Prons:

• The HP iPaq 510 Voice Messenger introduces the build in voice commander which is something unique among other Windows Mobile Smartphones.
• The HP Ipaq 510 Voice Messenger runs the new Windows Mobile 6 operating system.
• The HP Ipaq 510 Voice Messenger can automatically be used as a VOIP phone and also with an IP-PBX phone system.
• Battery life is very good. Can go up to 6.5 hours of continuous talk time and up to 7.8 days of standby time
• Elegant design and casing

Cons:

• No 3G Support
• Camera only 1.3 mega pixels
• Low resolution screen
• Heavy device, compared to other smartphones

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review

HP has a long history in the area of pocket pc, and has already released some very successful models. Recently HP released a Windows Mobile Smartphone, the HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger. The device has nothing to remind you of the ‘traditional' HP IPAQs besides of course the HP brand.

The HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger is a Smartphone (and not a pocket pc – no touch screen) that runs Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone edition. It is a candy bar device with no QWERTY keyboard but with build in Wi-FI, Bluetooth and 1.3 megapixels camera. The characteristic that makes this Smartphone special is the Voice Commander feature. The voice commander feature of the HP IPAQ 510 enables the user to operate the phone via voice commands. You can use voice commands to open applications, respond to your messages or even hear your emails and other text. This is something similar you can do on a normal pocket pc with the help of a third party application like Microsoft Voice Command. The idea behind this technology on the HP IPAQ 510 is to free your hands and give you alternative ways of operating the phone. Whether this feature is useful or not is for everyone to judge. In our opinion there are other features of a Smartphone that are more important than the voice commander.

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: Design

The HP IPAQ 510 is a candy bar style device with the traditional number pad below the 2.0 inch TFT Display screen. Its size is 107 x 48.6 x 16.3 mm. Compared to other Windows Mobile devices currently in the market you can see that the HP IPAQ 510 is smaller in length than the Motorola Q but it is thicker. Compared to a small and compact device, the O2 XDA Atom Exec, the HP IPAQ 510 is bigger in length but smaller in width and thickness. In general the size of this Smartphone is somehow between the average sizes of a Windows Mobile Smartphone. The table below shows a comparison of the HP IPAQ 510 size with other devices.

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: Size Comparison Table

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: Ergonomics

The button layout of the HP IPAQ 510 is simple and easy to use. Between the screen and the number pad there is the center select / action button surrounded by the Windows Mobile keys (top left and top right) and the answer /end keys on the sides.

On the back there is the 1.3 mega pixels camera as well as the speaker.

On the left side there is the volume control button on the top, and on the bottom there is the micro SD card slot and the headphone jag.

On the right side there is the Voice Commander Button. On the button of the device there is the mini usb /charger and the microphone jag.

The display of the IPAQ is 2.0 inches wide (176 x 220) and is located above a traditional number pad. The device does not have a QWERTY keyboard and this keeps its size compact. The outside of the device is in dark gray color and between the keys of the number pad and around the screen there is a black trim finish.

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: Features at a glance

Windows Mobile 6

The HP IPAQ 510 runs Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone edition and it offers some very nice features, which include searching your contacts directly from the Today Screen and support for HTML, e-mail.

HP Custom Applications

In addition to that HP has added its own utilities on the device, which enhance user experience. Such utilities include the ability to create shortcuts for menu items on the today screen.

Voice Commander

Voice Commander provides your own personal Voice Valet. Use spoken commands to perform a multitude of tasks. Have e-mails read to you and reply without typing. Dial a contact by name or digits. Get appointments read to you.

Talk for hours

Up to 6.75 hours of talk time. Save your wireless airtime minutes while in the office with VoIP (Voice Over IP) over your company's wireless LAN (WiFi) and PBX phone system.

Protect your mobile work

Outlook security helps keep e-mail and other documents secure. Remotely erase data on lost or misplaced devices. iPAQ persistent storage helps protect your data, settings, and installed applications.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity the HP iPAQ 510 is Integrated Quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless radio with automatic band transition, Integrated WiFi, 802.11 b/g with WPA2 security and Integrated Bluetooth, v1.2.

The HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger allows the user to switch between GSM calling to Internet calling over Wi-Fi and between an IP-PBX System. This essentially means that users can use SKYPE over Internet to make calls while connected with Wi-Fi and thus save money or connect the phone to an IP-PBX system while at work.

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: What's in the box?

When you purchase the HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger you expect to find the following items in the box:

• iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger

• Removable/rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-lon battery

• USB desktop synchronization cable

• AC adapter

• Earbud headset with 2.5mm jack

• Charger adapter

• Getting started and "How Do I?" guides

• Companion CD

HP IPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Review: Specifications