HP iPAQ Glisten Overall Review
The HP iPAQ Glisten marks an interesting point in the evolution of mobile devices, bridging the gap between traditional PDAs and the modern smartphone. Announced in November 2009, this device features a 2.5-inch display and operates on Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, offering a glimpse into early smartphone capabilities. The Glisten is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200 chipset and comes with 256 MB of RAM, which, at the time, was sufficient for the multitasking needs of a business-focused user.
Camera capabilities are modest, with a 3.15 MP primary camera that caters to basic photography needs. This was typical for smartphones of the era, prioritizing business and productivity applications over multimedia consumption. The device also offers a microSD slot for storage expansion, a necessary feature given the limited internal storage capacity.
Connectivity options include 3G, which provides decent internet speeds for email, browsing, and data services. The physical QWERTY keyboard is a standout feature, appealing to users who prefer tactile typing over touchscreen interfaces.
HP iPAQ Glisten Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Solid build quality typical of HP’s iPAQ range.
- Physical QWERTY keyboard for efficient typing.
- Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional offers a range of business and productivity applications.
- Support for 3G connectivity for decent internet speeds.
Cons:
- Limited by the capabilities of Windows Mobile 6.5, which feels outdated compared to modern operating systems.
- The camera’s performance is basic, not suited for high-quality photography.
- Display size and resolution are modest by today’s standards.
- Limited app support compared to iOS and Android platforms.
