Ready for the Office? (2/3)
HP iPAQ 910 Business Messenger with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
PROGRAM FEATURE
As expected, the iPAQ holds no UI enhancements that'll bring any additional experience from the consumer standpoint. As a Business Messenger though, I'd say leaving the normal Windows Mobile interface intact is quite adequate and functional. My first days with the iPAQ have really been quite positive. Not the fastest device in the world, but enough to avoid lagging. Lots of memory to work with, a great addition with iPAQ File Store, and enough specs to give you all you need while on the go.
As mentioned, there is no UI enhancement made to this device. Here is the plain old Today screen, which is clean and always useful.
Here is a shot of the Start menu entries.
As mentioned in the video, the iPAQ does sport a couple of additional app's like HP Photosmart Mobile...
...and a Help and Support application for newcomers.
One of the enhancements I do enjoy the most is the integration of Cyberon Voice Commander 2.5.1 which enables the device to actually read a full SMS message and Email if you ask it to.
This also enables you to send voice responses to your emails on the go. Quite cool if you ask me.
The addition of the same Remote Desktop Mobile included in the Touch Diamond with the ability to map your device to the computer is also a welcomed addition.
And here you have additional Remote Desktop settings.
The camera application is probably the worst I have ever seen. Slow to focus, not softkey friendly, slow to respond and I have not yet been able to shoot one single image without blur!
SETTINGS
Settings are also very standard. One of the things I did find weird thought is the lack of screen rotation. Sure you don't necessarily need it, but this does kill backwards compatibility for old WM2003 applications to work on the device.
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As mentioned, the device also includes an application that'll automatically load your wireless settings depending on the country listing.
Another feature I enjoy is the ability to control the Keyboard and even have a Key guard much like the one Palm includes in their line of Treos.
And from here you can adjust the keyboard behavior when the device is locked.
PERFORMANCE
The iPAQ doesn't seem as fit as I'd like on how it plays a video, but to be fair about it, not very many Business users are interested in consumer features like video, so I won't consider that a Con. I'd recommend going for some Third Party application if you wish to see this improve because this is most likely a WMP issue.
It does do a decent job in what pertains to usability though. Not the snappiest or most responsive device in the world, but quick enough to not give you the waiting icon for what's important. One thing I've come to love is the type of plastic used for the D-Pad and hardware keys, which do make using them a comfortable experience. A couple of additional hardware buttons for Contacts, the Internet Explorer, and the speaker phone would've added a touch of perfection to this device, but I'll tell you what, HP: even though not much can be done about hardware, the option for pressing and holding keys that's included on the iPAQ 100 and 200 series would sure solve this easily.
I have found it to lag a bit when typing or when starting or finishing a call. GPS acquisition is also very poor, so I do hope HP has a look at these things for their future ROM releases. And yes HP, this, the low speaker phone quality, the excessive heating of the battery, and that large 1940Mah battery draining so fast do need to be fixed with a new ROM and soon.
