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Dec 30, 2008 | HP iPAQ Classic 111 Review and Extras
As I recently upgraded from my previous iPAQ RX3100 Mobile Media Companion, I thought I'd write a brief review as well as some useful software that I think, having used Windows Mobile 2003 and now WM6, everyone should take a look at.
Review
True to its name, the 111 'Classic' is a no-frills PDA that packs a worthy punch suitable for the casual student user as well as the demanding businessman in need of something to organize life with. At a lightweight 4.1 oz, it has a nonetheless solid feel to it, along with the brushed metal buttons. The SD card slides in on the right hand side. While it may not live up to , it nonetheless delivers at least 4 hours of practical usage time. Since some features have been shuffled around since WM2003, it may take some getting used to, particularly since at least the RX3100 I had previously made it so easy to connect and disconnect the wireless feature. (One other difference I've noticed is the change in system sounds, like the beep you hear when you adjust the volume, which I think is a good change).
There's also some new security features, like encrypting the content on your storage card and the ability to 'lock' your device. At least it's good to know it's there. The light sensor sitting quietly on the top right hand corner of the device allows for automatic light sensing, which may help conserve battery life. Finally, it is the first unit to ship with Office Mobile 6.1, which reads the new Microsoft Office 2007 format, docx.
Pros:
Fast processor allows for playback and streaming of most online media, as well as videos and movies that may have lagged a bit in slower PDAs.
Lightweight but very solid construction.
Cons:
Having the speaker at the back of the device makes for listening with the Pocket PC on the table a difficult and muted task.
Wi-Fi connection is rather convoluted and roundabout.
Specifications
| Weight | 4.1 oz (116g) |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows Mobile 6.0 |
| Installed Memory | 256 MB, 197 usable |
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Processor | Marvell 624 MHz XScale PXA310 |
| Wireless | 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR |
| I/O and connectivity | 3.5mm headphone jack, Mini USB type B, embedded speaker, microphone, SD card slot |
Useful Software
The following list of software have been tested as fully functional on Windows Mobile 6, and usually work on all models from 2003 and newer.
- It's definitely not the cheapest item in this list but I believe it's worth every penny. It makes navigating your Pocket PC using your fingers all the more easy and enjoyable, not to mention practical!
(9.5) - A full web browser that allows you to view content as you would from your computer while maintaining control for the mobile interface. I like the double-tap to enlarge feature, as well as the fast connection.
(4.0) - While I have used a suite of other software (such as Agile Messenger and IM+), it's the cheaper of the three and I've been very satisfied with how intuitive it is.
(1.0) - This is an indispensable freeware (unfortunately only for WM5+) that allows you to stream, download and rip audio from YouTube. You can view the videos in full screen, too.
- Skype is an indispensable tool for keeping in touch and calling people, and it's particularly useful if you're in constant reach of a reliable wireless connection (like on campus).
- If you ever use as a source for free eBooks, then you'll notice that the Plucker file they provide will not work natively on a PocketPC - Vade Mecum solves that problem very easily. I'd recommend installing a font on your Pocket PC (just transfer a TrueType font of your choice to your /Windows/Fonts folder on the PPC and change the settings in Vade Mecum).
(available for over-the-air download via your PocketPC browser) - A fantastic tool to provide you with directions (and also allows you to detect where you currently are, based only on a wifi connection!). Just pull up the place you want to go before you leave home, and you're set for the trip.
(1.6.2) - Because at least the Classic 111 doesn't seem to make it terribly easy to connect to rogue wireless connects, WeFi makes it incredibly easy by automatically attempting to connect to open connections as well as give you the opportunity to manage the secured ones you have access to.
(3.5.1) - This little gem of a software allows you to triangulate and map your current position based on a wireless connection. It's really fun and fantastic, but you need to be somewhere the Navizon database is familiar with.
Also written on this day..
- 2011: Goodbye GoDaddy
- 2007: 19th-Century Firefighters of Edo
This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pm, EST under the category of Articles. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.