TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Samsung® SC32442 300 MHz processor 64MB ROM / 32MB SDRAM (up to 33 MB user available persistent storage memory) SDIO/MMC expansion slot (certified up to 1 GB) 3.5" QVGA TFT / 64K colours 70mm x 114mm x 13mm / 125g Rechargeable Li-Ion battery Microphone / speaker / 3.5 mm headphone jack Integrated W-Fi 802.11b / IrDA / USB synchronisation Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition
The rx1950 is now discontinued by HP, but a quick search on Google will still show plenty of links should you wish to buy one, and I would say it is a good choice for someone looking for a PDA that does more than just an electronic calender and contacts.
Firstly The rx1950 is a full on mini-pc, not just an electronic diary. The o/s is Windows Mobile 5.0, it comes with a mobile version of Microsoft Office installed (Word, Excel and Powerpoint). Just like 'desktop' Windows, there are tons of free applications (available on various websites) to extend the Ipaq's functionality, such as network tools, planners, games, utilities and file readers (e.g. acrobat reader).
Secondly (and a reason I like the rx1950 more than newer models), it has wireless connectivity. I know the newer IPAQ's have Bluetooth instead, but that is no help if I wanted to connect to an internet hotspot somewhere. I have installed software from Logmein on my homedesktop pc, allowing me to; connect to the internet on my ipaq at a hotspot use the logmein website to access my home pc access files on my home pc - Superb.
Thirdly, the battery life on the rx1950 is excellent, lasting a good 11 hours or so. Admittedly this will be dependant on what you are planning to use it for, e.g. if you are going to use it to watch back to back films I am guessing it will need a recharge sooner.
Annoyances The internal memory is small at 32mb. the Ipaq doesn't fail me that often, but there have been odd occassions whe it has locked up and I have had to do a soft reset to bring it back to life. When an application is closed using the top right 'X' button, it still runs as a process in the memory. You need to go into the memory settings and close the process, not complicated to do, just something to remember. To use the Ipaq properly you will need to buy a memory card to store your data on, or you will start to get a lot of lockups.
One enormously annoying thing - don't loose the stylus! (the little pointy stick they supply with the Ipaq to select things). I lost my first on the train to work, grrr. They probably cost 50p to make (tops), but retail at £5 to £10!!! What a rip off! I have ended up ordering two from an eBay seller in Hong Kong - fingers crossed... :)
All in all I do like the rx1950. It has a design that is pleasing to hold, solid, well built feel to it, good battery life, office apps, millions of other apps, wireless connectivity -It ticks a lot of boxes for me.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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 - 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 PXA270 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared - Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition
I have an iPaq and I hate it. I much prefer my Sony Clie UX50. Check out my reviews of both devices ;-)
bazzaoleary77 07.02.2007 12:56
Nice detailed review
Barry
RichPrice 07.02.2007 12:32
A really good Review , but I think that it needs a bit more information and detail to justify a higher rating. You might find it helpful if you read and rate some other peoples’ reviews that have been rated VH or E. It might give you an idea of the sort of things you need to include. It might also be helpful if you had a look at the Ciao guides to writing Reviews and Rating I found them really useful. If I can be of any help feel free to put a note in my gb. Rich
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