Performance

The HP IPAQ H1910 does not have the faster processor that most new Pocket PC's are now running.  It is powered by an Intel PXA 250 processor @ 200mhz.  Most current models are running Intel's next generation XScale processors at speeds of 300mhz or 400mhz.  However, I would like to point out that the current Pocket PC OS as well as a majority of the software out there are not yet optimized for the new XScale processor.  What does this mean exactly?  Well, you will not notice much of a difference in performance while running certain applications and/or tasks.   In fact, some of the speedier Pocket PC's have been reported to perform somewhat sluggish at times.

To measure performance, we looked at all of the following: 

Screen quality, sound quality, recording quality, game performance, video performance, benchmarking (for device comparison), connectivity and battery life.

Screen Quality

IPAQ Pocket PC's are known for their bright, high quality screens.  The HP IPAQ H1910 is no exception.  We were very impressed with the beautiful backlit transflective color screen.  In fact, it's one of its best features.  I highly recommend you see one in person at your local store to appreciate its sheer beauty.  Pictures don't do it justice.  Many are instantly drawn to it when they see its screen in person.  It is the brightest, most colorful and best looking screen of any Pocket PC currently available.  White backgrounds look white.  There is no pink haze or grayish color.  Black is also displayed well.  The screen looked great both indoors and out, even under bright sunlight.

Below is a shot of the H1910 next to an Audiovox Maestro.  Notice how much brighter and evenly lit the screen is.  The difference is amazing.

**click to enlarge**

Sound Quality

Sound quality is also excellent.  Both from the headphone jack and from the small speaker located on the directional pad.  I was quite surprised at how loud and how well the tiny speaker was able to playback mp3 files.   During our tests, we did not experience any pops or clicks typically heard in other models.  The included Ear Bud style headphones offer acceptable sound quality.  They are equipped with a gold plated 2.5mm L-shaped plug.

Here is a shot of the included headphones:

Recording Quality

I was also impressed with the H1910's recording quality.  Voice recordings are nice and clear, especially when played back using the included headphones.  I also recorded TV audio and music which all sounded pretty good as well.  Overall, the recording quality was better than most other Pocket PC's.

Game Performance

To see how well the H1910 handled games, we tested using 3 high quality games for Pocket PC.  Zio's ZioGolf2, Zio's Sim City 2000 and Pocket Quake.  All games were installed on a Lexar Media SD Card. 

ZioSoft games ran very well.  There was no noticeable hesitation and/or pauses or sound clipping when playing ZioGolf2.  There was slight hesitation at times when playing Sim City 2000, but that's understandable considering the level of detail.  Pocket Quake on the other hand, was rather slow at times and was not always able to keep up with the gameplay.  Personally, I don't find it fun to play 1st shooters on a pocket PC.  It's just not the same.  Overall, gameplay was surprisingly good considering its slower processor.

If your a gamer, I would recommend you take a look at ZioSoft games.  They develop high quality games which are highly compatible with all Pocket PC's.

Video Performance

Now I'm not much of a gamer, but I do enjoy pocket movies.  Video playback on the IPAQ H1910 was excellent!  Video was smooth and sound was excellent.   I'm happy to say that the slower processor had no effect on video performance.  All pocket movies played very well both in portrait and landscape view.

Next: More Tests!