The Baby Computer that Earned its Keep - the HP iPAQ 2210
Written: Jan 23 '05 (Updated Oct 03 '06)
Product Rating:
Pros: valuable addition to my personal inventory. powerful, enduring, useful, adaptable, lightweight.
Cons: rubber side grips do not last, need to find a high quality case.
The Bottom Line: If you are working and living in a technical environment, you will find this device has the potential to meet a wide range of needs in your life.
penang's Full Review: Hewlett Packard iPAQ h2210 Pocket PC
Product Update October 2006
I have now decided to sell my iPAQ as it has had a problem with memory cards. It has had difficulties with SD cards, where the SD cards cannot be read by the iPAQ, and after inserting the SD card into the iPAQ, the SD cards become inoperable and cannot be reused, with data lost.
Product Selection
The HP iPAQ 2210 entered my life in February 2004 when I needed a PDA with dial-in modem capability for an overseas trip. I shamelessly headed to Epinions to guide my decision and quickly selected the HP iPAQ 2215 based on the number of reviews and product rating. I was reluctant, and was taking a big risk on the cash for this purchase. My reluctance stemmed from the fact that I had never been able to make a space in my life for personal electronic devices. The unit was available on special during the week I was due to travel - the purchase was made.
The 12 Month Report
The HP iPAQ 2215 has earned its keep, and has been a solid performer over a range of tasks over the past twelve months. So much so, it has earned the nickname of "Baby Computer" in our family. The key roles have been:
- dial-in Internet access while travelling
- electronic diary
- notepad
- record keeping
- enjoying multimedia
- games
Dial-in Internet Access While Travelling
The ability to dial in and check email without having to carry around a bulky and expensive laptop is an powerful advantage. While infrequently used, this is a significant advantage. I used a CompactFlash 56K modem.
Electronic Diary
The Microsoft Outlook calendar system on my HP iPAQ 2210 is synchronised with the calendar on my home computer, while diary entries are made manually at work. As long as I remember to make the diary entries, the HP iPAQ 2210 is an invaluable friend for those times when you're asked "Are you free on ...?".
Notepad
I have become accustomed to keeping track of short notes and details on my HP iPAQ 2210. Previously, I would carry around a small collection of paper notes which would inevitably get lost or become unwanted clutter. I use both the handwriting stylus method of note taking as well as the keyboard. With the handwriting method, I tend to fill up the screen with one word, so this ends up scrolling. On the other hand the keyboard data entry is fiddly on the tiny screen keyboard.
Record Keeping
I am starting to use the HP iPAQ 2210 more to take records of measurements such as vehicle usage and the lies the gym scales tell me. The version of Excel suits me fine for these needs.
Enjoying Multimedia
I have enjoyed using the HP iPAQ 2210 to show off slideshows to friends and family, as well as displaying vacation videos in a very friendly and immediate kind of way. I've also loaded up some music to listen to while commuting. Recently I've tested out a DVD encoder, and if I decide to purchase the software (US$30), then would be passing around the HP iPAQ 2210 on long car trips with the family.
Future Applications - Wireless
If our home network is transferred to wireless, the HP iPAQ 2210 will become an invaluable tool in accessing online data. We will need to purchase a CF or SD wireless card for this purpose.
Accessories
The accessories that I have found most useful are a CF Card 56K Modem, and a clear plastic case. I have also bought a car charger and a battery extender recently, but have not needed to use these yet. The clear plastic case is invaluable around the home as it allows visual access to the screen for playing games or data display. I originally purchased a Belkin leather case, but there are problems in its design (specifically screen scratching, and protruding belt clip knob), and I now wish to replace this with a more expensive case, for example, Covertec which does not have these problems presumably and also, allows the unit to fit into the cradle without requiring removal.
Games
Demo and trial use software is readily available via a range of sites such as www.pocketgear.com, and game reviews such as www.pdarcade.com make the software choices easy. Our four year old son enjoys clicking away on the buttons for a few minutes on the latest game. Removing old games is easy as they can be readily reinstalled.
Problems
The soft rubber grips are beginning to come away on the side of the machine. These are replaceable with metal grips (US$50).
The synchronisation software has caused problems now and then. I have come to rely on the reset button to assist in synchronisation when problems occur. I backup the HP iPAQ 2210 every time it is connected to my desktop computer (running WindowsXP).
Specifications
Intel® XScale™ processor (400MHz)
Windows Mobile 2003 Premium for Pocket PC
64MB SDRAM, 32MB Flash ROM
Bluetooth® wireless technology
3.5" viewable size 240 x 320 16-bit color transflective TFT with backlight
SD slot - SD, SDIC & MMC support; CF slot - CF I & II
Rechargeable 900 mAh Lithium-lon user swappable battery
Integrated Microphone speaker and one 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, MP3 stereo (thru audio jack)
dimensions (L x W x H) 4.54 x 3.00 x 0.61 in. (115.4 x 76.4 x 15.4 mm)
weight 5.1 oz (144.2 g)
Components
HP iPAQ h2210 Pocket PC
USB desktop cradle/charger
AC adapter, battery, and charger adapter
Slip case
Getting started poster
HP iPAQ Pocket PC Companion CD
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 380 Recommended for: Gadget Lovers - Trendy and Hip
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