HP iPAQ hw6515 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The HP iPAQ hw6515 features a sturdy design emblematic of early 2000s PDA devices. With dimensions of 118 x 71 x 18 mm and weighing in at 165 grams, the device is compact and manageable in the hand, despite its robust construction. It is constructed with a silver casing that brings a touch of sophistication, while the inclusion of a full QWERTY keyboard elevates its usability, enabling seamless text input for those accustomed to physical keys. The build quality ensures durability, aligning well with its intended professional audience.

Display

Equipped with a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the iPAQ hw6515 offers a color display featuring 65K colors. The screen, with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, provides a pixel density of approximately 113 ppi, sufficient for basic navigation and application use typical of its era. Although the touchscreen lacks the responsiveness seen in modern capacitative screens, it remains functional for the device’s purpose.

Hardware and Performance

Powering the hw6515 is the Intel PXA270 312 MHz processor, a staple in the mobile devices of that time, delivering adequate processing capability for running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE PocketPC Phone Edition and associated applications. The device houses 64MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM, modest by today’s standards but typical for the mid-2000s, ensuring smooth operation for basic multitasking and productivity tasks.

Camera

The single 1.3 MP rear camera on the iPAQ hw6515 might not be a standout feature in today’s smartphone market, but it was a valuable addition for users back in 2005. It allows users to capture photos and videos with the help of an LED flash, making it usable in low-light conditions to some extent. However, the absence of a front-facing camera highlights its focus more on utility than multimedia or social sharing.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the device offers a decent battery life for its time, catering to a full day of moderate usage. The ability to remove the battery is a feature appreciated by users needing quick power solutions; swapping in a spare was a straightforward task for professionals on the move.

Connectivity Options

Despite its age, the iPAQ hw6515 includes a suite of connectivity options. It supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks with GPRS and EDGE Class 10, providing reliable mobile data connectivity. Wireless communication is bolstered with Bluetooth 1.2, while the inclusion of GPS aids in navigation—a handy addition for professionals who frequently travel. The absence of WLAN and radio is notable, slightly limiting its communication versatility.

Expansion and Storage

Storage expansion is catered through SDIO/MMC and miniSD slots, providing users with the flexibility to boost storage beyond the built-in 64MB RAM. This capability is particularly beneficial given the minimal internal storage, allowing users to store more applications and data essential for their daily operations.

Software and Usability

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE, the iPAQ hw6515 serves its role as a pocket PC efficiently, with a user interface that is accessible though basic compared to later iterations of mobile OS. The OS allows for productivity applications like email, calendar, and contact management, aligning well with the needs of business professionals.

Special Features

A unique selling point of the hw6515 is its built-in GPS module, enabling mapping and navigation directly from the device. Additionally, the presence of an infrared port allows for device-to-device file transfers – a novel feature at the time when otherwise data transfer was typically tethered or required physical media.

Pricing and Availability

Launched in Q2 2005 and now discontinued, the iPAQ hw6515 had an estimated price of around 280 EUR. While modern devices have overtaken it in terms of technology and capability, its pricing and feature set made it a compelling choice for business professionals during its heyday.

Conclusion

The HP iPAQ hw6515 remains a noteworthy device when regarded through the lens of technological advancement. Its blend of robust hardware, a feature-laden operating system, and functionality-driven design made it a formidable tool in the professional sphere. As newer technology continues to push boundaries, devices like the hw6515 remind us of the critical milestones and innovations that shaped the trajectory of mobile computing.