The HP iPAQ Data Messenger has had something of a convoluted development. At one time, HP was the Number One handheld manufacturer with it’s iPAQ name being synonymous with PDAs – think iPod and MP3 players and you know what we’ll mean. However, HP has been a little slow to embrace connected devices, but the HP iPAQ Data Messenger certainly manages to tick all the right boxes, as our review will attest.
Vodafone is the first company to back the HP iPAQ Data Messenger but we’re expecting other telco’s to pick up the device. This is very much a business smartphone and comes with the standard array of features. So, we find Wi-Fi and GPS built-in and you’ll get the standard 3G connectivity.
Weighing in at 160g, this isn’t the lightest of handsets but you do get a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that we found perfectly usable. It’s great for writing longer messages and the innovative D-pad design also makes things easier to access. Being a Windows Mobile 6.1 device, it’ll work with all your standard office apps. HP hasn’t done much to make the interface its own, happy to use the basic setup.
We found it quick and nimble to use, courtesy of the 528MHz Qualcomm processor. When it comes to storage, it has the standard 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM. You can add more using the microSD slot.
The screen is a 2.8-inch 240 x 320-pixel resolution display and under the screen sits a Start menu and OK buttons. These are touch-sensitive. Being a business device we were expecting a front-facing video camera but this hasn’t been added, which is a shame. Extra features come in the form of 3.1-megapixel camera and Bluetooth.
Verdict
The HP iPAQ Data Messenger isn’t about to reclaim HP’s former glories but it’s a reasonable device that works well for sending messages and handling your email.
Best features
Easy email setup
Spacious QWERTY keyboard
Great for web browsing
Not so good
No video camera
Average battery life
Closest rivals
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Nokia 6220 Classic
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Samsung i900 Omnia 16GB
This Windows Mobile OS powered touch phone steams in with a similar features line-up as the N79 but serves up a mammoth 16GB dollop of memory.
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