HP iPAQ 5550 Pocket PC

(Discontinued)

Editor's rating (1-5):
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Introduced in the summer of 2003, just after the iPAQ 2215, the iPAQ 5550 is HP's new flagship Pocket PC, replacing the 5450. The first word that comes to mind is "excellent", and the 5550 is all that the 5450 should've been and more. At $649, it's the most expensive Pocket PC, but you do get a lot for the hefty price tag. If you need WiFi, Bluetooth, an impressive array of expansion possibilities, lots of memory, a large display and biometric security, then the price may well be worth it.

iPAQ 5555

Pro: The built-in WiFi is a winner, getting a super-strong signal after applying HP's update. Bluetooth is user-friendly and supports just about anything you'd want to connect to, including headsets. The battery is user-replaceable, and an extended battery is available. The 5555 has more memory than any other WM2003SE Pocket PC. The screen is perfection. For now, nothing will beat HP's biometric fingerprint scanner for security and ease of use on a PDA. The unit, like the prior 3000 and 5000 series models, is very expandable thanks to expansion packs, and there's a huge assortment of accessories available. This is the only current Pocket PC that can use PCMCIA cards (may require PPC drivers) via the optional PC Card expansion sleeve.

Cons: Price: At the time it was released, the iPAQ 5555 was the most expensive Pocket PC on the market *ouch*. NO CF slot, though you can add one by purchasing an optional sleeve, increasing your cash outlay. If you prefer small and light PDAs, then the iPAQ 5555 may not suit you, though all high end, feature-packed units are on the large and heavy side.

Orignal List Price: $649

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