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After having had the HP iPaq hx2750 for about 12 hours now, I've formed some initial impressions of HP's business-market anomaly.

Top left, Dell Axim X50v. Bottom right, HP iPAQ hx2750.

Top of the line? No, no VGA screen. Mid-range? No, too expensive and way too many features--some of which aren't present on the so-called high end iPaq. Low-end? Not even close. Well, whatever it is, the hx2750 comes loaded to the gills. Dual wireless, CF and SD card slots, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM, a 624 MHz processor, fingerprint scanner, large 1440 mAh removable battery, flip cover, and a kitchen sink. No, I'm just kidding about that last. It actually comes with a flip-out cuisinart.

Left, Dell Axim X50v. Right, HP iPAQ hx2750.

What you'll notice that the 2750 is light on is what you might call luxury features. No VGA screen, graphics processor, consumer IR, camera, or Windows Media Player 10. Through and through, this is a business model. Sure, it does all the same things as any normal PocketPC, but it's got a definite aura of no-frills enterprise design, right down to the thoroughly uncomfortable controls designed to prevent employees from playing unproductive games. It's boxy, it's inelegant, and short of VGA it's got the most hardware in a single box. I can't say I'm in love, but you gotta respect the specs.

iPaq hx2750 with open flip cover.

So to do you have to respect the durability. Neither slim nor swank, the 2750 feels life it could take a pretty good beating, a definite neccessity for vertical market applications.

Stay tuned, as we'll be following up with a complete review of the 2750 and its siblings in the coming weeks.