Comprehensive Review of the HP iPAQ rw6828 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The HP iPAQ rw6828 showcases a compact and robust design that was fairly typical of its era. At dimensions of 102 x 58 x 19.5 mm and a weight of 140 grams, this device was designed for portability without sacrificing build quality. The HP iPAQ rw6828 was constructed with durability in mind, featuring a sturdy plastic body with a sleek silver finish, giving it a professional appearance. The device was designed to accommodate a mini-SIM card, aligning with the standard of mobile connectivity at the time.

Display

The device featured a 2.7-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 256K colors (though only 65K effective). The screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 ratio resulted in a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi. This display specification was consistent with mobile devices of the mid-2000s, providing adequate clarity for basic tasks and multimedia viewing.

Performance and Software

Powered by an Intel PXA 272 416 MHz processor, the iPAQ rw6828 was capable of handling basic productivity applications and multimedia playback. It shipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC, an operating system that offered a suite of mobile applications such as Pocket Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer. The functionality allowed users to perform a variety of tasks on-the-go, making it a popular choice for business professionals during its time.

Memory and Storage

The HP iPAQ rw6828 came with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of internal ROM. This was relatively modest storage even by the standards at the time, though it did include a miniSD card slot for memory expansion. This was a necessary feature given the limited internal storage, as it allowed users to store additional applications, documents, and multimedia.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 2 MP main camera, the iPAQ rw6828 could capture still images and video, although the quality was comparable to entry-level digital cameras of the time. It included an LED flash, enhancing its ability to take photos in low-light situations. While it lacked a front-facing camera, the main camera was a useful feature for casual photography.

Audio and Multimedia

The iPAQ rw6828 was equipped with stereo speakers, providing relatively good audio output for media playback and speakerphone functions. It supported various alert types, including vibration and downloadable ringtones. However, it did not support a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a notable omission. Users could listen to FM radio, which was a valued feature for those who wanted access to traditional broadcast media.

Connectivity

The device supported GSM networks and was equipped with connectivity options including GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 for mobile data. It also supported Wi-Fi 802.11b, allowing users to connect to wireless networks. Bluetooth 1.2 enabled wireless communication with compatible devices, and an infrared port expanded connectivity options. The miniUSB port was used for charging and data transfer, exemplifying the connectivity norms of the era.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Po 1530 mAh battery provided adequate power for daily use, offering a stand-by time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. This lifespan was sufficient for most users, ensuring the device could function through a full day of typical use without needing a recharge.

Market and Legacy

Launched in the second quarter of 2006, the HP iPAQ rw6828 was part of HP’s range of personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with phone capabilities. As a hybrid device, it aimed to bridge the gap between PDAs and smartphones. Despite being discontinued, it remains a significant example of early smartphone development, illustrating the transition from PDAs to fully-fledged smartphones. Priced at approximately 290 EUR at launch, it was positioned as a premium option for users seeking advanced mobile productivity tools.