Some HP Accessory OptionsHewlett-Packard wasn't the First to Offer a Pocket PC that works like a laptop with a number of accessories and functionalities including built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, but now the company aims to dispel any doubts about its technological prowess. The $ 699.99 iPaq h5450 Pocket PC (known as the h5455 when sold at retail) raises the power-PDA bar by adding an impressive array of capabilities and advancements. As you might expect of a fully loaded handheld and accessory, this iPaq isn't lightweight. It tips the scales at 7.3 ounces and measures 5.4x3.3x0.6 inches. The h5450 has roughly the same dimensions as earlier iPaqs, so it's compatible with many of the line's accessory jackets. This handheld also packs the same sharp, 65,000-color, transflective TFT display that the iPaq 3900 series did. The unit is powered by a 400MHz Intel XScale processor, 64MB of built-in memory, and 48MB of ROM. Below the PDA's directional keypad is a biometric sensor, an accessory which allows you to record your fingerprint as a quick way to unlock the device. The unit also has an infrared port on top, next to a Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard slot. An AC charger, a syncing cradle, and a dongle to charge the removable battery while traveling are included as well. With modern accessories and both Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless networking built-in, this iPaq has the makings of a complete laptop. Performance-wise, however, the iPaq is a mixed bag. Although it excels at running games, playing music, and rendering MPEG files, the device often crashed with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled. With the backlight set to 50 percent brightness, the iPaq was able to play MP3s for an adequate 3 hours and 10 minutes, but with Wi-Fi turned on, the battery ran dry in just 1 hour and 39 minutes. The fully loaded but hefty HP iPaq h5450 Pocket PC will have strong appeal for its target audience: corporate customers and mobile professionals who must have the latest and greatest. Cost-conscious consumers may find this Pocket PCs price too high and its flaws significant. TIP Stylish Pockets Dress up your Pocket PC by downloading vibrant and even animated palmtop themes at Web sites like Microsoft's Pocket PC site (www.pocketpc.com) or PocketPC Themes (www.pocketpcthemes.com). PROS Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; fingerprint scanner; smooth multimedia performance CONS Frequent crashes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth enabled; Wi-Fi drains battery |