HP / Compaq iPAQ 5400 & 5500 Series.
Questions & Answers.

h5400 Series

What is the iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 series?
iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 series is the first to integrate Wireless LAN, Bluetooth technology, Biometric fingerprint authentication, and Universal Remote Control in a single device, offering the highest level of security, functionality and expandability for the enterprise and professional user. The h5400 series will also offer expanded functionality and storage by continuing to support Expansion Packs and an integrated SD slot.

WLAN

Why did HP select 802.11b versus 802.11a or 802.11g?
HP chose to integrate 802.11b for the wide market availability, the main system power needs, small form factor and due to the fact that the 802.11b system interface will support USB 1.1 as we have no higher speed available at this point.

What are the benefits of integrating WLAN into the Pocket PC?
We continue to integrate new technologies to provide the optimal user experience. We listen to our customers and prioritize having the most universally needed technologies integrated. Although integration might not be preferred by everyone, we want to offer integrated solutions in addition to modular ones. Some users want to select and configure their own solutions using iPAQ Expansion packs and other components. Some advantages to having the WLAN technology integrated:

• Smaller, lighter (lean and mean)
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership
• Easier deployment/distribution/management
• Easier to hold / more "pocketable"
• More expandable (can still use expansion packs)
• Fewer pieces to lose, fewer pieces to break; fewer assets to track
• Better power management

What is a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?
A WLAN is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that uses high frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate and transmit data among nodes. It is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building or campus. It may also be known as Wi-Fi.

Can WLAN and Bluetooth connections coexist?
You will be able to establish a WLAN and a Bluetooth connection at the same time, however there may be an occurrence of conflict between the two connections that will cause them to disconnect. The nature of Bluetooth technology requires a hopping of channels. Therefore, Bluetooth may hop into the same frequency as the WLAN connection, causing an interference. There is currently not a standard in place to support two simultaneous connections; however we will have the ability to offer it as a Flashable upgrade in the future when this is standardized.

Are HP WLAN products interoperable with other product brands?
Yes. Compaq WLAN products are compatible with products from different vendors employing the same technology (i.e., Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum); this will allow users to use client adapters from multiple vendors. The goal of industry standards, including the IEEE 802.11 specifications, is to allow compliant products to interoperate without explicit collaboration between vendors. WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance) is an industry organization that certifies WLAN product interoperability. The 802.11b specification provides the guidelines for WLAN interoperability, and the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) ensures that products interoperate in real-world applications. Systems will interoperate as long as the PC client card and access point are 802.11b compliant and WECA certified.

What is the data throughput speed of an 802.11b WLAN network connection?
802.11b WLANs operate up to speeds of 11 Mbps. WLAN users experience speed comparable to that offered by the wired network, and similar to the wired network, WLAN throughput speed depends on network topology, load, distance from the access point, etc. There is typically no perceived difference in performance compared to a wired connection

What is a Hot Spot?
A hot spot is a place where you can access Wi-Fi service. This can be for free or for a fee. HotSpots can be inside a coffee shop, airport lounge, train station, convention center, hotel or any other public meeting area. Corporations and campuses are also implementing Hot Spots to provide wireless Internet access to their visitors and guests. In some parts of the world, Hot Spots are known as Cool Spots.

How do I connect when in a hot spot?
When setting up the Profile, you must enter the SSID, select Ad-hoc mode in the Network field and identify the channel assignment.

What is Ad-Hoc mode?
Ad-Hoc mode is a Profile setting that provides independent peer-to-peer connectivity.

What is Network Infrastructure mode?
A client setting providing connectivity to an Access Point. As compared to Ad-Hoc mode, whereby devices communicate directly with each other, a Profile set in Infrastructure Mode must pass data through a central Access Point. The Access Point not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood, but also provides communication with the wired network.

PCs communicate directly with each other, clients set in Infrastructure Mode all pass data through a central AP. The AP not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood, but also provides communication with the wired network.

What is needed for WLAN connectivity?
A standard WLAN infrastructure (access points), other devices enabled with WLAN (802.11b), and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. Wireless Internet use requires a separately purchased service contract. Check with a service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all web content available.

Bluetooth

What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth™ is a short-range wireless1 technology that allows connection between devices without requiring cables. So, for example, you can connect your iPAQ to a cellular phone, a notebook computer, a printer, etc. without a cable between them. Bluetooth technology redefines the very way we experience connectivity.

What can I do with Bluetooth?

• Wirelessly access the Internet or corporate server using your iPAQ Pocket PC and a Bluetooth mobile phone
• Wirelessly connect to a Bluetooth notebook or desktop that has an Ethernet or 802.11b connection to access your Internet or corporate data
• Exchange electronic business cards s
• Share a file folder on your Bluetooth device with other users
• Synchronize information between your iPAQ and desktop or notebook.
• Wirelessly print to a Bluetooth printer from your desktop, notebook, or iPAQ
• Create a wireless network using Bluetooth access points to connect to the Internet whether in your office, in a meeting room, or in a lounge area

What Bluetooth devices will work with the h5400 series?
The Bluetooth specification uses profiles to identify special services that can be implemented by individual Bluetooth products. A Bluetooth device can implement one or many profiles, depending on the functionality it desires. Two devices can only perform activities with each other if they both support a common profile. That's why HP has created a Bluetooth Compatibility Matrix to help customers identify products that work well with HP Bluetooth products.

What Bluetooth profiles are supported in the h5400 series?

• General Access Profile
• Service Discovery Application Profile
• Serial Port Profile
• Generic Object Exchange Profile
• File Transfer Profile
• Dial-Up Networking Profile
• LAN Access Profile
• Object Push Profile
• Basic Printing Profile
• Hard Copy Replacement Profile (printing)
• Personal Area Networking Profile

Security

What security options are available on the h5400 series?
Device protection is addressed on the iPAQ Pocket PC in several key areas. In addition to the 4-digit Pin and 8 character alpha numeric Strong Password Authentication option that exists in Pocket PC 2002, HP has integrated a biometric fingerprint reader on the iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 Series. This allows a user to easily authenticate themselves to the device using their unique fingerprint, or a combination of a PIN and/or Password and/or fingerprint. The user simply selects a finger, or fingers, to be enrolled and swipes the finger across the reader on the face of the device to enroll and when prompted to authenticate themselves. Without an enrolled quality fingerprint and/or password, the user will not be able to logon to the device, helps prevent unauthorized use of the iPAQ Pocket PC and access to data stored on the iPAQ. Users can select how many unsuccessful attempts can be made before an unauthorized user must reset the device, thereby removing all data stored.

In addition to the Biometric solution just described for device protection, HP will continue to offer file encryption from F-Secure (on the Companion CD) and strong authentication for data protection as well as 64-bit and 128-bit WEP security and VPN solutions for a more secure connection

What is 802.1x and will it be supported?
802.1x is a security standard for network access control. 802.1x not be supported by the h5400 series at launch. 802.1x is not yet a standard for Pocket PCs, and it will be addressed once it is a standard.

What is WEP and will it be supported?
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a basic wireless security provided by Wi-Fi. In some instances, WEP may be all a home or small-business user needs to protect wireless data. WEP is supported in 64-bit and 128-bit encryption modes. As 128-bit encryption provides a longer algorithm that takes longer to decode, it can provide better security than basic 64-bit encryption.

What is a VPN?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a type of technology designed to increase the security of information transferred over the Internet. VPN can work with either wired or wireless networks, as well as with dial-up connections. VPN creates a private encrypted tunnel from the end user's computer, through the local wireless network, through the Internet, all the way to the corporate servers and database. return to top

Biometric fingerprint reader

What is the Biometric Fingerprint Reader?
The Biometric Fingerprint Reader offers an additional level of security allowing you to enroll your unique fingerprint as a device logon. It is the small gray strip that is located just below the joypad. It is a thermal sensor that uses mathematical algorithms to gather the minutia points that are unique to your fingerprint.

Why does it not recognize my fingerprint?
There are several reasons why your fingerprint may not be recognized. It is suggested that you first complete the training that is provided when enrolling a fingerprint to illustrate the recommended action required to properly swipe your finger across the sensor.

What happens if I have an accident and receive a cut to an enrolled finger?
It is suggested that you enroll multiple fingers in the event that a finger is damaged or not recognized.

When I turn on my device, why am I not prompted to swipe my fingerprint?
When setting up your security preferences, you are given the opportunity to specify a time duration in which you wish to be prompted to enter your PIN, password and/or fingerprint. You will be prompted to enter your security preference within the selected duration.

What happens if it does not recognize my fingerprint when logging on to the device?
In the event that your fingerprint isn't recognized, you should attempt to swipe another enrolled finger, or choose to enter a PIN or Password if you elected these choices when setting up your security settings. If you are unable to authenticate yourself, you will be prompted to hard reset the device after a specified number of unsuccessful attempts.

Display

What's the difference between reflective and transflective display?
Reflective is front lit active matrix display viewable by utilizing internal or external light source, ideal for indoor or outdoor use. The rear polarizer of a reflective display includes a diffuse reflector. This layer reflects polarized ambient light that has entered the front of the display back trough the LCD cell. Reflective displays require ambient light to be seen. Reflective displays exhibit high brightness, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles. iPAQ Pocket PCs using the reflective LCD's are front lit.

Transflective display combines transmissive and reflective technologies utilizing internal or external light source. Transmissive displays have a clear polarizer on the front and the back. The display depends on light coming through from the back of the display toward the user. Reflective displays reflect polarized ambient light that has entered the front of the display back trough the LCD cell.

The benefits are crisper images, and clearer text with rich color saturation.

There are bright/dark dot(s) that appear on my screen, what does this mean?
As with any product that has a LCD panel, some products may experience cosmetic irregularities. With the introduction of transflective LCD's, irregularies may appear more pronounced due to brighter screen. These could be called spots or bright/dark dots. These irregularities may fall within limits allowed by HP engineering specifications.

If you are concerned that your product experiences cosmetic irregularities, please contact your local HP service representative as noted in your product documentation

Battery

What is the battery life of the iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 series when using the Slim Removable battery?
The addition of the removable battery empowers the user to extend the life of the device while away from a power source. By purchasing extra Slim Removable batteries (1250 mAh) or an Extended battery (2500 mAh), a user can determine how long they choose to use the device. You can expect approximately 12 hours of use without a wireless connection, with the default Standby settings.

NOTE: Battery life will vary based on an estimated typical use pattern of an average user, the configuration of the computer and the usage pattern of the individual user. Use of some attachments may significantly decrease battery life.

Can I maintain a wireless connection while I change the removable battery?
No. When swapping batteries, the connection will disconnect and any unsaved data will be lost. The Back Up battery will not maintain the wireless connection or any unsaved data.

What is the Back Up battery for and how long will it last?
The Back Up battery is not used to power the device. This internal battery is only intended to maintain stored memory during a battery swap of the main removable battery. The Back Up battery will last approximately 30 minutes. If the Back Up battery is depleted and a main battery is not being used, the device will perform a hard reset and data that is in RAM will be lost.

Is the Back Up Battery replaceable?
The Back Up battery is not user replaceable. It is replaceable by HP Service and Support only.

How can I increase the battery life of my device?
You can preserve battery life by disconnecting a wireless connection and adjusting your backlight settings when not being used, while maximizing your Standby Setting. You can also purchase an Extended Removable Battery, which is a 2500 mAh capacity.

What has the greatest impact on battery life?
Backlight
WLANactive connection
Bluetooth active connection
Playing games
CF card with or without battery
Micro drive

How frequently can you recharge the battery?
Your battery can be recharged at any time. The frequency does not have any affect on the Pocket PC.

Will the battery become damaged by charging it before the battery has completely discharged?
It is recommended that the Pocket PC remain connected to A/C power if not in use. Being connected to A/C for an extensive period of time will not damage the battery. The Pocket PC operates with Lithium Ion battery that does not retain a memory.

ROM

What is the memory available on the h5400 series?
The h5400 series has 48 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM.

How much space is available in the iPAQ File Store?
By offering 48 MB ROM in the h5400 series models, we're addressing a need for additional iPAQ File Store space for those users looking to store more critical data in the non-volatile memory. The h5400 series continues to offer abundant iPAQ File Store space of up to 20 MB non-volatile flash ROM.

Universal remote control (CIR)

What is CIR and how can I use it?
Consumer Infrared (CIR) refers to an invisible light signal that electronics use to communicate with each other. IR is a smaller longer wavelength and is often used on audio/video devices like your TV, stereo and other appliances in your home, like your lights, all can be controlled through IR. The Universal Remote Control feature on the h5400 series allows you to control your home office electronic systems, similar to your remote control for your entertainment systems through an embedded Consumer Infrared (CIR) microcontroller.

What devices can I control remotely with Nevo?
You can control any infrared (IR) controlled device. This not only includes TVs, VCRs, and other audiovisual equipment, but also IR controlled fans, lights, and even fireplaces in your home and office.

What is the effective range?
Effective range is up to 15 feet.

Why would someone use this?

• Centralized universal remote control for home and office electronic systems
• Intuitive graphical user interface
• Intuitive, customizable interface with easy wizard-based setup
• Comprehensive coverage of over 1,500 brand name devices across 20 device categories
• Downloadable upgrades for new devices introduced to market or to add advanced key functions
• Multiple rooms and multiple user settings
• Favorites page for one-touch access to favorite channels and activities

I can't find my brand of device, what do I do now?
Visit Mynevo.com and click on Device Control Download after registering. Follow the instructions to look for the brand of device. Finish the download process, following the instructions on the website to synchronize the new device control codes. Then open the Nevo application and add your device using the Add Device wizard. Be sure to select the method of adding devices downloaded from the website when using the wizard.

What is Express Learning?
Express Learning allows Nevo to learn any number of keys from the original remote in quick succession. This avoids the need to go back and edit/label each new key learned until all the keys have been learned. This is also useful if you don't want to download device control codes and rather individually program keys.

iPAQ image viewer

What is the iPAQ Image Viewer?
It is an image viewer that supports JPG, BMP, and PNG. It also has a unique slide show mode to display your images in a digital frame mode.

iPAQ backup

What is iPAQ Backup?
It is a new device backup/restore utility included with all h5400 series. The iPAQ Backup features improved backup and restore speed, selective backup and restore, password-protected backup file, scheduled backup, battery monitoring, and compression.

What is the data preservation tools used for backup?
The iPAQ h5400 series offers 3 types of backup and preservation tools:

• iPAQ Backup - backs up your applications and data to a CF card, SD card, or the host PC.
• The PIM Backup - backs up your most critical personal data, like contacts
• iPAQ File Store - provides extra data security with up to 20 MB non-volatile flash ROM on the h5400 series

What are the hardware requirements for iPAQ Backup?
The storage requirements for the backup image files are dependent on the amount of remaining memory space.

Can I back up multiple image files to my storage card?
Yes. iPAQ Backup allows you to choose the name and location of the image file.

Can I backup to iPAQ File Store?
Yes. Storing the backup image file to iPAQ File Store or to a storage card is an easy method to recover when having to hard reset the unit.

I have set Scheduling to take place, but it does not start automatically.
iPAQ Backup scheduling does not perform unattended backup operations. It will prompt you to initiate the Pocket Backup operation.

Where is the best place to save backup files?
In order to avoid accidental loss of backup files due to total loss of battery power or hard reset, the best place to store backup files is on a Storage Card or in iPAQ File Store folder.

Do I need to select iPAQ Backup Options each time before Backup or Restore?
Once Options are selected, they will be remembered (unless hard reset or total loss of battery power), so there is no need to select Options each time iPAQ Backup is used. In the case of hard reset or complete loss of Battery power, the options setting will require resetting.

Does iPAQ Backup back up everything? (Including contacts, appointments, tasks and preferences)?
iPAQ Backup offers flexible options on what you include in the backup file, iPAQ Backup can include all data and applications on the Pocket PC.

Standby settings

What does Standby mean?
Standby is also called Suspend or Off. This is the device state often called 'powered off'. The unit is not being used, but battery power is still being consumed to keep user data and programs in RAM.

What is Standby Settings feature?
It is an adjustable setting useful in affecting the useable capacity of the battery by adjusting the standby period.

Where is this Standby Setting feature located?
In Settings - System - Power and Standby tab.

Why is the approximate number of hours left value constantly adjusting?
Remaining number of hours is dependent on usage and the battery meter is adjusting to reflect the actual battery consumption.

SD expansion slot

Does h5400 series support memory cards?
Yes. h5400 series supports both SD and MMC memory cards.

Does h5400 series support SDIO?
Yes, the h5400 series is SDIO ready. Use of SDIO (Secured Digital Input / Output) will require installation of driver software for the h5400 series and SDIO cards. HP is supporting SDIO Now! as a standard way to ensure SDIO cards will work across Pocket PC devices. Once SDIO Now! drivers are available for SDIO cards we will work with the SDIO card manufactures to ensure compatibility and make the necessary H3900 software upgrades available. See the iPAQ Pocket PC website for latest list of tested SD cards.

What are some of the future SDIO options?
Future peripheral include connectivity and multimedia (camera, scanner, etc.) options.

Software on CD

What is the Software that is provided on the Companion CD?
The companion CD provides various software deliverables. We offer applications from Microsoft® and HP.

Applications from Microsoft are: Microsoft ActiveSync 3.5 (Desktop device synchronization), Microsoft Reader eBooks, Links to websites for additional downloadable applications (some programs may require purchase of additional desktop software).

HP offers additional Software and Documentation: Jeode Java Virtual Machine, Macromedia® Flash™ Player, Quick View Plus, FileCrypto Data Encryption, Colligo, Superscape game, Bust'em game, Adobe PDF Viewer, RealOne Player for Pocket PC, iPresenter PowerPoint converter for Pocket PC, Pocket Watch World Clock, Peacemaker Pro application on SKU 264493-002 (NA Retail), iPAQ Reference Guide on PDF and ebook.

We also offer on the CD some trial applications Xcellenet Device Management Agent, Eletel Messaging Software, Margi Presenter-to-Go (requires purchase of additional hardware) Wordlogic Predictive Keyboard (trial), eWallet (trial), and ListPro (trial).

As in the past, we have included links on the CD for featured applications: Check Point, NetMotion, Avaya IP Softphone, IP Blue VTGO!, Cisco CallManager, Pocket Presence Running Voice IP, Vindigo, Audible Manager and Audible Player (Service plan required to download and play Audible content - link), SingleTap, Handango, CNM Network XPress Conferencer, iPAQnet Mobile Internet, Infowave SymmetryPro and GoAmerica Mobile Office Document Manager.

Please note that programs could vary based on SKU purchased and some programs could require links to various web sites.

Miscellaneous

Why does the LED not blink when in Slow USB charge mode?
Due to the power consumption of the LED blinking with system on, this would draw more power than the charge. The expected charge in slow mode is 100mA, however this will not be achieved with system on and LED blinking.

Will this work with the wireless pack w/ GSM/GPRS?
Currently, the Wireless Pack with GSM/GPRS will not work with the h5400 series.

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