I am a Computer Systems Admin for a Large Financial Company, and I love gadgets and technology!
I am a Computer Systems Admin for a Large Financial Company, and I love gadgets and technology!
Member since:07.07.2004
Reviews:6
Around 3 years ago, I reviewed an HP Jornada 525 Pocket PC on Ciao, under a different account. After a brief but enjoyable foray into the Windows Smartphone market, I decided to come back to the Pocket PC, and see what it has to offer.
The Ipaq 1930 is Hewlett Packard's entry level Pocket PC. Despite it being bottom of the pile as far as price goes, the specification is far from low, and the size and portability is by far the best I have seen on he market.
Hardware -------------- The Ipaq 1930 differs from most Pocket PCs, in that it packs a Samsung S3C2410 Processor as its Central Processing Unit, as opposed to the more usual
Intel XScale. The Samsung processor is 100% Xscale compatible, just like an AMD processor is 100% compatible with Intel ones, so there is no need to worry about software not working.
The S3C2410 in the Ipaq 1930 is clocked at 200mhz, and although this looks on the surface to be a lot slower than the current crop of Xscale processors this is not the case. The S3C2410 CPU runs equally as fast as a 300mhz Intel Xscale processor, and thus will run anything you through at it with ease.
This PDA comes with 64MB of internal memory, 56MB of which can be accessed by the user, and is split between storage and operating RAM.
There are 4 function / shortcut buttons on the front of the Ipaq, towards the bottom, and they flank a 5-way directional pad for easy navigation and game playing.
On the side of the unit, you'll find a record button to allow you to easily take voice notes and recordings, and an Infra-red IrDA port, for wireless connectivity.
Expansion is via an SDIO port on the top of the unit, which will take both SD cards and Multimedia cards for memory, and SDIO cards for things like networking. I added a 128MB SD card as soon as I purchased the unit, which allowed me plenty of space to install software, without comprimising the available RAM.
Software ------------ Software wise, the Ipaq 1930 comes complete with Windows Mobile 2003, the latest Major revision of the Microsoft Embedded Operating System, and comes complete with Pocket Versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook and MSN Messenger. Additional software includes the usual Contacts, Calculator, Tasks and Pocket MSN. ALl this software (apart from Calc) can be synchronised with your desktop PC or laptop using the included Outlook 2002 and Activsync combination.
Portability ------------- In terms of portability, the Ipaq 1930 is extremely light, at a mere 123 grams (4.3oz) including battery, it actually weighs less than a lot of mobile phones, and fits comfortably in your shirt pocket. The battery is a 900mAh Lithium Ion battery, which runs easily for about 5 hours of constant use, or about 3 days of regular but non-constant use.
Drawbacks ---------------- The Ipaq 1930 is a damn fine PDA, but there are some issues. Due to it being the most basic of the Ipaq range, savings have been made. There is no wireless networking, apart from the IrDA port. Addition of either WiFi 802.11b or Bluetooth can only e done via the SDIO port on the top of the unit. This limits your ability to add extra storage while using wireless networking.
There is also no docking station with this PDA, with just a cable provided to sync the Ipaq with your Desktop PC. A docking station from HP.com will set you back about £45, which is quite a lot of money to stand your PDA up while its on your desk!
Conclusion ---------------- The improvement in PDA technology in the last 3 years has been amazing. Windows Mobile 2003 is a pleasure to use, with a built-in transcribing system allowing me to write directly onto the screen with the stylus, and it recognises even my awful handwriting (most of the time!). The 320x240 screen is a joy to behold, with 5 different levels of brightness making it clear and precise.
Windows Mobile 2003 also supports Cleartype, which smooths all the on-screen text to make it look higher resolution than it actually is, and the Transflective screen does an excellent job of rendering both graphics and text.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Handheld - 128 MB RAM - Screen: 4 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA310 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi - Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic
Handheld - 64 MB RAM - Screen: 3.5 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA310 - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi - Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic
Handheld - 64 MB RAM - Screen: 3.5 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA270 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared - Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition
Welcome to Ciao. I was going to say that this was a great first review but it appears that you have been on the site before - it is still a great review. Maureen
torr 15.07.2004 00:02
I was about to say Welcome and What a Good Start, but it's evident you're known here. Hi then, Duncan
No more scoping out airport waiting rooms for AC plugs. No more sweating in the parking ... more
lot waiting for your HP iPAQ h1930 / h 1930 to charge. Keep the family plugged in on camping trips or the office wondering how you so utterly available. Small; Lightweight; and extremely durable; The Gomadic High Capacity Battery Pack; is the perfect addition to any nomads road arsenal. Whether you need an extra boost to squeeze some extra hours out of your device; or youre resurrecting it from the dead; the High Capacity Battery keeps you mobile; agile; and free. Consider yourself an independent and free-moving provider of energy!
Postage & Packaging:£4.09 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
Advantages: Small, Light and completely pocket sized. Disadvantages: Other models have bluethooth or wifi conctivity built in, and slighty higher specs.
darkstorms 23.12.2005 (23.12.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of HP iPAQ Pocket PC H1930
Jul 14th, 2004
very helpful by (100%):
