Comprehensive Review HP iPAQ rw6815 Specs Prices & ProsCons

Overview of the HP iPAQ rw6815

The HP iPAQ rw6815 is a versatile device that combines the functionalities of a smartphone and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Launched in October 2006, it targets business professionals and tech enthusiasts who require a combination of portability, connectivity, and utility. Though it has been discontinued, the device remains notable for its ease of use and range of features during its time.

Design and Build

The HP iPAQ rw6815 has compact dimensions of 102 x 58 x 19.5 mm, making it pocket-friendly. Its weight of 140 g ensures that it is not cumbersome for daily use. The device comes with a Mini-SIM slot and boasts a durable construction for long-term use. Aesthetically, it comes in a silver color, lending it a professional appearance. The design integrates a 2.7-inch touchscreen which was notable in its time for providing a balance between usability and compactness.

Display

The display of the HP iPAQ rw6815 features a 2.7-inch TFT resistive touchscreen supporting 256K colors, although effectively displaying 65K colors. This screen offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio with a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi. This combination is suitable for basic tasks such as reading emails, browsing the web, and calendar management, though it may not compare to modern high-resolution displays.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by an Intel PXA272 416 MHz processor, the HP iPAQ rw6815 runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC. This operating system supports essential productivity applications and allows for some customization through additional software. While not designed for high-demand tasks, the device offers stability for everyday functions like messaging, contact management, and scheduling.

Memory and Storage

The HP iPAQ rw6815 is equipped with 64MB RAM and features internal storage of 128MB ROM. This storage configuration can handle basic usage but may be limiting for users requiring extensive app usage or file storage. However, users can expand the memory using the miniSD card slot, which offers the flexibility to store additional data and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The device comes with a single 2 MP rear camera complemented by an LED flash, allowing for photography in various lighting conditions. It offers basic video recording capabilities, which, though not suitable for high-quality media production, are enough for quick snapshots and short video clips.

Battery Life

The HP iPAQ rw6815 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery. It boasts a commendable standby time of up to 240 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. This battery life, paired with the device's modest power requirements, ensures it is capable of lasting through a typical workday without the need for frequent recharges.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM technology across 900/1800/1900 bands, complete with GPRS (Class 10) and EDGE (Class 10) capabilities. Although it lacks support for 3G or 4G networks, the available connectivity suits standard communication needs of its time. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11b for wireless internet connectivity, Bluetooth 1.2 for data exchange, and an infrared port.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio functionality includes a loudspeaker with stereo output, providing good sound quality for calls and media playback. The device supports various alert types such as vibration, downloadable polyphonic ringtones, MP3s, and AAC, although it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users can nonetheless listen to audio via wireless solutions or adapters.

Additional Features

The HP iPAQ rw6815 includes a miniUSB port for charging and data transfer, and a browser supporting WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, sufficient for simple web navigation. While the device does not include GPS or a radio, its array of features serves primary connectivity and multimedia functions effectively in everyday scenarios.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the HP iPAQ rw6815 was priced around 150 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range device affordable for both professional users and tech enthusiasts. Despite its eventual discontinuation, it remains a symbol of the era’s blend between PDA functions and mobile communication technology.

Conclusion

Overall, the HP iPAQ rw6815 was a significant step in mobile technology, offering a range of features that met the demands of its time. While newer models have since surpassed its capabilities, the device’s compact form, practical functionalities, and reliable performance continue to be appreciated by users who experienced its utility first-hand during its market availability.