HP Veer Comprehensive Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to HP Veer

The HP Veer is a compact smartphone that was released in June 2011. Even though it has been discontinued, the device remains noteworthy for its distinctive design and features. Backed by HP's webOS 2.2 operating system, the Veer was known for its small form factor, making it particularly appealing to users looking for a powerful device that didn’t sacrifice portability.

Launch and Market Position

The HP Veer was officially announced in February 2011 and subsequently released in June of the same year. Despite its potential, the device struggled to gain traction in the marketplace and was eventually discontinued. Positioned as a compact alternative in a smartphone market that was increasingly driven by larger screens, the Veer targeted a niche audience interested in portability over expansive display real estate.

Design and Build

The HP Veer's design is one of its most distinguishing features. With dimensions of 84 x 54.5 x 15.1 mm and a weight of only 103 grams, it’s one of the most compact smartphones of its time. The physical QWERTY keyboard, which slides out from the back, is a highlight for users who prefer tactile typing over virtual keyboards. The device supports Mini-SIM and is available in a sleek black color.

Display

Armed with a 2.6-inch TFT display, the HP Veer offers a resolution of 320 x 400 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 46.5% and a pixel density of around 197 PPI, the display was suitable for basic tasks, although it may not compare to the high-definition displays of modern smartphones.

Camera Capabilities

Despite being compact, the HP Veer managed to incorporate a 5-megapixel camera with fixed focus. The camera is capable of video recording, though specific video resolution details are not emphasized. Unlike many later smartphones, the Veer lacks a front-facing selfie camera, reflecting its mid-tier market position at the time.

Performance and Storage

The device is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7230 chipset, with an 800 MHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 205 GPU. While these specifications seem modest by today’s standards, they were quite reasonable for handling daily tasks during its release. The Veer comes with 8GB of internal storage, with approximately 6.5GB available for user use, but it lacks a card slot for expandable storage, which could be a limitation for users who need more space.

Software and User Interface

The HP Veer ran on HP’s webOS 2.2, a platform that was praised for its intuitive multi-tasking capabilities and unique card-based user interface. This OS offered a smooth user experience, but the limited app ecosystem compared to Android and iOS platforms was a drawback for users who desired a wide range of applications.

Connectivity Options

For connectivity, the HP Veer was equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS support, and microUSB 2.0. However, it lacked a radio feature. The provision for these connectivity options was quite comprehensive and in line with many contemporary smartphones of its time.

Battery Life

This device used a removable Li-Ion 910 mAh battery, which delivered a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. While these figures reflect modest usage times, the battery's capacity aimed to be in harmony with its compact size.

Sound and Multimedia

The HP Veer was equipped with a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones, which at the time was a valuable inclusion. The multimedia capabilities are complemented by an HTML browser with Adobe Flash support, offering users a full web browsing experience.

Additional Features

Sensors included an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These contributed to user experiences such as automatic screen rotation and disabling screen inputs during calls. While the device did not break new ground in terms of sensors, it provided essential functionality for daily use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HP Veer stands as a unique entry in the smartphone history, offering a small, portable alternative with its own set of innovative features and drawbacks. Its presence in the context of early 2010s technology highlights the diverse strategies manufacturers explored in mobile phone design, catering to a varied user base with differing priorities. The HP Veer might not have achieved the commercial success its creators hoped for, but it remains an interesting study in the balance between form, function, and user experience.