In the early 2000s, handheld computers were all the rage, and Hewlett-Packard (HP) was at the forefront of this technological revolution. In 2004, HP released several new models of handheld computers that took the market by storm. This blog post will dive deep into the most popular HP handheld computers of 2004, exploring their features, capabilities, and impact on the tech world.

The iPAQ HX4700: A True Powerhouse

The iPAQ HX4700 was HP's flagship handheld computer in 2004. With a powerful 624 MHz Intel PXA270 processor, 64 MB of RAM, and a whopping 128 MB of ROM, this device was a force to be reckoned with. The HX4700 featured a large 4-inch VGA display with a resolution of 480x640 pixels, making it perfect for both productivity and entertainment purposes.

One of the standout features of the iPAQ HX4700 was its innovative touchpad navigation system, called the MicroPad. This allowed users to navigate through menus and applications with ease, without having to rely on a stylus or physical buttons. The device also boasted a CompactFlash Type II slot and an SDIO slot, providing ample options for expandable storage and connectivity.

The iPAQ HX4700 came with Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, which offered a host of productivity applications, such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket Outlook. Additionally, the device supported Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile tool for professionals on the go.

The iPAQ HX2000 Series: Versatility Meets Affordability

The iPAQ HX2000 series was another popular line of HP handheld computers in 2004. This series was designed to cater to a wide range of users, from students to business professionals. The HX2000 series came in three different models: the HX2110, HX2410, and HX2750.

All three models in the HX2000 series were powered by Intel PXA270 processors, with varying clock speeds and RAM capacities. The HX2110 was the entry-level model, featuring a 312 MHz processor and 64 MB of RAM, while the HX2750 was the top-of-the-line model with a 624 MHz processor and 128 MB of RAM.

The HX2000 series devices all featured a 3.5-inch QVGA display with a resolution of 240x320 pixels. They also came equipped with an SDIO slot and a CompactFlash Type II slot, allowing users to expand storage and add peripherals as needed.

One of the key selling points of the HX2000 series was its long battery life. With a user-replaceable 920 mAh lithium-ion battery, these devices could last for hours on a single charge, making them perfect for on-the-go use.

The iPAQ RX3000 Series: Entertainment at Your Fingertips

The iPAQ RX3000 series was HP's answer to the growing demand for multimedia-capable handheld computers. These devices were designed with entertainment in mind, featuring a 2.8-inch QVGA display, an integrated 1.2-megapixel camera, and a dedicated graphics chip for smooth video playback.

The RX3000 series came in three different models: the RX3115, RX3415, and RX3715. All three models were powered by a 400 MHz Samsung S3C2440 processor and came with 64 MB of RAM. The primary difference between the models was the amount of onboard storage, with the RX3115 offering 56 MB, the RX3415 offering 96 MB, and the RX3715 boasting 152 MB.

The iPAQ RX3000 series also featured a unique Mobile Media Companion software suite, which allowed users to easily manage and enjoy their multimedia content. With support for a wide range of audio and video formats, these devices were perfect for users who wanted a powerful entertainment system in the palm of their hands.

The iPAQ H6300 Series: A Mobile Communications Powerhouse

The iPAQ H6300 series was HP's first foray into the world of converged devices, combining the functionality of a handheld computer with that of a mobile phone. The H6300 series featured a built-in GSM/GPRS radio, allowing users to make phone calls, send text messages, and access the internet on the go.

The H6300 series came in two different models: the H6315 and the H6340. Both models were powered by a 200 MHz Texas Instruments OMAP 1510 processor and came with 64 MB of RAM. The devices also featured a 3.5-inch QVGA display and an integrated VGA camera.

One of the standout features of the H6300 series was its support for multiple wireless connectivity options. In addition to GSM/GPRS, these devices also supported Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared, making them the ultimate mobile communications tool.

The Lasting Impact of HP Handheld Computers in 2004

The HP handheld computers of 2004 set the stage for the future of mobile computing. With powerful processors, innovative features, and a focus on connectivity, these devices paved the way for the smartphones and tablets we know and love today. While the world of handheld computers has evolved significantly since 2004, the spirit of innovation and versatility that defined HP's devices during this time lives on in the modern tech landscape.