Review

HP rx1950 Pocket PC Review

by: Barry J. Doyle

Here's... the box!



The "stuff" in the box includes the AC adapter, manual w/ CD, sync cable and a slip case.

Part 1 - A Thank You Letter!

Dear HP, thank you for going back to your classic h1900/4000 series' ergonomic, sleek, attractive and fuctional design for your new rx1950 Pocket PC. However many of us are still enjoying your rx3000 series "Mobile Media Companions" and I see that these models are still available for those who love boxy, unattractive devices reminiscent of the 1970's handheld sports games from Mattel. By the way, how is the Kindergarten class that came up with the design for those "Mobile Media Companions"? Oh that's right you just assume blame it on Carly - "it was the last thing she did before she was canned"? (ooh OUCH!) Well again thanks HP, the change is certainly for the best. 

Sincerely,

A Smart Alec


Part 2 - The Actual Review

Alright, nobody likes a smart alec, so how about I get on with the review!

note: Please stop the calls for "hand modeling". I am already under contract LOL.

What is the best thing about the rx1950 besides the palatable $299 price tag? Certainly it is going back to the curvy, sleek form factor that received so much praise in 2003. I can't emphasize how much I personally missed this. When HP decided to replace the coveted h1900/4100 Pocket PC series with its unexciting "Mobile Media Companions", critics the world over were wondering if the new design was indeed conceived by a six year-old. I don't want to knock the functionality of those devices. They get the job done. But personally I found it painful to shell out $300 for one of "those". The rx1950 is a refreshing redeaux in its form and design. Hallelujah!


Design
 
Although the h1900 series of  iPAQs was the most well-known for its swank, curvy design, it is the h4150 design that has been "cloned" to deliver the wonderful new rx1950 Pocket PC. The advantage to this design over the h1900's is the improved directional pad. The square shaped button is easy to control, even for users with large fingertips. This pad is surrounded by the usual four programable application launch buttons. A fifth button is found on the upper left edge and is preset to launch the audio recording functionality.

curvy, shiny buttons, clean and simple, yet this simplistic design is not "plain Jane".

The power button is sandwiched between two raised plasitic "guards" that prevent accidental power ups when the rx1950 is placed in a case or a pocket. The wireless indicator and alarm notification LED's flank both sides of the power switch also. The stylus silo is located on the right side of the device as it has been in past iPAQ models. 


The battery goes back here. Interestingly, so does the IR port. Why?


The casing on this model is both attractive and durable. This iPAQ feels great in hand - even for extended periods of time. The black rear casing is slightly textured for a good "slip proof" grip. The IR port is located on the rear lower edge of the device which is a strange place to put it, but perhaps there was no space anywhere else. On the very bottom of the unit is the sync port which is used to connect the iPAQ to your PC with the included USB cable.


Hardware

Specs.

Like most iPAQs, the rx1950 has a gorgeous, bright display. Better yet, this display is evenly lit and the color is neither too warm or cool. Whites are definitely WHITE and there is certainly no "yellow" tones to be found, no matter what angle from which the user views the screen. Colors are rich and saturated. I found no pixel anamolies on our rx1950 display. It is "pixel perfect"!


Memory

The built-in memory in the rx1950 is a total of 96MB. The memory breaks down to 32MB of SDRAM and 64MB of ROM. This specifically leaves 37.65MB of user-accessable Storage space and 23.75MB of RAM for use by active programs. If you plan to load up any videos or mp3's you'll definately want to add an SD memory card to the expansion slot for lots of extra Storage space.


Size & Weight

Communication

Interestingly, HP limited this model to integrated 802.11b wireless and an IR port. There is no built-in Bluetooth radio. Since the cost of a BT radio is mimimal, this feature set was probably left out to force those seeking built-in Bluetooth to move up to a more expensive model. Those users who are looking to connect to a mobile phone or use BT wireless headphones with the rx1950 will need to purchase a seperate SD Bluetooth card.

Audio

Well... it sounds like an iPAQ! This is a good thing as the built-in speaker has plenty of punch. This is great for listening to recorded memos or a quick video clip, however if you plan to listen to mp3's, grab a good set of headphones.

Battery

Pros:

• WiFi
• Great design
• Windows Mobile 2005

Cons:

• Lacks Bluetooth
• No cradle

Conclusion

As mentioned more than once, the HP iPAQ rx1950 arrives with a welcomed reinstitution of one of HP's older, but most popular Pocket PC designs. At the $299 price point the rx1950 delivers good performance, great battery life, and includes great display. Outside of the lack of Bluetooth, all the features are just what the mainstream business user or everyday Joe is looking for in a PDA. I would recommend this little gem to anyone who is looking for a great PDA at an acceptable price AND to anyone who misses the old iPAQ h1900/4000 series design!

Barry