Windows Phone Thoughts: Breaking the Mold: The HP iPAQ 4350

Gotchas
Well, much as I love this unit, there are a few wrinkles (aren't there always?)

• Removing the battery is not sufficient for a full/hard reset. You need to follow the instructions provided in the Quick Start and/or User Guide;
  
• Keyboard keys are a little close together and a shift key is needed on the right side of the board;
  
• No CF card slot;
  
• Supplied cloth cover is bulky and cheap looking;
  
• Stylus is too thin and light to be comfortable - maybe something of thicker plastic, or maybe a light metal???;
  
• No Jog Dial -- I miss having an up/down volume control on the side of the unit.

Where to Buy
The HP iPAQ 4350 is available from Tek-N-Toys for about $507 USD [affiliate]. I'm sure there are numerous other sources as well.

Specifications
The full spec sheet for the iPAQ 4350 can be found here at the HP Web site, so I won't bore you with repeating the complete set. But here's a quick snapshot of the highlights under the covers:

• Intel 400 Mhz processor;
  
• 64 Mb SDRAM (55 Mb user accessible, 2.8 Mb iPAQ File Store);
  
• 32 Mb Flash ROM;
  
• WLAN 802.11b, Bluetooth, IrDA;
  
• Transreflective 3.5 inch TFT display with LED backlight, 64K colours, 240 x 320;
  
• Integrated Keyboard with backlight, pen & touch interface;
  
• 5.4 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches (139 x 75 x 14.5 mm).

Conclusions
Is it a perfect match? No, but what is in this life, anyway? Do I want one? You bet! With the combination of a keyboard, WiFi and Bluetooth, this is one slick unit that provides maximum connectivity and communication. I'm very impressed with HP's approach to changing (evolving?) the form factor of the Pocket PC. Now if it just had that CF card slot....