This is a review of the HP iPAQ Data Messenger, a quick summary of the stats from the HP QuickSpecs can be seen below. The device has a Qualcomm 7201A Processor (528 MHz), measures 5.7 x 1.74 x 11.4 cm and weighs in at 160 g. The device has 128 MB SDRAM main memory for running applications, with 256 MB flash ROM for storage. There is a removable/rechargeable 1140 mAh Lithium-Polymer (user changeable).
For all the pictures in this review you can click them to view a much higher resolution image.
As the name suggests HP are aiming this at users who are wanting a device mainly aimed at data entry, emails, text messaging and the like, for those who will be wanting to do lots of voice the voice messenger is the HP device to consider.
First off, size wise, my intial reaction on using this device is that it's fairly large and chunky, as you would expect with a slide out keyboard. It certainly will fit into a jeans pocket, but it's not the lightest or slimest model!
From the front the device has a proximity sensor top left for automatically switching off the touch screen when you are on a call and place the device on your ear, this is a great feature as I have found with other devices I can accidently press certain touch functions whilst in calls. Next to this is a light sensor which is used to automatically change the brightness of the screen, and then next to that is the receiver part of the phone. With the device slide open the full backlight keyboard is displayed.
Down at the bottom of the device is a centrl 5-way optical navigation sensor with center select button. I did find this over sensitive at first, but HP have released a patch where you can tailor how sensitive it is. To the left of this is the answer/send key and to the right the end/power key. Once I got used to the sensitivity I found it a very easy way to navigate, especially with one hand.
Slightly below is the Windows touch key and the touch ok key. Both these are touch sensitive, no moving parts, so supposedly more reliable. The microphone is offset to the bottom left of the device, slightly left of and below the Windows touch key.
On top of the device is a very handy switch to turn off sound, and turn vibration on. This is very useful when going into meetings or quiet areas, as you don't have to unlock your device to enter vibrate mode.
Looking at the back of the device we can see the camera flash LED, the camera and down at the bottom the loudspeaker port.
On removing the back cover you can see the Micro SD slot, the battery and the SIM slot.
On the left hand side is a key guard button, which you can press and hold to lock the keys, a volume up/down button and a messaging key to lauch messaging or any other application you decide upon. Strangely on the left hand side we also find the stylus. Being right handed I found it awkard to get in and out, compared to most other devices that have the stylus on the right hand side.
On the right hand side there is a 2.5mm stereo headset jack, a micro USB connector (both hidden by a flexible rubber cover) and a camera button.
HP's answer to this criticism is that they bundle in some points which you can use to download free commercial software, like SPB Mobile Shell, and thus customise the look and feel yourself at no extra cost.
Compared to the HTC Touch Pro size wise. In the first picture the Data Messenger is on the left, in the second one it is at the bottom of the stack, and in the third it is on the left.
All in all I am pleased with this phone, it looks good and functions fine. My only disappointment is the lack of added value software from HP to improve the useability of the device.
Agree, disagree, wish to ask a question - please ask away in the PocketPCSoft forum - HP Data Messenger Review | ||||||||||||||||||
