Customer Reviews

HP iPAQ 1945 Pocket PC

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

The iPAQ 1945, also sold as the iPAQ 1940, is the first in a line of planned successors to the iPAQ 1910. HP has addressed many of the concerns that 1910 users had, namely that the 1910 was too slow and lacked hardware expansion options. The 1945 is powered by a new 266MHz processor from Samsung which rivals, and sometimes surpasses, the usable speed of many XScale chips from Intel. Other features of the iPAQ 1945 include 64MB of RAM (56MB of which are user accessible), a crisp, bright transflective color screen, onboard Bluetooth wireless, and a Secure Digital slot which can use SD flash memory cards and SDIO peripherals such as 802.11b WLAN cards.

Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC replaced Pocket PC 2002 as the most current Pocket PC OS in June 2003 and comes installed on the 1945. While the version of Windows Mobile 2003 pre-installed on the iPAQ lacks a few minor applications (such as Microsoft Reader), each can be downloaded for free. Because HP left the choice to the end-user, the iPAQ File Store - unused space on the ROM - has over 13MB free for software, files, etc.

As I mentioned before, the Samsung processor keeps the 1945 moving along very well. Having recently used an iPAQ 5450 (400Mhz PXA250 XScale), a Toshiba e755 (400MHz PXA255 XScale) and a Toshiba e355 (300MHz PXA255 XScale), I can say that, from a casual use point-of-view, the iPAQ 1945 surpasses the speed of the iPAQ 5450 and Toshiba e355 and feels basically on level with the Toshiba e755. One of the touted benefits of the Samsung processor is long battery life, and while I didn't get the eight hours that HP suggested I might, I got almost seven hours use out of the 1945 with the backlight on its lowest setting before I had to recharge; a very good result.

There is only one real drawback to the iPAQ 1945, as I see it, and it's relatively minor and completely fixable: the 1945 ships with only a USB Sync cable, not a cradle. While some might actually prefer this, I miss not having a cradle to rest the iPAQ in while it's not in use. The good news here is that there is a cradle available (the same cradle that works with the iPAQ 1910), and you can purchase if you want it.

All-in-all, the iPAQ 1945 is an amazing addition to the Pocket PC family. If you like small, light PDAs with oomph, the 1945 might be right up your alley.

I felt compelled to write a review of this great device after reading a terribly uniformed review from someone that doesn't even own the device.

The good!

Size - The smallest on the market. Fits nicely in your pocket without feeling like you're carrying a brick, unlike so many other PPCs.

Speed - Many benchmarks rate this unit faster than the 2215, which uses a 400mhz Intel processor. Audio, video playback is smooth as can be. It is plenty fast.

Bluetooth - Bluetooth(bt) allows this device to be every bit as capable and expandable as the larger and more expensive devices. Bluetooth applications include:
Link to bt GPS for real-time driving and mapping directions
Link to bt cell phone for mobile remote dial up
Link to PC for wireless sycing, printing, and browsing.

Expandable - SD, WiFi, and even a combo card with WiFi and 256MG will be available.

Screen - The best screen on the market (except for the 1910)

Battery - Battery performance is adequate. You can by an additional battery for pretty cheap if needed.

Cons!

Non-standard headphone jack - It comes with an adapter that works very well, but it is still a much bigger inconvenience than I expected.

Screen - The screen puts a yellow tint on stark white when you tilt the unit away from you. I barely notice it, and don't think this is a big issue, but I've read where others are put off by it. The screen is still one of the best on the market.

No docking station - Not a big issue for me, especially with the Bluetooth.

In summary:
With the exception of commercial grade infrared (the 1945 has IR, just not commercial grade) which would allow it to be used as a universal remote, there is nothing this PPC can't do that the bigger and more expensive devices do. It is the best PPC on the market in my opinion.

If size is important, you can't do better than the 1945. If a very compact size (and money) isn't important to you I suggest the 2215.

First off, I feel the criticisms of the 2-star review posted July 25th need to be addressed, because some of them are in error (why do people write reviews for things they don't own?)...

1). The ARM9 core Samsung S3C2410 CPU in the 1945 is actually quite fast. Don't be fooled by a 266MHz clock speed compared to 400MHz XScale devices - this device runs multimedia apps and games faster than most other PocketPC models. I've done the benchmarks and framerate tests myself - it's impressive. Why? because despite the XScale hype, almost no apps or games are optimized for this Intel CPU, so ARM based processors can actually perform faster. The Samsung CPU also handles many functions internally, while the XScales still rely on a 100MHz external bus (the new PXA-255 processors use a 200MHz internal bus). Also, the 1945 isn't any 'hotter' than other PocketPC models I have owned. In fact, it stays quite cool.

2). The 1945 has 56.66MB of available system RAM out of 64 - NOT 46. It also has approx. 13MB of additional flash file storage that can be used for anything - so the device really comes with approx. 70MB of available RAM!

3). Bluetooth is essential. I use it to surf the web wirelessly at home and sync. It works great, and is quite fast. Be sure to select a Belkin or other Class 1 long-range USB dongle and read Brighthand or other PocketPC forums for tips on how to properly set it all up. It's also great if you have a BT cell phone.

4). The 30 minute battery "guess" for WiFi SD use is wrong. I get 2.5+ hours playing hardcore games with brightness and sound on full blast, 4 hours playing MP3 with the light on (6-7 hours with it off). And yes, a 256MB flash/WiFi combo so you can have both expansion RAM and wireless.

5). Note the use of the word "bloatware" -- this is an old slam that users of Palm devices use to bash the PocketPC. Draw your own conclusions from a guy that wrote a large and scathing review based on, in his own words, "A test drive" at a local store. He comments on the "cheaper" Zire 71 as having more features, but in reality it's the exact same price for less RAM and a much less sophisticated OS. You do get a very low resolution camera, but it doesn't do video and multimedia is still better on PocketPC.

Now that the comments from the guy who doesn't know what he's talking about are out of the way, here are my PRO and CON comments on the 1945 (which I've had now for almost a month):

PRO:
* Size and style are the best of any PocketPC. Great power in the tiniest form imaginable. Think Palm V! It's amazing.

* Removeable battery - spares are cheap ($... shipped) and the optional cradle can charge the 1945 plus one extra battery!

* Stylus included has a metal shaft and reset tool (unlike the Zire 71).

* VERY fast - comparable to the fastest PPC models available. Great for games and video!

* Voice/Memo Recorder button & mic (lacking on the HP 2215 and Palm Zire 71).

* Fast USB transfer. Large files copied from the desktop go very quickly.

* SDIO slow allows IO accessories like WiFi, and the upcoming tiny HP video cam that will take movies and 1.3MP images!

* Screen has a slight yellow tint when viewed at certian angles, but is still very rich and vibrant with great color, like the 1910.

* Price - Unbeatable at $... list, and Amazon has them right now for even less.

CON:
* Battery life is OK but not as good as models such as the 2215.

* Slipcover & cradle are optional.

* Earphone jack is non-standard (adapter is included)

* No CF slot or available expansion sleeves.

* Uses Windows Mobile 2003 'Professional' which lacks MS Reader and ClearType Tuner. Reader can be installed, however.

CONCLUSION:

The iPAQ 1945 marks a milestone, as did its predecessor, the 1910. It carries forward the 1900 series tradition of groundbreaking (for PocketPC) size & price while adding to it the super-fast Samsing ARM based CPU, an expandable SD slot, integrated bluetooth connectivity and a new version of the OS. It's not perfect, but for less than $... it's by far the most powerful & versatile PDA available capable of superb performance.

I currently own a Pallm V and decided I wanted to benefit from the richer functionality and interface of the Pocket PC. I did a lot of research and settled on the 1945.

Pluses
-Great form factor. Smaller and lighter than my Pallm V.
-Great screen, i.e. brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, etc. I don't really notice the yellowish tint that other reviews (here and on other sites) have mentioned.
-Great price. I purchased one that was refurbished by HP from a company called Pallmking, which is one of the vendors listed under 'buy new/used'. I paid $218+$8 for expedited shipping. I ordered it on a Friday and received on the following Wednesday.
-Very fast. Many of the reviews I read stated this as well and attribute it to the 266mhz processor.

Cons
-No screen protector. The ones I found in the store are twice as much as compared to other PDA's (i.e. $20 for 12 as compared to $10 for most other PDA's)
-Documentation is terrible and is basically useless.
-Blue tooth difficult to setup.
-Only one expansion slot and it is SD. There seems to be fewer devices for SD and they seem more expensive as compared to CF.
-Very limited selection of 801.11b wireless cards for SD. Only could find two (Socket Comm and ScanDisk) and they were $100+ and did not get very good reviews.

I also looked hard at the HP 1935, but it was slower (203mhz) and didn't have Bluetooth.

Bluetooth was a bear to get working, but now that I have it has been really cool. I use for it wireless web browsing, activesync, and file transfers. Some sights to help you with this are:

http://www.pc-counselor.com/How_to/bluetooth_network.htm - For setting up the wireless web browsing (this was very painful to setup)

http://www.bluetoothnews.com/features/ActiveSync.htm - For setting up activesync.

http://www.bluetooth.com/ - Official bluetooth site

I purchased a Hawking USB bluetooth device for $31 from Amazon and it has worked great (just make sure you download the most current driver). I get a good wireless connection through-out my house.

Some good general PocketPC sites are:

http://www.brighthand.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/downloads/pocketpc/default.mspx - Has several good downloads.

Overall I am extremely happy and satisfied with the 1945!!

The HP1945 is a very good idea, with some serious problems. I've just ordered my third one. The first one lasted a month, the screen cracked, and after arm-twisting, HP replaced it. The second one lasted 14 months. This one is out of warranty, so I didn't bother with HP. It appears that the power supply went and fried the circuit board. (At least the blazingly hot spot on the casing and the near-instantaneous power drain of the lithium cell makes me suspect that.)

So why am I ordering a third one. a) I'm an idiot, b) I'm an optimist, or c) The 1945 just happens to do exactly what you need a PDA to do, perfectly, with no extra baggage?

[sigh] I'm afraid it's all three. This liitle machine is compact, versatile, efficient, and does exactly what I need it to do. Then it breaks far to soon, and really ticks me off.

Bought my 1940/1945 a month ago, and so far I have been extremely happy.

Pluses:

Small size. Wow, it is small, very small when compared with other Pocket Pc's. Love it. It actually fits in my pocket, even in the leather case I bought for it. Finally a pocket pc that is actually pocket sized.

Speed and Power: for the price it is exceptional. The benchmarking on the 266 Samsung processor have it beating or equaliing 400 Mhz intel x-scale processors in many areas.

SDIO: Being able to add an SD GPS unit, or an SD WiFi unit in the future will be really valuable.

Built in Bluetooth. Works like a charm, no need for an additional card taking up space.

Screen: Clean, clear and looks great.

Minuses:

The 4 way button on the front is a little stiff. Small headphone jack, but that is easily fixed with the included adapter. I bought two more adapters for $3 each at radio shack to keep in various locations.

Summary: I love it. I use it as an MP3 player (sounds great), video player (plays divx and mpeg tv shows and movies great!), eBook reader, organizor, game player, calender, etc etc. Wonderful piece of equipment.

Eager to use windows (I'm not a Palm OS fan) & buy a unit I could "grow" into I bought my first iPAQ 1945 in Sept 2003. Worked great & I loved it! Until it died (completely unresponsive) Jan 2004. Thankfully I bought an extended warranty from Best Buy, so I was able to walk in & exchange it because HP sent my mail-in box to the wrong state... Now, four weeks later, it hard reset. I gave it benefit of the doubt, and 2 days later, it wouldn't stop hard resetting.

I took care of pocket pc (esp having already exchanged it once!), kept it in a hard case, & by no means overused it (I never used it's full capacity in fact). Having read the other consumer reviews, & exchanged the product twice, I suspect there is a fatal desing/structural flaw with this unit. I hope to exchange mine for a different product. Be forewarned - if you are going to gamble on this model, make sure you buy a nice extended warranty to go with it!!

When I purchased my Ipaq 1945 in January 2004 I was amazed by what it could do. Some of the highlights are fast speed , multi tasking , upgradeability, and the amazing color display. But after 4 months the Screen internally cracked after a hot sync. This unit was not dropped or impacted in anyway so I sent it back to Hp for a warranty repair. When the technician who received the unit first called me back , He said that the warranty would not cover the screen and that it would cost $280 (almost what it costs new) to fix it. After fighting with them they brought the repair price down to $130.00 , and after I threatened to file a complaint with the attorney generals office for not honoring their warranty they repaired it for $60.00. Three months after that the sound stopped working and it was sent back and they replaced the motherboard at no charge. Two days ago I just got it back and today while I was removing the unit (which is inside of a protective case) from my pocket the screen cracked again and hp again wants $200 to repair it. Now I'm stuck with pocket pc that I invested $360.00 into that is a peace of junk. I am now going to have to look into the consumer laws to see if there is any recourse I can take to get a refund or a warranty covered repair.
This unit should not break during normal use or handling
and if you go online to a search engine like google.com and type in Ipaq 1945 cracked screen you will find many other people who have the same problem and it occurs under the warranty period.
I advise every one to stay away from this product because of the cheap construction of the unit and the Bad customer Service from HP.

This is definitly a great handheld. I got it to replace my two-year old 3000 series Compaq PDA. It's about half the size, with a much better screen, and expandability. Every application I've tried works well (no problems with PocketPC 2003). I'm waiting on my bluetooth adapter to see how well it's going to work. The battery life is good, and can be improved by turning off the bluetooth and infrared connections.

My only minor complaints are 1) Non-standard headphone jack, 2) no slip case included, and 3) SD card plug . The jack has a ring of plastic around it, about two millimeters thick. I cannot figure out why HP's engineers couldn't figure out how to put in a real headphone jack, but if you're looking to use this as a multimedia device (it works well) the non-standard jack is a pain. Sound quality is really good through headphones, though. My other complaint is that they didn't include even the most basic protective cover with it. Since the nice case I've ordered won't be here for a couple of weeks, I had to run down to my local gargantuan electronics store and get a big clunky universal slip case to protect it for now, a waste of about ten bucks. Oh well.

My final very tiny complaint is that rather than a hinged door, they supply a plastic filler piece for the SD card slot. I've already managed to lose mine, so now if I don't have the card in there's a gaping hole in the top of the PDA.

Overall, these minor complaints don't touch the fact that this device costs less, weighs a lot less, and can run rings around my circa- 2001 ipaq. Definitly worth the money.

HP has a lot going with this PDA. The first thing anyone will probably notice is how small this Pocket PC is. It's actually slightly thicker than the Toshiba e330 series, but it's so much smaller otherwise that you'd never notice.

When using this PDA, you'll notice that the transflective screen is amazing; it's bright, uniform, and very clear; it's significantly better than any other manufacturer's Pocket PC screens.

Performance gets a boost, too. The combination of the Samsung 266 MHz processor and Windows Mobile 2003 means that there are no longer any performance issues, as there were with Pocket PC 2002. Videos play smoothly, games run well, and there is no longer any sluggishness evident.

The now SDIO-compliant slot and the built-in Bluetooth give decent expandability options. I wish HP had gone with built-in WiFi instead, but Bluetooth is better than nothing. Plus, you can always add an SD WiFi card later, if you want; that wasn't an option with older iPaqs.

Considering how small the battery is, the 1945 lasts a pretty long time. I haven't done any formal tests, but 2.5-3 hours of reading and playing games, with the screen set to full brightness, brought the battery down to 30%. A huge bonus is the built-in backup battery and the fact that the main battery is also replaceable.

Despite all the good stuff, the 1945 isn't without a few problems. The biggest one, which HP doesn't make immediately clear, is that they bundle Windows Mobile 2003 Professional edition, as opposed to the Premium edition. This means the loss of some features and programs, most notably Microsoft Reader. Fortunately, you can download and install this for free.

Another pretty annoying problem, for anyone who wants to use headphones, is that the 1945 has a 2.5 mm jack, as opposed to the standard 3.5. They do include an adapter, but who wants to carry that around?

The rest is really just nitpicking. HP includes 13 MB of non-volatile storage, which is really cool, but of the 64 MB of RAM that they advertise, only 56 is really available. I also didn't like the fact that they didn't include either a cradle or a protective cover. Lastly, the plastice battery cover feels a bit flimsy. It mounts on just fine, but when you take it off it feels really cheap and fragile.