HP iPAQ h6310 Comprehensive Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Overview of the HP iPAQ h6310

The HP iPAQ h6310 is a notable handheld device from the early 2000s, representing a blend of smartphone capabilities and personal digital assistant (PDA) features. Released by Hewlett-Packard, it targeted business professionals and tech enthusiasts who wanted connectivity and productivity tools in one portable gadget. This device was part of a broader strategy by HP to capture a segment of the evolving market for mobile devices that combined communication, organization, and computing features.

Design and Build

The HP iPAQ h6310 is characterized by its robust and durable design. With dimensions of 119 x 75 x 18.7 mm and a weight of 190 grams, it was considered substantial for a handheld device. The construction was robust, aimed at providing durability, which was essential for devices used often by business travelers and professionals on the go. One of its unique design features was the inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard, which facilitated easier emailing and typing tasks compared to touch-screen input alone.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the iPAQ h6310 offered a decent display size for its time. The screen could display 65K colors, enhancing the visual experience for users. The resolution of 240 x 320 pixels was standard, ensuring that text and images were clear at around 114 PPI density. While not high-definition by today's standards, the screen was sufficient for the applications run on the device in its era.

Performance

At the heart of the HP iPAQ h6310 is the TI OMAP 1510 chipset, with a ARM925T CPU. This combination was designed to handle basic processing tasks efficiently. Its performance was geared towards productivity applications typical for PDAs, such as email, calendar, and contact management. While it may lag behind modern smartphones, it was adequate for tasks required at the time.

Operating System and Software

The HP iPAQ h6310 ran on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 PocketPC Phone Edition. This operating system was a version of Windows Mobile tailored for devices with phone capabilities, combining PDA functions with basic telephony. The OS allowed for synchronization with Windows desktops, a key feature for business users who needed to manage contacts, emails, and schedules between their handheld device and office computer.

Storage and Memory

The device came with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM, allowing for the smooth operation of installed applications. It also featured an SD card slot, which supported storage expansion up to 1 GB—ample at the time for additional applications and data like documents and media files.

Connectivity

Connectivity was a strong point for the HP iPAQ h6310. It supported GSM technology and a wide array of 2G bands, making it compatible with networks globally. However, it lacked EDGE support. The inclusion of Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth 1.1 allowed for wireless data transfer and internet connectivity, while the infrared port was useful for synching data with other devices. The proprietary USB port was designed for charging and syncing with PCs. However, it did not include a GPS or FM radio, which could be considered limitations.

Battery Life

The iPAQ h6310 featured a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery. This battery capacity supported prolonged use, which was crucial for mobile professionals. Users could expect a full day's use under moderate activities such as calls, emailing, and browsing, with the flexibility of swapping batteries for extended usage.

Sound and Multimedia

The device was equipped with a loudspeaker and supported vibration and various ringtone formats including polyphonic and MP3. It did not have a 3.5mm jack, which limited the direct use of common headphones without an adapter. While it included basic multimedia capabilities, such as playing media files, the lack of a built-in camera limited its use as a multimedia device.

Conclusion

The HP iPAQ h6310, with its comprehensive suite of features, was a pioneering device for its time. It catered to professionals looking for a tool that paired essential communication functions with robust organizational capabilities. While it may seem basic by today's standards, it played a significant role in the evolution of handheld devices, setting a foundation for future innovations in mobile technology.