cxc273's Full Review: Hewlett Packard iPAQ h1935 Pocket PC
The HP H1935 is the younger sibling to HP's slightly more powerful H1945 handheld computer. The main difference between the two units is that the H1935 uses a 203 MHz processor with no Bluetooth technology while the H1945 is equipped with a 400 MHz processor with Bluetooth technology. The H1935 is a good handheld for those who are looking to do basic tasks and not break the bank.
Hardware
The H1935 is very thin and lightweight, approximately half an inch thick and weighing about 4.5 ounces. It uses Microsoft's Pocket PC 2003 software, which comes with mini versions of popular Microsoft Office programs. HP was generous with the H1935's memory, endowing the unit with 64 MB. The unit also includes a single expansion slot at the top for a Secure Digital card.
Software
Those familiar with Windows should have no problem using the H1935. In many ways, the Pocket PC 2003 software can be as gratifying (or maddening) as its big brother, Windows XP. The operating system is fairly easy to navigate, but users will have to remember to add or delete software requires that the unit be synced with its mother computer.
Impressions
I opted for the H1935, seeking a handheld that could just keep track of my addresses as well as my many appointments. In that respect, the unit excels. Although it is capable of synchronizing other things, such as e-mails, Word documents, and so on, I found that those items didn't quite translate as well onto the H1935's 3.5 inch screen. The ActiveSync software sometimes acts weird, sometimes not starting properly with the computer (though that is more of a Microsoft problem than an HP problem).
The stylus is housed at the top right of the unit. It's fairly comfortable, though a bit on the thin side. The stylus, however, is held fairly securely and users should not worry about losing it.
The H1935 is also equipped with a built-in voice recorder and speaker, which is handy for taking dictation or a mental note for later. Curiously, it is equipped with a headphone jack that is 2.5 mm in size. The 2.5 mm jack is perfect for those who want to plug in their hands-free earpieces from their cell phones to listen to something on the voice recorder, but is fairly useless to listen to MP3 or video playback. To solve this, HP included a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm converter plug, so those who want to use the H1935 as an MP3 player can do so.
The H1935 has a fine feel to it. Its navigation wheel at the bottom works nicely for scrolling. It also sports four buttons assigned to calendar, contacts, e-mail, and the desktop, though they are a bit small and lined too close to each other.
The screen is well lit and very legible. Commands by the stylus are easily recognized, though once in a while the unit will start a different program than the one the user chooses.
Two things that HP should have included that are highly recommended are a case and cradle. Because I carry the H1935 in a dedicated pocket in my messenger bag, I've had no need really for a case. The cradle, however, is a great investment for those who use the H1935 at the office. The cradle serves to charge and synchronize the unit, not to mention makes the unit look pretty sexy sitting on the desk.
Parting thoughts
I originally chose the H1935 on the recommendation of coworkers when I sought a handheld that would synchronize my appointments and contacts from my Microsoft Outlook. I though that the Pocket PC software would be better than that of the Palm OS. In the time I've had it, I've taken advantage of some of the few freebies offered by Microsoft, including AvantGo, which downloads portable versions of publications such as USA Today and the New York Times. I've also started experimenting with the unit as my main MP3 player.
Those who are looking to do more with a handheld are probably best served by stepping up to the H1945 or a more powerful unit. Unfortunately the H1935 has only one expansion slot, limiting its potential. However, for those seeking a fairly inexpensive, middle-of-the-road solution, the H1935 is an excellent choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199 Recommended for: Beginners - Simple and Easy to Use
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