Gavins Gadgets – Review of HP-4700

Welcome to my next edition of Gavins Gadgets.

If you are a Palm user, sit down before you continue reading this article.

I have changed my PDA to the new HP-4700.

Previously, I used a Palm Tungsten T3. But for all those Palm OS users questioning my logic, it was a carefully planned exercise. I am sure you will have read the technical specification of the 4700 , but in a nutshell it has a 624mhz chip, Windows Mobile SE and loads of memory. And despite its huge processor battery life is amazing compared to my T3. I spent 40 minutes on the train this morning with bluetooth on, surfing the internet and listening to music. My battery level had drop to 93%. And if your main battery dies, the reserve battery retains your data for 72 hours.

My initial thoughts concerned the operating system and loss of software. Many rumours circulate with the continuous soft-reset problem with Windows Mobile and that it’s not as easy to use as Palm OS. My other thought was the potential loss of software. On the part of software, I have found that the equivalent windows software is superior to that of palm os. For example, Avantgo not only displays clearer but it is integrated into windows explorer. Also software normally comes out first on windows mobile. This also applies to the hardware accessories. A good example is a Wi-Fi SD card. And on the soft reset issue, I am still waiting. In fact the only soft reset I have is using the iPaq Backup program. It soft rests the PDA after every backup..

Prior to my purchase, I spoke to as many people I knew with a Pocket PC and developers. Developers can give a very good insight into windows mobile. Then I emailed all the software companies and asked whether it was possible to have a code for their equivalent in windows mobile. Half of my software cost nothing to move and the rest I could purchase at a discount. The main loss is games, but with over 300 games , losing 50% is still not a hardship. But remember this point , the HP-4700 contains a huge amount of inbuilt software. I was also allowed to try the 4700 for about 30 minutes at Micro Anvika in Tottenham Court Road, London. This was very helpful as I was able to learn how to pair my Sony K700i mobile and then connect to the internet etc using bluetooth. Micro Anvika also had a wireless network which enabled me to test the wifi capabilities of the 4700. In fact, it is only the loss of a few games that has transpired.

I actually ended up buying the 4700 from Micro Anvika.

So 12 hours later…here’s my thoughts.

Firstly, the screen is simply stunning. Everything is far easier to read. Let me give an example. Avantgo is full screen and stunning hi-res. Even programs not designed for a VGA screen are stretched to fill the screen. Pictures and movies are visually sharper and clearer. Even games are stunning. Games like GTS Racing or Space Combat look better on the 4700 than my Palm Tungsten T3.

The trackpad is very simple to use. I find that it is possible to carry out basic tasks without using the stylus. Playing games that is a little harder on the touchpad but I have managed GTS Racing (fairly easy) and Space Combat (easy). The trackpad has 2 operation modes; a traditional navigator or cursor. The cursor mode is exactly the same experience to using a laptop with a trackpad.

The cradle is a very neat affair and looks very professional. The power lead can be unplugged and with the aid of a supplied adapter converts into a power charging lead in its own right.

The ability to multitask without having to close the applications is quite impressive although I would like the option to exit programs properly. I have found that several games for example Bejeweled by Astraware, have the option to exit the game which stops it running in the background.

My last task will be to install some clever today program that changes the today page and creates an easier user experience. However, at present I am just getting used to the operation and new features and will probably wait a week or two before installing this. As a small bonus, my 4700 came with 4 Ipaq points which is worth about $40. So I will be able to buy this and a game for nothing.

I mainly use bluetooth for most wireless connection and wi-fi a train stations or internet cafes. All the wireless functions work flawlessly. On my mobile phone, I have a data bundle.My monthly allowance is 125mb.

Some of the installed software that I have found useful is iTask. This enables quick launching or quick commands. For example , close all apps or rotate the screen etc.. The 4700 is equipped with Pocket Informant Lite which is similar to Agendus or Datebook5. I use this quite heavily. Also, another program Clearvue PDF, allows PDF’s to be read natively. This is not possible on any palm os pda. Also another application is ClearVue Presentation which displays Powerpoint files natively. In fact the HP4700 is such a clear screen it is possible to use the PDA instead of a laptop. When presenting a powerpoint.

The list of installed software is very extensive. If I had a wish list I would have liked a IR Remote program for my TV, Video etc and a London Tube Map.

I am still learning all the quirks and functionality of the 4700. It will probably take another 2-3 months, but to be honest its leap years ahead of my T3, and the truth is painful for some. And its got a replaceable battery.J

Review by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond - Feedback / Enquiries to gavin (at) pda247 (dot )com.