HP iPAQ 214 - it's been time

Introduction, packaging

It’s better later than never, so does the saying go. Our current review I something like that too, as HP’s national representative, after some delays, has finally managed to send a sample of their new HP iPAQ 214. I was overly happy when the device was announced, as momentarily Hewlett Packard is the only manufacturer to have a PDA lacking telephony functions on the national market. I’d not like to go into to many details about the “happiness factor” of this. Although I’m no market analyst, I still think that there is a need for such devices, as, no matter what we say, Windows Mobile-based devices are a compromise in means of telephony, but they are perfect for everything else. Contrary to current trends I don’t feel the need of making all kinds of combo-devices, but that’s my subjective opinion.

HP has lots of experience in the domain of making Pocket PCs; it’s enough to mention hx4700, which has become a real legend. Let’s see its specs in a few words, for the sake of those who don’t know very much about it: VGA resolution display, fast processor, case made of magnesium alloy, advanced data transfer features. Regarding its features the almost 4 year old device is still quite good, but Windows Mobile 2003 SE is a bit outdated – I intentionally do not go into details about the difficult process of upgrading it to WM5. So it was high time releasing a new device, but knowing the predecessor HP didn’t have an easy task, as technology didn’t advance as much as it would be required to create a device that is by all means better than hx4700. Fortunately the engineers did their best, so even though the 214 won’t be as successful as its magnesium brother; it’s still something really good.

The sample device came in a really clumsy box; the hand of a wizard puts apps on the iPAQ – it doesn’t matter anyway, it’s not this that will sell the device. The list of accessories includes an install CD, manual, leather case, charger with changeable connector and a data cable. I have mentioned it a lot of times, but I will do it again: unfortunately those times are gone when a cradle was packed with PDAs, and if something would be worthy of this, than that’s the new HP.

A cikk még nem ért véget, kérlek, lapozz!