HP's iPaq hx2190 PDA is on the low-end of the company's current iPaq offerings. It's a personal digital assistant that just does PDA-type activities, but it does them quite well.

At the core of this PDA is a 312MHz Intel processor, so its performance is quite respectable. There's 64MB of RAM for running applications and another 192MB of ROM for storage (with up to 128MB available for user-added files). There's a CompactFlash slot and an SD slot, so you can expand the storage space or capabilities of the PDA with add-on cards.

The hx2190 runs Windows Mobile 5.0 and features mobile versions of Office applications, so it can open Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint files for viewing away from the office. This PDA also comes with HP's ProtectTools, letting users set up a PIN or a password to secure access to their data. And the iPaq Backup application makes it easy to automatically backup your data to a PC nightly.

The 3.5-inch color screen offers sharp 320x240 resolution that can be viewed in both landscape and portrait modes. HP includes a plastic flip cover with this PDA so you can protect the screen without having to pack the hx2190 away inside a case. Manipulating the onscreen menus is handled via stylus or through the 5-way navigation button at the bottom of the display. There are also quick-access buttons for contacts, calendar, messages, and more.

Unfortunately, the hx2190 doesn't offer 802.11 wireless Internet connectivity, so you can't get online via a wireless hotspot. You can, however, synch up to PCs and other devices via Bluetooth, so you can get online through a Bluetooth-enabled computer this way. The PDA also includes an IrDA port for transmitting information to and from a computer or another PDA.

There's a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can use this PDA as a voice recorder to take memos as well. In addition to the built-in speaker, there's a headphone jack that lets you listen to MP3 files in stereo, although you'll probably want to beef up the storage space if you'll be using this PDA as an MP3 player.

Battery life lasted over eight hours before needing a recharge, a respectable amount for a PDA. And the device weighs in at only 5.8 ounces, making it quite portable, although still noticeable in a pocket. HP offers a one-year warranty on the hx2190, a standard coverage period for the industry.

The lack of WiFi hobbles this PDA for a lot of users, but it also brings its cost down from other iPaq models. If you don't need to get online via 802.11 wireless on your PDA, the HP iPaq hx2190 offers good performance and a decent set of features for the price.

Pros: Good price, fast performance
Cons: No wireless

Warranty
1 year, limited