HP iPAQ hx4700

Switch the hx4700 into Cursor mode and you begin to see HP's reasoning: a familiar Windows-style cursor appears, which you can control in exactly the same way as on a notebook. On those occasions when you just want to leave the stylus in situ, the touchpad is an excellent way to zip around larger documents and browse web pages. It's only a shame that there's no USB port to enable you to plug in a standard mouse.

We can imagine some people ripping off the screen protector HP provides. Made of semi-transparent plastic, it's kept shut by a weak magnet. In general this will prevent damage, especially against sharp objects the iPAQ might find itself rubbing up against in a pocket, but you wouldn't want to throw the hx4700 in a bag with just the screen protector to guard it. Its major benefit, however, is that it doesn't add to the hx4700's 15mm depth.

Another plus is the battery life. Not only because the hx4700 lasts for 9 hours under light use (with the backlight set to medium), and the same amount of time if you choose to use it as an MP3 player, but because HP is already selling an optional battery for £94 (exc VAT).

This means you can switch on the 802.11b Wi-Fi or the Bluetooth radio to connect your phone, and hook up to your company network, browse the Web or just download email. With Bluetooth keyboards aplenty, it's easy to imagine the hx4700 as an effective notebook replacement that will last all day, and all night.

We admit that we're torn between the Pocket LOOX 720 and the iPAQ. Both have compelling features: we love the USB host port of the 720, which makes it easy to hook up flash drives and even full-sized keyboards. HP, on the other hand, makes far more use of the 480 x 640 resolution thanks to that fantastic 4in screen and a thoughtful software bundle. Then again, it costs about £40 more.

It's a points decision, but in day-to-day use the hx4700 has just enough in its favour to earn it a place on the A List.

Author: Tim Danton