HP iPAQ 1945 Pocket PC

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.


The best PocketPC to come along in a long time   August 16, 2003
67 out of 69 found this review helpful

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.


Mighty Mite - HP does it right!   August 20, 2003
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Looking for a Pocket PC(PPC) with the power to handle your most graphic intensive tasks, but the form factor you loved in your Palm V? HP has finally built it - the Ipaq 1945!

I must say that I didn't set out to buy the 1945. I had my eyes on the Ipaq 2215. I was looking for a PPC that would double as a gameboy using PocketSNES. Although PPC's released as little as 3 months ago couldn't run PocketSNES fast enough to be playable, I was promised that the new Intel processor in the 2215 would. So I took a trip to my local retailer to check it out. Long story short, the 2215 performed as promised, but my eye was caught by the 1945. With a 'what the heck' I popped my memory card into the slot and fired it up, thinking that the 266mhz Samsung processor couldn't possibly compete with the 400mhz Intel. Boy was I surprised when the [money amount]performed just as well as the 2215. This thing had some power! I then tried a video that had been choppy on my previous (300mhz Intel) PPC. It ran smooth as butter. I was sold.

I've now used the 1945 for about a month and I couldn't be happier. This thing has handled every task I could throw at it. It's onboard memory is as large as any other currently available PPC, but it is faster than almost all of them (do a web search to see what the benchmark numbers say). The screen is bright, clear, and well saturated, if a little on the yellow side. I thought Bluetooth would be pretty useless until I connected for the first time. I can now sync the Ipaq without a cable or cradle, and wirelessly surf the internet from my couch. Very Cool. With the [money amount]I saved by choosing this model over the 2215, I was able to purchase an extra snc-n-charge cable, an aluminum case, and a Bluetooth Dongle for wireless connection to my PC.

I highly recommend this PPC to...I was going to say budget conscious buyers, but since this outperforms PPC's costing hundreds more...everyone looking for a powerful handheld that will fit comfortably in your pocket.


Couldn't be happier   September 28, 2003
Wm J. Milosh (Oxford, MA United States)
15 out of 18 found this review helpful

After doing a little homework, I replaced a Palm m105 with a new iPaq 1945. I couldn't be happier. I use the iPaq for backing up household Quicken finances, mapping, storage of pictures, and contacts, etc. I added eWallet for all the information it stores and encrypts. I added MS Reader and use it to read when I'm shopping with my wife. I added a dictionary for those words I'm not familiar with. Sync'ing data with my laptop is super easy. I haven't experienced any shortage of battery power even though I set the screen backlighting on high. I carry some spreadsheet data on the pocket edition of Excel. I carry more information on the pocket edition of Word. Even though the manufacturer recommends against keeping storage cards inserted in the iPaq due to power issues, I haven't experienced any undue power usage with a storage card kept in the iPaq. I'm happy.


An outstanding Pocket PC!   September 18, 2003
C. Kmiec (Wheaton, IL United States)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is truly a great Pocket PC. Due to it's size it is truly the first PDA that I can carry in my front pocket and not feel like a geek.

PLUSES:
- the 266MHz Samsung CPU makes it one of the fastest PDAs on the market, faster than most 400MHz X-Scale models. Most discussion boards on the web rave about the speed of this PDA, putting it as #1 or #2 PDA out there.

- The screen is gorgeous: very bright, excellent contrast, rich colors. SEE MINUES.

- The SD slot is SDIO, so that you can add many devices besides the memory cards, like a WiFi adapter, etc.

- Built-in Bluetooth. Great if you have a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, or you can buy a Bluetooth USB dongle for the PC and share the internet connection around the house for cheap.

- Part of the ROM available for back-up (up to 14Mb) so even if the battery runs out you can preserve your data.

MINUES:
- the screen has one issue: If viewed off center (from the top or bottom) there is some yellowing of the screen. The severity varies from unit to unit, and some people aren't bothered by it at all, while some can't stand it. I personally don't see it as a problem at all.

- No cradle or case. While at this price I can understand that the cradle hasn't been included (just a Sync cable), there should be at least a simple slip-on case. Or better yet, the screen should have a cover, like the old and sorely-missed HP Jornada 560 series.

Overall this is the first Pocket PC device that has all I need at the right price, and most importantly, the right size.