Pros: Integrated WiFi and Bluetooth, backward compatibility with older IPaq accessories, SD slot, removable battery.
Cons: Some useless functions like fingerprint/biometric security and universal remote control.
The Bottom Line: Integrated Bluetooth and WiFi adds some advantages to the other familiar functions of an older IPaq. But they are not compelling enough to replace it.
aashok's Full Review: Hewlett Packard iPAQ h5455 Pocket PC
My Mobile Quest.
Since evolution of mobile devices is thru convergence, my efforts have been in search of the ultimate, do-it-all, mobile communication and computing device. A single handheld that is capable of the following:
- GSM / GPRS Triband
- Mobile WAP browser
- Text, Multimedia and always-on / push messaging
- Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Pocket PC OS and compatible applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software
- High speed CPU
- Connectivity to an external VGA/XGA display device
- Printing over a wireless network or thru IR
- Expandable memory using CF or standard format memory cards
- Play MP3 audio and MPEG video files
- Capture images with at least 1 megapixel resolution
There are some companies that have taken the lead toward the future. Samsung with the i700, Sony Ericsson with the P800 and Microsoft with their Smartphone initiatives. Though many devices come close, I have not seen any that have all the above-mentioned features. With every manufacturer come some unique quirks and shortcomings. I predict that such advanced devices will eventually be more prevalent than notebook computers.
Back to reality, the Compaq IPaq 3765 has been my most used PDA so far. I have purchased numerous accessories including the dual PC slot expansion sleeve, wireless network cards, VGA display cards, etc. The two most important reasons why I selected the H5455 are integrated WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and backward compatibility with my IPaq accessories.
My Typical Usage.
I keep the charging and sync cradle at work, to synchronize my appointments, schedule, to-do-lists and contacts in Outlook. At home, I use the iPAQ dual PC card expansion sleeve to connect and sync with my main server over a WiFi or 802.11b wireless network.
I update and swap my work files, download some new games and access and play my MP3 collection. When traveling, I use the IPaq in conjunction with the PC card expansion sleeve and the Margi Presenter-to go card, to run Powerpoint presentations. On a long flight or airport delays, I play my favorite MP3 songs and MPEG videos, and wirelessly access my e-mail and the internet.
My favorite features.
400MHz Intel XScale Processor.
A faster CPU has definite advantages when playing MP3 songs and MPEG videos. This unit does not clip, hang-up or freeze as often as my older Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC H3765.
WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
Since I use a D-Link wireless router/switch/print server on my home computer, this feature allows me to browse the internet, read my e-mail, access files on the home desktop server, seamlessly. I use the Bluetooth capability to send image files to my Sony Ericsson T68i Mobile Phone. I can also retrieve still images from my Sony DCR-PC120BT, MiniDV Camcorder.
Backwards compatible with older IPaq accessories
I did not want my substantial investment in IPaq accessories to go to waste. Hence this was a significant factor in choosing the H5455.
Secure Digital Slot
I have always preferred to have the option to expand usable memory using standard format memory cards. SD cards are now available in larger capacities. A 512MB SD card retails for around $250-300 and a 256MB card for $65.
Features I didn’t like or didn’t need.
Biometrics.
This is some pretty advanced security technology that is finally making its way into consumer applications and devices. The most popular applications of this technology are in the military, law enforcement, secure corporate networks and healthcare / hospitals. There are not many consumer needs for such high security measures. This is how it works. You scan in one or two fingerprints into the device, for each authorized user of the device. You can then set the desired frequency of verifying such access. (Once a day, once an hour or every time the unit is powered on, etc.) There are 3 settings for accuracy of fingerprint scans. On the highest setting, you may need to scan your finger more than once to access the device. This technology is not a theft deterrent, but it will prevent a stranger from accessing your data. (A strong password would do the same) BESIDES, after too many incorrect logon attempts, the IPaq prompts you to do a full reset that deletes any user data. (Which means that a thief will get a fresh clean IPaq)
Universal Remote Control.
Some people may like this added functionality. I personally think it is a waste to use a $600 PDA to change TV channels.
The Bottom Line.
The integrated Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity adds some advantages to this unit but they are not compelling enough to replace an older IPaq. I will wait for HP/Compaq to debut their GSM/GPRS enabled device. Un-till then, I’ll look forward to reviewing the Samsung SGH-i700.
Additional comments on reliability issues of fingerprint scans.
I did use it for the first few days, simply out of curiosity. After two days, when the novelty had worn off, I turned this feature off.
Biometric security works in two basic steps. Fingerprint enrollment and fingerprint verification.
Fingerprint enrollment involves fingerprint acquisition and image reconstruction, fingerprint image processing and feature extraction, fingerprint image quality evaluation, and template generation. I enrolled prints from two fingers. (both index fingers) This helps as a back up if one finger is injured in any way. A bad scan will create a bad reference template which in turn won't accurately process verification scans. Thru trial and error, I found a steady and slow scan worked best for me.
Fingerprint verification involves fingerprint acquisition and image reconstruction, fingerprint image processing and feature extraction, fingerprint image quality valuation, template generation, and template matching. I had some problems at this step. At the office my hands get residual ink and toner that prevented verification scans. But after washing and drying my hands, the errors were reduced but not eliminated. Also, there are three Security Levels (Regular, High and Extra High). These search algorithms were developed for law enforcement purposes by Cogent. They are based on expected False Rejection Rates (FRR),False Acceptance Rates (FAR) and average number of scan attempts.
Here are the statistics:
Security Level: Regular
FRR: 0.2331 % (1 out of 429)
FAR: 0.0010 % (41 out of 4054737)
Average number of attempts: 1.081967
Security Level: High
FRR: 0.4662 % (2 out of 429)
FAR: 0.0001 % (4 out of 4054737)
Average number of attempts: 1.107573
Security Level: Extra High
FRR: 0.6993 % (3 out of 429)
FAR: 0.0000 % (0 out of 4054737)
Average number of attempts: 1.153226
The bottom line on fingerprint biometrics on the IPaq...It worked after some getting used to. I wouldn't recommend buying the h5455 solely based on this one feature.
Dazzling Transflective TFT color liquid crystal display Removable/rechargeable 1250 mAh Lithium Polymer battery Secure Digital memory card slot for tr...More at Amazon Marketplace
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