HP iPAQ Glisten Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the HP iPAQ Glisten

The HP iPAQ Glisten is a versatile smartphone that was introduced in late 2009, offering a robust set of features tailored for both professional and personal use. It is characterized by its compact design, capable hardware specifications, and integration with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, making it a compelling device for users at the time.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the HP iPAQ Glisten is sleek and practical, crafted with users' ease of use in mind. It measures 112.8 x 62.8 x 13.4 mm and weighs 132 grams, making it a compact device that is easy to carry. The device features a QWERTY keyboard which aids in fast and efficient typing, catering to the needs of business professionals who rely heavily on email and messaging. The robust construction of the device gives it a durable feel, suitable for everyday use.

Display

The Glisten comes with a 2.5-inch AMOLED resistive touchscreen display. While the screen size might seem small by today's standards, it was quite standard for devices at the time. It provides a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, amounting to approximately 160 pixels per inch. The AMOLED technology ensures vibrant colors and better clarity under direct sunlight, enhancing the overall user experience.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the HP iPAQ Glisten is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200 chipset, alongside a 528 MHz ARM 11 processor and an Adreno 130 GPU. This combination, while modest by contemporary standards, was capable of handling the operating system and typical applications of its time. It features 256MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM, with additional storage expandability via a microSDHC card slot, accommodating the storage needs for applications and media files.

Operating System

The device operates on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, providing a suite of productivity tools catering to business users. The OS supports a variety of applications designed to enhance productivity, including mobile Office applications, email support, and internet browsing through the WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML browser.

Camera Capabilities

The HP iPAQ Glisten is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of capturing images and recording videos. While it does not match modern smartphone cameras, it provided reasonable quality for basic photography and documentation purposes at the time of its release.

Connectivity

The device supports GSM/HSPA technology, enabling connectivity across various bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 900/1900/2100. The Glisten supports HSPA speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps for downloads and 0.384 Mbps for uploads. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio, and GPS with A-GPS support, providing robust options for staying connected and navigating locales.

Audio and Multimedia

The HP iPAQ Glisten includes a loudspeaker for audio output and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, making it compatible with a wide range of audio accessories. While audio output is satisfactory, it caters mostly to basic multimedia playback and calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po battery, which allowed users to carry spare batteries for extended usage time. However, the specific battery life performance varies based on usage patterns, but the removable feature was particularly favored for its flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Though the HP iPAQ Glisten has been discontinued, its features and specifications reflect an era of mobile technology focused on productivity and connectivity. Its sturdy build, full QWERTY keyboard, and comprehensive connectivity options made it a strong contender for business users in its time. While it may not hold up to the performance and technology of today's devices, it remains a notable example of the mobile technology landscape of the late 2000s.