what I said on PDAgold forum:

Without VGA on the top of the line there is quasi no differenciation between models especially the 520 and 624 MHz model; that's only a 20% increase in CPU clock; with most certainly the same bus clock speed that's virtually identical, only the memory is different, but not even in the low & mid; so these two will be quasi the same :evil:

What an aweful shame; I'd quick some serious @ss if I were with HP and only keep the top hx2something and add VGA. Between this and the 4something (d@mn stupid naming aytch-pee ayepack are-ex fourtysevenhundredandohfive 8O) there are more than enough differenciation !!!

Too many models are a waste of money for a manufacturer!!! 4 lines of products and 8 to 9 models in a recession period with stagnant PDA sales 8O :?: :evil:

These guys are nuts :evil: :twak:

[jlp]

Bring me that OQO and a Moto MPx/BenQ P50 and OQOthoughts.com that I may be happy :rock on dude!:

[whydidnt]

The only thing here is that I'm thinking Jonathan1 and I can't be the only ones reacting to HP's entire 2004 product cycle by saying:
Oh come on HP! Where's a VGA "PocketPC" that actually fits in my pocket? The hx4705 should be called a "BriefcasePC" or a "PursePC" but not a "PocketPC."


In fairness, I own a 4700 and it has surprised me by how pocketable it is. Yes it is long, but the fact that is is pretty thin, makes it fairly easy to carry in a shirt pocket.

M$ implementation of VGA leaves a lot to be desired, however. I'm thinking a 2XXX device with a 3.5" VGA screen would be very cool!. Too bad HP doesn't agree with me. Because of the limited VGA support, there isn't much benefit to a 4" VGA screen. Though the 50+ year old President of my company paid a compliement to the device and how clear the screen is: "That's the clearest screen I've ever seen" of course he followed it up with, "Too bad it doesn't have a keyboard so I could actually use it." PPC manufacturers keep missing the boat in this regard. How about a 47XX (or 2xxx) device with VGA and a slide out keyboard. (I would love a clamshell device like this, but, I just KNOW the likelyhood of that happening is about the same as me winnign the lottery!)

[cavuu]

Said I would never buy another PPC without a flip cover. Buying the after market is a pain and it makes the nice little compact you bought larger.
Good for HP, now maybe Dell will follow.

[RobertCF]

Again with that retarded flip cover? It was stupid in the days of the Jornada and it's stupid now. Sheesh, what a piece of flotsom. It just gets in the way or breaks off. Get a real case for the PDA that actually looks stylish...not some flimsy piece of plastic that makes a PDA look like a Fisher-Price toy.

[Sven Johannsen]

Again with that retarded flip cover? It was stupid in the days of the Jornada and it's stupid now.

How dare you diss the Jornada's cover :twak:

[deemota]

Any idea of release date on this? I want to compare the 2700 and the 3715 before I decide which one to buy.

[Janak Parekh]

Any idea of release date on this? I want to compare the 2700 and the 3715 before I decide which one to buy.
We haven't heard anything. :( As soon as we do, I'm sure another frontpage post will be forthcoming.

--janak