HP iPAQ H2210

Fortunately, the battery is removable and HP sensibly integrates a battery-charging slot into the bundled docking cradle. There's also a travel charger adaptor in the box, so you don't need to carry the cradle with you on trips. The only mild disappointment is that HP isn't selling an extended-life battery.

Some people might also mourn the loss of the jog dial, which can be a convenient way of scrolling down pages and activating programs. You can use the five-way directional pad, but this is less precise; I found myself accidentally closing emails, for example, when trying to scroll to the bottom of the message. Nevertheless, the rubberised sides make the iPAQ easy to hold, and the lack of a jog dial or voice recorder button is far from a fatal blow.

A more notable omission is support for the iPAQ's expansion jackets. These provide an easy way to add GPS systems, a PC Card and much more besides. However, it's clear that HP designed this iPAQ from the ground up, and expansion jackets are arguably less relevant with the advent of SDIO, Bluetooth and the integration of the CompactFlash slot. What's more, as HP sticks with the same power/input connector at the bottom of the H2210 as with all recent iPAQs, existing power adaptors and bottom-connecting peripherals - most notably the folding keyboard - should all work.

There's a handy collection of software too. ClearType Tuner is on hand to adjust Pocket PC's ClearType settings, iTask allows you to quickly switch between open applications and head directly for settings, while Nevo, the universal remote control, takes advantage of the infrared port at the top of the unit.

Despite these extras, and the inclusion of a case to protect the screen, the H2210 is no match for Dell's Axim X5 Performance when it comes to value - it costs just £255 including VAT and delivery. But the iPAQ leaves the Axim looking like a relic when it comes to design, weight and size; plus, it has integrated Bluetooth. For these reasons alone, it dislodges the X5 from the A List. That said, you should also consider the cheaper Palm Tungsten T2, while HP's own H1940 is more attractive if you don't need CompactFlash or the fastest processor.

Author: Tim Danton