HP iPaq hw6515 Mobile Messenger (AT&T)
Manufacturer: HP Part number: FA635A#ABA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The HP iPaq hw6515 offers great tools for the mobile professional, but its poky performance keeps it from achieving smart-phone greatness.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
HP iPaq hw6515 Mobile Messenger (AT&T) price range: $120.25 - $332.45
- Reviewed by: Brian Bennett
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 11/20/2005
- Released on: 10/18/2005
The good: The compact HP iPaq hw6515 features Bluetooth, EDGE, GPS radios, and solid battery life. The smart phone also has a QWERTY keyboard and various messaging options.
The bad: Unfortunately, the HP iPaq hw6515 doesn't have integrated Wi-Fi or Windows Mobile 5, and it suffers from sluggish performance occasionally.
The bottom line: The HP iPaq hw6515 offers great tools for the mobile professional, but its poky performance keeps it from achieving smart-phone greatness.
User reviews
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I think the CNET editors got this one wrong - read below
by jedidia on December 1, 2005
Pros: Very powerful device with lots of features. I am thrilled.
Cons: Speaker phone could be louder and plug is weird
Summary: I hope the following helps those deciding about this device.
I have a long history with PDA phones. I am a heavy user. I did the Kyocera, the treo 300, ...Summary: I hope the following helps those deciding about this device.
I have a long history with PDA phones. I am a heavy user. I did the Kyocera, the treo 300, 600, and 650 and also the new Samsung Slider. I thought the Samsung was going to be the device for me but after a week I returned it to Verizon. I hated the slider keyboard. I needed to be able to type and hold the device with one hand (while driving). I also felt like the slider made the phone clumsy. I crashed a lot and for various other reasons I did not like it. I am sure different PDA phones will act quirky for some folks and not for others. So far the HP6515 has peformed flawlessly. I love this device. It is packed full of features. I think to knock if for wi-fi is silly. The samsung has wi-fi that I used once. If I am in an area that has wi-fi I mine as well use my PC. You could also buy a wi-fi card if you had to have wi-fi. There are two slots on the HP so there would be room for a memory card as well. The HP has GPS built-in. A very cool feature. The camera has a flash and comes with great software. I could care less about which version of software the device is running. I am still using WORD 2000 and it works fine. I use the Goodlink software for email and it works seamlessly with the device. The size is just right and I do not have to move the device around my ear to hear my calls (common problem I had with my treos). The sound is fantastic. I was not that impressed with the speaker phone but there was a lot of ambient noise while I was driving. I bought a blue-tooth head set and that solved the problem. The color screen is crisp and does a great job. The device comes with a nice bundle of software AND THE HOLDER TO WEAR ON YOUR WAIST (unlike the treo). The plug is awkward if you need to travel with it but if you use the docking station (I do not) it should be fine. I think HP should reconsider the plug as I thought that was a nice feature of the Samsung. So far so good. I will update this in a month to see if anything changes.32 out of 32 users found this user opinion helpful.
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SmartPhone that Rocks!
by glendawg on November 24, 2005
Pros: GPS/Bluetooth/Bright Screen/EDGE&GPRS/MP3 Player
Cons: HP chinced on System Memory/Could use Faster Processor
Summary: Bottom line: I love this device. I retired my Nokia 6620. I was an early adopter with AT&T Wireless with the Siemens SX56 PPC, which has a larger ...
Summary: Bottom line: I love this device. I retired my Nokia 6620. I was an early adopter with AT&T Wireless with the Siemens SX56 PPC, which has a larger screen but horrible cellular radio for picking up the signal from cell towers.
Buy hey, this is about the HW 6515A. Nice device. Feels good in the hand when you hold it to talk. The Micrsoft Voice Command is a must. Very accurate with my 1000+ contacts.
Bluetooth implementation is sweet. I paired my Motorola HS85 & Jabra 250. In addition I have a Logitech diNovo Bluetooth keyboard/Mouse and the Bluetooth Hub paired with the HW 6515A flawlessly. I also carry a Belkin USB bluetooth (100M range) dongle and it too paired with my HW 6515 no problem ( I travel a bunch).
The integrated GPS was the big selling point for me. Once you register the device with HP, they offer a FREE download of Pocket Streets and Trips 2006 from Microsoft. I already own S&T 2005 but I took advantage of the newer 2006 version for my PPC. I copied maps over to the device in my home region of the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area. Initial GPS setup was simple as you watch the device locate 2, 3, 4.... satelites. Then fire up S&T 2006 and watch the red marker pinpoint where you are while it updates as you cruise around the area. It tells you local points of interest as you drive by them like gas stations, restaurants and other points.
The dual earphones headset with mic is nice too. As your listening to music and a call comes in, once you answer the music pauses and you've got a stereo conversation in your head while you converse.
HP cut some corners though. They put a whopping 64MB of system memory and 64 MB of flash ROM. Yhey should have ponied up for 128MB of system memory. In addition the 312 MHz Intel processor could have been a faster version. Sometimes if too many programs are running you have to cancel-all to get the performance back.
I put a 1GB miniSD and a 1GB SD memory card in it. I want to load maps, music and large PowerPoint and other work related files on this device. I can email or bluetooth to customers realtime to make me more efficient or I can read them on an airplane because we all know how the back of the seat in front of you always hinders opening up your laptop.
All in all with Cingular and their $39.00/month unlimited data plan, I am very happy with this device. I like the Windows 2003 Mobile and am not a fan of the Palm OS. The QWERTY keyboard is nice too. I still favor the virtual keyboard on screen for rapid pecking out a message with the stylis.
Cheers....17 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My Dream Machine
by cnetmarc on November 22, 2005
Pros: Sound Quality, PIM, GPS
Cons: Tiny keys, GPS software not included
Summary: Let me say upfront I do not use this this phone for email or Internet. I was interested in a phone that would sync with my PIM at work, which ...
Summary: Let me say upfront I do not use this this phone for email or Internet. I was interested in a phone that would sync with my PIM at work, which contains at least 300 future appointments at any one time, the address book, and tasks and was easy to enter data into vs. the Audiovox SMT5600 I just retired (which was usless for data entry).
As a phone I find the sound quality very good. For long conversations or driving I use a bluetooth headset. MS Voice Command ($35) is a requirement for this phone as the buttons are too small to use while driving. VC is amazingly accurate on first request except for Media Player song names (I'm sure I will eventually discover a file naming convention VC will like).
The GPS was the kicker. The software does cost an extra $129 from HP but worked very well on my last trip. GPS lock in took less than 30 seconds from startup. I added a miniSD 1 gig card which holds GPS maps for all of California and Oregon and 250 songs, leaving my SD slot free in case I wish to add WiFi in the future.
As far as the CNET review, let's be real. You are not going to get a machine that does everything this does in this size format with blazing speed and good battery life. WiFi can be added through the SD slot and it is my understanding will be offered standard in the 6715. There is an optional battery with over twice the mAh. As far as Mobile 5.0 I am actually glad it was not on this device because our corporate PIM is Novell GroupWise and 5.0 is not supported at this time by Intellisync, which is my interface software.
I typically have 5 prorams running at once including GPS and speed is not an issue. For my money, this is a dream machine. For the price of a GPS device I got a PDA, phone, MP3 player, camera, voice and video recorder, and a flashlight to find my keys.
Highly recommended (remember - I did not test the Data services).17 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nothing Better
by scleme on December 28, 2005
Pros: Does Everything
Cons: Kind of Expensive
Summary: There is nothing better on the market. This thing blows away everything currently available in the US. I've pushed this thing to the limit with the addition of a ...
Summary: There is nothing better on the market. This thing blows away everything currently available in the US. I've pushed this thing to the limit with the addition of a 2 gig SDIO, Spectec Mini-WiFi Card, AnyCom BlueTooth Headset, Toshiba BlueTooth Headphones. I've ripped 9 albums on it, and have at least 10 videos. (Music and Video is outstanding. Hint: You need to compile your videos using Windows Movie Maker using the Pocket PC option.) I check both personal and business email, and have even used the terminal services to check server settings etc.
And Yeah, the professional review is way off… I think he inadvertently hit 6 instead of 9.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best PDA On Market
by mitchmu on January 9, 2006
Pros: User Interface, GPS, GSM, Features
Cons: Expensive, Keyboard
Summary: I'm beginning to think the editor's reviews on CNET are near worthless. They give high marks to poor products that die within 90 days and low marks to ...
Summary: I'm beginning to think the editor's reviews on CNET are near worthless. They give high marks to poor products that die within 90 days and low marks to incredible products. Case in point is this product. There can be no doubt this is the best phone/pda/email device on the market. The speed and performance is excellent. The user interface is incredible - truly incredible, and very easy to use, and full of delights. The feature set which includes quad band gsm, gps, as well as all the productivity and email tools one might reasonably need is beyond my expectations. My only complaint is the keyboard. I think the keys work well enough, but, the keys should be laid out in a straight line. The "curved shape" makes it much harder to use this keyboard than necessary. The battery life is no worse than a Treo. I purchased this to replace my Treo and will never again purchase another Palm product. I recommend this product without any reservation. I have been using smart phone/pda devices since 1995 and have evaluated all products on the market before purchasing this one.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Still needs better stability
by kevlarheart on January 6, 2006
Pros: All-in-one communicator, GPS and PIM
Cons: System stability, battery life, SUPPORT!
Summary: I purchased my HP 6515 almost a month ago and have put it thru the paces. The unit has all of the features anyone would want at a fairly resonable ...
Summary: I purchased my HP 6515 almost a month ago and have put it thru the paces. The unit has all of the features anyone would want at a fairly resonable price.
That being said, there are some real issues with the HP 6515:
System Stability: Despite having a relatively stable Win Mobile 2003 OS, the HP 6515 experiences "hangs" requiring numerous soft resets per day. If I performed a soft reset once a WEEK on my old e740 it was a lot.
Battery Life: I think that HP did its battery ratings with almost all connectivity turned off. With Bluetooth and GPRS in operation, the battery drains rapidly. The extended battery is probably the way to go if one wants to use the PDA on an extended plane trip. Car Charger and USB charger are MUST HAVE accessories.
Support: There are some "known issues" with the HP 6515 including disappearing Contacts short cuts. HP Support has been less than stellar in resolving these issues as evidenced by their totally ignoring the various IPAQ Forums complaints. Methinks HP wanted to rush this uit into circulation for the holiday -- for shame!
Phone signal quality has been excellent. I purchesed the MS Voice Command software and it has worked flawlessly.
GPS receiver is a nice addition. Fiding the right software solution was a chore due to the 240 X 240 screen format.
Speaking of the screen format, PPC software vendors should be called to task for stating that their products are compatible with the HP 6515 -- most have truncated screens because they support the traditional rectangular format.
The lack of integrated WiFi is easily overcome by purchasing a mini SD WiFi Card. Mine is on order and according to at least one forum, the HP 6515 performs well.
What else? Oh I think that HP should have integrated the 128 MB chipset as opposed to the 64 MB. One can send the unit out for an upgrade for about USD 150.00 -- but seriously, with the unit in the UDS 600.00 to 800.00 range HP could have provided an out of the box 128MB product.
I would recommend the HP 6515 to power users in need of an integrated solution.Updated
After 6 months of extensive use, the HP hw6515 has proven an invaluable tool. Upgraded ROM and RAM have made this a true mobile communications/mobile computer platform. That my entire Outlook Contacts and Calendar can be synched with the HP saved my sanity when my laptop's hard drive conked out with over two-weeks of data not backed up.
With an SD and mini SD slots available options are limitless. I use the mini SD to store programs and the SD card for Music, GPS etc.
HP is still far from stellar in its support -- in fact I get more tech support from the Mobility Today Forum than I do from HP.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No disrespect to CNet but your review is lackluster as best
by t.sanders on December 28, 2005
Pros: Nice form factor, Integrated keyboard, Mini-SD and SD card clots, 1.3 Megapixel camera, Integrated GPS, Free Pocket Streets 2006, Windows Media Player 10, Pop3 email compatible
Cons: 240x240 display, Caller ID does not show state calling from, No call screening, Software supported is sub-par, No Cingular Wireless warranty, No built in WiFi, Mediocre Processor and RAM
Summary: If anyone actually used this device, you would easily find that there is more to this than meets the eye. The most real downfall of the device is the fact ...
Summary: If anyone actually used this device, you would easily find that there is more to this than meets the eye. The most real downfall of the device is the fact that the resolution is 240x240. Previously released PDA phones were 240x320 resolution. What does this mean? It means all the software that I have for PocketPC's do not work. This includes Handmark Monopoly, PocketPC chess, Palm Arcade Pack, and other goodies released by Jimmy software, King games, and other vendors (although most indicate that the device is supported on Handandgo) - this sucks because if the software does not work, do you get your money back? Make sure you try the trial before you buy. Back up data and hard reset if your device works funky after a program is installed.The problem with the resolution is that many applications were written to support 240x320 resolution which means you lose out on 80 pixels worth of data. In the 80 missing pixels, you have menu options, installation options, and items that you need to navigate many pocketpc programs. Nyditot helps to an extent but I do not like scrolling through programs that much, I'd rather see them compressed. Another downfall is the unit does not use .mp3 files as ringtones. It will use .wav and .mid (MiDi) files with ease.
The unit is compatible with all versions of activsync (including 4.1) - yea I wrote it. Many other reviews state that 3.8 is the latest supported version. This is incorrect because I am running 4.1. Microsoft indicates on their site that 4.1 is compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 which is what the device is running.
Did I mention that Pocket Streets 2006 is available for free to registered users? Did I mention that the units has built in GPS that works with Pocket Streets 2006? Did I mention the unit has Windows Media Player 10? In the CNet review, battery power is mentioned. Well, if you turn down the backlight and make sure the unit stands by after 30 seconds, than you will be fine throughout an entire day and some. This includes using a Bluetooth headset and conversing for 3 hours or so. I also have a 2GB SD card and a 512 MB Mini-SD Kingston memory cards. The Mini-SD runs my applications and the SD holds my music, pictures, video, and other data. Compatible headsets I've personally tested are the Jabra BT250v, BT500, BT800, Motorola HS850, and H500. Tell me who else has tested this device to this extent? Obviously not CNet.
Problems I've seen is once in a while, you need to close running applications because they continue to consume memory. The processor being a 312MHz with 64 MB RAM does a good job but HP could have come better with 128 MB RAM using the same or faster processor for the price. I also have an issue with not knowing the state people are calling from. Many of my prior phones had this feature although not listed as a feature. I tested the software that is supposed to do this and it works but the text is garbled due to resolution. Thank you Handandgo for stating that CityScape was compatible with this device. I have found freeware from shubhasoft.com that does do this but it runs separately as a program. It does not inform you of this information when a call is incoming. Programs I use on the device are Pocket Informant, Resco File Explorer, Pocket Breeze, and PocketPC Password. The camera is decent and the video is cool. The speakerphone is great along with the speaker that emits sound. The unit does not transmit sound to a wireless Bluetooth headset but it does to a wired Bluetooth headset which was wild but refreshing. I impressed people with this. The stereo jack is not a 3.5mm but a 2.5mm, you need to know this. Cingular does not offer a warranty. You will need to cover the device under you auto or home insurance.
I've written a lot here and touched upon many things. Feel free to leave a comment and I will answer it as best I can.
Regards,
.: Via5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome product if it didn't crash all the time
by Gadgetdoctor on January 28, 2006
Pros: Killer set of features in 1 device
Cons: Wear a crash helmet when using this
Summary: I love the features on this unit. It's awesome. Hardware GPS that locks onto a satellite in 3 seconds. Awesome. GPRS that works. Internet and POP3 email access on ...
Summary: I love the features on this unit. It's awesome. Hardware GPS that locks onto a satellite in 3 seconds. Awesome. GPRS that works. Internet and POP3 email access on several accounts of mine. Awesome. Pocket PC that works (except for the 240x240 screen which was a dumb choice).
But, I have to reset this unit at least once a day, and sometimes several times a day, even when putting program files into SD card memory. Others have had this problem, so I'm not alone. If that were fixed, I'd say it's the best multi-purpose (or Smart) phone out there.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Great PDA!
by Fischer567 on September 4, 2006
Pros: Great for Multi-tasking; Easy to use; Lots of Accessories Included; Good MP3 Player; Camera; GPS!
Cons: Average Phone Program; Must Manually Control your Memory; Web Browser Could Use Update
Summary: For the price, this device is an absolute bargain! I use it as a phone, web browser, camera, MP3 player, GPS receiver, Storage Device, Note Pad, etc. A separate mp3 ...
Summary: For the price, this device is an absolute bargain! I use it as a phone, web browser, camera, MP3 player, GPS receiver, Storage Device, Note Pad, etc. A separate mp3 player and a GPS receiver alone would cost more combined than this phone. The list goes on and on. There is transcriber and letter recognition software to use for making notes. These programs work relatively well considering my sloppy handwriting. But, I prefer to use the keyboard provided. The keyboard is more than adequate to type quick messages or lengthy emails.
The phone software is a little buggy sometimes. It seems they could have done a better job here, but I’m sure you can buy third party software. You can’t assign mp3 ring tones, or have special ring tones for different numbers. There is no auto update for the time via the cell towers. However, there is good time zone software, and changing the clock to your zone takes two seconds. There is a file manager so you can see everything that is on your pocket pc and storage card. The 6515 works great to edit and create word documents, send text messages, or sync up with your POP 3 Email. I use Gmail and the program on the device automatically configured all the settings when I put my email address in it. I can check and send my email anytime I want with the push of a button.
I have read complaints about the battery life; however, the battery provides good longevity. For example, when using the 6515 as an MP3 player while in “Flight Mode” (All wireless off) I got 1 hour worth of playing time for every 10-11% of my batter life. You do the math. That’s nearly 10 hours of listening time! With good use of the phone, camera, messaging, and web browser, I can stretch the battery for 2 days. Standby and talk time is more than adequate. I use the manufacturers suggested techniques for extending the batter life by turning off the Bluetooth and IR when not in use. I turn the screen brightness down to the lowest setting and it is still easy to see under the sun.
I used the Bluetooth once to send a file to a Palm Treo 700p. It took a while to figure out how to sync the devices up, but after that, I could easily beam a file to the Treo by simply selecting a file in the File Manager. However, I think it's worth mentioning that the person using the Treo could not figure out how to send me a file. I fiddled with the Treo 700p a little bit and I can say that the Palm software is not as easy to use or as intuitive. The Windows Mobile Software that comes with the 6515 is a definite plus for Windows lovers.
As far as crashes go. I have not had a single crash yet. It’s a computer, and like any computer, it needs to be reset every now and then to speed the processing power back up. People who have been complaining about crashes just don’t have any fundamental understanding of how to use a computer. If you are running the Web Browser, signed onto MSN Chat, while editing a word document, talking on the phone, and using the GPS to locate your position all at once, then it might be a good idea to turn off a program or two before using the camera. Seems like common sense, no? It does get a little slow at times, but nothing that is too excessive. Just go into the memory manager and end programs you are no longer using. A reset, if required, only takes about 10 seconds of your time. I would recommend doing it at night before charging it. I reset it once every two days and it keeps the device working properly.Updated
I also use the Mini SD Card slot for a 2 GB storage card and it works perfectly. I use the Large SD slot for a WiFi card I bought for an extra 50 bucks on Ebay. Works perfectly3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I have found my baby.
by gymhr on February 4, 2006
Pros: PIM, text, overall functionality
Cons: Battery and screen size for older programs
Summary: I have been looking for a PDA/phone for quite some time. I have owned (and returned) the following in the last 2 years - Treo 650, Siemens SX66 (and ...
Summary: I have been looking for a PDA/phone for quite some time. I have owned (and returned) the following in the last 2 years - Treo 650, Siemens SX66 (and audiovox counterpart), Samsung i730, and then numerous cell phones. All have their positives and negatives, as does this machine. However, I honestly have not found anything I cannot live with in the hw 6515.
From texting rapidly in meetings to the sound quality of the phone itself, I love it. I can e-mail in boring meetings, edit docs, e-mail the same docs, everything that I need to do.
Adding Voice command and a BT headset keeps me handsfree on the road (except WHEN are they going to enable VC to work with a BT headset? I have read a patch is coming sooner or later, but c'mon!)
All in all, I have found this package to be superior to the other that are out there. Once Cingular gets their poop in a pile and gets their high-speed network up like Sprint and Verizon already have, I will probably end up switching to a broadband capable device (hopefully the next generation of hw). Until then, I will love using this device.
Crash free for 15 days...3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: FA635A#ABA
- Description: HP iPAQ hw6510 Mobile Messenger offers integrated GSM/GPRS/EDGE technologies and is packed full of high-end features including an integrated keyboard, GPS Navigation, and multiple messaging capabilities - in a stylish, lightweight design.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Full keyboard - Touch screen
- Integrated Components GPS receiver,
Digital player,
Voice recorder - Width 2.8 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 4.6 in
- Weight 5.8 oz
- Localization English / United States
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
- Service Provider AT&T
- Operating System Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC Phone Edition
- Application Software Voice Recorder,
Calendar,
Contacts,
Jawbreaker,
File Explorer,
Calculator,
Clock,
Westtek ClearVue Suite,
Tasks,
Solitaire,
Inbox,
iPAQ Backup,
HP Image Zone for Pocket PC,
Windows Media Player 10,
Volume Control,
Self Test,
Power Status,
Infrared Beaming,
MMS Composer,
VPN Client,
Terminal Services Client,
Bluetooth Manager,
IPAQ Audio,
Align Screen,
iPAQ File Store,
HP Profiles,
iPAQ Wireless,
Microsoft Pocket Word,
Notes,
Microsoft Pocket Outlook,
Microsoft Pocket Excel,
Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer,
Memory,
HP Image Transfer - Input Device(s) Touch sensitive screen,
Keyboard - Phone Navigation Buttons Joystick
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services MMS,
SMS Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE - Wireless Interface Bluetooth,
Infrared (IrDA) Phone Features
- Phone Functions Vibrating alert
Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards MP3
Processor
- Type Intel XScale PXA270
- Clock Speed 312 MHz
Memory
- RAM 64 MB - SDRAM
- ROM 64 MB - ROM
- User Memory 55 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards miniSD,
MultiMediaCard,
SD Memory Card
Navigation System
- GPS Navigation GPS receiver
Display
- Type LCD display
- Technology TFT Transflective
- Diagonal Size 3 in
- Display Resolution 240 x 240 pixels
- Color Depth 16-bit (65000 colors)
- Display Indicators Bluetooth indicator,
Battery meter Connections
- Connector Type Headphones - Sub-mini-phone 2.5 mm,
USB Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 1200 mAh
Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards FCC Class B certified,
cUL,
UL,
NOM - Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter,
Carrying case,
Stylus,
Cellular phone docking station,
Headset Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:HP
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185


