How much more can iPAQ in?

Sponsored by HP In the interest of SMEs

Today’s handhelds are powerful, versatile and feature-packed, with great bargains on offer – but how do you know which one’s best for you?

HP helps you make a decision

Once little more than a Personal Digital Assistants (or Pocket PC), handheld devices have dramatically transformed. Today, mobile handheld/wireless handhelds (HH/WHHs) devices are versatile communication tools that can handle everything from wireless e-mail to mobile messaging services, mobile telephony, digital photography, music and more.

There are six key features to consider when contemplating a Handheld/Wireless Handheld purchase.

Portability: Portability is critical, but some handhelds are more portable than others. This can depend on such features as display size and integrated keyboard. Select one with the size, weight and design that best fits your needs.

Performance: Measures the capability of the HH/WHH to perform tasks and its ability to run applications efficiently. This is determined by processing speed and operating and storage memory. Other factors that contribute to performance are graphics and sound capabilities, battery consumption, screen size, and the incorporated storage media facilities.

Expandability: Refers to the potential to increase or upgrade the capabilities of a Pocket PC in terms of performance. Expandability is determined by the ability to add new technologies, such as keyboards, GPS navigation systems, barcode / RFID scanners for vertical segments and GPRS Cards for broader communication capability. All this enhances overall functionality. The available connections – integrated slots and options such as SDIO and CF cards – are key to expandability.

Multimedia capability: Enhance your interaction with the ability of your HH/WHH to deliver information, images and animation in formats such as text, audio, video and graphics. Multimedia applications allow you to watch videos, play MP3 or WMP music files, watch video news and music videos and thanks to sometimes integrated cameras take and view photographs. Multimedia functions also allow you to use your HH/WHH as a personal mobile entertainer.

Connectivity/GPRS: Wireless communication capabilities keep you connected to the Internet, e-mail and company networks. The measurement of communication and connectivity for HH/WHHs is determined by the extent they can deliver integrated wireless communications for Bluetooth, WiFi, GSM/GPRS. Wireless connectivity via WLAN provides a high-speed data connection at any public hotspot. Integrated GSM/GPRS and Edge allows you to make a phone call and get a data connection wherever you are.

Mobile messaging: Is the HH/WHH equipped for mobile messaging services? Can you send and receive messages through SMS, for text, and MMS for messages that combine text, sounds, images and video. Some PDAs also feature instant messaging for quick and easy real-time communication.

For more on HP iPAQs, visit http://welcome.hp.com/country/za/en/prodserv/handheld.html

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