In addition to the new iPAQ h2200, Hewlett Packard introduced three other new Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PCs in the U.S.: the iPAQ h5500, the h5100, and the h1940. Complete specs for these devices can be found on page 24. Find out more about these devices on HP's Website (www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html). You can purchase them through an HP dealer or at e store (www.shopping.hp.com)
HP iPAQ h5500: HP's top-of-the-line Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Pocket PC
This is the successor to the h5400, which we reviewed in our March 2003 issue (www.PocketPCmag.com/Mar03/ipaqs.asp). The h5500 is similar to the h5400, but comes with 128MB RAM instead of 64MB. It also comes with Windows Mobile 2003 software, some new add-on programs, and a new CPU.
HP iPAQ h5500 Pocket PC
Powerful hardware features
The h5500 is powered by the latest Intel processor--the 400 MHz PXA255. It has a bright and very readable 3.8" diagonal, 240x320 pixel color touch screen and a single SDIO-compatible SD card slot. It is designed to accept iPAQ Expansion Packs, so you can add CF or PC Card slots, digital cameras, GPS receivers, and many other hardware accessories. It has an ample 128 MB of RAM to run programs and store files. The operating system and other built-in software programs occupy about 65% of the 48 MB of flash ROM, leaving 17 MB free as a non-volatile "File Store" for the user. The h5500 comes with a 1250 mAh lithium-polymer rechargeable user-replaceable battery. HP offers a 2500 mAh extended-service battery as an option.
What makes the h5500 (and the h5400) unusual are its built-in wireless options and biometric fingerprint reader. It not only comes with an IrDA port, which is standard on all Pocket PCs, but it has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11b) capability built in. The biometric fingerprint reader is an enhanced security feature that lets you "password-protect" your h5500 with your own fingerprint.
Impressive suite of add-on software
The h5500 and all new HP Pocket PCs use the Windows Mobile 2003 software that's described in the review of the h2200 on page 21 and reviewed separately on page 14. In addition, the h5500 comes with a rather impressive suite of add-on software from HP and third-party vendors (see the complete list in the spec sheet on page 24). Common to all of the new HP Pocket PCs are the iPAQ Image Viewer, Task Manager, Bluetooth Manager, Backup, and a variety of HP configuration utilities. In addition, the h5500 has Wireless Control, which lets you turn the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transceiver on and off. Add-on software from third-party vendors includes full versions of Westtek's ClearVue Suite (document and PowerPoint viewer for the Pocket PC), F-Secure FileCrypto (encrypts sensitive information), iPresenter Mobile Player (displays Powerpoint presentations on your iPAQ), a number of voice-over-IP applications, and more.
The h5500 is designed for mobile power users who require wireless connectivity, ample file storage, extra security, and more. Priced at $649, it's one of the most expensive Pocket PCs available.
HP iPAQ h5100: Successor to the h3900
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