A global leader in handheld Hewlett-Packard, finally joined the ranks of manufacturers of PDAs with telephone, releasing its first device. Our hero for his presentation was almost a mythological character, giving rise due to serious delays in the release, an incredible amount of rumors and speculation. As usually happens with a first and welcome, newcomer expectations of users are not entirely justified, and the developers appear to namuchalis at its designing, solving the dilemma of "functionality, battery life." Do not resist the temptation to "chase after two hares, engineers have equipped their offspring, on the one hand, all available to date, wireless capabilities, and, on the other hand, powerful battery and weak processor, allowing to compete on the battery life with cell phones. This results in a HP iPAQ h6340. Carried away by the fine-tuning to your mind first communicator Hewlett-Packard somehow forgot about the time, and competitors. Market attacked an army of clones - more expensive but more powerful communicators based on a common platform for HTC Blue Angel (Qtek 9090, i-mate PDA 2k, T-Mobile MDA III and O2 XDA III). So that the output of the first-born from HP with the above set of characteristics in their background looked palely. C allowance for this in our review, we will periodically compare the communicator rivals. Thus, Hewlett-Packard has remained true to the traditions and released cvoy first wireless PDA under two different model numbers. We are talking about the American HP iPAQ h6315 and domestic h6340. However, at last, unlike the American counterpart, there is no camera, the rest - it's the same h6315. Under the "domestic", of course, meant not the country of manufacture, and market. H6340 model is designed for European and Russian users.
Design
The idea of creating device was in the minds of developers from Hewlett-Packard for a long time, take at least a top-notch design iPAQ h54xx/h55xx. Remember the location of the speaker and microphone? Absolutely arises spontaneously rush to make a pocket computer to your ear. By translating ideas into reality developers at that time, apparently held back the low popularity of the "hybrid" devices. But just for awhile, and Hewlett-Packard has showed the world a full-fledged smartphone. If you've ever seen SonyEricsson P900, then, imagine what this smartphone is "stretched" twice as wide and 1.5 times increased in weight. Thus, you get a new smartphone HP iPAQ h6340, whose size is 138 (119 without antenna) h75h21 mm, weight - 190 g. The analogies with the P900 is not accidental. Performance style h6340 similar in many respects with the smartphone from SonyEricsson. Only here do not distinguish between the communicator HP elegance and smooth lines, inherent in P900 and direct competitor i-mate PDA2K, the described just above. From a design standpoint h6340 certainly lose the last, even more compact size (size i-mate - 125x72x19 mm, weight - 212 g). The focus of development engineers set the functionality of HP, sacrificing forms. As demonstrated "an army of clones (henceforth referred as communicators based on the HTC Blue Angel), whether designers have little poizobretatelney, beauty product could not sacrifice, drawing disadvantages into advantages.
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"Unsmiling number of" hard buttons, a large antenna, kirpichevidny body, the angularity of which only emphasizes the black insert, which is located below the screen. True, some disguise the size of a small bevel on the sidewalls and rubber inserts on the ends, do not worry about allowing that device to fall out of the hands while talking. Otherwise, it seems that reflect on the attractiveness of the device somehow did not manage. However, the appearance - a subjective thing. Surely there are users who design h6340's taste.
On the right side is a slot for memory cards, hardware button «№ 4" (default calling application iPAQ Wireless, responsible for wireless communication) and Two-Button joystick, playing the role of the volume control on your computer.
On the left side fit another hardware button «№ 3" (the default management program recorder), and headphone / headset covered with a plug.
The front panel (directly under the display) is a small navigation button and four hardware buttons: receiving a call, end call button, «№ 1" (the default address book) and the button «№ 2" (the default mail client call).
Unfortunately, you can reprogram the only four "license" hardware buttons.
All other controls (navigation buttons, receiving, and cancel the call button, volume control) in the system are not programmed. Most regrettable inability to hang on the volume buttons scroll function on the menu, web browser or in a program for reading electronic books. True, it is hoped that this issue does not pass over the domestic and foreign "masters of the keyboard and mouse, and soon it will be possible to get a program that eliminates this embarrassing mistake. In the upper part of the body can be detected several protruding "hat", under which there are GSM receiver, an IR port and speaker phone.
Hat evokes nostalgic memories of pushed into oblivion iPAQ models h54hh/55hh series. Beside her is a button off / on power with built-in indicator light and three separate LED wireless cards (GSM / GPRS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
The role of the back cover carries a removable Li-Ion battery.
To be safe, it will be fixed by using a special switch on the rear.
Connector for attaching a SIM card is located directly behind the battery, so to set or retrieve the maps will need to turn off the computer and disconnect the battery.
Mounting card like most anchorages on mobile phones.
The rear panel also contains a little stub on the ground which can be mounted lens digital camera.
Nearby and system dynamics.
At the bottom there is a standard interface connector to connect the USB cable.
The only difference between this element is the presence of two additional holes, which serve to attach an external keyboard.
Keyboard
Included with the HP iPAQ h6340 comes a mini-keyboard, similar to sliding a "clone" (i-mate PDA2k, and others). The difference is that in the last keyboard - an organic part of the body and thus is always at hand, and our hero - it snap.
In the attached form of keyboard covers hardware keys and buttons, and cancel the call, so they had to be duplicated on it plus a few steps forward, that does not add to the attractiveness of the communicator and the score for ergonomics.
However, typing on a keyboard to practice and with proper manual dexterity, you can pretty quickly. Giving good key travel - smooth and easy.
The only drawback should recognize a small key size. No typing is especially not interfere (whether it's best to print the thumbs of both hands), but to put Russian keyboard layout is simply nowhere to go. But as for domestic users - is a critical moment, our craftsmen were still able to cope with the problem, proposing as a way out tiny stickers with Russian letters, which will be located in the fixture under the keys:)
Completion
In the box HP iPAQ h6340 can be found as follows: - Own the communicator
- snap-on keyboard
- cover
- stylus
- Cradle
- Power Adapter
- adapter interface cable
- adapter for earphone
- Software CD
- three instructions.
Unfortunately, at the device connector to connect the power adapter is not, but there is a small adapter, through which you can connect the power adapter to the interface connector. For more "civilized" charging cradle can be used with an additional compartment for battery charging and battery level indicator.
As a small bonus, the bundle includes a wired headset with one earphone.
The usual budgetary decision, probably familiar to many of you. Of course, wireless headset, which will likely have to purchase separately, not only better but also much more convenient.
Particular attention should be given cover to the magnetic latch that can be worn on a belt.
Iron
Processor
Developers from Hewlett-Packard has experimented with "neintelovskimi" processors. And I must admit that the experience with engines of Samsung iPAQ h19xx series a success. In its new HP device went further, opted for a well-known processor OMAP 1510 from Texas Instruments. Such low-power "stone" (clock speed - only 200 MHz) was not chosen by chance. For the communicator one of the most critical parameters is the battery life. The lower performance of the system, the more time from a single battery charge. Therefore, the manufacturers and have to seek a compromise, choosing the components of the system so that performance and was not particularly low, and battery life is not small.
"Clone" feature, though somewhat outdated, but rather a powerful processor Intel XScale PXA255 c 400 MHz. On the face - a twofold advantage.
Internal memory
Volume ROM - 64 MB (20.91 MB of which is a custom section), RAM - 64 MB (of which 57.04 MB available).
64 MB - this is a necessary minimum for today's handheld computers. Honestly, now, and 128 MB of RAM, which, incidentally, can boast of "clones", no surprise. Volume user interface called great, too impossible. To backup the entire system it might not be enough, but for the storage of personal data - is enough. On the other hand, at current prices on an SD card (1 GB costs around $ 100) a strong need for custom section ROMs anymore. To backup the contents of the CPC is to use the iPAQ Backup, which can operate as a standard (easy backup and data recovery), and in the advanced modes.
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Simple mode allows you to create (or restore) backup system (without any additional configuration) as the registered user area of memory and an external memory card, SD / MMC.On the description of the advanced mode, we shall not dwell, because of it was discussed in detail in the review of HP iPAQ rx3715. You can only mention a feature PIM monitoring, which automatically creates a backup copy of PIM applications, and again automatically restores data even after a hard reset or discharge the main and backup batteries. In this case, no longer need to frantically recall, did you backup your address book, calendar or to-do list. Data recover on their own after you restart the device.
External memory
With dimensions of solid developers have managed to leave the device without the second expansion slot, respected by many CompactFlash. As usual, the available supports SD / MMC / SDIO devices. However, the same story and "clones". With solid dimensions only a single SD.
Display
This is yet another disappointment. Frankly, from Hewlett-Packard expected communicator with VGA screen. Therefore, when held in the Moscow press conference, announced that the display resolution will be 320x240 pixels, my disappointment knew no bounds. Yes, it's just a standard QVGA display. Since this device an old Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition, support for landscape mode system sredstavmi speech and does not go.
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According to our measurements using a special methodology magazine Consumer: computers and programs, the maximum brightness of 98 cd/m2, the minimum level of brightness - 4 cd/m2. The maximum level and a half times lower than that of Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720 or iPAQ hx4700 (about 150Kd/m2). Particularly pleased with the low level of minimum brightness 4Kd/m2 (more than 1 / 25 of maximum). A typical level for most PDAs do not exceed 20Kd/m2. And it's somewhat overpriced option. But 4Kd/m2 look much more reasonable. Therefore, in the dark can be read even without an additional source of illumination.
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Adjust the brightness levels - 20, zero corresponds to the backlight OFF. Even at the minimum (first division), the contrast reaches 1:55, which is more than enough for comfortable perception of information from the display in almost any lighting conditions. The natural disaster of all type of transflective displays with backlight - is ill-adapted to work in conditions of strong sunlight or, more simply, on the street. On the street perceive the text can only be a maximum illumination of the display (contrast of about 1:4). Also bad is the case even when the backlight (contrast is less than 1:3). The text is, in principle, the difference, so make a backup copy you can, but of no comfort reading, however.
Food
As a source of power, the computer has a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery and built-in backup Ni-MH. It is strange that neither the battery or on the box or in the attached documents battery capacity is not specified. Information found only on the company website in the attached file specification. Capacity battery - very decent.
Not without its proprietary utility Standby. The program virtually separates the battery into two unequal parts. You can specify the size of the smaller ones. Then, as soon as the battery capacity reaches this size, the display will automatically turn off the computer and the battery will only work to support the safety of your data. This mode is Standby.Standby time value can be set manually from 24 to 96 hours, the difference amounts to 17% of the maximum battery capacity.
As in most modern handheld computers, implemented staffing recharge the battery via the USB port of the power supply to your desktop or notebook computer.
Performance
Overall performance
Productivity - the weakest point of the new device. Whether a low-power OMAP 1510 to cope with watching videos, listening to music, and what must be confessed, with the usual PIM applications? Previously, these processors were in computers, Palm and most of the problems they solved, but palmovy software is known to be less demanding of system resources than a program for Pocket PC, however, especially given the release of a series of PDAs and smartphones a new generation of processors based on Intel XScale PXA 270 with similar functionality, the suspicion arises that the performance of a device from HP to put it mildly, not up to par. For clarity, we have compared the two tested recently communicators (i-mate PDA2K, eTen P300B) and handheld computers, HP iPAQ rx3715, ASUS A730, FS Loox 720 and HP iPAQ hx4700. In addition, the test took part and good-old iPAQ h1945 with Samsung S3C2410 processor at 266 MHz, the closest to the CCP's power from all participants in the race. Unfortunately, fears confirmed the results of synthetic test Spb benchmark.
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Not surprisingly, the performance at the h6340 was the lowest. The speed of the file system (File system index), the speed of the embedded applications (Platform Index) is also very low. The only exception is indicator of graphics performance (Graphic index). However, synthetic benchmarks do not reflect the real picture of what is happening and give only relative results. Answer to the question whether it is possible to use the computer to measure the CPU 700 or not, the test we will not. Therefore the following can be subjective. Computer noticeably inhibited in comparison to the hx4700, but for work in PIM applications and in embedded in the operating system programs its capacity is quite enough. If you do not open at the same time five or six applications, the speed of their execution does not cause irritation.
Performance graphics subsystem
In order to realistically assess the ability of a handheld computer to work with MPEG, and DivX files I've used two different tests. First of all, playing a test video (MPEG) with a constant stream of 800 kbit / c program Pocket MVP Player.
The result was disappointing - 74% of missed shots, and the playback speed of about 8 fps c.Udovolstvie admittedly below average. As a second test, we used a well-known program BetaPlayer 0.04 (DivX).
Note that the playback of MPEG-4 more pleased. Results are not high, but watch MPEG-4 stream no higher than 400 kbit / s, if you want, you can.
Runtime
Runtimes (in the mode of a handheld computer) was checked on us to become the standard scheme.
While playing music through the speaker (display off) was slightly less than 20 hours. Reading e-books could stretch from 9.5 to 23 hours (depending on the level of illumination). When playing a video machine was enough for 7.5 - 12 hours (depending on the level of illumination). The results, though not surprising (weak processor, battery power), but impressive. Day of work in PDA mode - this has not happened. In combined mode (reading books, working with a notebook, receive mail, Internet) with the active use of the device lasted about two days.
Communication
For user convenience, all the communications capabilities h6340 runs a single application iPAQ Wireless, which we mentioned above. Rather, a single span, through which you can call the control program and settings of a wireless adapter.
It is noteworthy that can be included once all three wireless module and simultaneously operate in Wi-Fi network with an active phone and Bluetooth connectivity.
GSM
The communicator has a built-in GSM transmitter / receiver, which allows him to work on GSM networks in the ranges - North America (850/1900) and Europe (900/1800).
All that is needed - is to insert an active SIM card and safely enjoy the benefits of civilization, invented wireless telephony.
By telephone of the communicator does not differ from ordinary mobile phone. Special Programme Phone copes with the management of telephone functions.
The program allows you to: - to dial and establish connection
- send / receive SMS messages
- send / receive MMS messages
- work with a wireless headset
- keep lists of calls (incoming, outgoing, not accepted)
- calculate the total time of all calls and separately for the last call
- customize ring tones and sound effects Keyboard
- work with voice mail
- blocking calls (incoming and outgoing calls, depending on the type of call)
- determine the number of incoming calls (if supported by the service plan and the operator)
- diverted
- hold a call on the line during a conversation with another person.
And, as the address book to make calls and send SMS messages using the standard built into the operating system.
You can import your contact list from your SIM card, which has a program of SIM contacts.
As in the usual mobile phone, a management program and configure basic job profile.
By default, five of them: the "normal", "in a quiet place," the meeting "," outdoors "and the user profile. However, you can rename or set them at their own request. For example, you can create a profile "work with the headset" or "flight". In your profile you can change the volume of your computer and your phone, set a vibrate mode, select a ring tone, adjust the backlight, while auto turn-off device, as well as enable or disable one or other wireless adapters.
If you are an active GSM connection shut down the device, the GSM receiver will still work and the appearance of an incoming call, the display turns on automatically. Property - a very useful, so in order to save battery recommended option turn off the power after a preset time.
Bluetooth
The old tradition of the software and drivers Bluetooth control module, made by Broadcom (formerly Widcomm).
However, drivers are not exactly those that have handheld computers from HP, ASUS and Fujitsu-Siemens. The title to add a small index «PE», which means «Phone Edition». The program is distinguished by the presence of the profile to work with Bluetooth-headset. In the device installed version 1.0.0 (build 1400).
The application supports the standard profiles: - Hands-free/Hands-set setup - connect a wireless headset
- ActiveSync via Bluetooth - synchronizing with a desktop computer or laptop via Bluetooth interface
- Explore a Bluetooth Device - search for devices with active Bluetooth adapter
- Browse file on a remote device - a connection to the remote device to control its data
- Connect to a network - the network connection (LAN or Internet)
- Join a personal network - the connection with one or more devices to communicate or participate in online games
- Exchange business cards - wireless exchange of business cards
- Connect to the Internet via Phone - Internet access using a mobile phone with a Bluetooth adapter.
Problems with connecting different types of devices (SonyEricsson T630, Siemens S55, iPAQ h1945, JABRA BT200) does not arise.
Hook a wireless headset can be configured not only to receive phone calls, but also as a substitute for regular headphones.
GPRS
Communicator supports GPRS class B, then there can not carry out the simultaneous transmission of voice and data. In addition, supported by GPRS Multi Slot Class 10 means 4 channels for receiving and 2 on the transfer. Job GPRS modem was able to verify only the networks in Moscow operator Megafon. The quality of reception - very decent. Baud rate, though is average, but to accept small mail and news reader it is sufficient. Still a small 3.5 "screen, bigger is not necessary.
Wi-Fi
The reality is that a device designed for the business (be it a PDA or smartphone) can not now do without Wi-Fi adapter. Wireless networks of this standard have been widely spread in Russia.
Management settings in Wi-Fi adapter is carried by the same program iPAQ Wireless.
Problems with the discovery of access points and the magnitude of the signal within a two-bedroom apartments have been encountered. It is a pity that there are no settings to optimize Wi-Fi adapter to reduce power consumption of the battery.
Software obespechenie
Device from HP is based on somewhat dated Windows Mobile 2003. Clones from the same competition (Qtek 9090, i-mate PDA 2k, etc.) are running more urgent Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. What are the benefits to users the latest version of the OS? Firstly, as you know, SE supports VGA screens (with a resolution of 320x480), and, secondly, allows on-the-fly switching between portrait and landscape mode display orientation. The first - not the case, and the second feature of the new OS would be very handy, especially in light of wireless surfing on the internet. As far as software is installed on the HP iPAQ h6340, then in addition to the regular and the above is represented by the following applications: - Self Test - a comprehensive program verify that the device, including wireless communication modules
- IPAQ keyboard - a program for managing hardware keyboard
- ClearVue PDF - a program for viewing PDF files - ClearVue Presentation - Program for viewing PPT files - Microsoft Reader - a program for reading electronic books - MSN Messenger & Pocket MSN - Internet-pager - HP Image Zone - a program for viewing images
Price issue
Price HP iPAQ h6340 online stores computer in the palm is $ 799. Thus, the new product will cost $ 150 cheaper than the recently tested i-mate PDA2K - in fact, a direct competitor to smartphone from HP. Price in Europe - € 699. I must say that European and Russian unit price - the highest. For example, in the U.S. smartphone will cost only $ 599 plus $ 100 of that amount returned to the user when connecting to a cellular operator.
Cons
- large size
- some outdated hardware and software platform
- the absence of a Compact Flash slot
- relatively low overall level of performance (poor performance when playing videos in MPEG-2)
- overpriced
Pluses
- Convenient controls
- Bluetooth / Wi-Fi
- chetyrehdiapazonnoy GSM 850/900/1800/1900
- rich equipment (holster, headset, cradle)
- Low minimum illumination
- lack of an integrated digital camera
- external hardware keyboard
- high battery life
Results
Despite the efforts of developers, "the first pancake is still out lumpy." On the one hand, HP iPAQ h6340, of course, has a very broad functionality and capabilities: high battery life, easy management, and rich software, just three built-in wireless communication adapter, snap-on hardware keyboard included. However, on the other hand, seems seriously spoil the large size, awkward design, external antenna, outdated operating systems and low productivity. If all of these disadvantages you will not confuse, the HP iPAQ h6430 - your product. The authors, translation:
