HP iPaq rx3715 Mobile Media Companion

HP is pitching its new iPaq rx3715 not as an organizational tool but as an entertainment device (hence the Mobile Media Companion name instead of Pocket PC). In addition to the basic digital audio and video features found on most Pocket PCs, this $499.99 model sports a built-in 1.2-megapixel digital camera and apps for managing digital music, photos, and video on PCs throughout your home via a Wi-Fi wireless network. It's a great idea, but this software is strictly for early adopters. Nevertheless, the iPaq rx3715 is an impressive PDA with a long list of features and excellent performance. The rx3715 fills the void left by the recent departure of the Sony CLIE from the U.S. market--it's an advanced PDA with innovative entertainment features. If you don't need the camera or the more esoteric entertainment programs, however, the Dell Axim X30 offers similar features and performance for significantly less.The HP iPaq rx3715 looks distinctly different from previous iPaq devices. The trademark silver is gone, replaced by a dark-gray case with black accents. Despite the new colors, this boxy, rectangular PDA is no breakthrough in industrial design, though it does feel well built, as if it could easily withstand the rigors of mobile use. Measuring 4.5 by 2.8 by 0.6 inches and weighing 5.6 ounces, it isn't particularly small or light, but since it's loaded down with two different forms of wireless communication and a camera, that's to be expected.

A 3.5-inch, transflective TFT screen occupies nearly the entire front of the device. It's bright and sharp, with a resolution of 240x320 pixels. Considering this product's focus is on multimedia, we were disappointed that HP didn't opt for a VGA (640x480) display such as the ones found on the hx4700, the Asus MyPal A730, or the Toshiba e805, all of which deliver a better experience for viewing photos and video.