With a rollout of handheld devices in recent months that has seen a complete reinvention of the line, HP has finally released its high-end model aimed at IT managers and similar heavy users. The HP iPAQ hx2750 (£380 inc. VAT) is set to replace the now ageing h5550. Gone is the elongated look, in favour of a semi ruggedised handheld that makes far more of its screen.

The bulky look of the hx2750 reflects its corporate buyers profile. With rubberised grips on either side of the main body, the unit is able to handle a wider array of environments than a standard handheld. This is not the first time we have seen this chassis, as we looked at the iPAQ hx2410 (£339 inc. VAT) in the February issue. While the two handhelds share a common look and feel, the hx2750 is the more accomplished model.

If you’re an IT manager carrying around company data, security will be high on the agenda. The main difference on the outside is the addition of fingerprint security to the hx2750. Biometric fingerprint identification is held in check by Credant Technologies security tools. The reader sits above the main navigation D-pad, which means that it’s easy to access, but doesn't dominate the device. The reader is a mini strip, so users swipe their fi nger across the sensor, as opposed to pressing down. It may take two or three swipes to register, but it is a safer method of protection. While not the most cost-effective way of locking down your data, it does mean corporate information is kept away from prying eyes. Playing into the same high-end space as the hx4700 iPAQ (reviewed January, £425 inc. VAT), this model isn’t so much a multimedia model as an all-rounder of a PDA. To this end, you'll find that expansion is offered in both Secure Digital and CompactFlash form. This twofold approach to expansion is ideal if you have a wide array of peripherals, especially the older CompactFlash variety that are still prevalent in many companies.

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The 3.5-inch screen is smaller than that found on the hx4700, but as the device isn’t aimed at the multimedia user this may not be a problem. The standard QVGA resolution of 240 x 320 pixels is ample, and we found the screen to be bright and clear. On the inside, the iPAQ hx2750 runs the same PXA270 processor as the other members of the range, but at the faster 624MHz frequency. What this means for the user is quicker access to files as well as the smoother running of multimedia applications, such as video and audio files. With 256MB of memory, which is split as 128MB of ROM and 128MB of SDRAM, there is up to 192MB of user-definable memory, with the rest being made up of the iPAQ data store. If you really need the addition of Credant Technologies protected security, the iPAQ hx2750 is the only way to go. However, if your handheld needs are more normal, the additional expense cannot be justified. The other members of the hx2000 range will more than meet the average IT manager’s needs.

RATING 8
PRICE £323/£380 (ex/inc. VAT)
PROCESSOR Intel PXA270 - 624MHz
OPERATING SYSTEM Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition
MEMORY 256MB of memory - 128MB of ROM and 128MB of SDRAM (192MB of user definable)
EXPANSION CompactFlash / Secure Digital
SCREEN 3.5-inch (QVGA)
BATTERY Lithium-Ion
LINK USB 2
SIZE 119 x 77 x 16mm
WEIGHT 165g
CONTACT
www.hp.com/uk