HP iPAQ 214 review
04/03/08 02:49:30 pm by Matt - 1283 words
Categories: Mobile/Computing, Reviews, Games/Gadgets/Gizmos |
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With the vast array of mobile phones on today’s market equipped with Windows Mobile, or other PDA software, can HP’s latest standalone PDA device compete? Will people really want to carry around several devices for contacts, calendars and calls?
Introduction
HP’s latest iPAQ, the 214, at first glance seems a step back to the original iPAQ days. A PDA Device running Windows Mobile 6 Classic, with all of the standard features you would expect from this operating system – Except, no SIM card or telephone support. HP have integrated full wireless and Bluetooth support into the device so the old days of connecting wires to your desktop may at least be over.
HP iPAQ 214
HP have stated to us that continued interest in this style of perhaps, traditional PDA’s are attracting new market areas where mobile phone connectivity is not required, such as the health marketplace covering hospital usage for example.
What’s in the box?
Once again, HP’s market brand is clearly in evidence with the box and packaging. You can see our full unboxing video HERE. User Guides and Software are first to come out of the box, revealing the pretty sizeable iPAQ 214 Enterprise Handheld. A pretty hefty 2,200AH battery should keep the device running for a while. A standard charger with multiple country options hooks up to the non-standard charging lead. The USB Sync cable included also has a connector for the charger so the device will not charge from USB alone.
Hidden right at the bottom of the box is the retro style carry case.
HP iPAQ 214 Specification:
General
A rather simplistic set of buttons and connectors adorns the very smart and well built HP 214.
To the top right of the device we have the power button.
The large screen 4 inch diagonal screen dominates the front of the case leading us down to the typical control keys
HP iPAQ 214 buttons
Shortcut keys either side of the main navigation control provide quick and simple access to common features such as Calander, E-Mail and Windows Shortcuts. The navigation pad allows standard control of the PDA and features.
The bottom of the phone provides the propriety charging and docking connector, as well as a mini USB for PC synchronisation. I never managed to get the device to charge from the USB connector alone and had to use the supplied docking cable and mains charger.
HP iPAQ 214 bottom
Many people however will be really pleased to see the full size standard 3.5mm headphone socket.
The top of the case hides a dual SD/CF socket allowing great expansion with devices or memory cards.
HP iPAQ 214 top
Interestingly, HP have also accommodated a small light sensor right next to the power switch which will automatically adjust the screen brightness depending on ambient light conditions.
On the left of the device is a solitary voice recording button.
HP iPAQ 214 left side
The right side is home to nothing more than a reset button.
HP iPAQ 214 right side
Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights
Lowlights
Review
The HP iPAQ 214 is a pretty sizeable PDA device with a massive 4 inch 640x480 resolution screen. It has certainly been manufactured extremely well and the looks and quality are superb – Very much a high end PDA device.
After unboxing the unit and charging for a while I played around with the customary interface and the stylus. I’m not convinced by the feel of the screen though. Whilst it undertakes stylus control very well, it feels like a thick bit of plastic and almost feels like it moves under the point of the stylus. (And yes…. I had taken off the protective cover!!). Many of today’s touch screens have a much nicer look and feel.
Hooking the device up to my WiFi connections was a breeze – HP certainly make connectivity a joy with all of their devices. Browsing the internet really has the device coming into its own though. The exceptionally sharp 640x480 display allows so much more of a web site to be visible and navigation becomes so simple. Looking at images, maps and text were great. Even better, the screen is more than bright enough to be viewed clearly outside.
What you also notice, certainly compared to many PDA Phones, is the speed of the device. I’m running my HTC Touch overclocked at 260, rather than 201mHz and it still seems mighty, mighty slow compared to the HP 214. The slowest of slow applications run so well making the device a dream to use.
As this is classed as an Enterprise device I thought I’d better test some of these features so I enabled Bluetooth on my laptop and ran through the HP configuration settings to hook the PDA to my laptop. As mentioned previously, HP are the King of connectivity on many of their devices. I was able to sync to my laptop within minutes and have my calendar and e-mails synchronising across the Bluetooth connection.
This is where I had to step back a little though. Bluetooth or wireless for synchronisation? It’s great when I’m sat in the office but on the road to be without synchronised mail unless I stop off at Starbucks just seems a little backward, especially for an “Enterprise” classified device.
If you want to view maps or anything when you are out and about you need to make sure you download them first or else you are going to have to use the Bluetooth connection on your mobile in order to access the internet.
The device has been fun to use though, with no real issues or major complaints. The button placement is great and, apart from my dislike of the feel of the screen, stylus control is precise and responsive. The really handy navigation buttons save stylus time, and some extra neat features like holding the buttons down for a few seconds will launch other shortcuts is well thought out and very useful.
HP iPaq 214 vs HTC TyTN II
Conclusion
I have to admit, I wasn’t overly looking forward to reviewing this device, the idea of a standalone PDA seemed very old school especially when my HTC Touch does all of this and has phone calls as well! I was however very impressed with the HP iPAQ 214.
I can also understand the market place HP are trying to attract, people may want to be able to go out and not be bombarded with e-mails such as your normal Windows Mobile or CrackBerry. There may be places such as hospitals where phones are not allowed, but simple access to internet via WiFi may be.
However, for an Enterprise device I just can’t help feel this has a restricted market sector.
If you are looking for a top of the range PDA and happy to carry your normal phone with you, this device is simply the best I have seen on the market. However, I for one will stick with my Windows Mobile device, which, although smaller and harder to view web pages, does everything I need in one nice small package.
Review by: John
[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, iPAQ, HP]
Permalink51 comments
Comment from: Christine McCartney [Visitor]
I have recently purchased this model and found your comments extremely helpful. The lack of a phone is of no importance to me, in fact I prefer separate devices so am delighted that HP will continue to offer them.
Mine charges and synchronises happily using the mini USB port alone. There was no such cable with the unit, but I tried the one supplied with my Blackberry and it works perfectly, in fact I dont need to use the other connection at all.
I will probably buy the cradle when they bring it out, as it is more convenient if it is standing up, like my old (and still faithful) hx4700 does. I have upgraded because I want to be able to use a bluetooth keyboard with it, and my 4700 runs Windows Mobile 2003, which does not support this. Upgrading to Mobile 5 sounded dodgy as reported elsewhere on the web, so I have moved up, but will be keeping my old unit safe as a backup.
Speaking of which. I cannot find any backup facility for the 214. No mention anywhere in the literature and no indication of how to deal with this. Any ideas anyone?
Mine charges and synchronises happily using the mini USB port alone. There was no such cable with the unit, but I tried the one supplied with my Blackberry and it works perfectly, in fact I dont need to use the other connection at all.
I will probably buy the cradle when they bring it out, as it is more convenient if it is standing up, like my old (and still faithful) hx4700 does. I have upgraded because I want to be able to use a bluetooth keyboard with it, and my 4700 runs Windows Mobile 2003, which does not support this. Upgrading to Mobile 5 sounded dodgy as reported elsewhere on the web, so I have moved up, but will be keeping my old unit safe as a backup.
Speaking of which. I cannot find any backup facility for the 214. No mention anywhere in the literature and no indication of how to deal with this. Any ideas anyone?
14/03/08 @ 15:03
Comment from: harold miller [Visitor]
1. It does charge using USB (~see manual)
2. Touch screen is tough, but loosens up after a few weeks(disadvantage due to length of your review)
3. I would challenge the case of not liking to hold for a long time. I am quite happy watching a 2 hour film on it. Also the backis rubberised, so its very ergonomic.
In terms of the market ? There are still lots of folk like me who want a powerful but tiny mobile phone which can be carried when wearing shorts and a t-shirt or running around town in a pocket. And would also like a big screen to surf when required. No phone can combine the two due to the size produced once you have a big screen. Convergence doesn't solve all problems and I love my Nokia E51 + Hp 214 combination.
rgds
2. Touch screen is tough, but loosens up after a few weeks(disadvantage due to length of your review)
3. I would challenge the case of not liking to hold for a long time. I am quite happy watching a 2 hour film on it. Also the backis rubberised, so its very ergonomic.
In terms of the market ? There are still lots of folk like me who want a powerful but tiny mobile phone which can be carried when wearing shorts and a t-shirt or running around town in a pocket. And would also like a big screen to surf when required. No phone can combine the two due to the size produced once you have a big screen. Convergence doesn't solve all problems and I love my Nokia E51 + Hp 214 combination.
rgds
16/03/08 @ 20:43
Comment from: Andre_Denmark [Visitor]
I wonder if that 24-pin connector is the same used by Samsung on their nv-cameras?
If so, that's no less than excellent!
26/03/08 @ 04:44
Comment from: maciekish [Visitor]
john: It should run Tomtom but you need a bluetooth GPS because it's not built in.
27/03/08 @ 21:59
Comment from: Mark Berry [Visitor]
I swapped from my old 4700 + Nokia N75 for a TyTN a while back, and have regretted it ever since - I absolutely despise the trend towards convergence. IMHO useable phones are too small to be PDA's, and useful PDA's are too big to be phone. I can't think of one thing that the TyTN can do that a good PDA and phone combination can't do, and the TyTN was most definitely a very poor phone combined with a very limited PDA, if only because of the screen size and resolution.
I now have a SE W890i, and have just ordered an iPaq 214. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to working with a proper PDA and phone combination again, and having a proper full featured phone again in the SE is like a breath of fresh air.
The ONLY thing I'll miss from my TyTN will be the keyboard.
I now have a SE W890i, and have just ordered an iPaq 214. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to working with a proper PDA and phone combination again, and having a proper full featured phone again in the SE is like a breath of fresh air.
The ONLY thing I'll miss from my TyTN will be the keyboard.
10/04/08 @ 01:28
Comment from: john [Visitor]
does anybody know wether this 214 can play bejewelled and chuzzle and software from hps ipaq choice pages ??
10/04/08 @ 12:53
Comment from: LF [Visitor]
Recently purchased and really like it. The only thing I
haven't succeeded in doing is browsing web-pages. If I am
in a wifi zone (e.g. cafe with free wifi), it connects no
problem but won't load any web-page that I try to go to -
would appreciate any suggestions.
haven't succeeded in doing is browsing web-pages. If I am
in a wifi zone (e.g. cafe with free wifi), it connects no
problem but won't load any web-page that I try to go to -
would appreciate any suggestions.
16/04/08 @ 19:57
Comment from: john [Visitor]
re LF. no web pages- try re booting machine or changing settings in the wifi settings - network adapters - try using HP ipag wifi adapter mode - i get the same problem of and on at airports - try on your home wifi network to make sure it works there ??
17/04/08 @ 11:05
Comment from: Abigail [Visitor]
Hallo
Thank you for the great feature of the HP iPAQ 214.
I love a phone that can have a big touchscreen and no
keyboard sliding out of it.
However after coping done the features of HP iPAQ 214 to
show my friends. I come to the point of reading no phone
features. Iam sorry to say this, but what a waste of a
good model. I personally know that there is a population
that loves to have a large touchscreen phone. I have a PDA2K
Pocket PC and people have been asking me to sell it to
them. They donot care even if it is second hand.
Thank you for the great feature of the HP iPAQ 214.
I love a phone that can have a big touchscreen and no
keyboard sliding out of it.
However after coping done the features of HP iPAQ 214 to
show my friends. I come to the point of reading no phone
features. Iam sorry to say this, but what a waste of a
good model. I personally know that there is a population
that loves to have a large touchscreen phone. I have a PDA2K
Pocket PC and people have been asking me to sell it to
them. They donot care even if it is second hand.
04/05/08 @ 16:36
Comment from: Zsolt Kendi [Visitor]
"Slightly too large to hold comfortably in one hand for a long period of time"
The standard size 22xx IPAQ was too small for my hand. For me the larger 214 is solve this problem.
My opinion is "never mix the phone and the PDA function". If the "equipment" have PDA features phisically become mouch bigger size than the normal phone. For mother side the comfortable phone much smaller than the comfortable PDA.
214 has a big advantage as its display resolution 640x480. This resolution is very helpfull for the "computerless" home work (eg. text editing). And the landscape screen orientation! This function is requested by ours in 2004...
The standard size 22xx IPAQ was too small for my hand. For me the larger 214 is solve this problem.
My opinion is "never mix the phone and the PDA function". If the "equipment" have PDA features phisically become mouch bigger size than the normal phone. For mother side the comfortable phone much smaller than the comfortable PDA.
214 has a big advantage as its display resolution 640x480. This resolution is very helpfull for the "computerless" home work (eg. text editing). And the landscape screen orientation! This function is requested by ours in 2004...
08/05/08 @ 11:07
Comment from: Zoe [Visitor]
Harold, despite what the manual might claim, I simply cannot get my 214 to charge via the miniUSB connector. Speaking to HP they tell me this is a common enough problem not totally down to the iPaq itself but due to varying USB standards and the threshold at which they charge.
Zoe
Zoe
18/06/08 @ 14:32
Comment from: Edward Poulter [Visitor]
I am thinking of buying one of these to run marine navigational software while racing a quite small sailing boat off shore.
Does anyone know if there is a gps unite at can be attached or linked to it?
Does anyone know if there is a gps unite at can be attached or linked to it?
19/06/08 @ 21:28
Comment from: Stephan [Visitor]
HP does not want to fix my Hx4700 after a failed rom flash with HP official software, that is to say they want to, but they charge 400 EURO's. So i decided to set of for a fix on my own, and meanwhile bought the 214. I hope it is as good as my Hx4700, and i do agree, never mix the pda and phone function. I carry a nokia N95 as well, and this is very handy in looking at the agenda, but the input method is just way to time consuming. A PDA is king when it comes to internet and handy functions. I hope the device will do everything as announced, it will arrive today for a total of 260 EUROs; talking about a deal.
02/07/08 @ 07:39
Comment from: Brian Harvey [Visitor]
Thanks for all the responses these have been a great help. I'm in the process of purchasing one.
Could anybody please confirm whether or not the IPAQ 214 will sync with MS Office 2007 ie. Outlook : - Diary, Contracts and Tasks etc?
Thanks Brian Harvey
Could anybody please confirm whether or not the IPAQ 214 will sync with MS Office 2007 ie. Outlook : - Diary, Contracts and Tasks etc?
Thanks Brian Harvey
14/07/08 @ 08:31
Comment from: Derek [Visitor]
I have a Ipaq 214 and use it just as an ebook reader using mobipocket ebook reader.
It's fantastic for learning a new language. You can just press on the foreign word that you want translated, see its translation, then press back to the foreign story that you are studying from without losing your place.
It's fantastic for learning a new language. You can just press on the foreign word that you want translated, see its translation, then press back to the foreign story that you are studying from without losing your place.
16/07/08 @ 20:03
Comment from: Hero of the NHS [Visitor]
Just obtained one of these.
Was previously using a Dell Axim x51.
Have to say this ipaq looks pretty ugly in comparison - very bland and very square; not aesthetically pleasing at all, unlike the Dell.
Can't see any desktop cradles available as yet, so it has to sit rather unprofessionally flat on my desk, facing away from me due to the direction of the power socket.
Screen is massive, which means the device itself is massive and will not fit into your pockets - not even your suit pocket.
The lack of gprs is quite an issue, and they could at least have fitted a camera.
Oh well.
Was previously using a Dell Axim x51.
Have to say this ipaq looks pretty ugly in comparison - very bland and very square; not aesthetically pleasing at all, unlike the Dell.
Can't see any desktop cradles available as yet, so it has to sit rather unprofessionally flat on my desk, facing away from me due to the direction of the power socket.
Screen is massive, which means the device itself is massive and will not fit into your pockets - not even your suit pocket.
The lack of gprs is quite an issue, and they could at least have fitted a camera.
Oh well.
24/07/08 @ 21:59
Comment from: Jeff Wye [Visitor]
Have had mine since the first come out and it will sync with your outlook etc and uses Excel and Word files without conversion and is very quick compared to my 2200, screen is great.
I too like phone/pda seperate and it will be a while before anything approaches the ideal combination while maintaining performance, don't need a camera have one and a 3 megapixel in my 'phone.
I find it excellent for the job in hand and with the addition of the now cheap 8GB SD card gives me load of space for pictures and music.
It does occasionally drop it's connection so have to do a hard reset, this is USB levels I think that's why some people can't charge/synce through the moni usb, I have a powered usb hub, works ok.
Cradles are out but they use mini usb and some people
still can't sync/charge with them so beware.
Thanks for the review, I read it before purchasing.
Bye
I too like phone/pda seperate and it will be a while before anything approaches the ideal combination while maintaining performance, don't need a camera have one and a 3 megapixel in my 'phone.
I find it excellent for the job in hand and with the addition of the now cheap 8GB SD card gives me load of space for pictures and music.
It does occasionally drop it's connection so have to do a hard reset, this is USB levels I think that's why some people can't charge/synce through the moni usb, I have a powered usb hub, works ok.
Cradles are out but they use mini usb and some people
still can't sync/charge with them so beware.
Thanks for the review, I read it before purchasing.
Bye
31/07/08 @ 14:38
Comment from: Faiber [Visitor]
Has bought to itself HP 214, long changed, but after reading reviews was solved and I do not regret. Has come across a site where reviews on HP are collected.
http://reeed.ru/en.html
Can to whom it is useful.
http://reeed.ru/en.html
Can to whom it is useful.
10/08/08 @ 17:13
Comment from: Orso [Visitor] · http://reeed.ru/
ive got ipod and am now strongly considerin getting the ipaq. I dont see the problem with having both. One for portible media, the other for portable organizaton.
11/08/08 @ 19:59
Comment from: kto [Visitor]
still no scroll wheel...
when will they at last match the technology and usability of Loox 720 (more than four years old now!)?
when will they at last match the technology and usability of Loox 720 (more than four years old now!)?
17/08/08 @ 21:37
Comment from: emile [Visitor]
does anyone know if there's a capacity limit fot the cf/sd cards??
greetz from the netherlands
greetz from the netherlands
20/08/08 @ 08:58
Comment from: DeX [Visitor]
"No phone" is not that bad, conversely it is a highlight for me, becouse you can provide all mobile functions of your present mobile phone on PDA through BT and you need not two sim cards or only one BIG phone (PDA or MDA is big for summer days short's pocket).
for emile: CF and SD cards are not limited by machine, becouse the controller is not in the device but inside the card (that's why you can buy TV, GPS, WIFI and many others to that slots).
for emile: CF and SD cards are not limited by machine, becouse the controller is not in the device but inside the card (that's why you can buy TV, GPS, WIFI and many others to that slots).
29/08/08 @ 12:33
Comment from: Tassos GR [Visitor] 
I have the iPAQ 214 since May 2008 and i live in Athens Greece. IT IS BY FAR THE BEST PDA YOU HAVE EVER USED IN YOUR LIFE! For those of you still complaining that it does not charge through USB...IT DOES FLAWLESSLY and as i'm writing these lines i have it in front of me charging just fine! Make sure you have ActiveSync 4.5 installed and then plug it in a powered USB2.0 Hub OR directly to any USB2.0 port on your PC..NO PROBLEMO!!! works like a charm! I wonder how our friend John the reviewer couldn't do it!!! I work in IT but you don't need special rocket science knowledge to achieve the charging, the device SUPPORTS IT! end of story guys!!
For the other friend that wanted to know about GPS...well it works PERFECTLY!!I purchased the Bluetooth GPS ROYALTEK RBT-2300 from www.semsons.com, they deliver in Europe, and I use many Astronomy related software for celestial coordinates AND Car navigation too, e.g. Destinator 7. IT IS AMAZING how these two little things cooperate (the 214 and the RBT-2300 GPS from Royaltek!)...and you wanna know an expert's advice? External GPS devices work BY FAR much better than the embedded ones! Trust me, you haven't experienced better SAT Navigation with a PDA than with the 214! The huge 4inch screen gives you amazing 3D or 2D views of the map AND most importantly, it recalculates routes BLAZINGLY FAST in the Destinator 7 software that i use...i wonder how much slower are the other devices with slower CPUs in that field...THIS IS A WINNER DEVICE...whether some people like it or not...
WAY TO GO HP!!
TASSOS
ATHENS GREECE
For the other friend that wanted to know about GPS...well it works PERFECTLY!!I purchased the Bluetooth GPS ROYALTEK RBT-2300 from www.semsons.com, they deliver in Europe, and I use many Astronomy related software for celestial coordinates AND Car navigation too, e.g. Destinator 7. IT IS AMAZING how these two little things cooperate (the 214 and the RBT-2300 GPS from Royaltek!)...and you wanna know an expert's advice? External GPS devices work BY FAR much better than the embedded ones! Trust me, you haven't experienced better SAT Navigation with a PDA than with the 214! The huge 4inch screen gives you amazing 3D or 2D views of the map AND most importantly, it recalculates routes BLAZINGLY FAST in the Destinator 7 software that i use...i wonder how much slower are the other devices with slower CPUs in that field...THIS IS A WINNER DEVICE...whether some people like it or not...
WAY TO GO HP!!
TASSOS
ATHENS GREECE
01/09/08 @ 22:27
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 @ 11:38
Comment from: Ken Mchugh [Visitor]
My Dell 51v retains data and added programs even if I remove the battery, does the Ipaq 214??
13/10/08 @ 23:07
Comment from: Mike Jordan [Visitor]
I have had no problems charging my 214 through the mini USB connector. What it won't do is to charge via a USB cable attached to the 24 pin port - you need to piggyback the charger onto the 24 pin connector for that.
06/11/08 @ 10:23
Comment from: Arcticfox [Visitor]
I am waiting for a 214 and I would ask, like the 4700, is there a facility to have and expanded battery fitted? I found that taking the 4700 away for a week, I didn't need to take all the charging gear etc ..
But I wish I had seen this review before I bought a HP 613c; for me phones and organisers are definatley a no no!
But I wish I had seen this review before I bought a HP 613c; for me phones and organisers are definatley a no no!
29/11/08 @ 00:09
Comment from: ds47uk [Visitor]
For those of you interested in GPS - don't forget the main reason I bought the 214 - it has both CF and SD card capability. So buy a CF card GPS (mine is a GlobalSat BC-337), stick your maps on an SD card and off you go! Nice big screen; fast response; voice navigation is a bit quiet if you have a noisy car, but acceptable.
03/12/08 @ 15:23
Comment from: Awswimmer [Visitor]
If you need GPS my experience (with HP2210) is that using a Bluetooth GPS works well, but the processing on the HP is slow, This looks like it should do that particular trick rather better!
08/12/08 @ 18:06
Comment from: Mike Grierson [Visitor]
I have used an Ipaq h2210 with Memorymap navigation software for the past 5 years, it has been superb. I purchased the Ipaq 214 because of its bigger screen and extra memory. Well, despite the extra mempory and faster processor it can't handle a large Memorymap map file; its says "Could not open file:" and simply won't load the map. Then occasionally it does load the map and works correctly until you try and change maps, then it won't load the large ones again! So its useless for the purpose I bought it for, as a GPS display. Some say you can't run Tomtom but you can, when you start Tomtom the backlight turns off. Simply break or make the external DC supply and the light returns leaving Tomtom to work perfectly. Thats an irritation but the failure to load a map file is a real pain. My vote about 1/10.
18/12/08 @ 21:03
Comment from: Darrell Webb [Visitor]
I have bought this ipaq 214 for christmas (2008) and Im very happy with it, I can run Tom Tom no problem, access my email, browse the internet and run skype and msn messenger on my home wireless network. I have a G-Sat BT368 GPS unit running on Bluetooth and its great.
I am aiming to use memory map software soon so was rather alarmed to hear that this was a problem, I will let you know how I get on. My vote so far 9/10.
I am aiming to use memory map software soon so was rather alarmed to hear that this was a problem, I will let you know how I get on. My vote so far 9/10.
05/01/09 @ 12:02
Comment from: Paul Marston [Visitor]
Unlike Mike Grierson, I have had no problem loading Memory Map maps of 320 and 350 KB. I use MM OS2004 rather than MM OS5 which may make the difference. I read somewhere that SD access time might be an issue for this kind of problem - I used an ultra fast 2GB card from San Disk. Maps open fine, zoom and change maps all work consistently.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
27/01/09 @ 17:00
Comment from: Brian [Visitor]
Anyone tried running powerpoint presentations off this pda - I've not been successful with a 2200
28/01/09 @ 19:45
Comment from: Mike Grierson [Visitor]
Interesting that Paul managed to get MemoryMap to work, I also used MM2004 OS Edition and tried thelatest European Edition. On a very occasion it would load a full size 1:50 UK map. I disposed of the 214 as useless. I have now experimented with a Dell X51V also running a 624 MHz processor and Windows mobile 5; the same happens if you let it run at 624 MHz, but if you restrict the processor speed to 520 MHz the MM files open correctly.
30/01/09 @ 10:05
Comment from: bojan [Visitor]
HI,I HAVE HP 214,AND I HAVE PROBLEM.MY SROLL DOESNOT WORK BY PAGE IN WORD MOBILE.HELP,HELP,HELP.
10/02/09 @ 23:38
Comment from: Achilleas GR [Visitor]
This PDA is NOT reliable. I have sell it to one customer who is using it for wireless order taking in his cafeteria. Both slowed down and hang after a factory reset. And he has it only for three months!
Don't buy this PDA unless you would like to start conversation with HP and send it for service often!
Don't buy this PDA unless you would like to start conversation with HP and send it for service often!
18/02/09 @ 14:18
So your experience with one customer having one bad PDA means that all the thousands of iPAQ 214 are unreliable?
18/02/09 @ 14:22
Comment from: Justin [Visitor]
The IPAQ 214 has these faults:
1) no rubber sides -so its a bit slippery although the back is rubbery.
2 When you switch it on there is a delay anywhere between one second and two seconds before the screen lights up which is irritating if you are used to the screen starting immediatly because it makes you wonder if its broken or not.
3) The help for connecting to internet is not very helpful its along the lines of 'make sure you configure it properly' which means nothing to many and is just irritating.
4) The security code screen doesnt check the pin after you type in the 4 numbers if you go for the basic security) you have to do an extra click at the bottom of the screen in a small space - very iritating the HP 2220 autochecked as soon as you eneterd the last number - much better than the new 214 - but maybe thats windows mobile 6?
and a few other minor irriations to do with software .....
but for me the biggest and worst problem by a very long way is the terribly quiet volume of the alarms on the machine. Its so quiet its almost useless for reminders and you certainly can't hear the alarms going if it is your pocket of if you want it to wake you up in the morning.
Please HP for goodness sake sort this out with a software patch and make the machine much louder please - even if it eats the battery. If I had known it was this quiet I would never have bought it.
Otherwise the machine is very good indeed. Is it worth it? - Yes very much so. Just dont expect it to be useful as a tool to remind you of events.
A final question how on earth do you back this up?
There is no backup option at all on Microsoft Active Sync version 4.5 - I couldnt belive it - whats that all about?
Summary: buy this device then Lobby HP for a digital amplifier software enhancement to make the thing at least three times if not 4 times as loud. I also didn't get my 10 pound refund voucher in the box and so far haven't succeded in connecting to the internet but thats only because I don't know how to configure the device .....
Looking forward to a cradle and a proper Pro Porta leather carrying case. All in all 7.5 out of ten - would be 9 if the volume problem was fixed and they had included my 10 pound back voucher.
Nice gear fiddly small on off switch with irritating delay. Screen is seriosuly amazing - who needs a small telephone screen? This is the answer. Buy a 214 now you'll love it.
Fabulous piece of kit flawedonly by minor issues that I hope can be sorted out with software updates.
1) no rubber sides -so its a bit slippery although the back is rubbery.
2 When you switch it on there is a delay anywhere between one second and two seconds before the screen lights up which is irritating if you are used to the screen starting immediatly because it makes you wonder if its broken or not.
3) The help for connecting to internet is not very helpful its along the lines of 'make sure you configure it properly' which means nothing to many and is just irritating.
4) The security code screen doesnt check the pin after you type in the 4 numbers if you go for the basic security) you have to do an extra click at the bottom of the screen in a small space - very iritating the HP 2220 autochecked as soon as you eneterd the last number - much better than the new 214 - but maybe thats windows mobile 6?
and a few other minor irriations to do with software .....
but for me the biggest and worst problem by a very long way is the terribly quiet volume of the alarms on the machine. Its so quiet its almost useless for reminders and you certainly can't hear the alarms going if it is your pocket of if you want it to wake you up in the morning.
Please HP for goodness sake sort this out with a software patch and make the machine much louder please - even if it eats the battery. If I had known it was this quiet I would never have bought it.
Otherwise the machine is very good indeed. Is it worth it? - Yes very much so. Just dont expect it to be useful as a tool to remind you of events.
A final question how on earth do you back this up?
There is no backup option at all on Microsoft Active Sync version 4.5 - I couldnt belive it - whats that all about?
Summary: buy this device then Lobby HP for a digital amplifier software enhancement to make the thing at least three times if not 4 times as loud. I also didn't get my 10 pound refund voucher in the box and so far haven't succeded in connecting to the internet but thats only because I don't know how to configure the device .....
Looking forward to a cradle and a proper Pro Porta leather carrying case. All in all 7.5 out of ten - would be 9 if the volume problem was fixed and they had included my 10 pound back voucher.
Nice gear fiddly small on off switch with irritating delay. Screen is seriosuly amazing - who needs a small telephone screen? This is the answer. Buy a 214 now you'll love it.
Fabulous piece of kit flawedonly by minor issues that I hope can be sorted out with software updates.
02/03/09 @ 21:52
Comment from: Matt [Visitor]
Im looking to purchase one of these. Do they have outlook etc installed on them to enable you to sync? I am a PDA virgin so would appreciate any advice please?
10/03/09 @ 11:03
Comment from: ds47uk [Visitor]
Reply to Matt. The 214 does not come with Outlook on the CD (unlike the 2210 which did). This means that to synch emails , calendar and contacts with your PC you do need to have a copy of Outlook already on your PC. The PDA mail, calendar and contacts apps are individual PDA-specific apps so you don't need a "PDA-Outlook" as such.
31/03/09 @ 14:32
Comment from: David Reynolds [Visitor]
I am running Memory Map on my Lap top, can I add the maps
to my HP iPAQ 214? and how
to my HP iPAQ 214? and how
06/04/09 @ 18:35
Comment from: HENRY [Visitor] · http://www.peopleswelfare.org
Hi i would like to know where to put the SIM card.
thank you
thank you
16/04/09 @ 11:48
Comment from: Jon [Visitor]
Very disappointing product from HP. After a few weeks I could no longer connect to the charger unit through the 24 pin connector on the base of the IPAQ. It was always an awkward fit when the equipment was new and gradually got worse until the connection wouldn’t work at all. HP "service" say I have made a mistake and want to charge me over £100 to repair the unit. They are not listening to customers who know there is a genuine issue with the equipment. A pity because in all other respects, the IPAQ fully satisfied my requirements, was easy to set up and use and promised to be a useful piece of equipment. I can still use it but only with the USB charging facility which is very slow and requires computer availability.
In summary then , the IPAQ in my opinion has been poor value for money and a very poor reflection on the support offered by HP to a very unhappy customer.
Summary: Poor purchasing decision
In summary then , the IPAQ in my opinion has been poor value for money and a very poor reflection on the support offered by HP to a very unhappy customer.
Summary: Poor purchasing decision
18/04/09 @ 23:47
Comment from: Nick [Visitor]
I'm a big fan of iPAQ's, and so far am happy with the 214 after a few months of ownership. The screen softens up after a while, but the pins on the bottom are a problem for me as well so I've been using USB charging. The sound quality and volume is poor though as previously mentioned. Otherwise though, pretty much a perfect iPAQ - really quick in use. The one thing I'd really love is TV output - has anyone got any ideas?
Thanks.
Thanks.
19/04/09 @ 10:36
Comment from: ds47uk [Visitor]
Reply to Henry. If you check the spec you will see that this is a PDA only - not a phone. It doesn't use SIM cards!!
24/04/09 @ 09:12
Comment from: John [Visitor]
I am currently using a very small iPaq [with wifi facility] as a foreign-language learning aid. I have various dictionaries on it, together with a flash-card facility, and - of course - Word and Excel. My first PDA, bought on an off-chance.
Now here's the issue.
The screen is too small. I need to upgrade to a bigger screen.
I am toying with the idea of switching to an iPod Touch - it will have almost all the facilities I need [after the forthcoming upgrade of the the software, it will be able to handle Word, as I understand it]. Plus it will allow me to watch videos.
The iPaq: I have no doubts about the iPaq's capacity to handle the learning functions of a PDA.
However, my question: how good is the 214 [or, indeed the 114] at playing back video [for listening on headphones]?
Now here's the issue.
The screen is too small. I need to upgrade to a bigger screen.
I am toying with the idea of switching to an iPod Touch - it will have almost all the facilities I need [after the forthcoming upgrade of the the software, it will be able to handle Word, as I understand it]. Plus it will allow me to watch videos.
The iPaq: I have no doubts about the iPaq's capacity to handle the learning functions of a PDA.
However, my question: how good is the 214 [or, indeed the 114] at playing back video [for listening on headphones]?
13/05/09 @ 06:45
Comment from: liz candler [Visitor]
I purchased one of these after reading this site about a year ago and it is the worst pda i have ever had.
Syncronisation takes about 4 hours during which time the IPAQ often turns it's self off even if it is on charge. The options tab in active sync is permanently greyed out which means it always replaces the items on the pda with items from the computer. New tasks created on the pda just create copies each time they are syncronised with the computer. The pda will not let you delete any old categories you assign and they won't go away even though they are not on my pc. All new appointments made on the pda just disapear when syncronising. documents created on the pda will not open twice.
Hard reset is a joke - you have to hold down two buttons on the front, press one on the side and push the stylus into the hole on the other side (using your mouth)- and wait to see if you get a clean reboot or just a reset. There is another hour of your life a month you don't get back.
Oh and it also hangs about 5 times a day when you turn it on.
I paid nearly £250 for this and I now have a paper diary as I am scared to buy any pda.
Syncronisation takes about 4 hours during which time the IPAQ often turns it's self off even if it is on charge. The options tab in active sync is permanently greyed out which means it always replaces the items on the pda with items from the computer. New tasks created on the pda just create copies each time they are syncronised with the computer. The pda will not let you delete any old categories you assign and they won't go away even though they are not on my pc. All new appointments made on the pda just disapear when syncronising. documents created on the pda will not open twice.
Hard reset is a joke - you have to hold down two buttons on the front, press one on the side and push the stylus into the hole on the other side (using your mouth)- and wait to see if you get a clean reboot or just a reset. There is another hour of your life a month you don't get back.
Oh and it also hangs about 5 times a day when you turn it on.
I paid nearly £250 for this and I now have a paper diary as I am scared to buy any pda.
19/05/09 @ 14:21
Comment from: BobTheBuilder [Visitor]
In reply to liz candler above...
I've tried hard to read your post fully, try and reproduce the issues you have and learn from them.
However, having taken the time to do all of the above, I can only conclude you are a complete cabbage incapable of operating the simplest of electronic equipment. Please for the sake of your neighbours, do not attempt to put the kettle on, or use the washing machine. Both items are far too complicated for your fragile brain. I will allow you to use your paper diary on the proviso that you only use plain blue biros from Sainsburys.
Now to the issues. I'll start with the easiest - the hard reset. Are you capable of understanding that the hard reset system completely wipes your device. A big hard reset button is not the answer here - it needs to be difficult to stop moronic fools like yourself accidentally pressing it, then phoning up customer support crying real tears down the phone.
Finally to the Activesync/Vista wotsit - do you REALLY think it should take 4 hours to sync? Do you REALLY think HP would release such a device and do you REALLY spend 4 hours waiting for it to finish like some pathetic worm waiting to be eaten?
I can only conclude that the issue must be: your internetz is brokn m8.
You stupid moronic fool.
I've tried hard to read your post fully, try and reproduce the issues you have and learn from them.
However, having taken the time to do all of the above, I can only conclude you are a complete cabbage incapable of operating the simplest of electronic equipment. Please for the sake of your neighbours, do not attempt to put the kettle on, or use the washing machine. Both items are far too complicated for your fragile brain. I will allow you to use your paper diary on the proviso that you only use plain blue biros from Sainsburys.
Now to the issues. I'll start with the easiest - the hard reset. Are you capable of understanding that the hard reset system completely wipes your device. A big hard reset button is not the answer here - it needs to be difficult to stop moronic fools like yourself accidentally pressing it, then phoning up customer support crying real tears down the phone.
Finally to the Activesync/Vista wotsit - do you REALLY think it should take 4 hours to sync? Do you REALLY think HP would release such a device and do you REALLY spend 4 hours waiting for it to finish like some pathetic worm waiting to be eaten?
I can only conclude that the issue must be: your internetz is brokn m8.
You stupid moronic fool.
19/05/09 @ 14:38
Comment from: H Walker [Visitor]
That is telling her Mr Bob the builder. Bit unkind perhaps very un-gentlemanly and totally rude - shame on you sir - but back to business.
I want a PDA to run Tom Tom 7. By the sound of it, the connector on the bottom of the machine has a short working life, and there is no way to back up the machine. Ever tried copying and pasting the files to your main computer?
My Ipaq 2250 has a little program called backup. I touch it with the stylus and it backs up everything on the computer to a place called I think Filestore. When the battery goes flat (usually twice a week, even with an extra large battery fitted) I plug in the charger, switch it on, set it up, and restore from filestore. It takes about two minutes and everything works perfectly again - including Tom Tom.
Am I to assume from you guys who say you cannot back it up that these facilities are not available on the 214? Does it still have the silly little connector to convert the USB connection to a charger for use on in the car? If it has the backup to filestore and a proper charging cable, then I will take a risk and buy one. If it lasts half as lone as my 2250, then it will be value for money
I want a PDA to run Tom Tom 7. By the sound of it, the connector on the bottom of the machine has a short working life, and there is no way to back up the machine. Ever tried copying and pasting the files to your main computer?
My Ipaq 2250 has a little program called backup. I touch it with the stylus and it backs up everything on the computer to a place called I think Filestore. When the battery goes flat (usually twice a week, even with an extra large battery fitted) I plug in the charger, switch it on, set it up, and restore from filestore. It takes about two minutes and everything works perfectly again - including Tom Tom.
Am I to assume from you guys who say you cannot back it up that these facilities are not available on the 214? Does it still have the silly little connector to convert the USB connection to a charger for use on in the car? If it has the backup to filestore and a proper charging cable, then I will take a risk and buy one. If it lasts half as lone as my 2250, then it will be value for money
02/06/09 @ 02:51
Comment from: WRMusall [Visitor]
I noticed in your comments that you said, no USB charging. I charge mine all the time with USB from my laptop. You just have to select that option in the charging page.
Also one big item that I miss from my 2755 is no IRDA input. Still trying to get this so I can download my Polar heart rate monitor to my pda for fitness software that I have on my 2755.
Wes
Also one big item that I miss from my 2755 is no IRDA input. Still trying to get this so I can download my Polar heart rate monitor to my pda for fitness software that I have on my 2755.
Wes
11/06/09 @ 13:16
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