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Pros:
• Easy-to-use onscreen keyboard.
• Good screen resolution.
• Wireless receiver strong [better than laptop].
• Sturdy/rugged case.
Cons:
• Very limited application compatibility using the
new Windows Mobile 5 software [calendar, Windows XP, Windows Media
Player 10].
• Changes made to wireless settings
were not consistently saved correctly.
• Wireless connectivity inconsistent [umd
connection fine, home network did not have correct number of characters in the network
key].
• Unable to successfully transfer data
wirelessly between iPAQ and Palm IIIx.
• Odd issue with 1GB SD (Secure Digital) card showing as full
shortly after installation Removing the card and putting it back in did
refresh the card correctly.
Summary:
Judging the iPAQ hx2495 strictly by its hardware, there are few
problems to worry about. The device and feel reveals a nice
design; while the rubber sides seem odd, they definitely help to fit
the unit very comfortably in your hand and make it less likely to drop.
The display is nice and crisp and the internal wireless card
is actually better than some laptops at acquiring and maintaining a
signal. The onboard speaker and microphone are also
convenient. Onboard memory is fairly standard. The one
hardware complaint is that the spring-loaded memory card slot is placed
in a spot where it can inadvertently pop out requiring the user to push
it back in.
The main issues with this version of the iPAQ concern
software. While the installed packages all work, the Windows
Mobile 5 operating system is still so new that few other things
(including other Microsoft packages) are compatible with it. As just two
examples, campus Corporate Time users do not have a synchronizing
program that will let the iPAQ download a calendar. The installed
mail client receives mail okay, but is unable to send through MAIL@UMD
currently. As time goes on and Windows Mobile 5 becomes more
widespread, many of these issues may disappear At this point, however,
the iPAQ hx2495 is not quite ready for prime-time.
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