HP iPAQ rx3700

As me move over to the second button of the iPAQ Entertainment Screen you will see Mobile Media. This by far is the best feature on this unit hands down. No other Pocket PC plays in this market and I give HP thumbs up on! Once launched the Mobile Media Center gives the end user a bunch of options. Before diving into the Media Center I made sure I loaded the Nevo Media server which runs as a service on WindowsXP and runs as a service in the background.

When Nevo Server is installed it will prompt you to either have it search for all your video, audio and pictures or you can specify what folders you would like it to search. It not only searches but will automatically synchronize when any photos, videos or music is added to the collection. NevoMedia Player can support all file types. Local media file types supported are Audio: .wma. .mp3, Video: .wmv, .wmv(copy protected), Pictures: .bmp, .jpeg, .gif, .png. Once you have iPAQ Mobile Media launched you will notice your Nevo Media Server will appear in the WiFi Portion of your iPAQ (left). Once the server links with your iPAQ you are ready to explore.

The three diagrams above show the options available. On the left you will see my audio files ready to be played, my photos and the preview image of a photo of my son. Being the person who always wants to see how far I can drag my iPAQ to a screeching halt I was pleasantly surprised on how fast I was able to scroll through my photo library. My images were over a meg a piece and not a bit of delay!

Any of the Windows Media Center PC owners will be extremely happy. Why? Well lets take this to the next level. You always record the TV show “Friends” on your Windows Media Center every week. By loading the Nevo Server software included you will be able to play ANY of your recorded television shows anywhere within your local network. I tested this out and went outside with my two sons on my deck, my 3 year old son always loves the show Fairly Odd Parents (don’t ask). So I pulled him away from running around outside on the grass and handed him my rx3700 and his eyes just opened up and said, “Dad how did you do that?” Nevertheless I can’t get my hands back on my rx3700 since he now runs around with it all over the house. The options are endless and everyone has their own setup but I have to say this is the “Best” option I have ever seen on the iPAQ.

Some other software included on the CD is iPAQ Wireless; Bluetooth Manager; HP Photosmart camera; HP Mobile Printing; iPAQ Entertainment: custom Today Screen plug-in with shortcuts to digital imaging and entertainment applications; iPAQ Mobile Media; Nevo Universal Remote; Pocket TV Pro; iPAQ File Store; iPAQ Backup; HP Image Zone for iPAQs; llium Dockware Personal Edition; iTask, Utilities: Self Test, iPAQ Audio, Power Status.

To your right you will see embedded in the unit is Dockware, which is a personalized clock and calendar for your iPAQ. A nice piece of software that looks good on an office desk nevertheless a functional tool.

I am also happy to say HP has included once again Nevo. The simple, easy, and interactive way to wirelessly access and connect every device in the home or office. Just touch the device icons and follow the wizards to set your Nevo display to control your TV, stereo, lights, and even air conditioning. Another great companion to Windows Media Center owners who now can control everything by using their iPAQ.