.: First 60 minutes with HP iPAQ h6300

Author - Pavel Koza :: User rating -   (233 votes) :: Views - 61265 June 10, 2004 :: I am strongly against preferential treatment but there are situations when I cannot resist seeking some unfair favours:) Considering the desired object is called "first HP iPAQ h6300", I threw away all moral restraints and set off for a long journey with my sight set on the much-awaited gadget. I can say with a clear conscience that the effort has paid off. Here, I sum up my first impressions.

Please note: This is not a regular review. I have not tested the device properly in an effort to discover its strengths and weaknesses. Instead, I am presenting my - mostly positive - impressions from the first encounter. So, this is not an objective report but rather a subjective description of a completely new device, full of uncritical admiration and enthusiasm about new features. If you don't like this type of article, please wait for a proper review. It won't come before a few weeks' time, though. While the hardware configuration has been almost finalised, the software needs a lot of tuning and can change substantially before release. Please take therefore any information about software applications with a large grain of salt.

Let's get to the business. After the initial "WOW" that every PDA freak will utter upon seeing a new gadget:), several things will attract your attention. The device has a visible antenna. It would look better without it but an integrated antenna provides much worse WLAN reception. It does not matter too much because the iPAQ is positioned horizontally in the case that ships with the device. The display is the same as in other iPAQs - very bright, high-contrast and sensitive to the touch. An SDIO slot is located on the side of the device, which is the first such solution in the iPAQ family, as long as I can remember. The device looks quite robust (well, all the technology takes some space). But it is almost the same size as iPAQ h1900 or h2200 and looks like a dwarf in comparison with h5500. I found holding the iPAQ quite comfortable. The controls are also quite convenient. Besides two buttons for phone calls it offers 4 user-definable buttons and a comfortable joypad. The iPAQ has a high-capacity battery and can charge over USB. The data connector is backwards compatible, so if you have an older foldable keyboard, it will work.

Frequent SMS senders will appreciate a small plug-on keyboard that is included in the package. It is the same type as that I have for my iPAQ h4355. It makes typing short texts faster and easier. The iPAQ has an integrated 3.5-mm audio jack and ships with a mono personal hands-free and a 2.5-mm jack adapter, all with GOLD-PLATED connectors! There were some concerns about the device's performance after the release of its technical parameters. In the era of 628-MHz processors, a 200-MHz processor seems insufficient. IT IS NOT! I tried a few games, both 2-D scrolling shooters and 3-D games, and there was not the slightest difference. The device handles other types of tasks smooth and fast, without any delays in response. The processor is said to be extremely energy-efficient. I am looking forward to testing:)

If I am not wrong, iPAQ h6300 is the first device integrating four wireless technologies. Besides a traditional infra red port, it offers Bluetooth, WLAN 802.11b and GSM/GPRS. The application that controls all the three important modules is simply perfect - at least one class better than iPAQ Wireless supplied with h4100. Widcomm Bluetooth has also been improved. The GSM/GPRS module offers a configuration unique in the Pocket PC world - quad-band, i.e. support for 850/1900 MHz and 900/1800 MHz. That means you can make a call almost anywhere in the world.

There is a great application called Profiles which allows you to change the volume, backlight, ring tone and other settings with one tap as you pre-set for different situations. It is a common feature in mobile phones but until now, has been left to third-party software developers for Pocket PC Phone Edition.

Making phone calls with the iPAQ is OK. Besides usual features, you can work with MMS messages from within your Inbox, there is a utility for quick selection of any operator and a Cell Broadcast utility.

Conclusion

Conclusion? No, not really:) We have too little information about a too fresh and unfinished product. It would be wrong to make any judgements based on a brief acquaintance. If I am to judge, I would just put the thumb up and eagerly count the days before the market launch.

Related links

• Introducing The New 2004 iPAQs

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