IPAQ
From Free net encyclopedia
- This article is about the iPAQ PDA; for the iPAQ Desktop Personal Computer, see iPAQ (desktop computer).
Image:Ipaq hx2110.jpg iPAQ presently refers to a Pocket PC and personal digital assistant first unveiled by Compaq in April 2000; the name was borrowed from Compaq's earlier iPAQ Desktop Personal Computers. Since Hewlett Packard's acquisition of Compaq, the product has been marketed by HP. The device is the main competition to the Palm, but provides more multimedia capabilities and the familiar Microsoft Windows interface. Higher end units are very modular, having "sleeve" accessories which slide around the unit and add functionality like a card reader, wireless networking, GPS, and even extra batteries. These are technically called jackets.
Note: PDAs branded "Pocket PC" run the proprietary Microsoft Pocket PC (Windows Mobile) OS. HPCs and HPC Pros run earlier versions of the OS, namely Windows CE.
Newest revision
In February 2005 HP introduced the iPAQ Mobile Messenger hw6500 series to selected media at the 3GSM conference in Cannes, France. The article has been updated to reflect this. In August 2004, HP announced the h63xx series of Pocket PC Phone Editions, the hx47xx high end model, and the 17xx budget end. In June 2003, HP announced a new line of iPAQ's, and sent the h3xxx series to pension, now there is a h1xxx budget line, a h2xxx consumer line, and a h5xxx professional line. These will be sold with Pocket PC 2003 as standard. As of February 2005 the latest model for sale at retail is the hx2000 series. Aimed at the Enterprise it sports features introduced in the iPAQ h5000 series such as built-in Biometric fingerprint reader. At the top of this series is the hx2700 with a 624 MHz Intel PXA270 processor, 256 MB total memory (128 MB ROM and 128 MB SDRAM); Up to 185 MB user available memory (includes 80 MB iPAQ File Store), Wi-Fi (802.11b), Bluetooth® wireless technology and Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition Premium Edition.
Model variations
Image:PocketPC Compaq iPAQ 3630.jpg
Compaq iPAQ H3600 series
Compaq's flagship iPAQs were those of the 3600 models. Originally running the Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2000 OS, these devices featured 12-bit color displays, 64 MB of RAM, and 16 MB ROM.
Models in the 3600 series are:
3630, 3635, 3650 - which are identical models with 16 MB ROM and 32 MB RAM sold via different marketing channels. The 3635 was accompanied by a CF expansion sleeve that was sold separately with the other 2.
3670 - a 64M RAM version that had the older bezel of the 3600 series instead of the newer 3700 models it otherwise resembles.
PPC2002 OS upgrade is available, but the smaller ROM requires some software such as the media player to install in volatile ram instead of the ROM as in the previous OS ppc2000.
As used units at low price, they are a great way to inexpensively get started with a PDA.
While limited by no on-board expansion slot, the iPAQ 3600 series memory and functionality can still be expanded by optional Compact Flash and PCMCIA sleeves, which allow users to add memory and peripherals. Some of these sleeves contain extra batteries to extend the iPAQ's battery life under the strain of added devices.
Compaq iPAQ H3100 series
Released shortly after the 3600 series as a cost-effective model for those not requiring color screens. Limited success.
Compaq iPAQ H3700 series
These devices had the exact same form factor as their 3600 model predecessors, however, they had an increased ROM size and ran the PPC2002 OS natively.
Compaq iPAQ H3800 series
Compaq's original high-end series models. These units were also the first to include 16-bit screens, incoporated an SD card reader and the highest RAM capacity of any Pocket PC. They were also the first to offer integrated Bluetooth, on select models. The 3850 had 206 MHz StrongARM CPU, with 32 MB ROM and 64MB RAM, 240x320 TFT screen, running Microsoft Pocket PC 2002.
Compaq iPAQ 3900 series
The evolution of the 3800 series, the 3900 was the first series to start using transreflective displays for clearer picture, as well as the introduction of the XScale processors. Later models introduced Bluetooth and a consumer IR with remote control software called Nevo.
HP iPAQ H1900 series
After HP's acquisition of Compaq, the 1900 series was the answer to Palm's budget units. Adopted a smaller, slimmer frame making it more competitive in terms of portability. Main memory size was 64 MB, larger than all other budget units. Ran PPC2002 (1910 only) or 2003. Introduction of removable batteries, allowing for the user to buy extra batteries and swap as necessary. Unlike older iPAQs, many existing iPAQ accessories were incompatible or unsupported due to its budget nature.
HP iPAQ H5400 series
Introduced as the next generation of the iPAQ corporate line after the 3900 series, adding Wi-Fi support, improved Bluetooth and a biometric scanner. However, the 5400 was plagued with many bugs, though most were corrected though firmware upgrades.
HP iPAQ 5500 series
A corrected version of the 5400 series with double the RAM (128 MB) running on PPC2003.
HP iPAQ H5100 series
A cutdown version of the 5500 series, loses Wi-Fi support and the extra RAM (only 64 MB).
HP iPAQ H2200 series
Targeting the general consumer/prosumer, the 2200 series is almost every bit as capable as their corporate counterparts (less RAM, no integrated Wi-Fi, no biometric scanner). Main memory size was 64 MB RAM, PPC2003, better support for iPAQ accessories than the 1900 series though still no iPAQ expansion "sleeve" support. Bluetooth, SD card and CompactFlash card support built-in. There is an advanced IR port built into the 2245 and 2210 models (and perhaps others in this series), and the software bundle includes a program which essentially turns this device into a universal remote control.
HP iPAQ H4300 series
Similar to the 2200 series in terms of features, the 4300 series targets the corporate audience by having a beefier battery and integrated Wi-Fi in addition to Bluetooth. No CompactFlash reader, but does have a SD-card and SDIO slot. A thumb keyboard is integrated into the device.
HP iPAQ H4100 series
Essentially the corporate version of the 1900 series with many of the functionalities that were stripped from the budget unit. Also adds WiFi and SDIO. Closer to the 4300-series internally.
This is a great tool for the mobile technician or office worker.
HP iPAQ hx4700 series
The high end corporate edition to replace the 5500 series. Magnesium alloy casing, VGA screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2, SecureDigital, and Compact Flash with a 624 MHz processor, running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.
- ROM: 128 MB
- RAM: 64 MB
- 1800 mAh battery, removable 3600 mAh battery optional
- Built in (removable) screen cover
- Innovative touchpad with 2 modes
- Little known fact: Headphone adapter accepts 55xx series 4 pin plugs (microphone input)
Built in encryption software included. Can't run NEVO TV etc. remote control software.
HP iPAQ rz1700 series
The new budget handheld from HP runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, with no wireless options and only 32 MB of RAM.
HP iPAQ rx3100, rx3400 and rx3700 series
Billed as "Mobile Media Companions", these models feature Nevo personal media software, onboard 1.2 megapixel cameras (rx3400 and rx3700), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and an onboard Secure Digital card slot. All of them run Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition on Samsung ARM processors.
The rx3100 and rx3400 had 32 MB of RAM and 300 MHz processors, whereas the rx3700 had 64 MB of RAM and a 400 MHz processor. The latter also came with a 1440 mA·h battery as standard, rather than the rx3400's 920 mA·h unit.
These models have been known to suffer from a bug related to the way the iPAQ File Store, the rx3700's ROM, operates and manages files. This bug prevents the user from deleting or renaming files on the ROM, causing significant deficiencies in its operation. This bug is known by HP, but there is not yet an official solution for the problem.
The current version of the Windows Mobile 2003 SE operating system has been known to cause issues with Bluetooth functionality. Some patches have been released by the manufacturer, such as for Bluetooth headphones, but others, such as connectivity with HP GPS devices, have not been released. The devices continue to be non-functional for these models despite being published as compatible.
HP iPAQ h6300 series
Pocket PC Phone. Contains a GSM phone, 64 MB RAM, 168 MHz Texas Instruments OMAP processor, and comes with a detachable thumb keyboard. Also includes VGA quality camera and 1800 mA·h battery. It has built in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11b).
T-Mobile used to sell the h6315 but have decided to withdraw it from the market.
Variants include the h6340 which is sold in parts of Europe without a camera through normal distribution points- hence is not carrier specific. The h6365 has identical specifications to the h6315 but it is not signed to a carrier.
HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger hw6500 series
This iPAQ is the first Pocket PC phone to have built in Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities with support for NMEA. When no GPS signal is available the device attempts to calculate its location by switching to cell triangulation. It has an integrated keyboard and unique 240x240 resolution.
It has two card slots SD SDIO and mini-SD and like its predecessor the h6300, two versions are/were available: one with camera and one without.
Most notably, compared to the previous model, this unit does not have internal support for WiFi.
Specifications can be found here.
This unit, as with most similar units, comes in a variety of languages. For a number of reasons, including the assurance of price in higher priced markets, languages are designed to not be changeable on the units. For example, if you have a unit with a German operating system, you cannot "officially" change the language.
The language can, however, be changed to English at this time by flashing the BIOS using upgrades released by HP.
HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger hw6900 series
These units are slated to enter the market in late 2006. Anticipated specifications can be found here (PDF)
Most notibly, compared to the previous model, this unit is expected to (once again) have internal support for WiFi.
Alternative operating systems for the iPAQ
Familiar Linux
An alternative OS that one may use is a Linux distribution named Familiar, a Linux kernel without a front-end, to which one may attach the OPIE and GPE Palmtop Environment GUIs. The v0.8.2 (2005-04-13) version of Familiar has support for the whole 3xxx line (including the 39xx), and 5xxx support on the way. Work is also under way on support for the 19xx and 4700 series. The v0.8.3 that comes soon support 2200 series as well.
In addition, the 1.2.0 Version of OPIE provides the GUI for Familiar, and its i18n has been translated into 15 languages.
Plan 9
Plan 9 runs on the iPAQ. The nickname of the architecture is "bitsy".
External links
- HP.com: Website for HP corporation.
- PocketPC.com: Official Pocket PC website.
- PDA Hotspots - List of websites that adjust to the small PDA screen
- Handhelds.org: Open source OSs for the Pocket PC.
- PocketPCThoughts.com: Resource and forums.
- iPAQRepair.co.uk: Parts and Repair Services.
- PortalPPC.com: Portuguese Pocket PC forum, constantly updated news, reviews, and resources.
- PDABuyersGuide.com: Many useful reviews and benchmark comparisons on iPAQs as well as other Pocket PC units.
- SuperWaba SDK: Free and Open software development kit for PocketPC and Linux iPAQs.
- iPAQHQ.com: Resource and forums.
- ipaqlinux.com: Linux on iPAQ
- Repair4PDA (HP iPAQ) - Repair, upgrade and take apart instructions.