Reviews for HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone - T-Mobile

Texas Instruments OMAP1510 200MHz - 64MB RAM/ - 64MB ROM - 3.5" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD - 65536 Colors 16-bit - MPN: FA239A

  • 2
  By member: buffness80 - Jan 16, 2006

Huge let down

Strengths: Has: Wifi, Bluetooth, Ifrared, phone/PDA, detachable keyboard

Weakness: Locks up constantly, not much integrated memory, bluetooth is horrible, Wifi is not very good, very very slow processor

I got this unit about 2-3 weeks ago and I was thilled with it at first because it was my first PDA/Phone. Soon after I started to notice that it locks/freezes up a lot. When I say "a lot" I mean 3 or 4 plus times a day (that's not normal, although for this phone I guess it is). When I first turn on the unit I can tap start and it takes like 20 seconds for it to come up. However, after that point it responds just fine. The touch screen alignment is off a lot, no matter how often and how carefully I tap the alignment crosshairs. The Wifi work well for the most part (I updated it to the lastest update on HP's site) however, when I originally connect to my WLAN it just sits there and says "connecting..." and never says connected. Then when I go out it is connect but the status never changed. I have updated to the newest version of the ROM that HP provides and I still have problems. The bluetooth worked when I connected my Jabra headset to it like the first 2 times. However, after that it would not connect for anything. It would see the headset but said it couldn't connect no matter what I did. One plus that I like about this unit is that you can use MMCs as well as SD memory cards. Yes, MMCs can be very slow but if you have one laying around (like I did) then you won't have to buy extra memory. On top of that this only has Windows Media Player Mobile 9. You need Windows 2003 Mobile Second Edition to upgrade to 10. I wanted to listen to my Sirius radio (which can stream through a couple of utilities found on the web) but it requires WMP10.

So, in conclusion...this unit is very very slow. Bluetooth sucks, Wifi is decent, reception is decent, it locks up so many times you will want to throw it out the window, touch screen is not very good, it has a small amount of memory, only has WMP9, the list goes on and on. There are far more negatives about this unit than positive. If I was to talk to someone that was thinking about buying one of these I would 100% tell them not to get it. For this price you can get a much better one. Get an iMate, they are cool!

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  • 5
  By member: ladyhenry - May 9, 2006

I Love It

Strengths: It does pretty much everything I want. I hate the thumb keyboard of the others. I like the fact you can write and it will translate to the software.

Weakness: Camera is not the best but I didn't buy it for photography.

I bought this after reading negative reviews. One user suggested the T-Mobile upgrade. I got it. Played with it, did the T-Mobile update then switched my phone over. It works fine. The only problem I had was when I hit too many things too fast. (I get impatient.) I love it. My bluetooth headset worked just fine with it.

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  • 2
  By member: garywcook - Dec 2, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Battery life. All in one functionality. Bluetooth with Windows XP seems to work ok.

Weakness: Hard to use as a telephone. Volume is too low. Speakerphone is horrible. Wi-Fi is flakey at best. Requires frequent reboots. Camera is worthless except in bright conditions.

I have a love / hate relationship with this device.

The PDA functionality and integration into the telephone dialer is excellent. The ability to sync everything in Appointments and Contacts with Outlook also drove me to purchase it.

As a telephone, this device is really a pain. If you were a light user of cell phones, you could probably live with it but then you'd never remember how to use it!

I'd go so far as to say this unit is barely usable as a telephone. Excellent PPC by PPC standards but horrible for voice communications. First, if you let it touch your face while talking, menu's open and unwanted changes can occur. Mine switched time zones from facial contact causing me to miss an appoinment.

If you use a wired headset, the opening is protected with a rubber cover that is almost impossible to open without a stylus or fingernails. You certainly aren't going to plug in the headset quickly to answer a call. I don't have fingernails so I'm stuck using the stylus. The headset / ear buds don't lock securely into the socket. The standard ear bud doesn't include a button to answer calls so you fumble a bit trying to answer calls. I ordered one from a reseller that has this function. Voice dialing should be standard but it isn't. I tested the Microsoft software but it didn't work reliably. Functions such as turning on the speakerphone during a call require the use of the stylus. Ringer volume is way is too low. Vibrator hardly vibrates. It constantly locks up just like my Toshiba E740 Pocket PC.

The keyboard is worthless to me. You can't reliably attach and detach it without a reboot. It also doesn't fit into the recharge cradle with the keyboard attached for two reasons. First it's too big. Second, there's no way to sync, charge, or externally power it with the keyboad attached! No external or passthrough connector. That's really strange.

On the positive side, battery life is excellent compared to the Toshiba E740.

So don't buy it if you are a cell phone junkie.

Email works almost flawlessly. You can have multiple POP email accounts with different reply addresses. This was important to me. It was not supported on the new Blackberry 7100t. They have a single reply address for multiple accounts. There seems to be a flaw in the MMS. Messages won't clear. SMS and email are not a problem.

Web browsing.. barely usable over GPRS. Too slow.

Wi-Fi.. Typical difficult to configure. I was unable to get it to work with 128 WEP / Shared Key on two different routers. It wouldn't connect to a Motorola and a Linksys. Had to resort to open system with authorized MAC.

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  • 1
  By member: cdjohnston - Mar 23, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Cool that you get WiFi, Bluetooth (when it works), GSM/GPRS, Speakerphone (worthless) and an iPaq all in one

Weakness: Crashes, Hangs, Requires Soft reset twice daily, Hard reset weekly, poor reception, inability to change cellsites in a timely manner to avoid dropped calls

THANK THE MAKER that T-Mobile had the smarts to pull this product from their shelves. It is no longer available from T-Mobile. I was at a corporate store today to buy a phone that would work while I was at a jobsite complaining about the product. The sales person told me they are no longer allowed to sell the product. An associate that is T-Mobile sales agency told me they we pulled. Yahoo! Save some other unwitting person the agony felt here.

T-Mobile has been truly faithful in their support promises, especially after sending my second replacement (I am on number 3 now) to try to at least see if a new unit would help. It did not. Even their tech support staff acknowledge that "that is not the best phone on the market" (NO KIDDING!) I need to sing my praises to T-Mobile and their support folks.

With that said, this unit - even though it has all of the features I wanted, was a completely wasted $500 experiment.

The CPU is too slow. At 150Mhz, my older iPaq 3650 seemed like an absolute barn burner.

You can rarely pick up call-waiting calls and more often than not, you get the annoying "Operation Cannot be Completed" message when trying to pick up an incoming call.

HP/T-Mobile has been promising updates that fix this. Nowhere is it to be found. And nobody can give you an update as to when it will be available.

The camera is crappy. All photos have a blue haze no matter how you set the white balance.

The Bluetooth is a known issue whereby your headset will not rejoin when the phone wakes up out of sleep mode.

Dropped calls are a real problem. Do not plan on driving around too much with one. you will drop your calls faster than trying to pick up a hot skillet without a handle. It is sooo embarrassing to be talking like that Verizon guy "Can you hear me now".

Voicemail notifications come in when they please. Not when they are supposed to. The SMS features are spotty at best.

On the plus side, the WiFi does work if properly configured. The PDA functions work like an iPaq should - albeit slower than a 4yr old iPaq 3650.

If you find someone that has one of these up for sale, either do not buy it or use it ONLY as a very slow PDA.

Like I said - Caveat Emptor - Lost calls, lost business and a $500 experiment that went badly wrong is not for the faint of heart.

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  • 2
  By member: connectkjw - Oct 26, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Full featured

Weakness: Does not support Skype, Frame alignment out after 7 days had to send back for repair/Still under repair after 10 days. Had to reboot a few times a day when I had it.

HP should do much better with their debut phone. Disappointed with performance and Windows Mobile shud be upgraded to 2nd edition. No Skype. Regret Buying. HP PDAs much better. Would like to replace asap.

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Reply by member: varma
Nov 8, 2004

Glad to be forewarned. I was thinking to buy this product but now will look for an alternative product.

  • 2
  By member: ebw0324 - Jan 28, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Wireless functionality in one device--BT, WiFi, and GPRS. Great battery life. Awesome screen.

Weakness: Rquires multiple resets throughout the day. Device freezes up for no reason. Difficulty launching some programs. Keyboard attachment unreliable.

I had my device for about 2 weeks before I had to take it back for a refund. And I tried to work around every glitch until I realized that this thing cost too much money to put so much effort into fixing it.

The keyboard attachment is useless. There is no telling if it will work or not when you attach it. Every other time I attached it, I had to reset the system.

I had to reset the device numerous times throughout the day. One day, I had to actually reset the device 5 times. From everything from freezing up, phone locking up, email freezing, using the keyboard.

The WiFi worked great in my home on my wireless netowrk. The GPRS email worked fine. The internet browsing on GPRS was very slow. The BT headset doesn't work right. If the screen goes to sleep, it disconnects the BT. So, you have to go through a long process to reconnect before you can use it again.

All in all, when the device worked, it was a great device. However, the problem is that it's not reliable to consistently work.

My suggestion...dont buy.

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  • 1
  By member: ap_711 - Oct 11, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Full featured, all in one unit. A real treat to be connected all of the time

Weakness: Weaknesses: Size and realiability


Summary:
Device needs to be rebooted at least 4 times a day for reasons ranging from Keyboard, to phone freeze to keyboard not responding. Blue tooth is VERY scratchy.i have tried allblue tooth in market it works but few hours and goes bad or reboot again.softwere freez all the time.

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Reply by member: drayegon
Dec 15, 2004

Just what I want another great IDEA that doesn't work. I have enogh trouble with the JUNK I have let alone going out and buying a new piece of garbage. I really wanted this to work out but guess I will wait till someone gets it right out of the box. Just once could someone make a product that actually works first time everytime?

dray

  • 5
  By member: jaffreywali - Apr 24, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Connectivity - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN Features has it all! - Media Player, Windows compatibility, IE Browser, Phone, available software (GPS) Battery life, removable battery, SD cards

Weakness: A little on the bulky size (imate JAM is perfect form factor) Cheap HP finish (when compared to Treo 650 or Nokia Communicator) Original firmware was deficient (wi-fi, bluetooth, volume issues)

This is my second convergence device (the first was a Nokia Communicator) and I have to admit this is by far better. The new formware upgrade from T-Mobile has fixed all lingering problems and this is now a 'must have' device for me. There is simply no substitute for the iPaq Pocket PC!

Just like the other reviewers I was a little frustrated with the original software and was about to give up, but the breadth and depth of features kept me on the ipaq and now the new updates make this a killer product. I evaluated the Treo 650 recently and it is simply not an effective substitute for the ipaq (yet). Wi-fi AND bluetooth are a must for any convergence device today.

Many of the problems that people report with lock-ups etc. I believe are related to downloading the countess third party software out there. These are both a boon and a risk with any windows based platform.

SUMMARY: I love my ipaq and would recommend it to anyone. I carry my ipaq instead of my laptop for many business meetings.

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Reply by member: dunndh
Nov 24, 2005

I agree with Jaffery, the product updates are great progress. I love my ipaq too, been in my hands for 1.5 years and performs every day. We set too high expectations and expect these to do everything just like a pc.
My governmental co-workers have used blackberrys for 2-3 years and all they can do is email in text and talk on the phone.

  • 5
  By member: benonijeanpierre - Nov 26, 2005

Close toPERFECT!!

Strengths: integrated 3-way wireless capabilities (GSM/GPRS Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, 3.5" Transflective TFT; 64K colors screen...the camera, the battery life, just everything.

Weakness: The fact that you have to be a real tech guy to enjoy it!! Because you may think something is wrong but it's just the way it is...

The problem people seem to have with this product is that it's made for people who knows how to use it and there is an upgrade for it @ www.t-mobile.com/hpupd... and the instruction are there...however it does have a slow processor...because there is allot of great thing on it so that the reason...

If you buy this h6315 you should get to know it and set it up before you get it connected

Also if you have a wireless head set make sure it's compatible for it

YO! This looks so professional and useful...on your waist it is a show stopper because not a lot of people has it...

It’s one of the successful PDA/PHONE/CAMERA so that why there is so much to cry about here is not a wide verity so we better appreciate it...

Read everything in the box...some people soft reset for anything...

There more to talk about but just know your product and it will do you good!!!

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  • 2
  By member: jko - Jan 11, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Weakness: Locked to T Mobile Unit locks up and needs software reboot quite often Company Tech on web did not disclose problems with unlocking unit. HP Support team Not helpful

I orginally purchased the unit for Mobile Sales Development
Unfortunately T Mobile will not unlock the unit unless you have a valid account for 90 days, Tried to Start Account with them. But T Mobile dosen't have Coverage in AUST.
No Account - No Go

Don't buy one - Purchase a O2 xdaIII, Much better unit and dosen't have T Mobile Policy
HP Stuffed up, this isn't just a mobile device, it's Pocket PC WITH A PHONE CONNECTION.

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  • 4
  By member: Ellett - Jun 16, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Solid product provides voice, gprs, wi-fi and bluetooth in one unit. I use it with a Jabra bluetooth headset and a Navcom bluetooth GPS. Both work well. The unit rarely needs rebooting.

Weakness: Make sure you install the firmware upgrade available from HP. Could wish camera were better than VGA and that bluetooth were 2.0.

I traded in a Nokia 3650 and Palm Tungsten T for this box and am happy with the switch. I now have one single unit that provides all my basic functions, and a small add-on GPS unit completes the package with dynamic maps and driving directions. Here in the Bay Area reception is good and Windows Mobile requires a reboot rarely, certainly less frequently than my Palm did. Using a USB-to-HP6315 retractable cable, the unit gets recharged every time I use my notebook and ActiveSync means I don't have to push a HotSync button to keep my notebook and PDA synchronized. A well thought out and well constructed unit.

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  • 4
  By member: keith_aquino - Jan 5, 2006

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 Smartphone...

Strengths: Many features (I mean ALOT) Tri-band It has bluetooth and WiFi as an addition to a phone It has an IR port

Weakness: low quality (very low) camera images compare w/ Nokia phones Slighty heavier than other handhelds bulky Rubber antenna cap can go off when extensively stored in a tight pocket.

I like this phone! It has that very familiar Windows interface which gives out this "homey" feel. Placing all those features in that small thing, I find, is amazing! Since this is still uncommon, people usually find this to very expensive (okay, it already is). Many estimate it to be around $1500.

Okay, the cons. I find the antenna annoying. It is now slightly loose. This really only happens when you pocket it and if you use the belt case, you won't have a problem (besides my Wranglers are really tight!) When listening to music, an earphone or head phone is really needed. The speakers aren't very loud. If you want, you can place the speakers beside your ear as if your calling. You can feel the tug when you place the phone on your breast pocket, this is one thing I don't like.

Other than that, this device is awesome! But you have enough money for the P910i, I highly recommend that. It is slightly better than this phone.

Keith

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  • 1
  By member: ascottyb - Dec 17, 2005

6315 is history

Strengths: none

Weakness: memory design support phone and hp corp monster

I have had 3 of them and they simply do not work. Bad design not enough memory and HP has abandoned thier loyal customer base. Sad, but my first love , the ipaq, is dead and gone, betrayed by HP failure. ultimate sin HP lies about the ipaq and refuses to fix problems.

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  • 2.0
  reviewgist.com - Dec 22, 2009

Best Reception Hp Cell Phone

Audio is Average according to 9 Cell Phone experts. -- "The speakerphone was quite good however, and worked very well with our Bluetooth headset (a Logitech HS01)."-jiwire.com -- "it cant be used as a speakerphone"-pcmag.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Video, Camera, Battery, Keypad, Display, Reception, etc.

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  • 4.0
  testseek.com - Oct 30, 2008

HP iPAQ H6315

TestSeek.com has collected 7 expert reviews for HP iPAQ H6315 and the average expert rating is 79 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use TestSeek.com to find all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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  • 1.5
  TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008

Emachines H6412 Pc

Emachines H6412 Pc receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 1.21 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #120 economy computer of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a product's...

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  • 4.0
  mobiletechreview.com - Sep 12, 2004

HP iPAQ 6315 Pocket PC Phone

HP's first iPAQ Pocket PC phone is definitely a winner. It packs every feature a connected road warrior could want, has great reception and call clarity and the price isn't bad for a Pocket PC phone. While it's not the fastest PPC phone on the block, it will outlast any other model on a charge, generally offering twice the battery life of competing models. If you have a need for speed, look...

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