Image: HP iPAQ hw6915
All the top handheld computer features, in a device not much bigger than a mobile

Review: HP iPAQ hw6915 handheld computer

A PDA with all the trimmings, including a built-in, get-you-home GPS system

Written by Simon Williams, Computeractive

Larger Image

Verdict:

Good points
• Internal GPS with maps
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• Bluetooth and Wifi built in

Bad points
• Internal memory may need supplementing

Overall
The HP iPAQ hw6915 is everything you could want in a handheld computer, though at an early-adopter price

Rating:

4

Price:

£435

The convergence between a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and mobile phone is just about complete in HP's new, all-singing handheld computer, the hw6915.

Not much bigger than a Smartphone and with quad-band reception built-in, you don't look foolish with it pressed up to your ear to take a call. It has a 1.3 megapixel camera built into its back, too.

The iPAQ hw6915 goes considerably further, though, with a 7.6cm colour screen which is fully touch-sensitive to the stylus provided. There's full Windows Mobile software built in, which includes Word, PowerPoint and Excel Mobile editions.

Advertisement

Below the screen is a physical QWERTY keypad which can be used with mobile applications and, of course, messaging and texting. Those with large fingers may have to resort to thumb and fingernails, but with a bit of practice it's probably easier than the onscreen keyboard and stylus, which is still an option.

The key feature of the iPAQ hw6915, which separates it from most of its competitors, is the built-in GPS receiver. There's no clip-on backpack to fit and not even an aerial to flip up.

HP supplies UK roadmaps and a detailed maps of cities and surrounding areas can be downloaded, both courtesy of Tom Tom. In practice, the GPS appears quite sensitive and can be used when walking as well as when motoring.

The iPAQ hw6915 comes with 192MB of memory, which sounds a lot, but may need supplementing if you install several maps. There's a mini-SD card slot in the side of the device for this and it can take cards of up to 1GB.

There's both iPAQ hw6915 comes with both Bluetooth and Wifi support, so connections with hotspots and pairing with headsets and earpieces are simple.

In essence, the iPAQ hw6915 really comes with virtually all the facilities you might want from a handheld computer.

Also consider
Memory Map Mio P350 Navigator
A less sophisticated handheld computer, but with integrated GPS and maps of your choice

All gadget reviews

Manufacturer: HP

See more Wireless Technology

Tags:

Reader comments

More from Computeractive

News

The latest home computing news

Downloads

The best PC tools, applications and more

Reviews

Independent opinions on new hardware and software

Step-by-step guides

Easy-to-follow projects with pictures

PC Help

Solve PC problems with our Q&A

Videos

PC projects demonstrated and product reviews

Articles

An in-depth look at how to get the best from your PC

Magazine

What's coming up in Computeractive

Forums

Get help with your PC problems from our readers

Competitions

Your chance to win computing prizes

Shopping

Great deals on products, services and more

NEW! Computeractive CD Rom 11
All 26 issues of Computeractive from 2008 on one CD-Rom.

Ultimate Guide to Disc Burning
Everything you need to know about creating your own discs.

Create your own calendars softwareCreate your own Calendars
The fun and easy way to create your own calendars!

Computeractive - Issue 280Computeractive Back Issues
Missed an issue? Click here to find a back issue

Find the Best Prices

Save money on hardware and software with our price comparison service: Best Prices

Advertisement

Free email newsletters

Techno babble demystified...

[Display all definitions]

Or type in any computer-related word and click "Go"

Blogs

Windows Watch

Windows Watch

Keeping an eye on the latest XP and Vista news

Outlook 2007 email controversy

One of the major changes in Outlook 2007 had nothing to do with the Ribbon but that Word was used to display...

Download Junkie

Download Junkie

Your daily dose of download discussion

Backup important data with SyncBack SE

Keeping certain files backed up helps to keep items safe in case anything disastrous happens to your computer, but although most of...

The test bed

The test bed

The hottest products, news and gossip from PCW's Labs

Why we may never see a Core i7 Apple machine

With the recent crop of new Apple desktop hardware - The Mac Pro , iMac and Mac Mini (all of which we...

Primary Navigation

© Incisive Media Ltd. 2009. Incisive Media Limited, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, is a company registered in England and Wales with company registration number 04038503

Search computeractive.co.uk