HP iPAQ Pocket PC Devices on this page:

• iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger
  
• iPAQ rw6815 Review
• iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion
• iPAQ hw6900 Series
• iPAQ hw6915 Review
• iPAQ rx4000

 HP iPAQ rw6815 Personal Messenger Review

	Overview The Hewlett-Packard iPAQ rw6815 Personal Messenger is a new entry by HP in the Pocket PC Phone Edition market. The HP IPAQ rw6815 is a pocket pc mobile running Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition. The device includes a 2 mega pixel camera, mp3 player, built in WI-FI and Bluetooth. It runs an Intel PXA272 running at 416MHz. In terms of memory the device has 192 MB total ROM memory (128 MB ROM available for persistent storage, 64 MB SDRAM), certified up to 1 GB. The expansion slot of this IPAQ Pocket PC is a mini SD. Design The best characteristic of this HP IPAQ rw6815 is its compact size. The device measures only 5.8 x 1.9 x 10.2 cm and weights just 140g. These dimensions are similar (identical) to the popular i-mate JAMin and O2 Atom. It is one of the smallest Pocket PC devices in the market and besides being compact it is also elegant and stylish. The HP IPAQ rw6815 is in the category of pocket pc phones that do not have a QWERTY keyboard on the front or a sliding QWERTY keyboard. For some this is considered an advantage because it makes the overall size of the device smaller but for others this is considered a disadvantage because the lack of a physical keyboard makes it difficult and slow while typing or during data input. Whether you consider this an advantage or disadvantage depends on the type of device you prefer. For those who prefer small, compact devices with no QWERTY keyboard the HP Ipaq rw6815 is an excellent choice. Not only it is one of the smallest pocket pc’s in the market but it has powerful set of features and specifications. Other similar (in size) devices are the i-mate JAM, i-mate JAMin, O2 XDA Atom, O2 XDA Atom Exec, O2 XDA Orbit HTC P3600 and HTC P3300. The controls and buttons of the ipaq rw6815 include a 5-way Navigational Pad, two selection buttons, answer and end call keys and buttons for Notes, Camera and Volume Control. HP has also included a stylus which is stored in the top right hand corner. The display of rw6815 is a 2.7” transmissive TFT, 65K colours, LED backlight with power save mode. The resolution is the “standard” 240 X 320. The display is very good with an excellent viewing angle but there are cases that it is hard to read the display especially in bright sunlight. This is not a “privilege” of this ipaq but similar problems we encountered on the O2 Atom and JAMin. It should be noted that although the absence of a physical QWERTY keyboard makes the device smaller and lighter, when you use the virtual keyboard for data input or typing this takes up a portion of the screen leaving less space for the applications. This is the case with all devices that have no physical keyboard. For large data entry you can avoid this using an external Bluetooth keyboard. HP iPAQ rw6815 Features Connectivity: The HP IPAQ rw6815 connectivity features are really good. Compared to current and upcoming pocket pc devices, this ipaq has a good set of features which includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b), Infrared and Tri-Band GPRS. The only option lacking is a GPS receiver. At the time rw6815 was released the only devices that had a similar compact design and the above connectivity features with a built-in GPS receiver were the HTC P3300 (O2 XDA Orbit). The drawback of these devices compared to ipaq rw6815 was the slow processor of 200MHZ, ipaq’s processor is Intel® PXA272 Processor 416 MHz. Having said that the fact the HTC P3300 had a built-in GPS receiver did not pose an advantage compared to HP IPAQ rw6815 because the performance of those devices with the 200MHZ processor is really bad. One of the upcoming devices that is a real competitor to the ipaq rw6815 is the ETEN X500, a device with compact design, Bluetooth, wi-fi, built-in GPS and a fast processor (Samsung 400MHZ). Software: The HP IPAQ rw6815 runs on Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition with Direct Push Technology. Direct Push technology is used to deliver any new e-mail messages to the phone just like a normal SMS message. This means you are able to receive and access your e-mails whenever you want - not just when they are sent. This feature of Windows Mobile is excellent and it can be very easily set-up. The HP IPAQ rw6815 includes all applications found on the Windows Mobile 5 platform including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer. Multimedia: The rw6815 has multimedia capabilities that include an FM Radio, MP3 player and a 2.0 mega-pixel camera. MP3: The ipaq rw6815 fearures PocketMusic, an MP3 software with a nice interface with well placed buttons. The software can be accessed directly via the standby screen and can run in landscape or portrait mode. Features of this software include an equalizer, support for playlist, bass and playback. The quality of the sound is good and it gets better if you use headphones (2.5mm headphone jack) instead of using the external speakers. Camera: The device has a 2 mega-pixel camera powered by HP Photosmart technology. The quality of the pictures could be better but since this is not the primary function of this device we can bypass this disadvantage. Always when discussing the quality of pictures taken from a pocket pc we should have in mind that the quality of the pictures cannot match the quality of a dedicated camera device but they are improved in time. HP iPAQ rw6815 Battery Life The Battery life of HP IPAQ rw6815 as specified by the manufacturer is 5.5 hours talk time and 280 hours of standby time. We always suggest that a pocket pc device with the features of rw6815 needs to be charged every other day. Battery life may last a bit longer, depending of the features enabled.

HP iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion

HP will release shortly the HP IPAQ rx5915.The device is running Windows Mobile 5.0. It does not have phone functionality but it has GPS. It can be used for entertainment when you travel for business, for pleasure, or both. The HP iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion helps you make the most of travels ranging from walks around the block to jaunts around the world. This thin, stylish GPS navigation system guides you virtually anywhere with ease.

HP IPAQ rx5915 Features

Navigate
 
• Be guided virtually anywhere with the rx5915's premier GPS navigation system and maps1 (no SD cards or activation required), follow voice-guided navigation and on-screen prompts
• Plug and play: the installed GPS navigation software and maps allow you to get going fast; no SD cards or activation required!
• Navigate fast with the HP Quick Launch feature, and convenient buttons
• Simplify your trips by accessing weather, current times, currencies, measurement conversions, and a packing organizer

Stay connected

• Ensure a strong connection without flip-up or external antennas with the integrated SiRFstarIII GPS receiver
• Take your office with you: stay connected via the latest Windows Mobile 5.0,802.11b/g wireless2 LAN, and Bluetooth
• Connect to a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Internet-enabled Bluetooth phones
• Keep it with you in your pocket, purse, or car; it's super compact

Be entertained
 
• Relax: listen to your favorite music, view photos and videos, surf the Web, play games
• See everything clearly on the large, antiglare, touchscreen
• View and share photos and create slide shows with HP Photosmart Mobile
• Play games including Solitaire and Bubble Breaker

Price: 600 USD
 

What's in the box?
 
In the box you can find a car charger as well, something really useful if you plan to have GPS enabled as you drive.
 
• HP iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion
• Lithium-ion 1700 mAh removable battery
• AC adapter
• Mini-USB
• Synchronization/charge cable
• Car charger
• Car holder
• Windshield mount
• Slip case
• Documentation kit

HP IPAQ rx5915 Specifications:

Integrated wireless
WLAN (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 Enhanced Data Rate
 
Processor
Samsung SC32442 400MHz Processor
 
Operating system
Genuine Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC with Security Feature Pack Mobile versions of Microsoft Office software include (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer) Microsoft Outlook 2002 for Pocket PC
 
Display
3.5 (75 mm) Transmissive QVGA color with LED backlight with power save mode and antiglare coating 
 
Memory
User Available 64MB SDRAM main memory for running applications (may vary by country SKU) Up to 2.0GB Flash ROM (depending on model/may vary by country SKU) User available persistent storage varies by model
 
Weight    5.99 oz. (170 g) with battery
 
Battery
Removable/Rechargeable 1700 mAh Lithium-lon user replaceable battery AC Power - AC Input: 100~240 VAC, 50/60Hz, AC Input current: 0.2 Aac max Output Voltage: 5 VDC (typical), Output Current: 1A (typical) NOTE: Usage times are approximate and depend on the network configuration, the usage pattern of an individual user, and the configuration of the handheld. Use of some internal wireless capabilities, backlight, and GPS significantly decrease battery run time.
 
Expansion
Integrated SD slot
 
Audio   
Integrated microphone, speaker and one 3.5 mm headphone jack with stereo-earphone/output. iPAQ Audio 5-Band EQ with 3D headphone sound.
 
Included accessories   
Lithium-Ion 1700 mAh removable battery, AC adapter, mini-USB synchronization/charge cable (2), Car charger, Car holder, Windshield mount, Slip case and Documentation kit
 
Dimensions    4.74 x 3.0 x .65"

Pocket PC Mobile Review: The HP iPAQ hw6915 (series 6900)

 Overview

The HP iPAQ hw6915 is the successor of hw6515. It is a candybar device with a better processor, same display (resolution and size) and better memory. It is a device suitable for those who want a powerful set of connectivity options (WI-FI, Bluetooth,GPS, GPRS,EDGE) and like the QWERTY keyboard on the front. It is not the smallest or fastest device around but overall it is a device that can satisfy the needs of its owner.

The HP iPAQ hw6915 is now available from sale directly from HP’s online shop. The device has been around for some months now in Europe and Asia. The hw6915 is powered by windows mobile 5. It is a pocket pc mobile (with phone functionality - QuadBand) and a PDA. It has build in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2 and build in GPS. It supports EDGE and GPRS. The processor is an XScale at 416Mhz. The HP iPAQ hw6915 also has a camera at 1.3 mega pixels.

Design

The overall design of this iPAQ gives you a feeling that the device is solid and well built. The HP IPAQ hw6915 is the same size as its predecessor, the hw6515. (118mm x 71mm x 18mm). It has an overall design we are used to expect from HP. The 240x240 square display, the translucent plastic flip, and the QWERTY keyboard are the basic design characteristics of this, and other, HP Devices.  Although the device has an integrated QWERTY keyboard its dimensions are acceptable, despite the fact that there are similar ‘look alike’ devices around which are smaller and thinner (like the Motorola Q).

HP IPAQ hw6915:  118mm x 71mm x 18mm

Motorola Q: 116mm x 66mm x 12mm

In terms of weight the HP hw6915 is 179.45 g with battery while the Motorola Q is 122g.

From this comparison alone one can realize that you need to get used to the size and weight of this phone. If you used the HP IPAQ hw6915 then you will sense no difference but if you are used with a device like the i-mate JAM, JAMin or O2 Atom then you will need some time to get used to the size of hw6915. Nevertheless the size is not the only factor to decide for a pocket pc phone. Other factors must be taken into account especially performance, usability and connectivity. We will look at each of these factors below.

In terms of usability the HP IPAQ hw6915 has a clear advantage. The front facing QWERTY keyboard can be used to dial numbers, writing sms, and do your basic phone functionality tasks without using the stylus or the touch panel, simple, easy and convenient. Sometimes you may not even have to raise the flip since it is transparent and you can see through what you are doing. Speaking of the keyboard it worth while noting that visibility of the keyboard is improved (compared to hw6515) and you can now easily spot the number keypads while dialing.

Above the keyboard there is the 240x240 square display. The display is a touch screen with handwriting recognition features. The iPAQ 6915's screen is bright enough, with good contrast. The only disadvantage is that it does not adhere to the standard 320x240 display’s and some applications may not show as expected (will need vertical scrolling), but on the other hand it is great for writing SMS, viewing photos and videos.

On the right hand side you will find an SD Card slot, with the small power button sitting on the front right side, next to 2 flashing indicators. On the left there is the volume slider and camera button.

Connectivity

The Connectivity features of hw6915 are one of its greatest advantages. It offers Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi (802.11b) and has a build in GPS Receiver. (It would be ever greater if the device had 3G supports).

The connectivity options of the hw6915 can easily be managed using the iPAQ wireless Manager, which by default is accessible on the today screen. There are notification icons for Bluetooth, WiFi, phone and the GPS. You can use the icons to activate or deactivate Bluetooth and wi-fi. The icons also display notifications about the status of each of the devices (on/off/receiving).  If you tap the Wireless panel's main icon you will be transferred to HP's iPAQ Wireless manager that shows the status for each connectivity feature. We connected the IPAQ to a LinkSys wireless network with no problems. The device connected right away with good reception. We also tried Bluetooth and infrared and had no problems at all.

GPS

There are not many devices around which include a build in GPS. Currently there is the ETEN, the MIO A701 and (upcoming) the BenQ P51, the HTC P3300 and the O2 XDA Orbit. (Visit our devices section for a complete list of pocket pc phones with build in GPS).

The device uses assisted GPS (GPRS is used to speed up the process) and it comes with a pre-installed GPS Navigation program. Of course you can install and use any GPS software you want. Overall the performance of IPAQ’s GPS is satisfactory with good reception and quick tracking. The disappointing is that if you plan to use GPS on a frequent basis (in you car for example) then you need to buy a car charger kit (not included) because battery will run out quickly.

Performance

The IPAQ carries an Intel processor running at 416MHZ. This gives the device a very good performance both in running applications and also playing videos. You may notice some delays when a switching between applications but in overall the performance is good. The processor is better compared to its predecessor hw6515, and in addition the RAM is also upgraded to 64MB increased from the previous 44MB.

Phone Features

iPAQ as a mobile phone features GSM/GPRS/EDGE . It is quad-band and the switching between the different GSM frequencies (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) is automatic. The phone offers services such as second call, call redirect and conference. The clarity and volume of the voice during calls is very good as well as the overall reception of the phone.
 
Another interesting feature of HP IPAQ hw6915 is the Profile Manager. This application allows you to create different profiles (set settings for backlight, ringing volume, power management, wireless activity etc). You can then switch between the profiles easily and quickly. For example you can create a ‘Home’ profile where the ring volume is high and a ‘work’ profile where the phone will be mute.

Software

The hw6915 is a windows mobile 5.0 device. As expected it includes the ‘usual suspect’ applications that ship with windows mobile 5.0. These include:
Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and PowerPoint Mobile, Messaging and Security Feature Pack, Outlook, Windows Media Player Mobile 10, Terminal Services, Pictures and Videos, Pocket MSN (Hotmail, MSN Messenger), File Explorer, Solitaire, Bubble Breaker, Calculator and support for secure certificates and VPN connections.

In addition the HP Bundle includes HP Photosmart Mobile image viewer,  iPAQ Wireless Manager with Today Screen plugin, Today Panel Lite, Modem Link, Pocket Streets 2006, Skype, Esmertec Java and  HP Navigation System (demo).

Camera

The camera is the same 1.3 mega pixel camera as the one used on the hw6515. It is quite noticeable that the time it takes to open the camera application is long. Besides that, the image quality is good for on-display images. It is exactly what to expect from a 1.3 mega pixels camera, not the best but not the worst either. You can use the camera for MMS messages and for taking pictures viewable on the pocket pc and PC but when they are print out the quality is not so good.

Battery Life

According to official HP figures, battery life has improved up to four hours of talk time and seven days standby time. Our usage of the device proved that talk time can extend up to 3 and half hours. Mind that if you have Bluetooth, wi-fi and especially GPS active all the time the battery will run out much quicker. As it is the case with almost every pocket pc mobile you will need to charge it every other night (moderate usage).

Conclusion:

The HP IPAQ hw6915 is a device that can satisfy the average and demanding pocket pc user. If you like the design of this phone with the square 240x240 display and the front side QWERTY keyboard then this IPAQ is one of the best choices. Unlike similar ‘look a like’ devices, the hw6915 has a powerful set of connectivity features with build in GPS and a reliable processor. The overall performance of the device is good and the price is within acceptable levels (remember you are buying a pocket pc, a mobile phone and a GPS all in one). Furthermore it is produced by one of the most powerful manufactures with history and knowledge in mobile computing, HP. We find it hard to imagine that this device will leave any of its users totally unhappy.

Check back soon for our HP IPAQ hw6915 image Gallery. More than 35 images of HP iPAQ hw6915!

Pocket PC Phone: HP iPAQ hw6900/hw6945 Mobile messenger Series

Release Date Set for HP iPAQ hw6940 Mobile Messenger series Models.

HP set the release date for iPAQ hw6940 and iPAQ hw6945 Mobile messengers. The devices cost 600 USD and will be offered by Cingular by the end of this week (15/09/06). UPDATE: Estimated Ship date for the hw6940 is 21/09/06 and for hw6945 10/1/06 according to HP web site.

As noted by HP, the hw6940/6945 is NOT carrier certified; therefore it will only be sold by HP and HP's channel partners. It will not be available for sale through any wireless carriers, retail stores, or retail outlets. As it is not carrier certified, all support and service will be managed directly by HP. In order to perform GPS navigation, a software application and maps must be purchased separately.

The HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger provides all the essentials to keep your business running even when you're away from the office -- phone, e-mail, and more secure access to business-critical information. At the same time, let your HP iPAQ keep life fun using GPS Navigation, the HP Photosmart Camera, and Microsoft® Windows Media Player 10 Mobile to play your digital music and videos.

Features

• iTALK: Quad-band GSM technology delivers high quality mobile voice4 and data services5 with roaming capabilities across the world.
• iCONNECT: A variety of integrated wireless technologies, including GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth let you connect and communicate in and away from the office.1,2
• iFIND: Transform your HP iPAQ into a personal guide to get you where you need to go with the built-in GPS receiver.3
• iWORK: Read and respond to e-mail using powerful solutions that help maintain your businesses' security. A Mini-SD slot is available to add memory as you need it or to exchange files between your HP iPAQ and another device.
• iCREATE: The built-in HP Photosmart Camera allows you to take a quick photo and share it wirelessly from your handheld.
• iPLAY: Your HP iPAQ keeps life fun with Microsoft Windows Media Player® 10 Mobile to play your music and videos, HP Photosmart Mobile Software to show off your photos, and Windows Mobile games to challenge your mind.
• Internet Explorer Mobile, Windows Media® Player Mobile and Microsoft® Office programs for Windows Mobile™ are included.
• Warranty: 1 year hardware, 90 day software.

Specifications

Operating System
Genuine Windows Mobile™ 5.0, Phone Edition with Messaging and Security Feature Pack

Available processors
Intel® PXA270 Processor 416 MHZ

Memory
Available memory
45 MB available for persistent user storage; 64 MB SDRAM for running applications

Audio, Slots, and Ports
Audio
Integrated microphone, receiver, speaker, one 2.5 mm stereo headphone jack, MP3 stereo (through headphone jack)
Slots
1 Integrated Mini-SD slot

Graphics and Input/Output devices
Input devices
Integrated alphanumeric keyboard

Communication features
Wireless
Quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi (802.11b), Bluetooth® 1.2, IrDA SIR 1.2

Software
Software included (ROM)
Powered by Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ 5.0 - Phone Edition: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Voice Recorder, Notes, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, Calculator, Solitaire, Bubble Breaker, Messaging, File Explorer, Terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Infrared Beaming, Clock, Align Screen, and Memory. Microsoft Outlook 2002, Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1 HP Exclusive Applications: HP Photosmart Camera Software, HP Photosmart Mobile Software, iPAQ Wireless with Today Screen plug-in, HP Profiles with Today Screen plug-in, Bluetooth Manager, Today Panel Lite, HP Help and Support, HP QuickStart Tour, Modem Link, SIM Manager, Microsoft Pocket Streets 2006 (NA only)

Product specifications
Dimensions (h x w x d)
4.65 x 2.8 x 0.71 in ( x x )
Weight
6.33 oz

Pocket PC Device: HP iPAQ rx 4000

HP continues its tradition in producing windows mobile devices. But this time is with multimedia capabilities rather than phone capabilities. The HP iPaq rx4000 comes with a landscape orientated display (2.8” QVGA 320×240) integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.0, 128MB internal memory, an SDIO memory card slot (thank god) and off course Windows Mobile 5 as the running power behind the screen. You can make your self a present and grab one (in October) it only costs $299 but at the moment it’s only announced in Asia here in Europe we keep our fingers crossed.

Features: 2.8-inch QVGA display
Built-in wireless connectivity (802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0)
SDIO slot
128MB built-in memory

Price: US$299 (S$470)
Availability: October 2006