Note that the IPAQ will work as it is supposed to do so under Windows XP. And if this is the ONLY operating system one is using then the IPAQ is fine. Nevertheless, one should still be cautious.

Since Windows Vista arrived on the scene almost three years ago the ability to synchronize data (like calendars and contact lists) has been a major problem with IPAQ use. All one has to do is to look to the forums since early 2007 to see that the synchronization problem has been around for these THREE (3) years.

On a newly installed Windows 7 Ultimate computer it takes 1-1/2 hours to synchronize a SMALL 3.5MB data Outlook calendar. This same synchronization under Windows XP takes LESS THAN five MINUTES. One support person had the audacity to indicate that if the synchronization is taking place, no matter how slow, then it is working as designed. She then hung up as she considered the problem "solved". I know of NO professional person who will tolerate a 1-1/2 hour synchronization of a SMALL calender. At five minutes the professional person may gasp but accept it but 90 minutes, no way.

Hewlett Packard wants to blame Microsoft for the synchronization issues, however, Hewlett Packard FAILS to understand that IT PROVIDED THE SOFTWARE so it is responsible for making sure the supporting software will work effectively.

Hewlett Packard has been contacted on various levels and the executive officers had an ill trained and ill informed "technical support" individual contact me to help "resolve" the issue. The only discernible purpose behind this contact was to give the false appearance that something effective was going to get done. This contact was going to have me spend gratis "hours on end" BETA TESTING this synchronization issue which is something those who are paid good paychecks at Hewlett Packard should have done three years ago with Windows Vista and at least a year and a half ago with Windows 7. It is incredible to me that such a large hi-tech company would allow such flotsam out its doors. It is incredible to me that such a large hi-tech company would FAIL to make sure that such a rudimentary and vital component of PDA usage was effectively usable.

It is reasonable for a consumer who purchases a PDA with indications that synchronization between it and a computer is going to be an effective and efficient process. Hewlett Packard has indicated that it has released nothing but doorstops in this regard. Hewlett Packard fails to comprehend that the PDA is WORTHLESS if the accompanying synchronization software is WORTHLESS. Hewlett Packard fails to comprehend that one can release the best hardware in the world but if the SUPPORTING software is WORTHLESS then the ENTIRE set is ALSO WORTHLESS. Passing the buck to some other entity and leaving a consumer left hanging with a $400 (at least) doorstop is totally UNACCEPTABLE! It is totally unacceptable that technical support is a worthless Orwellian department that does not live up to its consumer demands.

There is no direct contact line to the support person who was assigned by the executive offices of Hewlett Packard to resolve this issue. The contact person refuses to release his direct eMail address to facilitate the sending of debug reports to him. The contact person assigned by the executive suites also refuses to release the direct number and its contact name in the Consumer Relations department. This all has the "aroma" of a swindler outfit attempting to isolate itself from responsibility. I am smart enough at this stage of the game to consider the "aroma" a legitimate sign.

I have demanded my money back and have suggested a recall of ALL IPAQs as all new Windows based computers are now coming with Windows 7. Hewlett Packard does not concern itself with an effective solution for those who need to keep synchronized calendars and contact lists -- a basic function of PDA usage. As a result we as consumers should NOT concern ourselves with Hewlett Packard merchandise as it CLEARLY is not properly supported. I will no longer recommend ANY Hewlett Packard merchandise to ANYONE as this company has demonstrated a customer hostile attitude.

Keep yourself from being swindled and keep yourself from wasting money and time spinning your wheels on something that will not efficiently work. Get something ELSE from ANOTHER manufacturer. And a warning to XP users. If Hewlett Packard cavalierly takes a "customer be damned" attitude with Windows Vista and Windows 7 users just imagine what will happen with you when you have a problem.

SO BE WARNED