HP iPaq rx4540

By Calvin Chia, CNET Asia
Sep 26, 2006

At HP's recent event in Beijing, the company introduced the rx4000 series Mobile Media Companion handhelds, its first non-PDA-phone device since the announcement of the rx1950 almost a year ago. Like its predecessor, the new iPaqs are targeted at the everyday user, with a smart selection of wireless options and multimedia features. This time, though, HP has incorporated a 1GB onboard memory as well as a unique new design aimed at enhancing the entertainment experience for the user.

Editors' note: According to HP Singapore, the rx4540 is expected to be launched in late October.

Design
Design The rx4000 series comes in two flavors. Our test unit, the rx4540, was the premium version with burgundy-red side panel and an additional 1GB flash ROM. The entry-level rx4240 features copper side panel and 128MB of ROM.

Our first impression of the rx4540 was that it's very compact. Measuring just 102 x 63.5 x 16.75mm, the iPaq has roughly the same dimensions as the rw6828, though perhaps a tad wider but shorter, making it a form factor that's very handy for traveling. Most users will not feel bogged down by the rx4540's lightweight 118g chassis, either.

Despite its small form factor, the rx4540 sports a relatively large 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen display which produces sharp and bright images. And we like that HP has incorporated an easy-access button on the side for users to switch between portrait and landscape modes to facilitate viewing of pictures, videos and games. However, we have mixed feelings over the handheld's plastic clip cover. On the one hand, it offers scratch and dirt protection for the screen, especially when the device is carried in a pocket or handbag. But the fact that you have to unclasp the cover from the PDA and re-clasp it behind the screen every time you use the touchscreen is not only tedious, there's also a tendency of dropping the unit while doing so.

Kudos to HP for breaking away from the typical PDA mould and coming up with a rather innovative design for its latest iPaq. The company has also opted to take a slightly different approach to colors on its latest PDA by offering a touch of either burgundy red (rx4540) or copper (rx4520) on its side panel with a predominantly silver exterior casing. The result is a rather refreshing change from the traditional handheld look and feel which we suspect will appeal to the younger crowd. However, we did find the iPaq somewhat plasticky, possibly due to the laminated finish on the casing, though it generally feels solidly constructed.

Based on the orientation of the HP logo, the rx4540 seems to be designed for use mainly in the landscape mode. The hidden reset button, Notes button and SD card slot can be found on the top, while the right side panel houses the close window, Outlook, media player, screen orientation toggle as well as the power button. The mini-USB port and 3.5mm earphone jack as well as an awkwardly placed stylus silo are located on the left. We like that HP has provided a real stylus rather than a retractable one which is usually less comfortable to use.

What the rx4540 lacks in terms of a traditional four-way navigation control, it makes up for with a scroll wheel placed conveniently at the top right corner. However, depending on whether you are holding the iPaq in a portrait or landscape position, the use of the scroll wheel can be rather tricky and takes a while getting used to. For example, right-handers will find it a stretch to use the PDA in portrait position for scrolling, while left-handers will not have this problem.

Demanding PDA users planning to accessorize the iPaq will be delighted to know that the SD expansion slot comes with SDIO support. The onboard 3.5mm audio jack also means users can plug in their high-quality earphones without the need for a converter. Sadly, the iPaq lacks external buttons for audio playback control, a feature that would have been much appreciated by audiophiles.

Windows Mobile 5.0 implements softkeys with functionality not unlike those found on Nokia phones. Unfortunately, the rx4540 does not come with dedicated softkeys. Therefore, if you are keen to keep the plastic screen protector on when accessing various PDA functions, you will have to forego the use of two of the side buttons and reconfigure these as the left and right softkeys.

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