HP iPAQ h4150 Full Review

**Andrew** · 02-08-2005, 02:28 PM

The new iPAQ Pocket PC h4100 series is intended to bring to market an affordable integrated wireless PDA in a slim design.  The iPAQ h4150 has the same form factor as the iPAQ h1940, but the same internals and specs as the new iPAQ h4350 from HP.  This means the h4150 brings to consumer and business users a slim device containing many features of the type expected from a larger and bulkier PDA.  Equipped with a fantastic screen and lightweight form factor there's a lot to like about the iPAQ h4150.  In this full review I include picture comparisons with the iPAQ h2210 and iPAQ h1940 to highlight similarities and differences among these popular iPaqs.  Also addressed in this review is the yellow-tinted screen issue of the iPAQ h4150. <IMG height=209 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2104.gif" width=118 border=0> HP iPAQ h4150 <UL> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#a">First Impressions</A></LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#b">In the Box</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#c">Specs and Pricing</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#d">Memory and Processor</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#e">Performance Benchmarks</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#f">Screen (addresses iPAQ h4150 yellow-tint issue)</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#g">Wireless</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#h">Device Design and Comparison to iPAQ h2210 and iPAQ h1900 Series</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#i">Battery</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#j">Accessories</LI> <LI><A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#k">Conclusion</LI></UL> <A name=a></A>First Impressions Upon opening the <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=1051&brandName=Hewlett+Packard&productName=iPAQ+h4150+h4155&display=priceDetail">iPAQ h4150</A> I was very pleased to see that it did indeed stay true to the design and form factor of the iPAQ h1900 series (<A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=372&brandName=Hewlett%20Packard&productName=iPAQ%20H1910&display=priceDetail">iPAQ 1910</A>, <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=489&brandName=Hewlett%20Packard&productName=iPAQ%20h1940%20h1945&display=priceDetail">iPAQ h1940</A>, <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=484&brandName=Hewlett%20Packard&productName=iPAQ%20h1930%20h1935%20h1937&display=priceDetail">iPAQ 1935</A>).  I used both the iPAQ 1910 and iPAQ h1940 for a period of time when reviewing those devices (<A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/reviews/default.asp?reviewID=116">iPAQ 1910 Review</A>, <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/reviews/default.asp?reviewID=200">iPAQ h1940 Review</A>) and just loved the small form factor.  I was skeptical that the weight and dimensions could be kept the same as the h1900 series with the addition of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a standard sized headphone jack (the 1910 and h1940 required a 2.5 mm -- 3.5 mm audio adapter to use standard headphones due to their non-standard small headphone jack).  However, the h4150 scores in keeping the same dimensions, its dimensions are 4.47 by 2.78 by 0.5 inches (length x width x height), the iPAQ h1940 is 4.46 x 2.75 x .5 inches.  The h4150 weighs 4.67 oz while the iPAQ h1940 is 4.37 oz so you pick up 0.3 oz in weight, but trust me you won't notice it!  In my review of the h1940 I was disappointed to find that the screen was not as superb as the original 1910 device, it had some issues with a yellowish hue appearing instead of bright white backgrounds.  The iPAQ h4150 does not suffer as badly from this issue, but the device I have does have a very slight yellow-tint when viewed from a very low angle, I address this is my <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1703&showComments=true#f">review of the screen</A>. <A name=b></A>In the Box The iPAQ h4150 comes with everything you need to for a PDA, including a cradle for synching, this is an accessory not included with the h1900 series of devices.  Let's take a look at what's actually included in the box: <IMG height=336 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2101.jpg" width=543 border=0> <UL> <LI>HP iPAQ Pocket PC h4150 unit</LI> <LI>USB desktop cradle/charger</LI> <LI>AC adapter</LI> <LI>Slip cover</LI> <LI>Stylus (2 included)</LI> <LI>Battery (1000 mAh removable and rechargeable Lithium Ion)</LI> <LI>Getting started poster</LI> <LI>Charger adapter</LI> <LI>HP iPAQ Pocket PC Companion CD</LI></UL> The software included with the h4150 is decent, but not as generous as the iPAQ h2210.  Noticeably missing is the Nevo Universal Remote program that a lot of people love and is included with the iPAQ h2210.  However, if you want to use your iPAQ h4150 as a remote control I highly recommend the <A target=_blank href="http://www.griffintechnology.com/griffinmobile/totalremote/">Total Remote </A>solution that includes an IR range boosting antennae and excellent software interface for $29.99.  You can control any entertainment device from 100 feet away using this!  Anyway, here's a rundown of all the full version programs you get with the h4150: <UL> <LI>HP Mobile Print Center</LI> <LI>Bluetooth Manager</LI> <LI>iPAQ File Store: non-volatile storage in flash ROM (not available in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean versions)</LI> <LI>iPAQ Backup: utility for Backup/Restore to Main Memory, Memory Card or iPAQ File Store</LI> <LI>iPAQ iTask Manager: access and launch programs easily</LI> <LI>iPAQ Image Zone: view images and create slide shows</LI> <LI>Utilities: Self Test, iPAQ Audio, Power Status </LI> <LI>Westtek ClearVue Suite </LI> <LI>F-Secure FileCrypto Data Encryption</LI> <LI>Colligo Personal Edition</LI> <LI>Adobe PDF Viewer</LI> <LI>RealOne Player for Pocket PC</LI> <LI>iPresenter PowerPoint converter</LI> <LI>MobiMate WorldMate</LI> <LI>Resco File Explorer 2003 </LI></UL> You also get all the built in programs that come with Windows Mobile 2003 such as Windows Media Player 9.0, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Explorer.  View the <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1458">bargainPDA.com Windows 2003 Fast Guide</A> to see more about the OS and what's included. <A name=c></A>iPAQ h4150 Specs and Pricing Here's a rundown of the specs on this device, you can always view updated specs and competitive pricing for this device by searching for "iPAQ h4150" on bargainPDA or <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=1051&brandName=Hewlett+Packard&productName=iPAQ+h4150+h4155&display=productDetail">use this link</A>.  At the time of this review the <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/price/default.asp?productID=1051&brandName=Hewlett+Packard&productName=iPAQ+h4150+h4155&display=priceDetail">best price</A> on the iPAQ h4150 was $429.00. <TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Manufacturer:</TD> <TD>Hewlett Packard</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Model:</TD> <TD>iPAQ h4150 h4155</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Description:</TD> <TD>The sleek, less-than-5-oz. HP iPAQ h4155 Pocket PC offers optimized performance that will keep you productive, both while you're on the move and when you've reached your destinations. Integrated WLAN 802.11b, Bluetooth and a Secure Digital (SDIO) slot round out this model's powerful features.</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Released:</TD> <TD>10/15/2003</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Operating System:</TD> <TD>Windows Mobile 2003</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Dimensions:</TD> <TD>4.47 in x 2.78 in x 0.5 in </TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Weight:</TD> <TD>4.67 oz.</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Processor:</TD> <TD>400MHz Intel XScale processor</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Wireless:</TD> <TD>integrated WLAN 801.11b, Bluetooth , IrDA</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Memory:</TD> <TD>64MB SDRAM (55MB user accessible), 32MB Flash ROM</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Expansion Slot:</TD> <TD>Secure Digital (I/O)</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Battery Type:</TD> <TD>Removable, rechargeable Lithium-Ion (1000 mAh)</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Audio Out:</TD> <TD>Speaker, Stereo jack</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Audio In:</TD> <TD>Microphone</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Display:</TD> <TD>Transflective TFT display with 64,000 colors</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Pixel Pitch:</TD> <TD>240 x 320 pixels</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Viewable Image:</TD> <TD>3.5" diagonal</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Keyboard:</TD> <TD>Onscreen</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Handwriting Recognition:</TD> <TD>Yes</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Digital Camera:</TD> <TD>No</TD></TR> <TR> <TD align=right width=100 bgColor=#cccccc height=20>Other Hardware:</TD> <TD>USB desktop cradle/charger, AC adapter, battery, slip cover, stylus, charger adapter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <A name=d></A>Memory and Processor The iPAQ h4100 comes with an Intel XScale 400 MHz processor that matches or slightly surpasses the performance of the iPAQ h2210 400 MHz processor, the system is quite a bit faster than the iPAQ h1940 that uses a Samsung 266 MHz processor, this is displayed in the benchmark statistics.  The processor is snappy and playing video clips and games on this device presents good performance with no slow down. The memory for this PDA is marked as being 64MB RAM total with 55MB available to the user and 32 MB of ROM in which the Windows 2003 Mobile OS is stored.  The missing 9MB of RAM that you can't access for storage is used by the operating system to allow for faster write performance. <A name=e></A>Performance Benchmarks We used <A target=_blank href="http://www.softspb.com/products/benchmark/index.html">Spb Benchmark</A> from <A target=_blank href="http://www.softspb.com/">Spb Software House</A> to generate benchmark statistics for the iPAQ h4150.  This is a great program and to compare performance for Pocket PC devices. I chose to compare it to the Asus MyPal A620, HP iPAQ 2215, Dell Axim X5 and HP iPAQ 1910.  The Asus MyPal is the king of Pocket PC performance currently, and while the iPAQ h4150 could not beat it overall, it did come close to matching in a lot of areas and consistently beat out the Axim X5 and iPAQ 2215.  It of course performed better than the iPAQ 1910 as that device only has a 200 MHz processor. <IMG height=333 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2145.jpg" width=438 border=0> <DIV class=techdiv id=d_main_compare_table_header> <H3><IMG height=334 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2146.jpg" width=439 border=0></H3> <IMG height=333 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2147.jpg" width=438 border=0> <IMG height=333 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2148.jpg" width=436 border=0> <IMG height=332 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2149.jpg" width=437 border=0> In this chart of benchmark results the blue bolded numbers indicate the best performance overall in a category (higher numbers indicate better performance). <DIV class=techdiv id=d_main_compare_table> <TABLE class=smallNormalable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5 border=1> <TBODY> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal> </TD> <TD class=smallNormal>iPAQ h1910</TD> <TD class=smallNormal>iPAQ 2215</TD> <TD class=smallNormal>Asus MyPal A620 </TD> <TD class=smallNormal>Dell Axim X5</TD> <TD class=smallNormal>iPAQ h4150</TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Spb Benchmark index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>669</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1146</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1573</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>752</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1501</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>CPU index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>602</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1784</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1858</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>912</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1792</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>File system index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>627</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1126</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1092</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>855</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1034</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Graphics index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>2084</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>567</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>4034</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>434</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>3809</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>ActiveSync index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>2155</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1458</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1518</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Platform index</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>494</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1204</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1277</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>629</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1238</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Write 1 MB file (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>447</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1257</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1285</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>657</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1245</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Read 1 MB file (MB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>11.2</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>27</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>28.7</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>15.9</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>28.2</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Copy 1 MB file (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>491</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1262</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1281</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>716</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1244</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Write 10 KB x 100 files (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>372</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>905</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>654</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>477</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>624</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Read 10 KB x 100 files (MB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>4.24</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>9.78</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>8.64</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>5.26</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>10.2</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Copy 10 KB x 100 files (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>290</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>799</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>500</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>376</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>474</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Directory list of 2000 files (thousands of files/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>76.9</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>19.6</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>23.6</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>112</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>19.6</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Internal database read (records/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>272</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1339</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1549</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>398</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>1421</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Graphics test: DDB BitBlt (frames/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>172</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>52.3</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>316</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>41.8</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>265</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Graphics test: DIB BitBlt (frames/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>17.7</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>22.8</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>27.2</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>12.3</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>26.5</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Graphics test: GAPI BitBlt (frames/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>325</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>60</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>752</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>47.1</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>719</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Pocket Word document open (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>15.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>100</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>44.2</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>22.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>37.8</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Pocket Internet Explorer HTML load (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>3.7</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>7.96</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>7.88</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>4.73</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>8.7</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Pocket Internet Explorer JPEG load (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>50.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>208</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>154</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>79.7</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>210</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>File Explorer large folder list (files/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>169</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>564</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>641</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>238</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>586</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Compress 1 MB file using ZIP (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>45.6</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>225</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>263</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>65.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>244</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Decompress 1024x768 JPEG file (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>268</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>606</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>613</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>423</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>599</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Arkaball frames per second (frames/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>94.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>51.4</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>250</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>38.2</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>239</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>CPU test: Whetstones MFLOPS (Mop/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>0.033</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>0.077</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>0.076</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>0.061</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>0.075</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>CPU test: Whetstones MOPS (Mop/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>27.5</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>55.4</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>55.3</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>54.1</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>54.7</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>CPU test: Whetstones MWIPS (Mop/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>2.19</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>5.02</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>5.01</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>3.96</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>4.94</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>Memory test: copy 1 MB using memcpy (MB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>43.7</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>102</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>103</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>65</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>99.3</TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>ActiveSync: upload 1 MB file (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>201</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>135</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>142</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=smallNormal noWrap>ActiveSync: download 1 MB file (KB/sec)</TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>356</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>250</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle>249</TD></TD> <TD class=smallNormal align=middle> <TABLE height=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=10 bgColor=#000000 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV> <DIV class=techdiv id=d_main_compare_graphs_header> </DIV></DIV> <A name=f></A>Screen The screen on the iPAQ h4150 is absolutely top notch.  It takes up good amount of the real estate on the front of the device in order to fit it's 3.5 inch diagonal viewable area onto such a small PDA.  The resolution is 240 x 320 and the TFT color display allows for 65,536 different colors. However, I'd be amiss if I didn't mention the 'yellow-tint' issue.  With the iPAQ h1940 I found the screen to be so yellow when viewing it from certain angles that I just couldn't stand it.  Here's a picture I took of the iPAQ h1940 next to my iPAQ 2215: <IMG height=318 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2152.jpg" width=455 border=0> iPAQ 2215 on the left, iPAQ h1940 on the right...notice the very yellow tint? With the iPAQ h4150 we again have this yellow-tint issue, but it is not nearly as bad.  In fact, I had to get down to a very low angle of viewing to notice this yellow tint and in every day use it was not noticeable to me. <IMG height=160 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2151.jpg" width=498 border=0> iPAQ h4150 on the left, iPAQ 2215 on the right.  The iPAQ h4150 has a mild yellowish tint when viewed from a very low-angle. <IMG style="WIDTH: 434px; HEIGHT: 256px" height=360 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2150.jpg" width=590 border=0> When viewed from a normal angle there is no tint (iPAQ h4150 on the left, iPAQ 2215 on the right) I don't know if others have a bigger problem than me with this, but if you find a device you get has a yellowish-tint at even the slightest angle you might want to contact HP. <A name=g></A>Wireless The h4100 series includes integrated WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless technology, so you can access the Internet, e-mail, and information when you want.  HP chose to go with 802.11b due to its wide market availability, better power efficiency than 802.11a, and allowance for smaller form factor.  I had no problems whatsoever setting up the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.  There are no external buttons to turn these options on or off, you simply use the wireless manager interface to flip the wireless options (by turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth you'll save on battery life, screen light is the biggest battery drain and Wi-Fi is the second biggest).  Once the Wi-Fi is turned on the iPAQ will show you the networks it has detected and allow you to choose which one to connect to.  It's a very user friendly process and in my apartment in which I have several wireless networks surrounding me the h4100 detected 6 different networks and allowed me to connect to my own WEP security protected network by using a radio button interface. <IMG height=442 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2102.jpg" width=335 border=0> It's easy to select your network from those the iPAQ h4150 detects I was able to cruise the net from up to 900 feet away from my access point, HP advertises 1000 feet reach.  I can't even get 1000 feet away from my access point without falling off my apartment building, so this is not a limitation for me! <IMG height=271 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2094.jpg" width=264 border=0> Here I am surfing Microsoft.com on the h4150, check out the easy hold form factor! The Bluetooth connection wizard is very simple to use, it is exactly the same program as that included with the iPAQ h2210 device.  I had no problems detecting my Bluetooth enabled Son Ericsson t68 phone with the iPAQ 4410.  As a note, when using Bluetooth two devices can only perform activities with each other if they both support a common profile, HP has created a Bluetooth Compatibility Matrix to help people identify products that work well with HP Bluetooth enabled products. See the <A target=_blank href="http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/wireless/wpan/btcompmatrix.html" target=NEW>Bluetooth Compatibility Matrix</A> in order to determine if your favorite Bluetooth device will communicate okay with the iPAQ h4150. Invariably we get the question asking if an iPAQ device can be used as a phone so I'll go ahead and answer that "no" the iPAQ h4150 cannot perform this capability.  This device is intended for data use, which is why it includes the 802.11b and Bluetooth for accessing email and other data, it is not intended for voice phone communications. The exception to this might be the use of a separately purchased Voice Over IP software application, which allows you to use this device as a VoIP phone in an 802.11b WLAN environment. <A name=h></A>Device Design and Comparison to iPAQ h2210 and iPAQ h1900 Series <IMG height=466 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2093.gif" width=460 border=0> A picture, or diagram for that matter, is worth a thousand words so here's a diagram of the iPAQ h4150 and the functions you can access using its buttons: <OL> <LI>Active Bluetooth/WLAN Indicator</LI> <LI>Power Button</LI> <LI>LED Power/Notification Indicator</LI> <LI>Color Display</LI> <LI>iTask Button</LI> <LI>Inbox Button</LI> <LI>5-Way Navigation Button</LI> <LI>Calendar Button</LI></OL> The h4150 button layout is different to the older iPAQ h1940 and 1910 devices, below is a picture I took of the h1910: <IMG height=314 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2106.jpg" width=235 border=0> iPAQ 1910 Notice that the shortcut buttons are right next to each other and that the dialpad is round.  The h4150 button layout changes things around by spacing out the shortcut buttons and using a more square type of dialpad.  I prefer the new shortcut buttons, but to be honest I preferred the round dialpad. <IMG height=146 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2096.jpg" width=364 border=0> iPAQ h4150 button layout The iPAQ h4150 interestingly slopes the buttons in a different manner to the iPAQ h2210 and has a larger jogdial than the iPAQ h2210 even though the h2210 is larger. <IMG height=154 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2095.jpg" width=350 border=0> iPAQ h2210 button layout The iPAQ h4150 and h2210 are somewhat close in price range (iPAQ h2210 MSRP $399.99, iPAQ h4150 MSRP $449.00) and you might be interested in seeing some side by sides to show how they differ in form if you're thinking about buying one or the other.  I currently have both devices and find the performance to be very similar between the two.  The iPAQ h4150 screen is definitely brighter and nicer than the h2210 and the extra built in Wi-Fi is a huge plus for me (I use a CompactFlash Wi-Fi card for the h2210 to access the internet), but the h2210 has a better software package (includes Nevo Universal Remote) and also has CompactFlash expansion which is very nice to have.  I'll let the pictures tell you about the form differences: <IMG height=305 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2097.jpg" width=393 border=0> iPAQ h4150 on the left, iPAQ h2210 on the right, <A target=_blank href="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2098.jpg">click for larger image</A> <IMG height=400 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2099.jpg" width=467 border=0> iPAQ h4150 on the left, iPAQ h2210 on the right <IMG height=201 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2100.jpg" width=471 border=0> iPAQ h4150 on top, iPAQ h2210 on the bottom <A name=i></A>Battery The battery included with the iPAQ h4150 is a 1000mAh, 100mAh more than the older iPAQ h1940 device.  This is adequate and I'm finding battery life to average about 4 hours with normal usage, but I wish HP had been as generous with the h4150 as they are being with the iPAQ h4350 device -- that includes a high-capacity 1,560mAh battery as the standard battery and gives over 6 hours of battery life, obviously because it's 33% more powerful.  Of course, the bigger battery means a greater weight for the iPAQ h4350 so the tradeoff is we get a lighter device with the h4150.  In a test I did placing the screen brightness at standard brightness (50% on mark on the meter) and looping a media file in full screen mode I drained the battery down to 5%, forcing system shut down, after about 3 hours and 45 minutes. <IMG height=215 src="http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/2107.gif" width=139 border=0> The iPAQ h4350 is the same as the h4150 but has a built in keyboard and longer lasting 1,560mAh battery <A name=j></A>Accessories There's been a lot of confusion as to what accessories will work with the iPAQ h4150.  It's the same size as the iPAQ 19XX series so many people are curious as to whether cases for that series fit the h4150.  The answer is yes, sort of.  The h4150 and 1910 are so close in size that the fit of the case to the PDA is just fine.  However, there's the problem that the record button and IR locations are in different places on the h4150 so the cutouts in the 1910 case from people such as InnoPocket do not match up.  However, the IR and record button access in the case aren't a huge deal, so if you want a hard case right away then you can go ahead and buy an iPAQ 1910/1940 case for your h4150. <IMG src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005AMDE.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg"> Think Outside Stoway Keyboard works with the iPAQ h4150 Another question that many people are asking is whether the iPAQ h4150 can use keyboards that were built for the iPAQ 3000 series or 5000 series.  The answer is yes!  Many people will be happy about this as the h1900 series was very exclusive and you couldn't use accessories for other iPAQ devices with them.  A specific example of a great foldable keyboard you can use with the h4150 is from Think Outside, makers of the <A target=_blank href="http://www.thinkoutside.com/support/index.html">Stowaway Portable Keyboard</A>.  Just download the latest drivers for the keyboard <A target=_blank href="http://www.thinkoutside.com/support/hpipaq/driver8646.html">(http://www.thinkoutside.com/support/hpipaq/driver8646.html</A>), install them on the h4150 and you'll be able to use this keyboard.  Think Outside products are also sold under the Targus name through some retailers.  <A target=_blank href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005AMDE/bargainpdacom-20?dev-t=D3Q1U0P2OSJ55J%26camp=2025%26link_code=xm2">This is a link to the keyboard on Amazon.com</A>. <IMG src="http://hpshopping.speedera.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/images/products/fa196a_150.gif" width=150 border=0> The Bluetooth GPS receiver from HP is another expansion option The only expansion slot you have on the h4150 is the SDIO type.  There's a lot of products now coming out for this type of expansion that were once only available as Compact Flash accessories.  HP is now offering a <A target=_blank href="http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view****p?product_code=FA185A%23ABA&cat_level=3&browse_link=true">1.3 MP swivel camera </A>for $139.99.  You can also use a <A target=_blank href="http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view****p?product_code=FA196A%23ABA&cat_level=3&browse_link=true">GPS device </A>that communicates with the h4150 via Bluetooth. I've mentioned before but it's worth mentioning again, many people are disappointed and put off by the fact the iPAQ h4150 does not come with a consumer level IR solution or remote control software, but you can solve this problem by looking into <A target=_blank href="http://www.griffintechnology.com/griffinmobile/totalremote/">Total Remote </A>from Griffin Technology. <A name=k></A>Conclusion Overall I just really like the h4150, it's a perfect blend of the great screen and form factor of the h1900 series and the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that comes with the iPAQ h2210 and iPAQ 5000 series.  In the end all PDAs are a compromise of having one option over another, but the iPAQ h4150 proves to be one of the least compromising and most feature filled PDAs on the market.  It's a thumbs up on buying if you have $400 - $450 in your budget for buying a PDA. Pros <UL> <LI>Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provides all the wireless options you'll need</LI> <LI>Great screen, brighter and crisper than even the iPAQ 2215, but a little bit of yellow hue can be annoying if your device suffers from that.</LI> <LI>Fantastic form factor, lightweight and slim, the gripping on the back makes it harder to drop this PDA too.</LI></UL> Cons <UL> <LI>Battery life is adequate, but not great, if you have Wi-Fi turned on and screen bright then the battery will disappear fast.</LI> <LI>If you get a device in which the screen has a strong yellow hue it's annoying to the point that you'll want to take it back and get a different device.</LI></UL>

**Neil** · 02-08-2005, 03:35 PM

I am using a LOOX 720, not an Axim, but, I have simply mapped the screen rotation function to a push-and-hold button function- no need to go through menus at all.


Neil

**Adama D. Brown** · 02-08-2005, 03:48 PM

I had some problems with landscape on my X30 when I originally got it, resulting in at least a couple of spontaneous hard-resets. I don't know if it was my Axim, my software, or something systemic, but that was my experience, and it was reflected in my review.

As Neil mentioned, you can map screen orientation to a button.

No, the writing area doesn't alway stay on while the X50 is in landscape.

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