The HP iPAQ hx4700 stands as perhaps the most celebrated PocketPC device ever manufactured. Released in 2004, it represented the absolute pinnacle of what Windows Mobile hardware could achieve, featuring specifications that wouldn’t become standard in smartphones for another five years.
The HP iPAQ hx4700 with its iconic 4-inch VGA display. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Revolutionary Display Technology
The hx4700’s most striking feature was its 4-inch VGA (640×480) touchscreen display—a resolution that wouldn’t appear in mainstream smartphones until the iPhone 4 in 2010. This wasn’t merely a specification bump; it fundamentally changed how users interacted with mobile content.
Documents rendered with desktop-quality clarity. Web pages displayed without excessive scrolling. The Windows Mobile operating system finally had hardware worthy of its capabilities.
“The hx4700’s display made every other PDA look like a toy. It was genuinely shocking to see that level of clarity on a handheld device.” â€?PocketPC Magazine Archive
Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel PXA270 624 MHz |
| Display | 4.0" VGA (640×480) TFT |
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Storage | 128 MB Flash ROM |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.2 |
| Battery | 1800 mAh removable |
| OS | Windows Mobile 2003 SE |
The Intel PXA270 processor was a marvel of mobile engineering. Running at 624 MHz with Intel’s XScale architecture, it delivered performance comparable to desktop computers from just a few years earlier. For developers working with PocketPC development tools, it provided unprecedented headroom for complex applications.
Expansion and Connectivity
HP understood that power users needed flexibility. The hx4700 included:
- Dual expansion slots: CompactFlash Type II and SD/SDIO
- Built-in WiFi: 802.11b wireless networking
- Bluetooth 1.2: For peripherals and phone connectivity
- Biometric security: Integrated fingerprint reader
The dual-slot configuration allowed users to simultaneously run a WiFi card and GPS receiver, or pair storage expansion with a cellular modem. This flexibility made the hx4700 popular among field workers and mobile professionals.
The Compaq iPAQ Legacy
The hx4700 represented the culmination of HP’s acquisition of Compaq and the legendary iPAQ brand. Compaq had established iPAQ as the premium PocketPC line, and HP continued this tradition while adding their own engineering expertise.
Software Ecosystem
Out of the box, the hx4700 ran Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, which added landscape mode support—essential for that beautiful VGA display. Users could later upgrade to Windows Mobile 5.0, though many preferred the original OS for its speed.
Popular applications that showcased the hx4700’s capabilities included:
- ClearVue Office Suite: Desktop-quality document viewing
- Pocket Internet Explorer: Web browsing with readable text
- TomTom Navigator: Turn-by-turn GPS navigation
- Pocket Informant: Advanced PIM replacement
Lasting Impact
The hx4700 demonstrated that mobile devices could deliver experiences previously reserved for desktop computers. Its influence echoes in today’s tablets and smartphones:
- High-DPI displays became an industry standard
- Biometric security is now ubiquitous
- Multi-slot expansion evolved into versatile USB-C
For collectors and enthusiasts, the hx4700 remains highly sought after. Working units command premium prices, testament to a device that was genuinely ahead of its time.