WHAT'S HOT: With the IPaq H5450, Hewlett-Packard takes the handheld franchise begun by Compaq and moves it forward in style. In addition to a sophisticated redesign that makes older IPaq models look almost garish, this new, top-of-the-line Pocket PC features innovative biometric security technology via a small, unobtrusive fingerprint scanner located beneath the newly downsized central navigation button. In our tests, it took us about 20 minutes to set it up to recognize a fingertip. You'll have to do a couple of swipes of your fingerprint before the device begins to recognize it.

The unit boasts built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a Secure Digital card slot for storage. The 240-by-320-pixel transflective active-matrix screen, which displays more than 65,000 colors, is absolutely first-rate.

And HP's software bundle includes such helpful extras as a utility for backing up and storing data in unused flash memory (which can retain data even if the battery runs down), as well as a program that lets you use the device as a remote control. The rechargeable lithium polymer battery is removable, so you can purchase and charge a second battery for prolonged use on the road.

WHAT'S NOT: At $699, this Pocket PC costs as much or more than some desktops. At 7.3 ounces, it's noticeably heavier than some of the new featherweight models, such as the Zayo USA A600 PPC and the ViewSonic V35. And you must add a bulky slide-on sled to use CompactFlash media and peripherals (other PDAs simply provide a slot).

WHAT ELSE: The IPaq H5450 is powered by Intel's 400-MHz XScale processor and comes with 64MB of SDRAM and 48MB of Flash ROM--more than most PDAs provide. Colored LEDs on the front of the unit give notice of alarms, recharging status, and the state of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. HP's documentation is thorough and includes a CD-ROM chock-full of materials. If you plan to print the extensive user manual, expect to wait a while--it contains more than 250 pages.

UPSHOT: With slim good looks and built-in wireless, this new IPaq should appeal to well-heeled corporate professionals--and biometric security affords some extra peace of mind for people who keep critical data on their handhelds.

SUMMARY

HP IPaq Pocket PC H5450 Pocket PC 2002, 64MB of internal memory, 2.3-by-3-inch active screen area, Secure Digital card expansion slot, 240-by-320-pixel resolution, removable lithium polymer battery, 7.3 ounces. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 24 hours daily. $699 www.hp.com