I learned last week of a new line of HP iPAQ Pocket PCs coming out. Interesting. After a little more research, I've set my sights on the iPAQ 210 Enterprise Handheld (click image to enlarge):
Let's see if this device has what I want in a non-phone PDA:
| HP iPAQ 210 | Yes | No |
| Windows Mobile 6 | - | |
| 624 MHz Processor | - | |
| 128 Mb RAM | | - |
| 256 Mb Flash ROM | - | |
| 802.11b/g | - | |
| Bluetooth 2.0 w/ EDR | - | |
| 4 inch 480x640 LCD | - | |
| 2200 mAh Li-Ion Battery | - | |
| Mini-USB Connector | - | |
I love how the contents of the above chart are centered in IE, and not
when using Firefox. I am sure this is by design, thanks Microsoft.
As you can see, only one out of the nine pre-requisites is a "no." Not
bad. I would of preferred the unit to have 128 Mb RAM, but since this
unit it not a phone, it'll be just fine on 64 Mb. Of course, adding an 8
Gb SDHC card would be wonderful, providing this unit will support
SCHC cards. I am also pleased to see the addition of a mini-USB
connector. Final-freaking-ly!
So yeah, this looks like a promising model. Yadda Yadda Yadda.
Now, let's take a look at the shortcomings of purchasing an HP
Pocket PC:
The warranty is sort of sucky, only one year? Please, HP. Get real.
Given my current iPAQ had to go back to HP for service on account of
a wireless radio failure, I don't have a lot of confidence in your
warranty offering. 2 years would of been far better, and would
of sold me on the spot. So now, if I consider this new iPAQ, I'll
have to spring for an extended warranty which will add to the price
I'm paying already. Bah, not good. Up the warranty to 2 years and
I'll have no qualms about purchasing this unit.
I guess I'll have to wait to see how this new iPAQ impresses the
reviewers once it is released in October.
Moving on .....
I have another device on the backburner as well: It's made by
Asus, and it looks pretty good, although the hardware specs are
not as powerful as the new HP iPAQ offering. I love the stainless
steel shell, though. Most impressive.
That being said, I suppose I can take comfort in knowing that my
current iPAQ will last at least another year because it knows that it'll
be replaced as soon as it decides to burn out another wireless radio
card again.
Oh, you didn't know? Computer technology devices "know" stuff
like that. They know if they screw up one more time on me,
they are "out of here." I'm convinced of it. Just ask the Bluetooth
keyboard and mouse I once had. They both met Mr. Concrete
Sidewalk late last year.
Heh.