3870 vs 5455

[TedJones]

I am looking to buy a used iPAQ, primarily to replace a 3835 that is not working well that I use for my GPS mapping. Bluetooth is essential.

Does anyone have experience with both the iPAQ 3870 and 5455? I understand that the 5455 is newer, has more memory, WiFi and a better display. However, I have read some reviews of the 5455 that mention lots of problems. See http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007B6RX/104-8959102-9268742?v=glance&n=172282 and http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/hp_ipaq_5455_pocket_pc_review.

Any thoughts?

Are there other iPAQs I should consider that I can get, on eBay, for example, for less than $120?

[tospappy]

I had a 5400 and though there were some problems, once I did all the updates etc, no problems of any significance. After about a year I lost the 5400 and replaced it with a 5500 and have been using it about two years. Is is upgraded to PPC 2003. I use it with both a serial GPS unit in my car and a bluetooth in my wife's or rental cars. The serial unit is a fixed unit with a cradle specific to the ipaq and it works great. The Holox BT unit also works well. I am using the Mapolis software and maps.

tospappy

[pocketpcadmirer]

Look out for an iPAQ 5550. You may get it for <$150 these days.
Though the 5400 was not a great pocket pc out of box,but with ROM upgrades, those problems were fixed.
iPAQ 5550 comes with 'improved' windows mobile 2003 OS.

Sunny

[Constant Caffeine]

You may also want to check out the buy and sell forum on this site.

[ipaqczar]

I've heard the speaker on the 5xxx series is pretty lousy compared with the speaker on 3xxx series.

If you are using an audio jack to a powered speaker mount then it wouldn't be an issue - but if you aren't it might be a consideration.