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In the Pocket PC market, the name "iPAQ" carries a huge weight with many
users. Not a weight in a bad way, but the term iPAQ used interchangeably
with the terms "Palm" or "PDA." In the last year, HP has taken over
production of many Compaq products and HP chose to drop their own Jornada line for the iPAQ. One of HP's first
new iPAQ's was the H1910. The 1910's built to be a low-end Pocket PC, hitting just below the $300
price barrier as well as receiving the title of being one of the
smallest Pocket PC ever.
Basic Internals
The HP iPAQ H1910 uses the Intel XScale PXA250
processor running at 200MHz. No, that is not an error, the 1910 has a
lower clock speed compared to the previous StrongARM based iPAQ. But the XScale chip design does have added benefits, including lower power
consumption. The 1910 includes 64MB of RAM, but it is used differently than
in other PDA's. Because the 16MB ROM is Flash NAND memory (which
does not allow programs to be executed from it), 16MB of the RAM is used
by the system for execution of the Pocket PC platform and software. After subtracting this required
space,
just over 46MB are left for the user. The device utilizes a brilliant
16-bit color screen, which is likely the brightest on the market. It
also includes a Secure Digital card slot for memory expansion.
Device Style
The first thing anyone is likely to say about the 1910
is that it is incredibly small. I seriously do not think I would ever
need a Pocket PC any smaller than the 1910 (though now that I write
that, I am sure one day I will be proved wrong). All but an extremely
small portion of the face is the screen. To the right and left of the
screen there is only a quarter inch of the devices shell. On my Axim, there is almost a half an inch. Speaking of a half an inch, that
is how thick the 1910 is. And because of the design of the back, it
seems even smaller in your hand. Unlike its predecessors, the 1910 does
not support a sleeve system. This likely why the device seems more
flowing and less modular. Just to add to the stylus factor, HP even
included a lanyard loop.
Buttons
Similar to other current Pocket PC's, the 1910 has
seven push buttons and a direction pad (d-pad), but unlike many Pocket
PC's, the 1910 has no button or switch specific for scrolling (the d-pad
must be used). The power button is on the top of the face of the
device.
The button is easy to press, and features the notification/power light
embedded in it that easily allows you to see a power connection, charge,
or notification. Also on the front face are four quick launch buttons
(two on either side of the d-pad). The buttons are easy to find by
touch, though there is little distinction between one button and the
next. The d-pad is centered on the bottom part of the front face, with a
button in the middle (an action button). The d-pad on this device is
better in theory than use. I like how it looks, but not how it
functions. It is hard to quickly change directions. I am not sure if it
is just poorly designed or just to small. The record button is on the
left side of the device right next to the infrared port. The button is
slightly embedded (likely so it is not accidentally pressed) and
sometimes is hard to press. The soft reset button is further down the
left side, embedded in the battery cover.
Expandability
The iPAQ 1910 included a Secure Digital (SD) slot. The
slot is not SDIO, meaning it only supports memory cards, and will not
support devices like wireless SD network cards. This presents a problem
because it makes the iPAQ 1910 a non-expandable device (except for
memory). It cannot be connected to a wireless network unless another
solution is devised using the USB port. This is a huge drawback for
users like myself, who have wireless networks in their houses and work
place. For a small device like the 1910, SD is a much better choice for
memory over the bulkier CF form factor. SD is dimensionally smaller than
CF, making the expansion port more compact. The SD slot is on the top of
the device between the headphone jack and stylus. Like most SD slots,
the SD card goes completely into the device and a spring will eject the
card when it is pressed.
Stylus and Cradle
The stylus included with the 1910 is similar to many
Palm and Pocket PC styli. It is round with a silver and black shell. It
is extremely light. Like many Palm styli, the top of the 1910 stylus can
unscrew to reveal a reset pin (though the soft reset button can be
pressed simply using the stylus tip so I do not really see the purpose
for reset pin). Being that the 1910 is a low-cost device, a cradle is not
included (though can be purchased separately) and instead a USB
connection cable is included. HP also did not included a power adapter
port on the device. Instead they introduced an innovative system so that
you can easily connect the device to the sync connector, power
connection, or both. Personally, I like the cradle, but HP has included
everything needed to connect the device simply and easily, so maybe I
do not need the cradle as much as I thought.
Sound, Media, and Screen
Since the 1910 only includes Pocket PC 2002
Professional (not Premium), Windows Media Player is not included in the
ROM of the device but HP includes Windows Media Player on the CD.
(Also included on the CD is MSN Messenger and Terminal Services.) Like
with most Pocket PC's an embedded speaker is included as is a stereo
headphone jack, though HP has made this a 2.5mm jack. Why HP did this
is unclear. You either have to use the ear-buds they include or purchase
a separate adapter to use standard headphones. Visually, the 1910's
screen has an incredible picture. The screen is vibrant and easy to use
in various conditions including outside. Even compared to many other new
devices, the transflective screen is outstanding. The trouble I had with the
screen was the touch sensitivity. I attempted to calibrate the screen
several times, though I was never able to get the device to recognize a
"softer touch."
Battery and Life
One additional feature I did not expect to see in this
low-end device was a removable battery. The included 900mAh rechargeable
lithium battery can be replaced via removal of the back panel.
900mAh is a little small, as most batteries in other Pocket PC's are
over 1000mAh, and HP only offers replacement batteries of the same size.
Final Thoughts
The HP iPAQ H1910 has an excellent style along with
some good features like its vibrant screen. It also still has some
issues that keep it from being a great device. The biggest problem is
its lack of expandability, which will severely limit future options for
the user. Also some users may not like the choice of the smaller ROM
size with the new memory that almost requires the users to buy extra SD
memory. Overall, I feel the iPAQ 1910 is a good first attempt at a
low-end device. Many users may be pleased with it because of its size,
price, and quality, though should be aware of its limits.
Dave's Score - 8.0
This means, this product is a very good product,
though has some features which could be improved. This product embodies
quality in its design and application, and is something I would use
though I think there are still areas for improvement. Weigh
the pros and cons before purchasing, but in my opinion this device is a
good buy.
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