Difference between a 4700 and the 4705?

[riuster]

what is the difference again?

[Wiggster]

As far as HP iPAQs are concerned, if the model ends in a '0', it's intended for a business end-used. If it ends in a '5', it's intended for a regular consumer. So, a company would buy a 4700 for its employees, but you'd buy a 4705 from CompUSA for your personal use.

I'm aware of no different software packages between the 470x units, and the hardware is identical. The difference is just which channel you used to purchase the device.

[riuster]

As far as HP iPAQs are concerned, if the model ends in a '0', it's intended for a business end-used. If it ends in a '5', it's intended for a regular consumer. So, a company would buy a 4700 for its employees, but you'd buy a 4705 from CompUSA for your personal use.

I'm aware of no different software packages between the 470x units, and the hardware is identical. The difference is just which channel you used to purchase the device.

But there must be a variation of programs in the unit, one for business related and the other consumer related, how about Consumer IR?

[Janak Parekh]

But there must be a variation of programs in the unit, one for business related and the other consumer related, how about Consumer IR?
Typically, HP/Compaq has made no differentiation in software bundles between the "0" and the "5" model.

(The 4700/4705 doesn't have the hardware nor the software for consumer IR.)

--janak

[riuster]

But there must be a variation of programs in the unit, one for business related and the other consumer related, how about Consumer IR?
Typically, HP/Compaq has made no differentiation in software bundles between the "0" and the "5" model.

(The 4700/4705 doesn't have the hardware nor the software for consumer IR.)

--janak

How do you know that the bundle software is different, then why bother making a different named model?

[Janak Parekh]

How do you know that the bundle software is different, then why bother making a different named model?
Good question, but the simple fact of the matter is they've done it since their first Pocket PCs in 2000 -- and the bundles have been identical. Presumably, it helps them track the sales of their units.

In short - don't worry about it, and grab the one you can get.

--janak

[jimski]

I have also wondered this. I purchased both of my 4705's from PC Connection. Each PPC came in a standard brown box (with HP logo) with a simple label on the outside describing the contents. Although they shipped to my office, they were billed to my credit card.

So if I ordered these through a corporate account (which PC Connection does a lot of, as does Comp USA) would they have shipped me 4700's instead. Just doesn't make any sense.

Bottom line is it's costing the consumer more because HP has to make two different models (even if only the shipping label is different, it's still different). If they could track whom they are shipping these devices to, the different model numbers / SKU's would not be necessary. Probably a limitation of SAP.

[riuster]

How do you know that the bundle software is different, then why bother making a different named model?
Good question, but the simple fact of the matter is they've done it since their first Pocket PCs in 2000 -- and the bundles have been identical. Presumably, it helps them track the sales of their units.

In short - don't worry about it, and grab the one you can get.

--janak

Ok, so they have done it before, and you say it is to TRACK sales? HMMM...so business users will buy the 4700 and the consumer will presumbly buy the 4705, thinking its for the consumer like stated on their website. It seems plausible...but I dont know....the specs are all the same...Im just wondering if there are difference in applications. Pretty sneaky that HP.

Where did you get this information from anyway?

[riuster]

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=58-103-133&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=58-103-127&depa=0

Take a look at NEWEGG.com packaging is different for the 4705, very consumer oriented, but the CDs do not look the same.

also, the 4700 looks like it has a 5 band equalizer which the 4705 doesnt state to have on the specs...who has the 4705 and has a 5 band equalizer?

[Mitch D]

Having just picked up a 4700 and comparing what is in the box to what HP says is included with the 4705 I see no difference between them. As well it's been my experience that if the model ends in 05 it was intended for US release where models ending in 00 tend to be released a consumer units outside the US.

[Janak Parekh]

Where did you get this information from anyway?
What, about the fact that they've had "0"s vs "5" for almost 5 years now? It's probably the #1 question on iPAQ webboards. I have not yet seen a single HP where the two have differed. (This is not the case with other manufacturers; Toshiba has a slightly different software bundle between the e800 and e805, I believe, although it's not significant enough to merit major concern if one is cheaper than the other.)

And yes, the packaging is sometimes different, but that's about it. HP sometimes does this because one is intended for retail, and the other is not. My 3870 came in a "brown box", but when you opened it the insides were packaged like a regular retail product and worked exactly the same as a "3875" would have. On the other hand, my 3650 came as a retail box inside the brown box, so even this isn't consistent.

As for an equalizer... I don't know what they're talking about. From every report I've heard, the hardware is identical.

As well it's been my experience that if the model ends in 05 it was intended for US release where models ending in 00 tend to be released a consumer units outside the US.
This was proposed several times, but the fact of the matter is that both "0"s and "5"s are often available in the US.

--janak

[riuster]

Having just picked up a 4700 and comparing what is in the box to what HP says is included with the 4705 I see no difference between them. As well it's been my experience that if the model ends in 05 it was intended for US release where models ending in 00 tend to be released a consumer units outside the US.

0 for outside the US market, Ill take the marketing theory over yours, because the 0 model is sold with a US adapter, so your theory doesnt make sense, but I respect your experience.

HP will put in your country adapter, either 0 or 5, depending upon the country it was made for, no? If you look at the picture for the adapter for the 0, it comes with a US adapter, if it was made for outside the US, it wouldnt come with a US adapter, IMO.

[riuster]

Where did you get this information from anyway?
What, about the fact that they've had "0"s vs "5" for almost 5 years now? It's probably the #1 question on iPAQ webboards. I have not yet seen a single HP where the two have differed. (This is not the case with other manufacturers; Toshiba has a slightly different software bundle between the e800 and e805, I believe, although it's not significant enough to merit major concern if one is cheaper than the other.)

And yes, the packaging is sometimes different, but that's about it. HP sometimes does this because one is intended for retail, and the other is not. My 3870 came in a "brown box", but when you opened it the insides were packaged like a regular retail product and worked exactly the same as a "3875" would have. On the other hand, my 3650 came as a retail box inside the brown box, so even this isn't consistent.

As for an equalizer... I don't know what they're talking about. From every report I've heard, the hardware is identical.

As well it's been my experience that if the model ends in 05 it was intended for US release where models ending in 00 tend to be released a consumer units outside the US.
This was proposed several times, but the fact of the matter is that both "0"s and "5"s are often available in the US.

--janak

Ok, as for the packaging, I dont think any of us care, Im concerned about functionality, there must be a difference, whatever it may be, a spec or two..I would like to know, that 5 band equalizer is offered in the 4700, but it doesnt say anything about it being in the 4705, its quite insignificant, but Curious George wants to know, Enquiring Minds wants to know...

show me some links of other places you have encountered with this same question, please post...thanks.

[riuster]

email from HP

Dear Mike,

Thank you for contacting the hpshopping.com sales center.

I understand that you are interested in the difference between these models. I can confirm that there is not difference within the specifications or
components. The difference is simply within where the models are offered for sale. The 4700 is offered through retail outlets while the 4705 is offered
through club stores.

I hope this information has been of assistance to you Mike. Please reply to this message if there is anything further we can do. For your convenience,
you may also call hpshopping.com directly at 1-888-999-4747 Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM EST and Sat and Sun: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
EST. Our hpshopping representatives are trained professionals who can help you decide on the right HP product for you.

Once again, thank you for your interest in hpshopping.com. We value your business and support. Our goal is to continue bringing you quality
products and solutions.

Best Regards,
Barry
Email/Chat Representative
hpshopping.com

[Wiggster]

show me some links of other places you have encountered with this same question, please post...thanks.

Holy cow, I've never met anyone so incredulous of the exact same answer from various different people before. You can go to other forums and search. The devices have always been identical between the 0 and 5 units, and sometimes there's a different software installed (I think one of the newer models has Worldmate installed on the 5, but not the 0 model). If you don't believe us, feel free to go to HP and ask the same question, since it seems you aren't going to believe us, despite how many of us own the device.

[Edit] Seems you did.

[Islanti]

Consumer model hx4705 is HP Part FA304A#ABA. Here are the specifications (http://hpshopping.speedera.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/data_sheet/fa304a.html).

Commercial (Business) model hx4700 is HP Part FA282A#ABA. Specifications (http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11982_na/11982_na.HTML).

There are a few items not mentioned in the consumer version, which are included in the commercial edition:
In ROM
Clearvue Suite (PowerPoint and PDF)

Full Versions on CD
Afaria Management
Altiris Express
Clearvue Suite

Having the admittedly basic Clearvue PowerPoint and PDF viewers in ROM is nice, but not worth a fortune. If someone with the hx4705 (I have a hx4700) can confirm they don't have any Clearvue apps in ROM, that'd clear this up once and for all.

[riuster]

show me some links of other places you have encountered with this same question, please post...thanks.

Holy cow, I've never met anyone so incredulous of the exact same answer from various different people before.

If you don't believe us, feel free to go to HP and ask the same question, since it seems you aren't going to believe us, despite how many of us own the device.

[Edit] Seems you did.

HOLY COW, more like HOLY SH!@, hey, I live in NYC, and was raised here in NYC...you cant blame me!

I dont, so i asked, but HP's answer is more confusing than some of your responses, but with the marketing hypothesis, trying to determine which markets buy the 4xxx series is plausible. "retail outlets vs. club stores" man...now they make it more confusing, but there must be more. Which comes to islanti's finding.

Islanti..im impressed...now thats "WOW" to post specifics like that.

My assumption is that HP must have provided business users with certain apps, that consumers may not have a need for, because it is completely illogical for HP marketing to make 2 models, one for business and the other for consumers? Yes or No? They dont do things casue they fell like it, ok. Why?

Ok, the two models have the exact same specs, on the hardware, agreed, but the software, I doubt it....thats why Im not going to just take a vague answer....sorry..thats not me, doesnt make sense, adwignall

Lets see if a 4705 owner can prove Islanti's theory. Nice find.

[Islanti]

One further detail to consider... both units have a list price of $649, which may be why some people doubt there are differences. The commercial hx4700 has minimal packaging (brown cardboard box, basic plastic insert to hold unit and accessories). While I don't imagine this is even $10 in materials, the money may be enough to add a few bundled applications to the commercial version.

[WyattEarp]

HOLY COW, more like HOLY SH!@, hey, I live in NYC, and was raised here in NYC...you cant blame me!

I dont, so i asked, but HP's answer is more confusing than some of your responses, but with the marketing hypothesis, trying to determine which markets buy the 4xxx series is plausible. "retail outlets vs. club stores" man...now they make it more confusing, but there must be more. Which comes to islanti's finding.

Islanti..im impressed...now thats "WOW" to post specifics like that.

My assumption is that HP must have provided business users with certain apps, that consumers may not have a need for, because it is completely illogical for HP marketing to make 2 models, one for business and the other for consumers? Yes or No? They dont do things casue they fell like it, ok. Why?

Ok, the two models have the exact same specs, on the hardware, agreed, but the software, I doubt it....thats why Im not going to just take a vague answer....sorry..thats not me, doesnt make sense, adwignall

Lets see if a 4705 owner can prove Islanti's theory. Nice find.

I was born and raised in NYC too, but facts are facts:

1. The box you get your PPC in (plain brown or nicely pictured and decorated) depends on where the vendor you ordered it from gets his from and how. (Vendors will always take the cheaper route)
2. Both PPCs have been the same for over 5 years now.
3. Included hardware has been the same for over 5 years.
4. Included software has been the same for over 5 years.
5. Web sites have to be maintained and often aren't as they should be therefore leading to information discrepencies.
6. HP reps have said the same thing for over 5 years.
7. Software & hardware features pertaining to a particular market group will always be listed first and talked about the most. That's how one sells things. (Marketing 101)
8. Any extra apps you might get as a business purchase will more than likely come at a "business price" for bulk orders not just one.

I have owned the h3875, 3970 currently a h5555 and temped every day by the hx4700. Have researched each one thoroughly before I bought it and have never found a diffence between a model ending in "0" or "5" even when web sites or magazine have said differently. But all users of the Compaq/HP PPCs have maintaned that both are the same and haven't been wrong.

[riuster]

HOLY COW, more like HOLY SH!@, hey, I live in NYC, and was raised here in NYC...you cant blame me!

I dont, so i asked, but HP's answer is more confusing than some of your responses, but with the marketing hypothesis, trying to determine which markets buy the 4xxx series is plausible. "retail outlets vs. club stores" man...now they make it more confusing, but there must be more. Which comes to islanti's finding.

Islanti..im impressed...now thats "WOW" to post specifics like that.

My assumption is that HP must have provided business users with certain apps, that consumers may not have a need for, because it is completely illogical for HP marketing to make 2 models, one for business and the other for consumers? Yes or No? They dont do things casue they fell like it, ok. Why?

Ok, the two models have the exact same specs, on the hardware, agreed, but the software, I doubt it....thats why Im not going to just take a vague answer....sorry..thats not me, doesnt make sense, adwignall

Lets see if a 4705 owner can prove Islanti's theory. Nice find.

I was born and raised in NYC too, but facts are facts:

1. The box you get your PPC in (plain brown or nicely pictured and decorated) depends on where the vendor you ordered it from gets his from and how. (Vendors will always take the cheaper route)
2. Both PPCs have been the same for over 5 years now.
3. Included hardware has been the same for over 5 years.
4. Included software has been the same for over 5 years.
5. Web sites have to be maintained and often aren't as they should be therefore leading to information discrepencies.
6. HP reps have said the same thing for over 5 years.
7. Software & hardware features pertaining to a particular market group will always be listed first and talked about the most. That's how one sells things. (Marketing 101)
8. Any extra apps you might get as a business purchase will more than likely come at a "business price" for bulk orders not just one.

I have owned the h3875, 3970 currently a h5555 and temped every day by the hx4700. Have researched each one thoroughly before I bought it and have never found a diffence between a model ending in "0" or "5" even when web sites or magazine have said differently. But all users of the Compaq/HP PPCs have maintaned that both are the same and haven't been wrong.

Facts doesnt seem to be the facts, now thats a fact....hahaa...so you are tempted....just DO IT....I just ordered the 4700, Loox720 and Asus 730W is nice..but concerning their warranty, what warranty???? channel of getting help is next to nothing in the states.

Im just curious...everyone has a different answer...thanks all for the answers...

[DragonJoeSmith]

Hopefully this will end the debate. Many manufacturers will market two or more models of identical specs under slightly different model numbers. Look through your local Best Buy and Circuit City ads and you will notice numerous "Guaranteed Lowest price" qualifiers. The fine print reads "exact model shown". Now even though cosmetically they look exactly the same, but because the model numbers are different, they can maintain the illusion of lowest price.
Another way this is used is when large companies like HP or IBM have gov. contract they are required to sell the contracted product to the Fed at the lowest price they offer. If they change the product model number, they can choose not to offer it to the gov. catalog, but still sell it to the consumer market at a consumer rate. This way they get to reap profit from the gov contract and increase volume sales on the consumer side.

[gunksny]

Did anyone ever determine for sure what (if any) difference there is between the hx4700 and hx4705?

Seems like anywhere between a $20 and $80 difference in price (4705 being cheaper).

Also, anyone know whether a newer model is due out soon?

Thanks!

[redleg]

I work for Iowa State University and we find ourselves needing another Ipaq, I have a hx4700 and this time we're going to get a hx4705, (cheaper at newegg) and I'll post any differences I find between the two. I'm going to try and load a ROM update from the 4700 onto the 4705, that should clear up any differences just being bundled software, if there are even any differences in that.