HP iPaq hw6515

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It's a Pocket PC handheld, a quadband phone, a 1.3-megapixel digital camera as well as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. HP's latest iPaq, the hw6515, is probably one of the most feature-packed PDA-phones in the market today. The best part is, despite its multiple functionalities and integrated QWERTY keyboard, the iPaq maintains a reasonably compact form factor. However, as with all devices, the hw6515 is not without its flaws.

Design
Measuring 118 x 71 x 21mm and weighing 165g, this phone falls in the lightweight end of the range of PDA-phones available today. In fact, it is comparable with the popular Treo 650, which is generally smaller in terms of dimensions but weighs a little heavier at 178g. At first glance, the lack of an antenna is a notable improvement as compared with the stubby antenna of its predecessor the h6365.

While the hw6515 may not be the first PDA with integrated GPS, the hw6515 is perhaps one of the few Windows Mobile devices to have a square screen. The 65k-color, 240 x 240-pixel screen is not something to boast about, but it does its job. The downside, however, is that most Windows Mobile applications were written for a 3:4 aspect ratio format. Thus many programs that did not require scrolling previously, now do. The most obvious example becomes evident the moment you switch on the device to its Today screen. Once you activate the virtual keyboard or any of the onscreen input methods, only half the display is left visible.

On the other hand, the inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard does seem a good trade for some screen space. The hw6515 offers a decent and responsive keyboard, on top of a standard five-way navigation button and customizable keys. HP has added some nice touches to the iPaq, including the Shift Lock (Cap Lock) key, the Function (for numbers, symbols and various other shortcuts) key and the "press & hold" feature of the power button which lets you select your Profile just as you would with a Nokia phone. The dedicated volume and camera keys are a plus, too. However, one unsavory point to note when using the keyboard would be the inexplicable swapping of the comma and period keys.

One useful feature of the hw6515 is the protective, hard plastic flip-cover for the screen. Although it took some getting used to (remembering to flip it up when you are going to use the touch-screen capability), it is an appreciated design for users who prefer to throw the iPaq into the pocket or bag without a proper PDA pouch.

Features
This GSM 850/900/1800/1900 PDA-phone seems to have everything you could possibly want in a mobile device, with the exception of Wi-Fi capabilities. However, it does make up for this by having two expansion slots (SD & miniSD) instead of the usual one. Thus you can install a Wi-Fi card and not have to worry about giving up that expanded memory space. Onboard, the device has 44MB of volatile memory and 12MB of non-volatile memory available to users.

GPRS Class 10 is supported and so is EDGE (another first for a Windows Mobile device), and wireless connectivity is also possible through Bluetooth and infrared. From these networking capabilities to the standard PIM features, this phone has it all, with the spotlight being on its integrated assisted GPS receiver.

Although it does not have a dedicated antenna, the GPS works well when coupled with the comprehensive MapKing GPS application that offers 3D mapping capability. Turn-by-turn driving instructions, automatic redirection and a Favorites list of points of interest all make for a great GPS navigation experience while driving. Additional maps can also be purchased and downloaded.

In keeping abreast of the latest and best mobile technology, the hw6515 supports the GoodLink Email program which is a draw to those who need its pushmail feature. However, as it comes integrated with many features that are similar to the PIM functions in the operating system, it can sometimes be rather confusing if you store information on both sides.

As with most mobile devices today, this phone comes with a 1.3-megapixel camera, but the picture quality is nothing to shout about. The upside is that manual settings are possible for white balance, compression and color. The maximum image quality possible is 1,280 x 1,024 resolution and pictures can be sent to Bluetooth-enabled printers directly. Video recording is also available at 352 x 288 resolution.

Performance
Surprisingly, the hw6515 operates on the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, and is said to be incompatible with the new (better and more energy-efficient) Windows Mobile 5.0.

With its 312MHz Intel PXA270 processor, we experienced some lag when multitasking between several programs, especially when the GPS receiver was activated. In additional, the iPaq's underpowered 1,200mAh Lithium-ion battery made it good for running only one day on normal usage.

Call quality was good, be it directly via the handset, the speakerphone or the headset. The volume range of the onboard speakers was quite good, allowing conversations to be made in slightly noisy outdoor conditions.

The hw6515 is currently available at S$1,199 (US$851.80) without a line. For those who value Wi-Fi capability over GPS and don't need to get a PDA in a hurry, do keep a lookout for the upcoming hw6715 in early 2006.