HP iPAQ hx2495b Pocket PC (FA674B#ABA)

Bought this for my husband; his first handheld. Took it on vacation first thing and was impressed how easy it was to use. Came in very handy and he has yet to learn all the things it can do. He has used it for personal and business and found the windows mobile a real asset. Found that buying a case for it was a good idea for both travel and general protection. Bought this item because my father has one and recommended it. He says he couldn't do without it anymore. He even takes it to church as he has downloaded the Bible on it. So far, I'd have to say this has been a great investment.

pros: beautiful screencons: This is one querky machine. As some other users have found, the unit turned itself on a few times and ran the batteries down. I once couldn't turn it on without a soft reset. The keyboard that worked great with my old HP2215 functioned with the newer OS, but I had to touch the screen with the stylus every 5 min (maximum length allowed) to re-activate it. But the worst defect was that the screen turned itself on every time a new song started in wm player. Even though the standard battery in the 2495 is huge, it didn't last longer than the small one in the 2215. The extended battery is even larger and necessitates a new back for the iPAQ. Other issues: stereo output stopped if the plug on my headset was turned slightly (but the handset worked elsewhere). The plastic flip cover isn't as secure as a third-party metal case, and shows smudges when the screen is on. I could go on and on with smaller issues. Even though my 2215 can't access the SD card anymore, I've returned the 2495. When it finally gives up the ghost, I'll probably get a smart phone.

Brand new this did not synchronize from the start. Sent it back to HP they said it would be $300 to repair it as the main board was flawed. I said "but it's under a 1 year warrenty. Well be sure to read it, it's doesn't cover the main board. HP was horrible to deal with, never would return calls and kept it for over three months and did nothing. So once I got it back I went to bluetooth to synchronize and it worked great, but you can't move music, so what good is this? I love it's possiblities but it just has too many bugs!

I have had mine for a few weeks now. Pretty much I like it for all the reasons stated in other reviews. Syncing was easy with WXP Home, WIFI connection is two tap simple, lots of extra software written that works with WM5. I'm using subscription medical software. I'm not having the power management issues even with a 1GB SD expansion card in place. Its the goofey OS thats the problem (Microshaft/soft).#1. The Today screen, (Desktop), sometimes leaves out some of the device status icons. To fix it, tap START, SETTINGS, TODAY and uncheck any item to display. Exit and it will be removed. Then go back in and recheck the box and it (and the missing display status icons) will reappear. #2. For whatever reason, sometimes the device will not turn on. Fret not, you have done nothing wrong. Stick the stylus into the soft reset hole...and BLINK...the screen comes back on and the device reboots itself. #3. Navigating the device is partly intuitive and partly not. There are still some screens I've seen only once. I have no idea how I got there and no idea how to get back. #4. Internet Explorer, Its a MEMORY and STORAGE hog. You can clear the storage caches of IE by doing OPTIONS and deleting the history and files. But the only way to clean out the memory cache is to do a soft reboot. The more you use IE, the more you'll notice the available system memory continually deminishes. I do a soft reboot weekly now to keep the system free of as many temp files as possible.But overall I like it. I'm used to fiddling with tech stuff so it doesn't really bother me. I use it at work daily and all the included and extra software works great!!

I had an entry level iPaq - the 1910 - for a couple of years. Had lots of trouble with it (some of which I believe were created by an aftermarket synch/charging cable). It finally died, and I replaced it with a Palm TX which I quickly returned. Windows compatible - yes /work efficiently - no.I replaced that with the iPaq hx2495 and love it. I would have given it 5 stars rather than 4, but I would need to have the unit function w/o problems for another few months before giving it the fifth star.I have it synched w/2 computers and had no problems loading or using the software. ActivSynch 4.5 seems to be working w/o flaw. The connections seem a little better built than my old 1910, and I have been able to use the wifi to access Internet Explorer and email w/o a problem either.Right now, I am very happy with this, but then it cost me $350.00, so it should make me happy! I'd spend that again just to have something that works this efficiently and is powered by Microsoft rather than just Microsoft "compatible". Spend the extra bucks - it's worth it.

I bought the product for my wife who is an elementary teacher. I wanted to give her a gift that would cut down her at home grading. Now she can walk around the room entering grades in real-time using the HP and included Micro Soft Software. The Excel format from the HP seamlessly uploads to her grading software. I bought her a SD card that aids in the transfer of information to and from the HP. No funky Synchronization issues to deal with. I have used a Palm and never found it to be better than a simple back up.Now all she needs to do is upload the grades into the system. Parents can see their child's progress and more importantly, no entering grades at home.Happy wife, Happy life.

No charger was included. The wire TO a charger was included, but not the charger itself. Useless.