The HP iPAQ 2215; the PDA that's all about functionality
Written: Apr 10 '04
Product Rating:
Pros: Small, Lightweight, Ease of Use, Looks
Cons: Carrying Case, Rubber Grips Fall Off
The Bottom Line: This is a PDA which can do nearly anything, if the features are not on it, you can easily add them. Great looks, it's small, it's the Ipaq 2215.
honda_civic_si's Full Review: Hewlett Packard iPAQ h2215 Pocket PC
The Introduction
The HP Ipaq 2215; the compromise between features and price, was the latest gadget I have bought. The 2215 is an Ipaq, yes, a Compaq name, now all enrolled into HP. This unit is my first handheld every, and since I first wrote this review I have gone back 8 months later and I now cringe at my spelling and grammatical errors, as well as the stupid little comments I have made. This is a revelation; the update to make this review more useful to you, the consumer.
Beginning Thoughts
The Ipaq has the faster processor available on the market today and it shares it with most other PDAs at this price range, the same 400MHz processor from Intel, dubbed the XScale. The unit has the normal specifications you would expect, a measly 57.11mb of user accessible memory and 32mb of flash memory. The one great feature regarding memory on this device is the ever so excellent dual expansion slots, one for Compact Flash and one for Secure Digital (CF and SD respectively). I currently have the 256mb SD card to install more programs and such, the included memory on the device is simply not enough. I also share this same SD card with my Samsung digital camera; it makes it easy because I can view the images I have just taken directly on a bigger and better screen. I can alter the images on the go with available software; I use a Photoshop clone named “Pocket Artist”. The CF card slot has yet to be used, I planned on WiFi, but instead I bought a Wireless card for my laptop. Priorities, I suppose.
Programs
Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003, the best operating system for mobile devices; combines the ease of use and functionality that you would expect from Microsoft. (Well, most of the time anyhow. Most PDAs today come with the ever so standard USB docking cradle at the amazing speed of USB 1.1 and the fast program called ActiveSync. Not! ActiveSync and the USB docking cradle makes putting across large files a pain in the rear, it takes its time, that’s for sure. I would highly suggest you invent into a high-speed USB Card reader and put images and movies directly onto the SD card (if you choose to purchase removable memory) and then put that into your Ipaq. As for other programs that are designed for the Windows Mobile platform, you are stuck with ActiveSync or installing it manually with .CAB files.
ActiveSync is the connecting client to your personal computer, preferably running a Microsoft operating system, and your PDA. Your copy of Windows Mobile 2003 disk comes with Outlook 2002, which, by the way, is two years old. I have since upgraded to Office 2003 – much faster and much better and your PDA will still work quite nicely with any version after 2002. With Outlook on both your computer and PDA, you can synchronize the two to share the same contacts, inbox of your emails, events, and notes. They are backwards compatible, meaning that you can basically update your computer contact list with your PDA and visa versa. AvantGo is an optional program you can put onto you PDA, also free, it is a program that puts the latest news onto you handheld by saving it in memory. This allows you to take it with you without having to spend lots of money connecting to the internet on the go (via Cell Phone or WiFi, for example.) If you have an Internet connection on your home computer and ActiveSync is running and your device is connected, you can browse the mobile internet on your Ipaq. You can also access MSN Messenger on your device. Other programs such as Pocket Word and Excel make doing homework much easier, I just handwrite on the screen and it turns it into text. I also have the folding keyboard from HP that I can type on when on the go. This method is much easier and I suggest you splurge on this accessory, typing for me is much easier than handwriting and waiting to see if the Transcriber can get it correct.
When you create a document with the included programs, you might want to print them out on the go. If you have the CD that came with your Ipaq, you can find a program that you can install onto you Ipaq which enables you to print via the Infrared port; however, you do need a capable printer with the infrared port as well.
Games and other entertainment are just as easy to load, all you have to do is search through a search site, such as Google.ca, and you can easily find many types of add-ons, or going through the many Pocket PC oriented enthusiast sites, I would suggest http://www.pocketpctools.com or http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com
Ease of Use
The Ipaq 2215 includes hardware buttons on the device itself which activates a shortcut to user definable or default applications. These applications, as defaulted, are Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, and iTask. iTask, in my personal opinion, is the best program that comes preinstalled on the device. (Maybe I am exaggerating slightly, but still it enables you to switch between programs quickly, quite like Alt+Tab on your home computer.) In the middle of these four buttons is the pretty standard D-Pad, consisting of directionals; up, down, left and right. These can be used in games, the Internet, or in any program that has the scroll bar on the side. And back to iTask, my only complaint is that it does take a few seconds to appear. iTask does have the ability to close all programs or a specific program in its easy to navigate layout. When it pops up, it only takes a small part of the screen.
Connectivity
I couldn’t believe that I left out this section of my previous review. This is one of the most important parts and I left it out. I guess I get experience every time I write a review, eh? Well, this little device comes with a few standard ways of connecting to other devices. First off, it has the infrared port, which is a “Consumer Grade” one on this device. What does “Consumer Grade” mean, you ask? Well, it tells you that it is powerful enough to achieve a range that you can be proud of! With the help of a program called Nevo, you can control many devices like TVs, Stereos, anything that can be controlled with a typical remote control! And with Consumer Grade IR, you can get distances that are typical of an original remote. Wonderful, and let me tell you, I have a blast with this in the mall, at school, anywhere. No one expects it either, and it can bring the mischievous side out of you!
USB connection with your computer is standard on most devices, including the Ipaq 2215. You can connect to your computer and share files and such using ActiveSync. This is a pretty basic concept. You can go onto the internet when connected to your computer via ActiveSync. A great feature of ActiveSync is the fact that you can synchronize MS Outlook with your device and visa versa. (There is more on this in the Programs section in this review, which you probably read already :D)
Bluetooth is an added feature that many say is a love and hate kind of story. It was designed for simple cable replacement, but it may not be quite implemented in such a way that it is a guaranteed success right from the get go. You have to understand how it works and its limitations or else you will get very frustrated. When I first got the device, I did not have any idea what it could do for me. This is mostly where many consumers will get extremely frustrated if they try to set it up. I have only started using this because I have learned exactly what it can do. If you have a Bluetooth enabled laptop or you have an adapter for your home computer, you can wireless explore the internet and share files with the host computer. It does sound great, but something that annoyed me is the fact that your Ipaq is only a Class 2 device, meaning the Bluetooth can only reach a measly 10m. You think this is far, it is roughly 33feet, but, the connection is lousy and won’t stay up for long as I have had in previous experiences. You can also connect to a cell phone that is Bluetooth enabled for internet on the go, using the cell phone as a modem. This is cost prohibitive because cell phone providers provide internet at expensive rates in general.
WiFi is not an option that comes with this PDA, unfortunately. You can purchase a CF or SD WiFi card however. I won’t go into the features of WiFi as the PDA does not come with it, but basically it is a wireless network that does not drop as often as Bluetooth and is much more stable.
Power
The HP iPAQ 2215 comes with a removable rechargeable Li-Ion battery and a chance for a secondary auxiliary battery that can be simultaneously charged on your USB cradle. It comes with an AC Adapter, which serves a dual purpose. It connects to your USB Cradle to charge the iPAQ, or you can take it off and plug it directly in your Ipaq with the included power to serial adapter. You can also purchase a separate car adapter to charge in your vehicle when on the go.
Battery power lasts for quite awhile, with sources saying 8 hours or more. This varies on your use. If you want to watch a movie, then it would not last as long. If you want to write a word document, the battery will last for much longer. In one day, I can use the Ipaq and have plenty of power left over, but this is not with continued use. If you do find your self in need of more power, you can purchase an extended battery with a huge increase of power. It comes with a 900mAh battery and the extended battery is 3600mAh. That is a lot of power, but with the power comes the price. It is $120USD.
What’s Included
In the box, you get the following:
1.The Ipaq 2215 Pocket PC
2.USB desktop cradle/charger
3.Slip Case
4.Getting started poster
5.Pocket PC Companion CD
The Case
The slip case that is included with your Ipaq is of the lowest quality and the protection it serves is inadequate. I would not recommend you use it for much longer as it is a real tight fit that causes the rubber grips on the side to come loose. I have over eight different cases for my Ipaq that makes it look more professional and much more protective. I would recommend a CoverTec or Piel Frama. If you are looking for the utmost in protection, I would recommend the InnoPocket or Energy Leaf Aluminum cases. All of these are available at http://www.ipaqcases.com.
Aesthetics
The look of the unit is very pleasing and the design is lovely, ranging from the chrome D-PAD to the rubber grips. There are 5 buttons in total and they are all very nicely placed on the unit. There is the HP logo at the top of the unit in a blue which has been emblazoned onto the unit. There are two oval shaped lights, one is blue and one is orange. The orange one, I believe, can flash green as an alert for alarms and such. The blue one is to let you know if Bluetooth is activated or not.
Minor and Major Problems
The major problem with this design is the rubber side grips. They fall off. Simply put, they come off! It is a terrible flaw in which there is no permanent solution. I would suggest a better case and phoning HP Support for a replacement set. The set that arrives are the exact same grips, and I suspect them to rub off sooner or later. What a downside to this great device. However, Pocket PC Techs, http://www.pocketpctechs.com has a better solution, metal side grips that are guaranteed to not fall off. I would suggest you check these out, the only problem; they are really expensive for what they are.
As for minor problems, there are not many actually. The one complaint I have is that the screen is slightly recessed allowing dust and particles to get under the metal lip and the screen. I haven’t really found a way to remove these yet, but there isn’t many and it doesn’t affect much. The cover for the CF card is a great idea, but is just not made with high quality materials. For one, the clips allowing it to stay in place have both broken off, so now it kind of jiggles and slides out! Also, the black plastic surrounding the SD card is lifting up slightly, but will stay down unless deliberately lifted.
The IR port is not easy to find. It is embedded with the black plastic around the SD card. It would be nice if it was separated so that I can find where it is if I want to beam something to someone or print something off. When you have this device for a couple of months, you remember which side the IR port is on. Right now, I could not tell you what side it is on because I have to use it to remember it. Maybe I will circle it with a silver pen or something, but then again I don’t want it to look tacky. :D
The 2215; Conclusion
There it is, in all of its glory. I most likely missed out some points but I have severely edited and added so much more information that this review should read and look much nicer. Also, it should educate you more. It is a revelation.
All in all, the 2215 was an excellent purchase. The features alone are impressive, while not being the most technological item on the market; the price point makes it a great compromise between both. I would highly recommend it to you. So go on, get out there, and get organized!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 399.99 Recommended for: Business Executives - Powerful and Professional
A sleek Pocket PC with the optimal combination of features, performance, and expandability Compact Flash and Secure Digital slots for flexibility and ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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