4 out of 5 stars.
--
Compaq iPAQ
Internet device or Corporate PC? You be the
judge.
By Cade Metz, PC Magazine
February 28, 2000
Compaq refers to its latest product, the iPAQ, as an
Internet device, implying that its primary purpose is to
access the Web. Such a product is typically meant for
consumers. The Compaq iPAQ ($1,348 direct) is in fact
a fully functional corporate PC--albeit an unusual one.
Smaller than most
mini-towers and irregular in
shape, the iPAQ has no
bus slots, and its lone
external drive bay does not
accept desktop drives.
Rather, it accepts the hot-swappable drives typically
used in Compaq's Armada notebooks. The system is
sold only through Compaq's Web site in just a handful
of different hardware configurations.
Two different iPAQ models are available. We tested the
standard iPAQ model, which is available with Microsoft
Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT, and has USB, serial,
parallel, and PS/2 ports. The other, the legacy-free
iPAQ--meant for those who don't intend to use older
hardware peripherals--lacks serial, parallel, and PS/2
ports but offers three additional USB connections
instead. This model uses only Windows 2000 and is
typically $120 less expensive.
When purchasing either model, you have the choice of
one of only two processors (a Celeron/500 or a Pentium
III/500), one of two hard disks (4.3GB or 8.4GB), and
one out of three memory sizes (64MB, 128MB, or
256MB). The standard iPAQ system tested at PC
Magazine Labs included a Pentium/III, 128MB of RAM,
an 8.4GB hard disk, a CD-ROM drive, two speakers,
and a 17-inch monitor.
Some will bemoan the lack of choice, but Compaq
hopes to make purchases easier for IT managers. The
hardware offered is fast enough to handle common
business applications, and the units are unusually
inexpensive for mainstream corporate PCs. A
legacy-free model with a Celeron/500, a 4.3GB hard
disk, and 64MB of memory sells for $499 (direct)
without monitor.
The iPAQ measures 14.6 inches in height. A middle
silver section is sandwiched between two black panels,
one that houses the unit's sole drive bay and one that
pops off to reveal the system interior. You can use one
of four different devices in the drive bay: a CD-ROM ($75
direct), a DVD ($175), an LS-120 ($99), or a second
hard disk ($219). All of these can be used with the
latest Armada notebooks, and unless you're running
Windows NT, you can install or remove all but the hard
disk without suspending or shutting the system down.
The standard iPAQ model we tested was the first new
system sent to PC Magazine Labs with Microsoft
Windows 2000, so we can't directly compare its
performance directly with other leading machines, but
none of its benchmark test scores were far from what
we expected. Dependent on the integrated graphics of
Intel's 810e chip set, the tested machine is a
competent but modest performer. More important, the
system works well with Compaq's Insight Manager
applications, which let you manage system hardware
remotely.
The iPAQ also marks the debut of two new software
offerings from Compaq. Buyers are given a free, 30-day
trial of Altiris eXpress, a software management
application, and can download a specialized version of
PC Transplant. PC Transplant lets you easily move
desktop, network, and applications settings, as well as
files and folders from an existing PC to any new
Compaq PC. Altiris eXpress lets you, among other
things, install new software images over your network
wire.
Unique design and low price make the Compaq iPAQ
an intriguing choice for a corporate environment. By
sacrificing legacy ports and hardware configuration
options, you gain a system that is easier to use and
maintain.
Compaq iPAQ. Rating: Direct price:
$1,348. With Pentium III/500, 128MB RAM, 8.4GB hard
disk, CD-ROM drive, two external speakers, and a
17-inch monitor. Compaq Computer Corp., Houston;
800-345-1518; Company Info.
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