HP iPAQ 214 unboxed! |
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Mark mentioned the HP iPAQ 214 Enterprise Handheld briefly last week and I must admit that I wondered if a 'classic' PDA design really had any place in todays market when you can have a mobile device, that will take a SIM card, that can do the job just as well. However, judging by your emails and comments, there are still plenty of you out there that are looking for a decent PDA with a large screen and where Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity is enough.
On that basis then the iPAQ 214 seems to be a good device, has a large clear display and plenty of CPU power. We've got our 'Enterprise Man', John, reviewing the device at the moment so here is our unbox video:
HP iPAQ 214 unboxed
HP iPAQ 214 Specification:
HP iPAQ 200 Series Enterprise Handheld is a powerful, large screen PDA with Wi-Fi, that is well-suited to run a broad range of business applications.
Designed with business in mind, there is much to appreciate about the sophisticated design of the iPAQ 214.
The iPAQ 214 has a large 4-inch TFT touch screen display for improved visibility in a variety of environments. Further expansion comes from the SDIO slot and USB connections making this device the ideal solution for communication and mobile office.
Integrated IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking allows Internet and email access at the office or other Wi-Fi hot spots in airports, cafes and hotels. Whilst with Bluetooth, you can connect your iPAQ 214 to peripherals like headsets and keyboards.
Posted by: Matt
[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, iPAQ, HP]
Permalink20 comments
Comment from: Justin [Visitor]
So to sum up, its big, no desk cradle, no flip up screen protector, cant be charged from USB, did i say its big?
And this is HP trying to progress and move forward with a new device? seems like they have just come up with a basic budget PDA. and who wants one of those these days?
And this is HP trying to progress and move forward with a new device? seems like they have just come up with a basic budget PDA. and who wants one of those these days?
10/02/08 @ 08:54
Comment from: dave [Visitor]
me! :)
I want a device for mobile video, sat nav and wifi internet access. This looks to do all of the above. I'lll wait and see how it does in the full review though.
Thanks guys
I want a device for mobile video, sat nav and wifi internet access. This looks to do all of the above. I'lll wait and see how it does in the full review though.
Thanks guys
12/02/08 @ 02:33
Comment from: Pedro [Visitor]
This also suits me down to the ground! I'll be running Outlook hooked up to my work exchange server... ALWAYS! No need for a phone, that's in my other pocket. And besides, I need a phone that I can stuff in a tiny little pocket whilst I'm out riding (my bike), but also need a large screen device for the exchange stuff. Perfect. I might be tempted with the whole GPS thing later too.
12/02/08 @ 23:13
Comment from: John Hughes [Visitor]
Been using the iPaq 214 since 28th January. Excellent buy. And did he say, "It was big?" Well 4-inch screens don't fit on 2-inch devices. 4-inch VGA touchscreen and integrated Wi-Fi were my main requirements. I also like keeping phone and camera separate from PDA, but use iPaq for email and SMS via Outlook and Simple SMS for Pocket PC. Fantastic! Thanks HP for giving us a real world device.
17/02/08 @ 11:47
Comment from: Mikinw [Visitor]
I always hated those manufacturers who think the smaller is better. Well, a VGA screen can't be smaller than 3.5 inch (not technologically but practically). Small vga screen is for stupid snobs.
I like this model.
I like this model.
18/02/08 @ 14:22
Comment from: Timbo [Visitor]
Correct! I bought a UX50 a while ago and it has a tiny VGA screen. But that is completely useless, it is just too small.
19/02/08 @ 17:40
Comment from: Ish [Visitor]
i found that the 214 had really delayed responce with touching the screen. its as though you have to push through a membrane in order for the PDA to respond. I have also got a dell axim 51V with is miles better than this HP
Also, i need to get a cradle for the 214 ipaq. does anyone know where i can get one that is compatible?
thanks
Also, i need to get a cradle for the 214 ipaq. does anyone know where i can get one that is compatible?
thanks
20/02/08 @ 19:39
Comment from: finfeature [Visitor]
I've got an HP HX4700. It seems like the 214 is a minor(?) upgrade on that. Thank goodness that the touchpad has gone, and now there are proper buttons. THIS is -almost-the machine of my dreams. Make it bigger...5-5.5 inch screen. LOL.
I only use my pda as an ebook reader, so love the vga. ----Why can we get a dedicated ebook reader (one that will read anything and everything, like a pda) in this country.
I've just about have worn out my 4700, and have been trying to lay hands on a new one.
This is IT.
I only use my pda as an ebook reader, so love the vga. ----Why can we get a dedicated ebook reader (one that will read anything and everything, like a pda) in this country.
I've just about have worn out my 4700, and have been trying to lay hands on a new one.
This is IT.
12/03/08 @ 01:03
Comment from: Hard reset [Visitor] · http://www.hardreset.eu/index_en.html
You can charge the device via miniUSB port. You can set it in Windows
HP iPAQ 214 hard reset here:
http://www.hardreset.eu/hp_ipaq_214_hard_reset_soft_reset_en.html
HP iPAQ 214 hard reset here:
http://www.hardreset.eu/hp_ipaq_214_hard_reset_soft_reset_en.html
19/03/08 @ 21:37
Comment from: Aiken Drum [Visitor]
I agree with finfeature - I use my current hx4700 for reading ebooks because the large high res screen is perfect for that (use mobipocket - great app). I am thinking seriously about 'upgrading' to the 214, when I can find some spare cash.
Just a note to say that ipaqrepair.co.uk will buy back second hand ipaqs - i should get around £150 for my old hx4700.
Just a note to say that ipaqrepair.co.uk will buy back second hand ipaqs - i should get around £150 for my old hx4700.
24/04/08 @ 19:21
Comment from: Gothting [Visitor]
(please forgive the spelling) OK im using This PDA as basically a portably notepad, the reason for this is i have earning difaculties that serverly impair my litracy (basically unable to handrightor spell to an aceptable level)
Allwas thought a PDA would be of use to me as i work in the theatre Indestry so im moving around lots, allways on my feet and so on, (was recommended a laptop but you try walking around atheatre taking quick notes and climbing laders with one of those things).
Natrually having a lager screen was the major buying factor for a PDA, but needing wireless bluetooth nad some fore of expandable memory is also a must have.
The 214 ticked all thease boxes.
And since i am a techno-geek being able to watch dvd (with conversion) and use as a mp3 player is just a bonus
nice review by the way covered all the main elements abought the device and yes its really big.
Allwas thought a PDA would be of use to me as i work in the theatre Indestry so im moving around lots, allways on my feet and so on, (was recommended a laptop but you try walking around atheatre taking quick notes and climbing laders with one of those things).
Natrually having a lager screen was the major buying factor for a PDA, but needing wireless bluetooth nad some fore of expandable memory is also a must have.
The 214 ticked all thease boxes.
And since i am a techno-geek being able to watch dvd (with conversion) and use as a mp3 player is just a bonus
nice review by the way covered all the main elements abought the device and yes its really big.
29/04/08 @ 23:04
Comment from: DT [Visitor] · http://www.btinternet.com
What? Won't charge from USB? If you read the manual (if you work in IT, that's one of the little white books that came with the device. You'll find it shrink-wrapped in the box) it tells you that you have to give it an initial charge for 2 - 4 hours. Once charged, you can charge with the USB (fast or slow option). It would be better with a readily available cradle from HP though, rather than having to source one from a third party.
30/04/08 @ 16:26
Comment from: fred [Visitor]
actually my 214 still refuses to charge via usb (mini usb that is) just cant get it to work no matter what i try even tried other cables and pc's.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
30/04/08 @ 19:23
Comment from: TimH [Visitor] · http://www.usefulnessformula.com
Is the SD slot SDHC compatible?
With a GPS card in the CF slot it would be a useful feature.
With a GPS card in the CF slot it would be a useful feature.
03/06/08 @ 14:45
Comment from: emile [Visitor]
I want to buy this beautiful device, but can you use all the CF card and SD cards (also 8,16,32 GB)?
i'm waiting fot the next review, i'm so excited!!!
greetz from the Netherlands
i'm waiting fot the next review, i'm so excited!!!
greetz from the Netherlands
19/08/08 @ 06:40
Comment from: Elizabeth [Visitor]
My ipaq 214 broke after 10 days of use, and HP refuses to fix it even though it is obviously well within the warrantee period. They plan to charge me half the price of the new item. The 24-pin connector was always stiff (unlike the nice cradle that came with my 4700) and became more and more difficult to connect during a trip I took to Iraq. On the 10th day it stopped working altogether, having mashed the teeth on the motherboard. I was only using this to charge the unit. HP simply does not stand by their products.
05/09/08 @ 11:39
Comment from: Maraiot [Visitor] 
I recently bought this great Pocket Pc, but I`ve lost de wall charger. Could please give me the output specifications to buy something similar because I can't find an original one in my country.
I am fully satisfied with this device, I can make everything that I want, I read eBooks, I use a dictionary and a translator, I listen good music and podcasts, I watch you tube videos, I do text notes and internet browsing, I receive lots of pictures from my cell phone trough BT.... and for phone calls I use a cell phone (a cheap one).
I am fully satisfied with this device, I can make everything that I want, I read eBooks, I use a dictionary and a translator, I listen good music and podcasts, I watch you tube videos, I do text notes and internet browsing, I receive lots of pictures from my cell phone trough BT.... and for phone calls I use a cell phone (a cheap one).
08/02/09 @ 19:59
Comment from: David [Visitor]
I currently use Memory-Map on my Mio P550 PDA with integrated GPS for walking and sailing but the battery life is only approx 3 hours with backlight turning off after 30 seconds.
I am thinking of buying a HP iPAQ 214 so can anyone please tell me what the battery life would be like if I were to leave it on while out walking/sailing.
I regularly downlod Memory-Maps to my PDA from my PC and it was rather disturbing to here that Mike Grierson was having problems. I nearly always just download a screen size map in full zoom (size from 400k to 2.00M) . Can anyone please tell me if they think that this will be a problem.
Thanks for your help
David from England
I am thinking of buying a HP iPAQ 214 so can anyone please tell me what the battery life would be like if I were to leave it on while out walking/sailing.
I regularly downlod Memory-Maps to my PDA from my PC and it was rather disturbing to here that Mike Grierson was having problems. I nearly always just download a screen size map in full zoom (size from 400k to 2.00M) . Can anyone please tell me if they think that this will be a problem.
Thanks for your help
David from England
03/03/09 @ 16:47
Comment from: Stuart Goldthorpe [Visitor] · http://www.glamourpups.co.uk
I can confirm using the 214 with Memory Map and bluetooth gps for 6 months now and with the backlight set to auto off after 30 seconds (do you need it on permanently?) so I can check my position every 15 mins or so I am down to about 50% battery after 6 hours use. I also own a Dell X51 but this has about 1/2 the battery power of the ipaq 214. Hope that helps.
10/04/09 @ 09:47
Comment from: Al Sithee [Visitor]
I like the look of this bit of kit. One question though, it has a mini USB slot, can this be used to connect a mobile broadband dongle? or will I only be able to bluetooth it to my Nokia N95 8g for mobile internet access where no wifi is available?
Thanks in advance
Al
Thanks in advance
Al
26/04/09 @ 01:04
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