Hewlett-Packard Hx4700

They have this item listed multiple times in EBay’s review section, one of which has other EBay reviewers, too. I have copied my review on all the places the item’s listed. There are many professionals’ reviews on the web, too.

I've owned other PDAs and done extensive research before I bought my Hx4700. This PDA is by far one of the best. Its brightness and clarity is impressive. Its metal body, fast processor, and two memory card slots deliver all the access to storage/applications I need. I don't like the limitations some PDAs have with only an SD slot. My Compact Flash GPS device would have been useless. I've read the Hx4700 is compatible w/the higher Gig cards, too. I am using 1 Gig in each slot. It locks on to Wi-Fi quickly and has great range. The Infra-Red is compatible w/my older wireless keyboard (I did have to update from the keyboard's website and run the PDA in landscape). It also has Blue-Tooth capabilities.

I upgraded the OS to Mobile 5 (HP's website-$40). I have also seen upgrades on EBay for far less (I don't know anything about the sellers' reputations). There are many advantages of Mobile 5, one of which is it keeps the PDA's memory when the battery dies w/out the need to backup/recover. This saves battery, too (professional reviews on the web).

I am a firm supporter of the Pocket PC format. The handwriting recog/transcriber is full screen. It will convert both cursive and printed handwritten messages to type. (Palm gives you a small place to write. It's not full screen and is a small one-line window. In addition, you have to learn its writing symbols! I've used Palm PDAs (never owned one) and don't understand those who swear by the format).

The HX4700's touch screen works well and I've not had to re-align it(I do re-align once a week out of habit from previous PDAs). It is a larger and heavier PDA. However, in my opinion the smaller PDAs have the feel of being too compact and fragile. I don't feel comfortable putting a PDA in my pocket. PDAs are just too expensive to take risks with, even using metal cases. My leather case I got with the PDA (EBay auction) is excellent protection. However, this model is too big for most pockets if that's what your intending. This model feels like a well-built tank. All my applications and hardware work well on the system (Directional Software, Games, Compact Flash GPS, Keyboard, etc.).

The only negative reviews I've read on the web refered to the touch pad on the bottom of the PDA. I don't use the pad much since most applications are done through the touch-screen. When I've used the touch pad to play some of the more challenging video games I found it took me a little while to get use to it. It's not really been an issue, though. I found it serves its purpose.

Why not a laptop? I use laptops and computers extensively (computer teacher). However, I like the ability and freedom to do applications without lugging around a bulky laptop. I can't go around the building opening up a laptop all the time. It could also easily get damaged or stolen (yes, a PDA can be stolen, too, but for me it’s easier to keep with me since it’s smaller). In addition, laptops are extremely fragile. My PDA is very well-protected in its case. If you have a knowledge base and use technology extensively you'll get a lot of use from this device. I've found mine an excellent tool and use it everyday. I highly recommend the Hx4700!