As an extremely satisfied user of an IPAQ 3950 I was keen to discover the improvements made with this latest generation IPAQ. First impressions were not good; the asthetic look of the IPAQ appears to have regressed with the emergence of a somewhat maternal bluetooth nipple and replacement of the excellent console button arrangement with something that looks designed as a cheap afterthought by a fan of noddy and big ears. The fingerprint scanner did intrigue however so onwards I pressed. I needn't have bothered. The sci-fiesque novelty wears off as quickly as the grime from your fingers accumulates (I am a keen horserider and found by the end of my weekly hack the scanner was covered in dust from my Pony, Beauty) and you are left with the dawning realisation that why would anyone require biometric security on a device of this type? What information is so sensitive it requires these hi-tech measures yet would be deemed suitable for a handheld device that invariably sits on ones desk next to the cafetiere for all the world to see? The security offered by the 3950 is just right; not too intrusive, practically thought out and easy to use; something the finger print scanner is not as often takes multiple attempts to work correctly, involving the licking of fingers which after a hard days trotting is not a pleasant experience.

Performancewise the IPAQ does not seem to have taken any steps forward. The OS is virtually identical as is the CPU performance. Battery life is unchanged. Memory is improved but only to 128mb. A 1Gb SD card in the expansion slot dissolves any perceived advantage. The dimensions are identical (except for nipple; see above). Where has all the money been spent?

I am a huge fan of the IPAQ, it has made a genuine improvement to my day to day organisation and security of personal information. I think I'll go back to my old relic and continue to use that until it can make the tea and bake a cake. Now that would be useful.