Customer Reviews

HP iPAQ 5455 Pocket PC

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Well, let me begin by saying that I researched all of the PDAs on the market including Palm products and came away that this unit would be the best choice out there due to its 80211b connectivity. I primarily use Windows and as such though it would be a great tool to use to keep track of my contacts, Outlook messages, and to even sometimes use the IE browser capabilities remotely. After getting the unit, setting it up, and using it for several weeks I ended up returning it. Here's why, 1) The battery power is horrible if you use BlueTooth or the 80211b. I primarily wanted the unit to connect to my Outlook both at home and at work and I found the battery lifetime to be just short of two hours when using the 80211b (with BlueTooth turned off). This made it really tough to be able to attend a long meeting and rely on the 5455 for my email. Yes I could have carried optional battery packs, but I didn't want to do that. After all if this unit is supposed to be all encompassing then I shouldn't need to carry gear with me to support it. 2) The reliability of the wireless is not without its faults. Quite often I had to do soft resets - it got to the point that somewhere between 20-30 percent of the time a soft reset was required. 3) The Pocket PC operating system, particularly the aspects related to wireless connectivity and connectivity with the AutoSynch mechanism are not flawless in their implementation - you'll find problems connecting, you'll lose connections, and if you have more than one email service/account then you'll have to manually switch each time to get mail from each of the accounts. 4) I noticed the current incarnation of the Pocket PC OS have problems with slowing down in CPU speed when adding more applications to the unit. This is somewhat expected that as you add apps the OS will slow down, but adding just a handful of standard apps to the 5455 brought the peppy default speed of the unit down to almost intolerable. Again, since these were my primary reasons for purchasing the unit if the synching and wireless didn't work perfectly then there was little point in keeping the 5455. After three weeks of giving the 5455 every effort that I could make a case for keeping it I came to the conclusion that it did not meet my needs. A few weeks later I still do not in any way regret the decision of returning it. Taking into consideration the cost of the unit and the poor reliability and short battery life it just didn't make sense for me. I'll wait till HP come out with better battery technology that actually lasts with wireless and I'll wait till Microsoft come out with their next implementation of the OS which will hopefully synchronize and generally work more reliably. Perhaps by the time this happens then we'll have a version available which is built into a digital telephone - this would be an even more practical and useful real-world solution.

This should have been the ideal PocketPC for me. With built-in Bluetooth and Wifi, it is a networking powerhouse without the need for sleds. Unfortunately, there appear to be severe production problems with this unit.

I purchased one and had to return it due to frequent lockups. Sure, it's Windows - it crashes, but this was obscene. I booted between 7 and 20 times per day! I returned the unit assuming that I had a bad unit and the other one was the same way. Another collegue bought one and it went totally dark after two weeks. We are zero for three.

The CompUSA store looked it up on the computer and noted 13 returns in 22 days. This unit is a disaster. Perhaps in a few months after a ROM pack is released this will be good, but the current (23-Feb-2003) version of 1.00.45 should never have been released.

While an attractive package with built in wireless (Blue Tooth, 802.11B), fingerprint recognition (for enhanced security and easy login), HP has in fact delivered a mess.

The saga thus far: Upon delivery the unit was delivered with a stack of supplement manuals and addendums describing the add-on features, however there was no manual for the Pocket PC 2003 operating system. The manual is 160+ pages, and hidden on the CD as a PDF file (although my first round with tech support couldn't find it on the CD, and pointed me to the web site - where he couldn't find it either!) It was explained to me that the O/S is provided by a third party vendor (Microsoft), and therefore HP isn't responsible for it! Right... (Never mind that it is essential to the unit, and is useless without it!) Further, attempts to move the PDF to the iPAQ so it can be read with Adobe Acrobat Reader for the Pocket PC when needed proved useless. I personally think this is inexcusable - I shouldn't have to download the file to a PC, keep the PC with me at all times, so I can have access to it when I have a problem with the Pocket PC - or print out a 160 page book on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper and figure out how to carry it with me. (Kind of defeats the purpose of having a pocket PC!) The unit needs to be delivered with this basic tool.

Next: The unit filed after 2 hours of use. It turned itself on while in my briefcase, got extremely hot, and completely locked up. The 5450 would not reset. Turns out that HP will not send a replacement (unless you want to pay for an additional warranty), so it disappeared for a week and a half (vice the 3 days that were promised when I called technical support). When it was returned, I was informed that they couldn't duplicate the error, so they did nothing. I have since determined that the optional leather executive case sold by HP was designed so that it can readily touch the overly sensitive power switch - turning the unit on so it will overheat and run the battery dead. If I don't use the ... leather case (sold by HP for the 5450, it is much less prone to turning itself on and overheating!
The handwriting recognition is poor and difficult to tailor. As often as not, the unit will not exit the keyboard mode without a system reset. (BTW, I find I do 7-8 resets a day at this point between this problem, memory card problems, and wireless problems.)

As for the wireless - I have gottent it to work exactly once. After numerous calls to technical support, I have managed to get it to work with one of four wireless networks. According to tech support, the unit will not tolerate 802.11G in the area. They consider it a problem with the 802.11G standards, never mind that my other 802.11B devices are working with no difficulty! It gets worse! The configuration for each network involves multiple control panels that are scattered throughout the O/S, counter-intuitive and poorly documented. You won't gett any help from the FAQ's or technical support web site either. For instance, if you should manage to get the wireless to recognize a network, you then need to go through the network settings control panel, and indicate in three different drop-down boxes that you are connecting at "work" (rather than the "internet" or "home"). Use of any other setting will effectively prevent the device from using the wireless, and requires you to configure a modem (never mind that the whole point of wireless is to avoid using a modem, or you may need different wireless configuration settings at different locations)! (Why work=wireless has yet to be explained to me by technical support.) Clear yet? I thought not...

The latest saga has to do with the SD memory card. It cannot be written to or have the existing files deleted. Suspecting a corrupt file, I tried to find information on formatting the card (or any other information on the memory cards) on the HP web site. There was none. When I called technical support, they informed me that every SD card needed to be formatted before it was used. (Again, nothing in the user guide or the web site). Further, there was no utility provided by HP to do this! I needed to go to a another vendor's web site, and BUY this utility separately (even though it was REQUIRED before I could use the card - even the one HP sold me with the 5450!. Despite my better judgment, I bought the utility - and low and behold - it doesn't work either. Again, how HP can justify not including a basic utility that is required to use the device eludes me.

Finally, this was one of two units I bought for evaluation in my laboratory. The other I gave to my network systems engineer. His story isn't any happier. In addition to the issues I have encountered, his problems have centered around that expansion pack, and the fact that they are such a poor fit, that the unit constantly sees the battery in the expansion pack as going dead (because it fits so poorly) that the unit keeps shutting down. Any devices plugged into the expansion pack are constantly seen as being removed and installed - requiring numerous resets as things try to reload.

We have also bought the new Viewsonic pocket PCs and Casios for evaluation. They have been an order of magnitude more reliable that the HP iPAQ 5450, despite (because) fewer features, and further came with complete documentation. None of these have failed to date, nor have we had an issue requiring our contacting technical support.

Our conclusion: the HP iPAQ 5450 is a poorly executed design, lacking basic documentation, with poor support, and should therefore be avoided at all costs.

I've been a long time Palm user starting with a Pro and owning 6 or 7 since, most recently an M515. The screen was what first attracted me to this unit plus the wireless network, well, it 'sort of' worked for a month, but I've had enough. This unit seems like it would be a good idea, but isn't. Installation and initial sync went very smooth, but that was only the beginning.
DAY 1: First day carrying it, it locked up solidly - it wouldn't turn off or soft reset, I didn't have the CD w/the manual on it (bad idea) with me, so I didn't know how to hard reset. I tried taking the battery off, but the unit just came back on (in it's locked up state) when the battery was reinstalled - so I just let it die. I spent that evening getting it running again and trying to get the wireless networking to connect to my Linksys WAP11. After fiddling way too much, I finally got my mail and MSN Messenger to work, but not the browser. Finally I called HP's support site and was warned that any help he gave me was on a 'best try only' basis - no promises - we couldn't get the thing to work.
DAY 2: I left the wireless networking enabled and went to work - the battery was completely dead by Noon - with wireless enabled the battery seems to have a painfully short life. So I spent that evening restoring it again. I went to HP's website and found an external battery ...

Perfect huh? - Ordered this puppy immediately - only to find it only works with the expansion pack which adds expansion slots, but also a LOT of bulk - just to have a reasonable battery life? I called HP to return it and the agent sent me to the parts department for a second battery to carry. .... he assured me that I didn't have the skills to replace the battery. I told him that it just had a little latch on it and it flipped out and I was quite sure I could handle it. He replied that the case was sealed and that no one but HP was authorized to open it. I told him that tech support had asked me to remove the battery to retrieve the serial number from the label under it and didn't see the problem with removing it. He was then VERY annoyed, told me that I didn't know what I was talking about, and hung up. I figured that there will be higher capacity batteries in the aftermarket soon.

Now it's over 3 weeks later and although I haven't missed any meetings or anything because this thing failed me, I've come close, and instead of just grabbing my Palm and using it without giving it any thought, I find myself reaching for it and wondering if it's going to work. I finally decided I've had enough. I picked out one of the new [brand name] Palm OS units w/MP3 and ordered it. I then decided to call HP and see if they would consider a return for a one month old order - they did so without hesitation - they looked at their records and saw that I had several tech support contacts on it, appologized that it didn't work out and even sent FedEx with a pickup tag.

The Palm is by far a better platform for simple organizer tasks, but the PPC 'horsepower' is great when using spreadsheets and the like - I thought I could have both.

...

I purchased the iPaq 5455 one year ago, directly from HP when it first hit the market, paying $649 plus $200 for a 3 year top of the line warranty. I have had several problems with the unit. Starting with the display on the unit going out only after a month or two of receiving it. The next problem was with the battery loosing its charge. Most recently, I have been having the recurring problem of the unit locking up not powering on. And like others, I have never been able to sync my info wirelessly.

I have placed several calls to tech support. I have troubleshooted the unit while on the phone with them and even sent the unit in for repair a month ago, in which I did not get a replacement unit, although my extended warranty states that I should. I received the unit back from repair and the documentation stated that no parts were replaced. Knowing that I definitely had a problem with the unit, I called tech support to see what was repaired. I was told a big lie that the battery was changed and the ENC part was replaced. Looking at my unit now, I see that it is the same battery that I had when I sent it in for repair.

Thinking that all was fixed with my unit, I downloaded all of my information. The next day I experienced the same problem with the unit not powering on with the power button. I placed another call to tech support in which the tech and myself troubleshooted the unit. The tech told me to hard boot my unit which erased all of my data. I was told not to install the one 3rd party software that I had installed to monitor the situation. I once again reinstalled my information without the 3rd party software. Again, my unit would not power on. Again, I called tech support and angrily described my situation.

Finally, the tech tells me that I will be sent a REFURBISHED unit. I received the refurbished unit two days ago and encountered the same problem once I loaded all of my data on to it. HP tech support has you to hard reset the unit to erase all data, which appears to make the unit work properly, but once the data is loaded, the problems begin. Today I called tech support and told them I am returning the refurbished replacement unit and keeping my original to see what their customer care department does to satisfy me.

I purchased the unit because I felt it would be an asset to my busy professional life, but it has been nothing but a hassle. I have sent several email complaints to HP customer support and finally to the CEO Carly Fiorina. I got a reply email from her address stating that someone would be in contact with me.

Each call and every email, I have gotten the same script of "we apologize for your inconvenience". The tech support department located in India is very unhelpful and they speak to you as if you were an idiot.

The unit has some slick features, but right now I am very dissatisfied and frustrated.

I got this last week (3rd week of January 2003), and had trouble getting it connected to my Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router. I have heard complains from other users on the same problem, so it is clearly not an isolated case. HP said it was due to the duality in the 802.11b + 802.11g standard. Don't know if they are still going to work on that, or leave me to get another Wireless Router (*ouch*). I don't know if anyone did manage to get theirs working. Some users seem to be having some problems hooking up to their Netgear Wireless Routers.

Other than that, the Bluetooth (BT) works perfectly fine, including Internet over BT, as long as you don't have too high an expectation about speed via BT. It works fine. That's all I can say.

The Universal Remote is a beauty. It can learn additional controls straight from your remote control. Seems like goodbye to all my remote controls and any other Universal Remotes. But don't take my word for it.

Seems compliant to the Dual CF Sleeve (Expansion Jacket) that I had, but I heard of compatibility issues with the GSM/GPRS sleeve, and some GPS sleeve. Do obtain a HCL before you buy any sleeves.

It is SDIO compliant, so it means having less bulky sleeves and CF cards when the other manufacturers kick in. Not (much) faster than the 39xx. Other than these, it's basically quite the same with other iPaqs. Others' views may differ...

I've owned the Ipaq 5455 for about a month now and after a rough initial week, I love it and use it regularly without experiencing the crashing most people mention.

Why it's great:
(1) Durability: This Ipaq is extremely well built. The case that comes with it allows me to toss it into my backpack without worries. Handle the 5455 in one hand and any competitor's product in the other, you'll feel the difference.
(2) Usefulness: I love what I can do on this platform. Having pocket versions of Microsoft products available on the fly is great. When waiting for appointments, I'm able to work on spreadsheets, make lists, enter receipts into Pocket Money, or pass time by playing games.
(3) Expandability: Ipaq products are definitely the way to go if you are interested in a product that is truly expandable. Unlike Dell, where you must purchase all of the Axim's peripherals from them, Ipaq peripherals are available everywhere. Ultimately, this saves money as vendors compete for your business.
(4) Portability: The Ipaq may not be the lightest Pocket PC, but it feels the most portable in part because it's so durable. Other lighter Pocket PCs tend to be made primarily of brittle plastics that feel susceptible to wear and tear (making them more likely to be left at home). With the addition of a hefty SD memory card and built in Wifi and Bluetooth, I have no need for a compact flash expansion pack, keeping this gem light.
(5) Power: This handheld is powerful. It feels like a real computer and programs are zippy. With expanded memory, it's almost like having a miniature laptop.

Some stumbling blocks that could be improved with better documentation (includes tips):
(1) Very poor documentation. The lack of a solid manual makes start up with the Ipaq quite difficult and not for the faint of heart. I was fortunate to have a friend who is a technical account manager at Microsoft set mine up for me.
(2) Wifi was initially fussy. Getting the Ipaq to work with my Linksys 801.11g wireless network required a hack (also performed by my friend). TIP: Be sure to check sources online to ensure compatibility before you buy. Also, be sure to turn Wifi off when you don't need it. Not only does it save you from using precious battery life, but it's a good habit to get into to system resources.
(3) Memory management was initially awkward and required soft and hard resets. Fortunately, my friend showed me a lesser known Ipaq TIP: From the Settings controls, click on the "System" tab and then the "Memory" control panel. Once in the "Memory" control panel, click on the "Running Programs" tab. Select "Stop All". This will close down all running programs and virtually eliminates the need for hard and soft resets. TIP: Get a sizeable SD card and keep all of your non-system files and programs on it. This will make a world of difference. I bought a 256 MB card at a big-box retailer for a song and I haven't had memory issues since.
(4) Less than steller battery life. TIP: By turning the screen brightness down and disabling Wifi and sound when I don't need it, I've been able to greatly extend the battery life of this unit.

All in all, I'm very happy with the 5455. HP just needs to work on a smoother transition period for new users with better documentation and I'm sure this unit will be a classic.

I received this unit 2 months ago. I transferred all my software and data from my older IPAQ 3955. I then left unit off and in drawer over weekend, when I checked it on Monday the unit had completely discharged the battery and lost everything.

I investigated this and HP web indicated what the problem and work around till the patch is released.

I used unit for a couple of weeks, other problems were discovered, memory error if unit is placed in cradle with WIFI or Bluetooth on, this requires soft reset to correct.

Unit locks up several times a day and soft reset needed to get it going, Some times hard resets needed loosing all data.

This unit spent 1 month as a drawer queen because it was so unreliable.

On June 6 HP released BIOS version 1.11.13, I installed this update, This update fixes the battery, Virtual memory problem, and many other problems that this unit had. After installing this update I have not had the unit lock-up since.

HP should have tested the software more thoroughly before releasing it on the unsuspecting public.

I use my pocket pc constantly. I have a Journada 568 and my recently acquired 5455. The display on the 5455 is much better than the Journada's, but otherwise the Journada is the superior product. With a processor running half the speed it operates much, much faster than the 5455. Especially when accessing expanded memeory. The 5455 is 'buggy', and you have to soft reset it after each backup operation. Getting it to work with a wireless network will probably require you to make settings changes that are completely undocumented and which the software that comes with the unit won't do. (Get the tech support number out right away if you're going to have to hook up to a wireless network.) Once set up, though, the wireless network access has actually been pretty painless. Additionally, I had to take my original unit back for replacement because one of the display's LEDs stopped working, and the autobrightness feature on the unit I currently have is broken, with the display frequently refusing to turn on even in dark rooms. Heaven help you if you try to find help on HP's website. It's not there, and you couldn't find it if you wanted to. To sum it up the only reason I can see for buying a 5455 (unless you need the wireless access features) is the display. It is glorious. But, without a doubt these are beta units that shouldn't have been released until they ran better. If you don't need the wireless feature run, don't walk, to another company's units - or find a Journada 568 for sale somewhere and feel lucky if you can buy it.

I've been using my iPAQ for about a week now. I have had an Aero and a 3800 series iPAQ in the past. I will say that they have finally grown up. This product has all the niceties that I enjoy. I have the Bluetooth talking to my Sony Ericsson phone. This allows me to get out onto the Internet using the AT&T GSM network which is a VERY nice feature for me. The 802.11 access is great at home or the office, but I don't surf the internet much on the device, mostly just Pocket Portals or pages formatted for the smaller screen. I am amazed at the number of sites that are formatted this way. Even Amazon! The screen is very bright and crisp, much easier to read than prior models. The Media Player is great and really

Now for the complaint...

The unit seems to have been slammed together in a hurry. The features are awesome but don't always play nice in the sandbox together. I have not seen the horrible slowness that others have complained about, but with all the apps I have loaded I can say that it's faster than my 3800 was. The reason I don't see it is perhaps the fact that I use the Itask manager to close the apps I'm finished with. One of the most infuriating things for me is the refusal of the Bluetooth and/or WLAN drivers to start due to lack of memory. The soft reset fixes the issue, but I would be curious to hear how much memory is required to start these. I have a LOT of free unit memory. All of the unit's shortcomings do not detract from the usefulness of the device for me. I think that HP has some bug fix releases they need to get started on though.

Overall I'm very pleased with the device and would recommend it if you can deal with a few minor annoyances.