Price and specifications of HP iPAQ hw6910 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the HP iPAQ hw6910

The HP iPAQ hw6910, announced in February 2006, was a multifunctional PocketPC device designed to combine an array of features useful for both personal and professional use. Launched by HP, this device operated on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2005 PocketPC system, and it was targeted at consumers who needed powerful, mobile computing solutions that could be carried conveniently in a pocket.

Design and Build

The design of the HP iPAQ hw6910 reflects the aesthetics commonly found in early PDA devices. The unit’s dimensions are 118 x 71 x 18 mm, making it a compact choice for users who desired a device that could be easily handled and carried. Weighing in at 179 grams, it was slightly heavy due to the components packed within, which includes a variety of communication hardware and a sizeable battery for its time. The chassis, predominantly silver in color, housed a QWERTY keyboard, a characteristic feature aimed at enhancing its usability for typing emails and taking notes, allowing for a tactile, responsive user experience.

Display Characteristics

The device featured a 3-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 65K colors, with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The 1:1 aspect ratio suited its PDA functionalities, albeit the resolution might seem low by today's standards. The display was designed to be touched with either a stylus or a finger, following the norm of resistive screens of that era, offering ease of control and navigation through its Windows Mobile interface.

Performance and Processor

Powered by the Intel PXA 270 processor clocked at 416 MHz, the HP iPAQ hw6910 was geared towards providing efficient processing capabilities for multi-tasking and running various productivity applications. At the heart of its computing power, this processor was known for its effectiveness in handling the constrained resource environments typical of pocket devices.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 64MB of RAM coupled with 45MB of internal ROM storage, providing sufficient memory for basic applications and data storage. The inclusion of a miniSD card slot allowed users to expand the storage capacity to accommodate additional files and applications, an important feature for those requiring extra space for multimedia and other data.

Networking and Communication

Designed as a versatile communication tool, the HP iPAQ hw6910 supported GSM technology across multiple bands including 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, ensuring broad compatibility with networks across the globe. The device supported GPRS and EDGE Class 10 for data transmission, offering usable, though slow by today's standards, internet connectivity. It also featured Wi-Fi 802.11b for local area networking capabilities, Bluetooth 1.2 for wireless accessory connections, and GPS functionality to serve navigation purposes—a significant selling point at the time.

Battery and Power Management

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the HP iPAQ hw6910 could provide extended usage time on a full charge, addressing the mobile professional's need for reliability throughout a busy day. The ability to remove and replace the battery offered the flexibility to carry spare batteries, a convenience that supported prolonged use beyond the capacity of a single charge.

Multimedia and Other Features

While the HP iPAQ hw6910 lacked a built-in camera, it offered robust sound features including a loudspeaker and support for polyphonic ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack indicated reliance on either the loudspeaker or proprietary adapters for audio output. The device also came with an infrared port for data transmission, which was a common feature for devices of that era, although its practical use was limited compared to more modern communication technologies.

Application and Software

The Windows Mobile 2005 OS provided a range of productivity applications. Users could manage emails, organize contacts, and maintain schedules through a suite of pre-installed tools, in addition to being able to install third-party applications compatible with the PocketPC platform. The web browser, known as PocketIE, offered basic web browsing capabilities, allowing users to access HTML websites on the go.

Market Reception and Legacy

Priced around 470 EUR at launch, the HP iPAQ hw6910 was pitched at business professionals and technology enthusiasts. It found its niche among users who required a compact yet comprehensive solution for managing their mobile office needs. While the device is now discontinued, it remains a notable chapter in the evolution of portable computing, illustrating the technological strides made in integrating communication, navigation, and computing in a handheld form.

Conclusion

The HP iPAQ hw6910 represented an ambitious convergence of communication and computing technology and while it may not boast the modern functionalities seen in today's devices, it laid foundational aspects for the hybrid mobile devices that followed. Its emphasis on combining GPS, GSM phone technology, and PocketPC computing remains a testament to its innovative design, aiming to balance the demands of professional workflows with the conveniences of everyday technology.