HP iPaq hx2750 review

Features
The HP iPaq hx2750 is well appointed in the features department. The handheld boasts Intel's zippy 624MHz XScale processor. A bonus is the chip's SpeedStep and Wireless MMX technology, which optimises battery life and multimedia performance. The PDA has memory aplenty too. You get 128MB of ROM and RAM and a total of 192MB of user-accessible memory, 80MB of which is available through the included iPaq File Store. If your work calls for more storage, the hx2750's CompactFlash and SDIO/MMC slots should meet your needs.

Don't risk data loss. Carry a spare battery for extra insurance

For wireless connectivity, take your pick: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, or all of them, since you can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously. As with HP's latest crop of Pocket PCs, the hx2750 comes with the iPaq wireless utility so that you can access networks, configure network adapters, and more. You also get a separate Bluetooth Phone Manager for connecting to the Web via a Bluetooth-enabled mobile.

Plug in and sync up with your PC to stay on top of all your appointments and email

As we expected, the handheld comes with Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, enabling you to switch to Landscape mode and access frequently used programs, among other features. The PDA also ships with Pocket Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media Player 9.0. Since the hx2750 is primarily a business device, HP throws in HP ProtectTools so that you can set a password or a PIN number to protect your data, in addition to VPN- and WEP-enhanced security.

Other goodies on the hx2750 include a backup utility, Image Zone for viewing images and creating slide shows, iPaq Audio, and two games (Solitaire and the addictive Jawbreaker).

Performance
The HP iPaq hx2750 offers great performance, as well as stunning video and image quality. In our performance tests, the hx2750 achieved decidedly impressive scores. Sporting Intel's top-of-the-line 624MHz processor, the hx2750 fell just a few points short of our current speed champion, the Dell Axim X30. However, in real-world operations, you won't be able to tell the difference between the two. In our usage tests, the iPaq was very fast and there was no lag in response time, even while running numerous applications.

Aside from speed, the hx2750 also delivers impressive video performance, which is enhanced by the device's impressive display. The screen isn't VGA quality, but whether surfing the Web or playing a 3D game, we were amazed by the clear text, crisp images, and vibrant colours. It's also readable in sunlight.

The PDA's wireless connections were flawless. In our tests, we were able to connect to our test wireless access point and the Web in a matter of seconds. It also had great range. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth came through perfectly in our tests, and to our delight, they can work simultaneously. Of course, having both of them on will adversely affect the device's battery life.

Speaking of which, the hx2750 offered decent battery life. Playing a looped video clip with all wireless off and the backlight set to high, the PDA lasted 4.5 hours. While this isn't the best result we've seen, it's still a respectable score. Plus, since our drain tests are designed to sap power as fast as possible, you'll get more mileage out of your handheld with normal use.

Performance analysis written by CNET Labs project leader Dong Van Ngo

Edited by William O'Neal
Additional editing by Nick Hide