WHAT'S
HOT
This Pocket PC is a completely fresh design. In a continual effort by HP to break away from the sleeve based design in the 3000 and 5000 series iPAQs, HP has decided to integrate as much functionality as possible right out of the box. Some of the features are menial, like the built-in VGA camera, while others are extremely worthwhile like the included snap-on thumb keyboard. With the industry standard SDIO slot, it shouldn't even hold back the power users among us.
Size has become more and more crucial as of late in the mobile device market. Let's do some comparisons with the iPAQ h6315 versus other Pocket PCs.
| Device
(no cover) |
Size
(inches) |
Weight
(grams | ounces) |
HP iPAQ h6315 |
4.68" x 2.95" x 0.73" |
190 | 6.70 |
HP iPAQ rz1715 |
4.48" x 2.75" x 0.53" |
120 | 4.23 |
HP iPAQ 2215 |
4.57" x 2.95" x 0.63" |
142 | 5.01 |
HP iPAQ 1910 |
4.46" x 2.75" x 0.50" |
120 | 4.23 |
HP
iPAQ 5450 |
5.43"
x 3.30" x 0.63" |
206
| 7.26 |
Dell Axim X3i/X30 |
4.60"
x 3.21" x 0.58" |
138
| 4.80 |
Dell Axim X5 |
5.00" x 3.20" x 0.71" |
196 | 6.90 |
Toshiba
e740 |
4.90"
x 3.10" x 0.60" |
190
| 6.70 |
| Toshiba
e310 |
4.90"
x 3.10" x 0.40" |
138
| 4.90 |
BOX
CONTENTS
This iPAQ comes boxed with all the same accessories that we've seen
in previous models, with the addition of a single ear handsfree headset and snap-on thumb keyboard.
From left to right: power adaptor, thumb keyboard, iPAQ h6315, handsfree kit, leather case, headphone adaptor, USB cradle.
The USB cradle has a slot for an extra battery to charge while syncing the iPAQ.
As always, the AC Adaptor comes with the built in adaptor dongle to connect AC power directly to the iPAQ without needing the cradle.
In the cradle, the iPAQ h6315 looks professional and capable.
THE
DEVICE
Let's take a closer look at the iPAQ h6315.
Notice the rubber grips on both sides of the device, taking influence from the iPAQ h2215. In fact, the h6315 seems very reminiscent of the 2215.
From the back. The battery door is actually a user replaceable battery. Above it: the VGA camera and speaker.
Like the iPAQ h2215, the iPAQ h6315 feels very snug when holding it with one hand.
Unlike the iPAQ h2215, the rubber grips are firmly implanted into each side of the device. Pocket PC Techs may not need to intervene this time around.
The base of the device sports the sync port and the clamping holes for the snap-on thumb keyboard.
Now back onto the front. HP put access to the most important features on the front of the device. Next to the microphone hole are four application buttons and the standard directional pad. Application buttons include (from left to right): Contacts, Answer Call, End Call, and Inbox (which serves as a depository for e-mail, SMS, and MMS messages).
The top of the iPAQ has three LED indicators. For some reason, OEMs insist on having blinking LEDs for everything, I'm just pleased that HP had the good sense to make it look clean and simple. The indicators are (from left to right): Phone GSM/GPRS status, Bluetooth status, and WiFi status. With the exception of the Bluetooth LED, they flash amber when there is no signal and green when it is connected.
The side of the device hosts the SDIO slot. If this device did not have all of the built-in Wireless functionality that it does, I would probably complain about this slot's location due to the fact that many IO based SD cards protrude from the device. Normal memory cards, though, fit right in with the push-push loading system.
At the top of the device is the Infrared port and antenna. I'm not entirely certain if the antenna is for the WiFi or Cellular capabilities of the device. It's interesting to note that my i-mate Phone Edition device often gets slightly better reception than the iPAQ h6315, even without a protruding antenna.
PICTORIALLY
- HP iPAQ h6315 AGAINST OTHER SEGMENT DEVICES
Most of you are probably wondering how this device
measures up when compared to other Pocket PCs. For the purposes of this
review, we matched the iPAQ h6315 up against three other Pocket PCs.
From left to right: HP iPAQ h6315, HP iPAQ rz1715, and Dell Axim X30. Side-by-side, you can see that the iPAQ h6315's screen is much more washed out than the others. It lacks the same contrast.
From left to right: i-mate Phone Edition 2003 and HP iPAQ h6315. Although the iPAQ h6315 is only smaller by a bit, it feels substantially more compact in both the hand and pocket than the i-mate Phone Edition device.
From top to bottom: HP iPAQ h4150, HP iPAQ rz1715, HP iPAQ h6315, i-mate Phone Edition 2003, and Dell Axim X30.
Notice the top of the iPAQ h6315 is completely barren of activity: no buttons or headphone ports.
And finally from the bottom...
All in all, I find the design of the iPAQ h6315 extremely pofessional and elegant.
Continue On: Display / Included Accessories / External Features . . .
