HP iPAQ h6325 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of HP iPAQ h6325

The HP iPAQ h6325 was one of the prominent devices from Hewlett-Packard, designed for users who required more functionality than a typical mobile phone. Released in the fourth quarter of 2004, the device combined mobile phone capabilities with personal digital assistant (PDA) features, thus catering to a wide range of users including professionals and tech enthusiasts.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 137.6 x 74.6 x 20.8 mm and weighing 190 grams, the HP iPAQ h6325 was quite substantial in size compared to the slim smartphones of today. However, for its time, it was considered compact for a device that combined so many functions. It featured a silver finish, exuding a professional and sturdy appeal.

Display

The iPAQ h6325 was equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 65K colors. The screen had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a ~114 ppi pixel density. The touchscreen was a significant feature, allowing users to interact with the device using a stylus, a common method before the widespread adoption of capacitive touchscreens.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the HP iPAQ h6325 was powered by a TI OMAP 1510 chipset featuring an ARM925T processor. The device ran on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 PocketPC Phone Edition, offering a range of productivity applications from the Windows Mobile suite. While the hardware specs might seem modest by today’s standards, they were adequate for running the mobile OS and applications available during its time of release.

Memory and Storage

The device had 64MB RAM and 64MB ROM for internal storage, which was standard for PDAs at that time. It also included an SD card slot, supporting up to 1 GB of additional storage. This storage capacity was more than sufficient for storing contacts, emails, notes, and a selection of applications and media files.

Camera

The iPAQ h6325 included a VGA main camera, which was innovative for PDAs during that era. Although the 0.3MP camera quality is considered quite basic today and lacked video recording capabilities, it was primarily used for capturing quick photos and was a valuable addition for users who needed a multitasking device.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the HP iPAQ h6325 supported GSM networks on 850/900/1800/1900 bands, making it suitable for use in most regions worldwide. It also featured GPRS Class 10 for mobile data, though EDGE was not supported. Wireless connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11b for accessing wireless networks and Bluetooth 1.1 for connecting peripherals and exchanging data with other devices. Additionally, the presence of an infrared port offered another means of file transfer and synchronization.

Sound

The device was equipped with a loudspeaker and supported various alert types including vibration, polyphonic, WMA, and WAV ringtones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might have been a limitation for users wanting to use standard headphones without an adapter.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, the HP iPAQ h6325 offered considerable battery life for its class. This battery provided sufficient power to keep the device operational throughout a typical workday, with moderate usage encompassing calls, emails, and internet browsing.

Features and Usability

In terms of features, the device included a proprietary USB port for charging and data transfer. The browser on the device was based on HTML (PocketIE), providing functional web browsing capabilities for mobile users. While lacking modern sensors seen in present-day smartphones, the fundamental features were enough to keep users connected and productive on the go.

Pricing and Market Position

At launch, the HP iPAQ h6325 was priced at approximately 180 EUR, positioning it in a competitive market segment where it offered substantial value through its combination of PDA and phone functionalities. Although it has since been discontinued, the device remains memorable as a pioneering piece of technology that laid groundwork for future smartphone developments.

Legacy and Impact

The HP iPAQ h6325 played a pivotal role during the early onset of converged mobile devices. It was part of the transition from simple PDAs to more complex smartphones that integrate telephony with computing. Its blend of hardware and software capabilities showed the potential of mobile computing during its time and set the stage for future innovations in the industry.