Software
While almost all PDAs come with number of bundled applications and utilities that usually consist mainly of curiosities or promotional versions of various utilities, many of those provided with the HP hx4705 are actually immediately useful.

iTask, a.k.a the iPAQ Task Manager, makes it extremely easy to see which applications are currently running, as well as launch or terminate programs. In fact, an iTask button takes the place of the standard "Home" button on the front of the hx4705.

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Another useful utility is TodayPanel Lite, which lets you view and manage frequently-used settings for battery, memory, storage, and screen brightness directly from the Windows Mobile Today screen. Utilities for displaying Powerpoint presentations and PDF files are also included.

Security
While most of the hx4705's bundled applications are geared towards enhancing productivity or convenience, HP's ProtectTools software has a more serious mission—to secure your sensitive data from the prying eyes of anyone who may come across (or into possession of) your PDA.

When enabled, (it's off by default) ProtectTools requires the user to input a PIN or strong alphanumeric password in order to access the device, just like the built-in password feature of Windows Mobile does. The similarities end there however, because in addition to providing this first level of defense, ProtectTools will encrypt your data with one of several available algorithms (including industrial-strength 3DES and AES).

ProtectTools will encrypt certain information by default, including your contacts, tasks, schedule, e-mail, and the contents of the My Documents folder, but you can add additional folders of your own that can reside either in the hx4705's internal memory or on an expansion card.

The application doesn't kick in until the hx4705 is turned off or shuts down automatically due to a timeout setting. Once this happens, the data specified is encrypted, and then decrypted only when the unit is turned back on and the correct password is entered.

Encryption and decryption takes time—each took no more than several seconds in my testing, but a unit heavily laden with data could easily take several minutes to perform each process, especially with the more sophisticated algorithms.

Since this could be problematic if trying to access information on the PDA quickly, users will have to experiment to find the best balance of security and convenience. Provided that they don't contain information you're trying to safeguard, you can automatically exclude media files like audio, video, and images to save some time during device startup and shutdown.

Conclusion All this advanced technology doesn't come without cost: If you're looking for a svelte, willowy PDA, search elsewhere. Moore's law aside, you can't add features like a larger screen without correspondingly larger dimensions and added weight. The hx4705 dimensions measure 5.17 x 3.03 x .59 inches and tips the scale at a stout 6.6 ounces. Also, at $650, the hx4705 is arguably one of the most expensive PDAs you can buy.


hx4705 Package

Nevertheless, the HP hx4705 represents the current high watermark in Windows handheld technology—fastest processor, most internal memory, largest display, and an assortment of genuinely useful applications and utilities to boot.

Provided the hefty price, dimensions, and weight aren't a problem, business road warriors or even price-is-no-object technophiles will likely find the hx4705 a worthwhile purchase. For those who balk at the price of the hx4705, you might want to consider the Dell Axim X50v, which has a small but still VGA display, less memory, and a weaker software bundle.

Merchants: Where to buy Hewlett Packard iPAQ hx4705 Pocket PC Products
Store	PDA Certified	In stock	Shipping	Price
	Write a store review	yes	0.00	$799.99