PDA Reviews

I would love the ipaqs if I could ever count on them to work. The 5555 is the third ipaq I have owned in the past three years (The company I work for gets them at a great discount, and I don't have to pay for them, which is why I keep getting them)

First off, there are many things to love about this pda. The fingerprint recognition is really cool. It works perfectly for me, and I don't have to worry about remembering a password or having it stolen. The integrated bluetooth and 802.11b is an excellent add-on, and hasn't added to the bulk of the device at all. There is a large amount of built-in memory, the display looks beautiful, the battery is swappable, and there are a lot of nice applications built in.

What disappoints me with every ipaq is the low reliability. It is so poor that I would never personally spend my own money on one of these devices. I typically have to hit the reset button on my ipaq several times per day, becuase under heavy use the thing will freqently slow down or completely freeze up. You can't blame third party apps for these faults, since I am commonly using the standard features of my ipaq when these faults occur.

My first two ipaqs died within about a year of purchase. The first one had a battery go bad, and since it was built into the device I could not swap it myself. The second one just stopped working. I could turn it on, but it basically just gave me a blue screen of death and nothing more.

I love what the ipaqs offer, I just wish HP could get their act together and make them work as they're supposed to.

Great while it works. Mine died after 9 months of casual use. I'm not looking forward to dealing with warranty repairs.

EDIT Start -

I would like to comment on reviewers who claim that the technical support is junk along with the device's reliability. May I point out that it is Microsoft's operating system, which is to be expected as no operating system is perfect. The iPAQ's hardware has nothing to do with how many times a reset is needed, since it has not only more ram, but a faster processor than most other pda's currently on the market. As for the technical support, I have had two iPAQ's and always received the same friendly and careless help needed to fix my problems straight away. Here's a recent example of how HP's support works.

1. Problem occurs.
2. Call to HP, they check warranty (lasts a year).
3. They send you an empty box, shipping and parts replacement, 100% free.
4. Ship it out next day.
5. Repair begins and ends in under an hour.
6. You receive an email confirming depature and repair success.
7. You receive the iPAQ back, only having it leave your side for less than 3 days.

If that's not service, then I don't know what is. I believe that many people are rude, arrogant, and are ignorant to their mistakes. I told the support technicians that I had dropped it and they said no problem, and replaced the screen, usb host connector, and battery all free of charge. Hope this helps your buying decision.

EDIT Finish -

In comparison to newer-age pda's including the Toshiba e805, the Asus MyPal, and the new Dell Axim, I hope you will regard my post only within HP and Compaq's products. This particular iPAQ is a giant leap from my Compaq iPAQ 3835, gone are the days of cradle synchronizing and wired connections. With Bluetooth and wi-fi I can synchronize and receiving data virtually anywhere.

A few reasons to avoid buying this:
- it is not a good first pda, as some features require proficient computer knowledge
- it is not worth buying unless you plan on using all features, including the finger print scan, otherwise go with the cheaper 4100 series iPAQs.

A few reasons to avoid buying another:
- is an 'upgradable' iPAQ, which means all previous software, cords/connections, sleeves (jackets), styli, and cases will work with this iPAQ.
- has wi-fi and bluetooth built in, along with 128megs sd ram, and 48 megs rom, gives you extra storage space.
- speedy processor and an sdio slot.

I believe this is the current best option for anyone wanting a powerful handheld machine. With the largest array of expansion abilities and wireless capabilities, it is the smartest choice you can make.

I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.

JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.

On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.

I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.

I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.

I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.

JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.

On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.

I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.

I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.

I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.

JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.

On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.

I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.

I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.

I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.

JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.

On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.

I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.

I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.

I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.

JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.

On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.

I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.

I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.

This just didn't work out for me. First, the on/off button kept getting hit while in my travel bag, leaving me with no Palm on one trip and virtually no power left on another. On top of that, blank notes kept being left due to this issue. The leather flap is constantly in the way when you try and enter something. I gave up and bought the hard case as a replacement. It's smaller and much sturdier so shouldn't have any of the above problems. Plus it opens up all the way for easy use.

I've used this case for my Palm 500 for several months now; it suffices, but could be improved upon. Here are a few things that bug me: Over time the slots that hold the expansion cards loosen and the cards fall out easily. Since the case isn't completely closed, this could be a problem. I've also found that the design of the case causes the front buttons to be depressed if only a little pressure in applied to the case, for example, I couldn't put it in the cargo pocket of my work pants - I'm a RN and a paramedic - without hearing the distinctive clicking from a depressed button just from the movement of my legs. If you're a bit less active with the Palm, then that's probably not a big deal.

Aside from those concerns the case looks great, protects the screen quite well (I usually just toss it into my backpack and it's been fine) and does hold all that Palm claims. My biggest problem has been the expansion card slots loosening too much. I'm ordering the closed zippered version; that should resolve my concerns.

This is -the- case for the m50x series. Not only does it have plenty of space and slots for SD cards, credit cards, and ID cards, but it has a zippered closure that protects the Palm from lint and dust. Your screen will be less likely to be scratched. It also contains a tiny notepad that attaches to a leather flap. A nice touch, but I would recommend that you just discard the notepad and use the plain leather flap as a buffer between the Palm and the SD and credit cards. You lose a bit of functionality with the loss of the paper, but you gain tons of additional screen protection. When most wallet style cases are closed, the edges of your credit cards are pushed up against the screen. This is bad. This case actually provides the much needed added protection with that leather flap. The Palm is held in by a slide-rail, this allows the Palm to connect to the cradle while still in the case. It is somewhat ackward, but less ackward than taking it out of a case. And to top it off the case is a nice quality leather. If you have a m50x, get this case!

This just didn't work out for me. First, the on/off button kept getting hit while in my travel bag, leaving me with no Palm on one trip and virtually no power left on another. On top of that, blank notes kept being left due to this issue. The leather flap is constantly in the way when you try and enter something. I gave up and bought the hard case as a replacement. It's smaller and much sturdier so shouldn't have any of the above problems. Plus it opens up all the way for easy use.

I've used this case for my Palm 500 for several months now; it suffices, but could be improved upon. Here are a few things that bug me: Over time the slots that hold the expansion cards loosen and the cards fall out easily. Since the case isn't completely closed, this could be a problem. I've also found that the design of the case causes the front buttons to be depressed if only a little pressure in applied to the case, for example, I couldn't put it in the cargo pocket of my work pants - I'm a RN and a paramedic - without hearing the distinctive clicking from a depressed button just from the movement of my legs. If you're a bit less active with the Palm, then that's probably not a big deal.

Aside from those concerns the case looks great, protects the screen quite well (I usually just toss it into my backpack and it's been fine) and does hold all that Palm claims. My biggest problem has been the expansion card slots loosening too much. I'm ordering the closed zippered version; that should resolve my concerns.

This is -the- case for the m50x series. Not only does it have plenty of space and slots for SD cards, credit cards, and ID cards, but it has a zippered closure that protects the Palm from lint and dust. Your screen will be less likely to be scratched. It also contains a tiny notepad that attaches to a leather flap. A nice touch, but I would recommend that you just discard the notepad and use the plain leather flap as a buffer between the Palm and the SD and credit cards. You lose a bit of functionality with the loss of the paper, but you gain tons of additional screen protection. When most wallet style cases are closed, the edges of your credit cards are pushed up against the screen. This is bad. This case actually provides the much needed added protection with that leather flap. The Palm is held in by a slide-rail, this allows the Palm to connect to the cradle while still in the case. It is somewhat ackward, but less ackward than taking it out of a case. And to top it off the case is a nice quality leather. If you have a m50x, get this case!

This just didn't work out for me. First, the on/off button kept getting hit while in my travel bag, leaving me with no Palm on one trip and virtually no power left on another. On top of that, blank notes kept being left due to this issue. The leather flap is constantly in the way when you try and enter something. I gave up and bought the hard case as a replacement. It's smaller and much sturdier so shouldn't have any of the above problems. Plus it opens up all the way for easy use.

I've used this case for my Palm 500 for several months now; it suffices, but could be improved upon. Here are a few things that bug me: Over time the slots that hold the expansion cards loosen and the cards fall out easily. Since the case isn't completely closed, this could be a problem. I've also found that the design of the case causes the front buttons to be depressed if only a little pressure in applied to the case, for example, I couldn't put it in the cargo pocket of my work pants - I'm a RN and a paramedic - without hearing the distinctive clicking from a depressed button just from the movement of my legs. If you're a bit less active with the Palm, then that's probably not a big deal.

Aside from those concerns the case looks great, protects the screen quite well (I usually just toss it into my backpack and it's been fine) and does hold all that Palm claims. My biggest problem has been the expansion card slots loosening too much. I'm ordering the closed zippered version; that should resolve my concerns.

This is -the- case for the m50x series. Not only does it have plenty of space and slots for SD cards, credit cards, and ID cards, but it has a zippered closure that protects the Palm from lint and dust. Your screen will be less likely to be scratched. It also contains a tiny notepad that attaches to a leather flap. A nice touch, but I would recommend that you just discard the notepad and use the plain leather flap as a buffer between the Palm and the SD and credit cards. You lose a bit of functionality with the loss of the paper, but you gain tons of additional screen protection. When most wallet style cases are closed, the edges of your credit cards are pushed up against the screen. This is bad. This case actually provides the much needed added protection with that leather flap. The Palm is held in by a slide-rail, this allows the Palm to connect to the cradle while still in the case. It is somewhat ackward, but less ackward than taking it out of a case. And to top it off the case is a nice quality leather. If you have a m50x, get this case!

This just didn't work out for me. First, the on/off button kept getting hit while in my travel bag, leaving me with no Palm on one trip and virtually no power left on another. On top of that, blank notes kept being left due to this issue. The leather flap is constantly in the way when you try and enter something. I gave up and bought the hard case as a replacement. It's smaller and much sturdier so shouldn't have any of the above problems. Plus it opens up all the way for easy use.

I've used this case for my Palm 500 for several months now; it suffices, but could be improved upon. Here are a few things that bug me: Over time the slots that hold the expansion cards loosen and the cards fall out easily. Since the case isn't completely closed, this could be a problem. I've also found that the design of the case causes the front buttons to be depressed if only a little pressure in applied to the case, for example, I couldn't put it in the cargo pocket of my work pants - I'm a RN and a paramedic - without hearing the distinctive clicking from a depressed button just from the movement of my legs. If you're a bit less active with the Palm, then that's probably not a big deal.

Aside from those concerns the case looks great, protects the screen quite well (I usually just toss it into my backpack and it's been fine) and does hold all that Palm claims. My biggest problem has been the expansion card slots loosening too much. I'm ordering the closed zippered version; that should resolve my concerns.

This is -the- case for the m50x series. Not only does it have plenty of space and slots for SD cards, credit cards, and ID cards, but it has a zippered closure that protects the Palm from lint and dust. Your screen will be less likely to be scratched. It also contains a tiny notepad that attaches to a leather flap. A nice touch, but I would recommend that you just discard the notepad and use the plain leather flap as a buffer between the Palm and the SD and credit cards. You lose a bit of functionality with the loss of the paper, but you gain tons of additional screen protection. When most wallet style cases are closed, the edges of your credit cards are pushed up against the screen. This is bad. This case actually provides the much needed added protection with that leather flap. The Palm is held in by a slide-rail, this allows the Palm to connect to the cradle while still in the case. It is somewhat ackward, but less ackward than taking it out of a case. And to top it off the case is a nice quality leather. If you have a m50x, get this case!