HP iPAQ hx2795 Pocket PC (FA676B#ABA)

• Compact pocket PC lets you surf the web, view Microsoft Office documents, and download images
• Built-in, serial-infrared fingerprint reader provides convenient security for all your documents and data
• Features a backlit, 3.5 inch, LCD screen, with power-save mode; user available memory of up to 256 MB
• Dimensions: 3.01 x 4.71 x 0.65 inches (WxHxD); weighs 5.8 ounces
• PC comes with a one-year limited warranty and access to HP's renowned 24 hour customer service

(Originally intended title was "It makes the iPod look like a complete waste of $$$...harsh but true")

I have been using my Ipaq hx2795b for a couple of months now, and at first it did have frequent freeze-ups and battery draining issues, especially when using the SD card. But once I updated the BIOS (ROM) to the latest version (you can find it at hp's website), everything works smoothly ever since. Also remember to use the latest version of ActiveSync (4.2 so far), and not the one that comes with the installation CD, and try to use the sync with MS Office Outlook 2003 instead of Office 2002 on your PC/laptop. For the above inconveniences, I'm taking one star off the rating. I believe that's about it, and you're all set to start installing tons of software on your Ipaq.

I use it literally for EVERYTHING (well, phone and camera excluded) -that is, agenda, customer database, ebooks, reference books, review powerpoint presentations, wi-fi, email, msn messenger, bluetooth, watch videos (you can watch entire DVD movies on it, after encoding of course), music (in my opinion it sounds even better than the iPod, was it the earphones?), games, anyway, you name it. I find the Windows Mobile 5 OS quite stable, and the interface feels pretty much the same as using the ordinary desktop Windows. The speed is impressive too. Battery life is good and it charges fast. The display is bright and clear, though I would have preferred a slightly larger screen. The fingerprint reader device is cool. I personally don't use it though, because it delays the otherwise instant power-on of the handheld, but it stands as a great security feature for sure.

Some recommended accessories to enhance your Ipaq are: SD card (i'm already using 70% of its 2GB storage capacity, so I'll soon be looking for an additional CF card; I think it's less cumbersome to have both cards simultaneously in the handheld than to have to switch cards using the same slot), an extra sync/charger/car adapter (I have the BELKIN Ipaq Sync Charger F8Q0003HP), a leather carrying case, and of course, screen adhesive overlays. Some useful or must-have software are: Adobe Reader for PPC, iSilo, Resco explorer, Resco photo viewer, Resco audio recorder, Resco radio, Clearvue presentation, spb Pocket Plus, Trancreative Magic Button, Touch Notes, Pocket informant, TCPMP the core pocket media player (it plays every format that the Windows Media Player doesn't, which are a bunch).

Overall, I'm very happy with my Ipaq hx2795b. For those thinking to own a handheld for the first time but have put off till now (like myself), this is the right moment to do it. The technology in handhelds, both hardware and software-wise, has reached to a level of reliable stability, that makes it worthy enough to try on one of these literally do-it-all gadgets.

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At first I was having many problems wouldn't sync, loss of or wouldn't connect to a WIFI signal, and the battery seemed to get rundown VERY fast. I found myself having to do soft resets on the device almost daily. I tried to use HP's website to update the BIOS, but after 3 days of trying the ones listed, which gave me "wrong model" errors, I called HP and discovered the right one for the hx2795b was not listed out there! So they gave me the exact ftp link to the update: ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33003.exe Paste this into your browser on your PC and then run it. Once I completed the update, the device has been working great!!

My only other "con" is that the Manual leaves much to be desired. This device is more of a "figure-it-out-as-you-go" device, which may prove frustrating for some.

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I've owned this pocket pc for a week now with very little problems. I don't know anything about an upgrade but so far I haven't had any major problems with it. When I left it in the car and then came home it wouldn't turn on. I noticed it was very warm but as soon as I did a soft reset the device turned on. The soft reset doesn't make you lose all your data. I just had to reset the date. I've had to do this a couple of times so far.

I did purchase a 2 gig sd card and have lots of room. I recommend that you shop around for the 2 gig memory card however because I bought mine from amazon and then I found it cheaper at best buy.

I am really happy with this product. I love the way it looks. It's easy to figure out and I'm not really savvy with electronic gadgets. I did sign up for hotmail so I could use the msn features. It was easy to sync my music to the device and the download is done automatically with the sync. The music sounds great with a great pair of headphones. I use the calendar which helps to remind of events and appointments. Also use the task button which reminds of stuff that needs to be done. Great for the highly stressed out who tend to forget things. There is also a feature to write a note in your own handwriting and then the device turns it into typewritten words. Really neat!

I use the recording device to record my class lecture and it's a little hard to hear but there is a lot of noise in the classroom and I sit in the back and the teacher is up at the front. But the important thing is that I could understand what was being said so i could transcribe it. As a nursing student I was able to purchase and download nursing programs from a website with no problems and they run great.

I just can't believe all the features that come with this pocket pc. I have no regrets making this purchase. I look forward to reading more reviews on this product and learning everything it can do. So far it's been fun.

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I enjoy my new iPAQ very much. I have been a Palm user since PDA's first hit the market but wanted to try something new, using the Windows CE format. Being that the iPAQ usses the Windows format similar to my laptop and desktop computers, it was very easy to use from the get go. It is much easier to access your POP e-mail account and very easy to set-up. I had numerous problems attempting to do this with my Palm and still am unable to access my e-mail account. The icons are very similar to Windows and allow for easy accessing to programs. I like having access to my MS Office programs and the ability to edit.

On the downside, I do enjoy the grafity feature that Palm uses with their PDA's. You have to tap the keyboard to enter all data on the iPAQ. Another downer is the battery life. It drains pretty quickly, especially if you are browsing the web or checking your e-mail. I wish that their were more themes so you can change the look of your iPAQ. The internal memory is rather small and you will need to purchase a memory card if you plan to store pictures, video, music or other larger programs. I found that you will need at least a 2gig card at minimum.

Otherwise, it is a great product, fun to use and adds a new dimension for me in handheld computing.

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Was having a lot of hangs and soft resets and using the IPAQ was becomming very frustrating. I updated the ROM, as suggested by HP Tech. Support and now it is working fine.