HP iPAQ hw6915

The HP iPAQ hw6915 is a handheld computer and is a neat combination of PDA and mobile phone features. The hw6915 comes, thoughtfully, in a small package no bigger than a regular smartphone. It sports a touch-sensitive screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. The handheld runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 OS and features a wide range of corporate apps including MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel Mobile along with a web browser and other essentials. Connectivity includes support for Wi-Fi networks and full Bluetooth. A 1.3-megapixel camera is equipped and can be found at the back of the device. Finally, there’s a satellite navigation feature hosted by Tom Tom which provides one free city map but others have to be purchased.

While the hw6915 is packed with every feature you could ask for, it’s not so bright when it comes down to productivity. Maybe the handheld was just overloaded with software, but the included applications are extremely buggy. Combined with the often unresponsive touch-screen, this makes work-on-the-go a big headache. Calls aren’t very impressive either with mediocre signal reception and crackly, hollow voices that rarely amount to smooth conversations. The next disappointment is the camera. The slow shutter takes ages to shoot a simple picture and when it does, you aren’t compensated for the wait with good images. Battery life is also less than average and won’t last more than four hours of regular use. So, unless you’re desperately looking for an all-in-one handheld computer, there are many better performers in the market waiting for you.