Customer Reviews

HP iPAQ hx2755 Pocket PC

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just got the hx2755 a couple of days ago. Overall, I really like the PDA. It fits in your hand better than the 2200 that is replaces thanks to the wraparound rubber grip. The buttons are all in the same place that they were on the 2200 but look better on this model. The screen is big, bright and clear for a QVGA. As for performance, it rocks! I can surf the net faster via wi-fi faster than my old pentium II laptop can on the LAN. I have placed all the installed programs I have in the extra 128meg nonvolatile storage, so I don't have to worry about resetting the thing up if it crashes (more on crashes latter.) It's great for previewing images on a compact flash or SD card and I've even watched a couple of movie clips on it. The bluetooth and wi-fi have great range for a unit this size and were easy to set up. And of course, there's the security features. I set it up to lock when turned off. To unlock, all I have to do is swipe a finger. The fingerprint recognition is great on this unit and far more secure than the 4 digit "pin" I was forced to use to save time on my old 2200. Additionally, for the true PDA paranoid like myself, it has a automatic backup that can be configured to back up the entire devise if the battery gets too low. I can't count the number of times I lost all my data on the 2200 when I forgot to bring a spare battery on a weekend trip.

Now for the down side. It did crash several times and I had to do a complete reset. I finally traced it down to the new Windows Mobile 2003 SE and Calligrapher 7.4, they just won't play nice! Pity, Calligrapher is a great program, but once I removed it, the unit stopped freezing up. Additionally, you have to remember to turn the wi-fi off when you turn the hx2755 off or it will "wake" periodically and run down the battery. The included Microsoft Internet Explorer is better in the SE version but still isn't compatible with many secure sites like Wells Fargo and does sometimes close unexpectedly. Once again, Microsoft has given us a beta version as a "final" product. And last, the hx2755 is so new there are few dedicated accessories available.

Overall, if you don't need aVGA screen the HP hx2755 has more than enough features built in with room to grow. It's speedy and compact with plenty of security features designed for people who need their information to stay private.

This is the first PDA I've owned and after 3 weeks of research I decided on this one and couldn't be happier with my choice. Some features that I really like about this are as follows:

--the security features...I LOVE that only MY fingerprint (I use my thumb) can access my PDA. (my friends had a blast running their thumbs over the sensor trying and failing to get into it)
--there are four different ways to take notes: block, letter recgonizer, keyboard, and transcriber (which is what I use most frequently), and it also has the ability for you to use the stylus and have it record your notes in your own handwriting.
--It was also very easy to set up, although I had trouble at first because I was using my finger (not my fingernail) to try and align the screen, but once I started using my fingernail it was set up within a couple of minutes (you can also use the stylus to do this)
--There are two preinstalled games: Solitaire and Jawbreaker (which I love). This may not be important if you're a business person but I'm a college student and waiting for class to start can be boring business when there's no one to talk to.
--internet: I don't have wireless internet at my house but I do at school and I rather take this down to the coffee and browse the internet than my laptop. The internet on this works great, very fast.
--I also like that if I suddenly get this great idea on how to start my paper or anything else, I can key it up on this, sync it to my computer and view it on Word later. I haven't had a problem getting my files to convert from word or excel or notes on my pocket pc to Excel or Word on my computer
--Also with Activesync, downloading handheld pc compatible software couldn't be easier.
--There are two memory expansion slots (compact flash and SD) that are also very easy to use and comes in handy if you're the kind of person worried about disk space (which this has plenty of)
--I think the battery lasts a decent amount of time. The battery drain problem that people have mentioned shouldn't be a problem if you turn off the Bluetooth and WiFi feature when you turn it off. Another thing you could to keep this from being a battery draining problem is to set the device to turn off after so many minutes when it's on battery power. Then even if it wakes up for some reason, it will turn itself back off and not drain the battery.
--The cover that comes on this is very useful, I haven't had to buy a case for it yet but that is partly do the fact that I keep it in my purse or in a zippered portion of my backpack by itself. The plastic cover and fairly sturdy does a good job protecting the screen. I haven't dropped it yet, but I feel like that if I did, my screen would be protected. A case would be a good idea for anyone who tends to just toss their PDA in a bag as they walk out the door.

I have found this to be very useful for taking notes and staying organized while on the go. It reminds me of things I need to do and I can also keep a running tap of things I want and need to do.

I purchased HP IPAQ Hx2755 at the end of August 2005 from Fry's Electronics, however, the device had an older ROM version (June 5 2005).

I loved the unit - it encrypted my data which keeps it safe. This is a very important feature for me and is the reason why I bought this particular hand-held.

It also has much better password security by providing encrypted key as well as fingerprint technology (I decided not to use the fingerprint technology because what if I accidently cut my thumb does that mean I can't log in?).

Instead, I used encrypted key which is a very important and a necessary feature for me, and is also why I bought this particular device.

If you keep important information on your PDA like me, encrypting your data and encrypted key are both necessary. Both of these features worked efficiently - I just entered my pin when turning the device on.

This is my favorite hand-held on the market. I bought this device because of these two features - encrypted data and encrypted key, which I could not find anywhere else.

I read the Amazon reviews before purchasing the unit from Fry's but bought it anyway thinking that HP must have fixed the problems mentioned already. Unfortunately, I had the same problem with the on/off button that other readers described which surprised me because I've never had a problem with any HP hand-held before. My device did not easily turn off about 5% of the time over a two week period - I would press the off button several times and also hold the off button for several seconds but it still wouldn't turn off. Also, sometimes when it was turned on (while on battery), it would go to backpanel lighting (which is expected to save on the battery) but when I pressed the screen it did not light up as it should have (even though I had plenty of battery power around 80% left), so I was not able to read anything. Fortunately, a soft reset fixed this without destroying my data. But the problem kept reappearing. So I returned the unit.

After I returned the unit, I searched for a different hand-held to buy from any company (HP, Dell, etc.) but did not find one with encrypted data and encrypted key, so I decided to go back to pursuing the HP-2755.

I called HP technical support and asked them about the on/off button problem. I was informed that one small shipment had a bad batch of units where the on/off button didn't work. I called back to ask them if a new unit would be at any risk of having this problem too or have they fixed the on/off problem for sure and the technical support representative said that the on/off button problem was due to bugs in an older ROM version that shipped prior to June 20, 2005. The representative was very helpful. He said the ROM software controls the on/off switch and that the prior ROM version had off/on control bugs in it. I learned my unit shipped from HP on either June 15 or June 5, 2005 (I forgot which), so my PDA had the older buggy ROM version. He emailed me a link of the new ROM version, which I could have downloaded if I hadn't already returned my unit.

In conclusion, if you have an on/off button problem like I did, I was told the new ROM version fixes that bug so you might want to try it by downloading the new ROM from the link he gave me:
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/handheldiPAQ/us/revision/9019.html
I wish I had known this before returning it.

So, I am going to buy a new HP 2755 unit, but this time I will buy it from Amazon.

The HP 2755 has encrypted data and encrypted key - and I really need these features to keep my data safe.

Hope this information helps you.

First of all I must say that this Ipaq is very well made, the processor is very fast and the scrren display is very, very bright and sharp. The fingerprint security feature is much better than the one loaded on the old h5450. no need to do more than one fingerprint read to get this ipaq working. the security encription is very ggod but even with this fast processor each time it turns on it takes about 5 to 10 sec. to be ready for normal use after decrypting the information.

One of the features that made me decide between the AximX50V and this Ipaq is the amount of memory it has. After loading tons of software it still has 62Mb in Program memory and 36 mb available storage memory. I cant tell you how delighted I am with this device, I have installed two full lenght movies in 320X240 screen resolution on my 2Gb CF and they play perfectly. the only problem is the speaker volume wich is not so loud.

Pros.
*Lots, lots and lots of memory.
*sharp and bright screen.
*Fast, Very Fast 624mhz processor
*Reliable and usable fingerprint reader
*Double memory storage capacity (SD and CF slots)
*Upgradable to Windows Mobile 5.0
*Plastic transparent screen protector. (no need to buy a leather or additonal case.)

Cons.

*No VGA screen.
*Keeps turning on with no reason and drains the battery faster.
*One blue LED for Bluetooth and Wifi. (you cant tell wich one is on or if both are on)
*Not so great battery life.
*The ugliest in shape of all Ipaqs. (but who cares)
*Speaker volume is very low.

The hp hx2755 iPaq PocketPC is one sweet little machine. It is everything I hoped for and the biometric security features are fantastic.

Two concerns, however. First, the iPaq locks up every so often when it defaults to the biometric log-in screen. I'm not sure if this is a flaw in the basic hardware design or a result of a bug in the OS.

Second concern regards the OS. Per a number of "expert reviews," I upgraded from the installed Windows Mobile Edition 2003 to Windows Mobile Edition 2005. I haven't noticed any real performance bonus from upgrading at this point, but I'm still learning the ins & outs of the iPaq & its Windows-based OS (having been a Palm OS user for the last 10 years). But, anyone purchasing this unit and upgrading to Mobile 2005 should understand that some apps will not run. For instance, "Pocket Quicken for PocketPC" will not run. I'm waiting for a fix. But the basic unit and most software seem to be running quite well. The HP hx2755 is a keeper!

This PDA was my migration to Windows Mobile after 4-5 PDA's based on the Palm O/S....Overall I think this is an excellent product. I love the 'Today' screen that basically can hold the most important information I want - weather, time, schedule, etc. - all on the opening screen. I added 1 Gb of Flash Memory - nice way for me to hold pictures, music, etc. Voice recorder is also very useful. The idea of the fingerprint reader is cool, but I cannot say I use it or that it was a selling point. I have heard it works very well. The screen resolution is great for pictures of my kids, etc. - some people have complained about this, but I have certainly been happy.

The unit fits well into my hand, and is not heavy at all. This is totally subjective, but in my opinion it is very good in both categories.

I do not use this for email, but I DO use it with my calendar, to-do, etc. from Lotus Notes (we don't use Outlook at work). The system works great with IBM's EasySync Pro. No complaints there.

On the down side, there are a few annoyances. The first is that it occassionally turns on for no apparent reason, running down the battery and waking me in the middle of the night if I happen to leave it face up and near my bed (I am a "light sensitive" sleeper). I tried working with HP tech support, but every time I contacted them the immediate suggestion was a hard reset, forcing me to reload everything I have put onto it. I think this is a lame solution. If you search online, you will see this is an annoyance to many, many people - I'd expect HP to be able to address it better than "hard reset". I tried all the quick fixes I have read elsewhere, but it is still a problem. Not good if you are a frequent business traveler.

I am forced to soft reset the system occassionally, usually after playing music or using the browser. Not a big deal, but still annoying.

Final annoyance is the screen - I forgot to get the plastic screen covers with my initial order, and in the two weeks between using the system and when the covers arrived, the screen was all scrapped up! I don't press hard - i think it is a pretty weak screen that should be more durable than it is.

Overall, I like the system and would recommend it. But I would also recommend HP fix some of these little bugs if it hopes to keep getting $500+ for them.

Overall, great product with one major flaw. I have used this unit for 3 weeks and have experienced the following: It turns itself on for no apparent reason and drains the battery. If you are a frequent business traveler, this is a nightmare! I have been using PDA's for many years. This unit has great features, but this flaw is a big concern. HP says to hard re-set the unit. This requires you to re-load all of your settings and programs. Well, when you prefer to use this unit on the road instead of your laptop, you are out of luck. HP - Please fix this issue! Than I would rate it a "5" star unit.

The issue mentioned in the previous review regarding the conflict between calligrapher 7.4 and windows mobile 2003 SE appears not to be an issue on my machine, which I have had for about 10 days now. The system is completely stable. The crash experienced by the previous reviewer could only be due to other software conflicts.

And yes the machine rocks! Very happy right now.

l am writing this review on one now using the transcriber (better than any version of palm graffiti). The 2755 does have its share of quirks, but nothing that would tip the scales against it. The wireless surfing is great. If HP focuses on their pocket pcs and other great products such as the 2755 they will return to the profitable company that they once were.

Turns itself on for no reason at times -- very frustrating when you go to use it and find the battery is dead. Soft reset is something you will do regularly -- especially three to five times after synchronization. I would definitely not buy an HP handheld again at this point.

And, yes, I upgraded software, firmware, and synchronization software. Nothing changed. And, in hopes a new operating system and other upgrades would fix the problems, I let the one year warranty expire. That was a mistake. My previous Palm device was wholly reliable.