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    Let's how this iPAQ measures up.

WHAT'S HOT

   Size has become more and more crucial as of late in the mobile device market. Manufacturers are enthralled to continually create more powerful devices in a smaller shell. Let's do some comparisons with the iPAQ 2215 versus other Pocket PCs.

BOX CONTENTS

   This iPAQ comes boxed with all the same accessories that we've seen in previous models. You've got the cradle, manuals, ac adaptor, a new slip case, software, and extra stylus.

The all new USB cradle has a slot for an extra battery to charge while syncing the iPAQ.

On this device, HP has dropped the dual USB/Serial connectors in favor of a USB-only cradle.

As always, the AC Adaptor comes with the built in adaptor dongle to connect AC power directly to the iPAQ without need of the cradle.

In the cradle, the iPAQ 2215 looks sleek and slim. Very impressive.

THE DEVICE
   Check out the iPAQ 2215.

Notice the new rubber grips on the side of the iPAQ. Perhaps they are taking a lead from Dell here.

From the back. Notice the battery door which covers the user replaceable battery.

The iPAQ 2215 feels terrific in one's hand. It's the perfect size for a snug grip.

Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth and CF card slot (to use with an 802.11b card), carrying around this device may take care of all the connectivity you need.

The base of the device sports only the sync port.

Now back onto the front. The round buttons make for simple and clean lines, complimenting the rest of the device. The joypad, although small, is well implemented and easy to use. The iPAQ 2215's front takes many design cues from big brother iPAQ 5450, but the joypad seems to have improved. For some reason, navigation is easier on the 2215 than the 5450 using the joypad.

Application buttons include (by default): Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, and iTask (the bundled task switcher).

The top of the iPAQ has two LED indicators. They are used to notify the user of Bluetooth activation, power/charge status, and calendar reminders/notifications.

The dual slots of the iPAQ 2215 is probably one of the strongest selling points. This leaves users open to add memory and wireless 802.11b device cards. Out of the box, the iPAQ 2215 has a dummy card in the CF slot, but no dummy was to be found in the Secure Digital slot. It was simply wide open.

Even with a wireless 802.11b CompactFlash card inserted, the iPAQ maintains a trim feel in the hand (or pocket).

PICTORIALLY - HP iPAQ 2215 versus HP iPAQ 5450 & HP iPAQ 1910
   Most of you are probably wondering how this device measures up when compared to other Pocket PCs. For the purposes of this review, we matched the iPAQ 5450 up against two other Pocket PCs; its predecessor, the Compaq iPAQ 3970, and its super slim brother, the HP iPAQ 1910.

From left to right: iPAQ 5450, iPAQ 2215, iPAQ 1910. Side-by-side, you can see that the iPAQ 2215 sports a similar display to the iPAQ 1910.

From top to bottom: iPAQ 1910, iPAQ 2215, iPAQ 5450. Note that the iPAQ 2215 does away with any rocker switches or voice record buttons on either side of the device. In all honesty, I won't miss them; thanks to them I constantly turn Pocket PCs on accidentally.

Notice the top of the iPAQ 2215 features the microphone inset and headphone jack (no miniplugs- it's standard size).

And finally from the bottom...

All in all, I find the design of the iPAQ 2215 extremely practical. The rubber side grips really make a real difference in the fit and feel of the device.

Continue On: General Discussion / Pocket PC 2003. . .