HP iPAQ H1910

The two units share the same 200MHz Intel XScale processor too, which is respectably fast in general use. In terms of processing power, the only times we felt these units lagged behind Dell's 400MHz Axim X5 Performance (see issue 100, p129) was when loading up images in Internet Explorer (8.8 seconds for the Axim, 15 seconds for the machines on review) or when powering games. The more telling difference is the amount of memory. The extra RAM Dell's Axim boasts - which is truly 64MB - gives Pocket PC 2002 more room to breathe.

But the iPAQ H1910 and Mio 338 are a different breed of Pocket PC to the Axim. Both genuinely fit in your pocket, and are so light I barely noticed either - just like the Palm V. If portability is a priority and you don't mind paying extra for a docking station, the iPAQ is a clear winner. If you need to strike a balance between portability and value, go for the Mio. But with power, flexibility and extra features, the Axim remains our number one Pocket PC choice.

Author: Tim Danton