HP's iPaq H1910 is a low-cost handheld running Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 software. It is one of the lightest and slimmest handheld designs we have seen, but it is handicapped by a lack of built-in wireless communications and limited expansion options. But it will still appeal to firms where few staff need wireless access to information, and it might sell to users who value portability more than high-end features.
The iPaq H1910 is shipping now at a price of £245 + VAT, which makes it slightly more costly than Dell's Axim X5. But while Dell's low-cost handheld is at least as big as other Pocket PCs, the iPaq H1910 is significantly smaller. At 113x69x12mm, it is about two-thirds the size of other Pocket PCs and just over half the weight, at 120g.
Some compromises have been made to reduce the size and weight of the iPaq H1910. It lacks the built-in Bluetooth or 802.11b wireless communication functions found on other iPaq models such as the H5450. Unlike Dell's Axim, the H1910 also lacks a CompactFlash expansion slot, and its Secure Digital (SD) slot can only be used for adding Flash storage cards. A later model will add SDIO, said HP.
Another limitation is that only 46MB of the 64MB memory fitted is available for user programs and data. This is because the Pocket PC 2002 operating system is stored in Nand Flash memory, and has to be copied into RAM when the iPaq H1910 is first switched on. Nand Flash memory was used because it is cheaper and physically smaller than standard Flash chips.
The H1910's display is slightly smaller than those of other iPaq models, but comparable to that of the Dell Axim at 3.5in. The display is of the transflective type, and we found it bright and easy to read in a variety of light conditions.
HP has wisely equipped the iPaq H1910 with a removable battery pack. This is a small rechargeable lithium ion pack, about the same size as a mobile phone battery. Despite its relatively small size, HP claims it can last 12 to 14 hours between recharges.
The iPaq H1910 ships with a USB synchronisation cable as standard, but not with a docking cradle. A cradle is available as an optional extra, and this allows a spare battery to be charged at the same time as the handheld, according to HP.
The H1910 is based on a 200MHz version of Intel's XScale PXA250 chip instead of the 300MHz or 400MHz typical of rival systems, but this has no discernible effect on the speed of the device in normal use. In addition to the standard suite of Pocket PC tools and applications, the H1910 includes an Asset Viewer application that displays useful information regarding the device, such as model name and serial number.
Price: £245 + VAT
Contact: HP 0845 270 4222
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