HP iPAQ h6315 Complete Specs Pricing and Insights

Introduction to HP iPAQ h6315

The HP iPAQ h6315 is a fascinating piece of technology that marks an important chapter in the history of mobile devices. Released in the fourth quarter of 2004, this device was a part of Hewlett-Packard's efforts to merge the functionality of a PDA with that of a mobile phone. Despite being discontinued, the iPAQ h6315 serves as an interesting case study in the evolution of smart devices. In exploring the specifications and features of the device, we gain insight into the technological advancements and limitations of its time.

Design and Build Quality

The HP iPAQ h6315 measures 119 x 75 x 18.7 mm and weighs approximately 190 grams. This made it quite substantial in the hand, especially compared to today's slim smartphones. The device was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a QWERTY keyboard that was integrated into the device’s structure—an unusual feature for devices of that period. The mini-SIM slot was another of its distinct hardware features. Available in a classic silver color, the aesthetics of the h6315 were clean and professional, catering to business users.

Display

The iPAQ h6315 comes equipped with a TFT resistive touchscreen measuring 3.5 inches, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The 65K color display was standard at the time, providing satisfactory performance for text and basic imaging, although it lagged behind modern devices in terms of brightness and sharpness. The screen-to-body ratio of about 42.5% was typical of early mobile devices, which prioritized function over form.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the HP iPAQ h6315 was powered by a TI OMAP 1510 chipset with an ARM925T CPU. While this hardware may seem modest by today’s standards, it was capable of handling the needs of Windows Mobile 2003 PocketPC Phone Edition. The operating system provided users with a variety of applications suited to productivity, and it allowed for basic multitasking capabilities. However, the performance could occasionally be sluggish, particularly when running more demanding applications.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM, which were quite limited by modern benchmarks. However, for its time, this was enough storage for most users to manage their contacts, calendar appointments, and basic applications. An SD card slot allowed expansion up to 1GB, providing additional space for users who needed to store more data.

Camera Specifications

The HP iPAQ h6315 featured a single VGA camera with a resolution of 0.3 MP. Although this was certainly primitive compared to the advanced smartphone cameras available today, it was useful for simple photographic tasks and as a product of its time, represented a significant merging of PDA and camera functionalities.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, the iPAQ h6315 gave users a decent amount of operating time, although the demands of the operating system could quickly deplete the charge with extensive use. The ability to remove and replace the battery was a valuable feature, offering users an easy way to maintain longer usability through spare batteries.

Network and Connectivity

Designed to operate over GSM networks, the iPAQ h6315 supported 2G bands across GSM 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies, making it versatile for international use. Its connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11b and Bluetooth 1.1, both essentials for maintaining internet connectivity and pairing with peripheral devices. The device also included an infrared port for older wireless communication standards.

Additional Features

The sound capabilities included a loudspeaker and support for polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, although lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack. It featured basic web browsing capabilities via Pocket Internet Explorer, which offered minimal, albeit important, browsing capabilities for users who needed mobile internet access. The inclusion of a proprietary USB connection facilitated synchronization with PCs, adding to its appeal for business professionals who required easy access to their digital workspaces.

User Experience and Impact

The iPAQ h6315 offered users a glimpse into the potential of mobile computing at a time when the lines between phones and PDAs were becoming blurred. Users found value in its ability to consolidate multiple device functions, although they often had to cope with the limitations of early mobile technology, such as slower processing speeds and limited multimedia capabilities.

Conclusion

The HP iPAQ h6315 stands as a noteworthy chapter in mobile device history, demonstrating both the ambitions and limitations of early 21st-century technology. As a multifunctional device, it paved the way for future innovations that have led to the sophisticated smartphones we use today. Despite being discontinued, the iPAQ h6315’s blend of PDA features with mobile phone capabilities set an important precedent for the evolution of smart mobile devices.