HP IPAQ hw6915 Review

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From The HP iPAQ hw6915 is the successor of hw6515. It is a candybar device with a better processor, same display (resolution and size) but 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.

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.

HP IPAQ hw6915: 118mm x 71mm x 18mm

Motorola Q: 116mm x 66mm x 12mm

Weight the HP hw6915 is 179.45 g with battery while the Motorola Q is 122g.

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. 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.

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

Another feature 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.

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. IYou 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. The 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.

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.

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I also spotted a good review of the hw6915 on a website called Think4. They go into depth about the features and provide ratings on build quality, look and feel, ease of use, features and value for money. I'd recommend this PDA as it is packed with features and handles very well.

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