Hewlett Packard iPAQ rz1950 Review
By Chris De Herrera, Copyright 2005
 Version 1.00  Revised 9/26/2005

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Introduction

Last May, Microsoft announced that they released Windows Mobile 5.0 to OEMs at the Mobile and Embedded 2005 (MEDC 2005) conference in Las Vegas.  The iPAQ rz1950 is an example of this latest generation of Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PCs.

What�s in the Box?

With the rz1950 in the box you will receive the cradle, ac adapter and a soft case.  Also, you get the CD with ActiveSync 4.0 and Outlook 2002.

Hardware

One of the first things I noticed is that the style and size of the case is similar to the iPAQ 4150 which is one of the smallest Pocket PCs with Wi-Fi at 4.4 ounces.  The rz1950 uses a Samsung SC32442 cpu which is compatible with other ARM based processors and runs existing Windows Mobile 5.0 and earlier Pocket PC applications.  It also has a 64 MB rom with 32 MB available for internal storage and 32 MB of ram to execute programs. It also has built in Wi-Fi (with a blue LED) and infrared as well as the usual USB cradle.  The USB connector is the standard iPAQ connector that�s been around since the h3800 series so you can use your existing peripherals and sync cables.  I used my Lil�Sync cable from www.pocketpctechs.com since it is so portable.  The 320 x 240 display is 3.5� and supports 64k colors.  Also, they included a standard 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.  For additional storage or peripherals such as Bluetooth you can use the SDIO slot.

Included Software 

In addition to the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, you will find only a couple of additional applications in the settings.  HP includes their HP Enroll application for enterprise users to register their digital certificates.  Also, they included the hp Asset Viewer to allow you to see the specs of the Pocket PC easily.  They also included their iPAQ Audio application which includes the ability to adjust for bass and treble as well as adjust the gain or turn on automatic gain control for the microphone.  Of course there�s the useful Self Test application included as well.

Overall Functionality

I think that the rz1950 is a good low end Pocket PC for $299 (list price).   It smoothly multitasks with large applications because the 32mb of ram is not used to store programs and data.  Further it is a real relief to not have to worry about charging it because all the data and installed programs are stored in flash.  However as users needs expand the 32mb of flash for storage will be used pretty quickly especially if they want to store music and videos.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Return to Chris De Herrera's Windows CE Website