Hewlett-Packard updates iPAQ handheld line

Hewlett-Packard updated last week its popular line of iPAQ Pocket PC-powered handhelds. The new models represent a varied range in price and features for both consumers and professional users. Introduced were the HP iPAQ h11930 and h1940, the HP iPAQ 2210 and the HP iPAQ 5550.

Common among all the iPAQ variants are an improved transflective display, Secure Digital I/O (input/output) expansion slot for adding third-party storage and connectivity solutions and peripherals and removable batteries.

Also available to all newly released iPAQ models are mobile printing software and proprietary iPAQ image viewer software for photo and slide show presentations. All the new iPAQs come with the Pocket PC 2003 software from Microsoft.

The iPAQ h2210 is the smallest Pocket PC device in the market with dual slot expansion (for Compact Flash Type II and Secure Digital cards and devices). It offers increased data storage for files, MP3 music and photos.

The h2210 has integrated Bluetooth connectivity that allows for synchronization and data sharing wirelessly. Its other features include 64MB onboard RAM and a 400Mhz Intel X-Scale processor.

The iPAQ h1940 has a TFT transflective screen with 64,000 colors, similar to the rest of the new iPAQ releases, which heightens visibility even under bright daylight. At 4.37 oz. and 1/2" thick, it is one of the slimmest Pocket PC devices running on the 2003 version of the Pocket PC operating system.

By using a cheaper alternative to Intel’s X-Scale processor, namely Samsung’s S3C2410 266-Mhz processor, the iPAQ h1940 and similar h1930 models are a good fit for the budget and consumer markets.

Integrated features such as Bluetooth give added value to the line. The h1940 can use its Bluetooth radio to print documents from compatible HP printers. It also includes iPAQ’s File Store which saves critical data and other valuable files even if the batteries discharge.

For its flagship handheld, the iPAQ h5550, HP included 128MB of RAM, Wi-Fi connectivity and a unique biometrics security and wireless LAN access with a thermal fingerprint reader to ensure only specified users could access specific files.

The h5550 also has 48MB Flash ROM plus and integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless radio built in for fast connections in 802.11b hot spots and LANs. Designed with traveling professionals in mind, this model’s increased memory can handle larger files and run mobile MS PowerPoint presentations with included conversion software.

Another notable add-on to the iPAQ h5550 is the attention to security since it uses FileCrypto Data Encryption which is an added level of security over the fingerprint scanner.