HP iPAQ hw6945 Mobile Messenger user reviews (AT&T)

1.0 stars

"Nice try - over-engineered, under-proofed" on May 17, 2007 by MichaelRS

Pros: Tons of features, Only GPS Phone-PDA w/ WiFi

Cons: Doesn't master the basic functions

Summary: I would have dished out $250 for this 5 years ago. It has a nice set of features, unfortunately the key critical functions (phone, PDA, synchronization) are not functioning robust enough to make this a usable device for people that spent that much money on a top of a line product.

The product is marred by operational shortcomings (every sync has errors and breakes down; errors 85010017 and 86000209 are frequent and well documented with no solution available) and practical problems (response time to find a contact is 30-120s in a 4000+ database). In addition, the device has not enough memory (only 64MB, 128 would be bare minimum, 256 MB appropriate) and an upgrade is not in sight (per HP no WM6 for this one). To top it off it can't even read HTML emails and is limited to 5 email accounts and the battery lasts only 4-6 hours if used as intended (some calls, some pda, some wifi/gps use).
To no surprise no shop in silicon valley has it in stock, it only sells via web, where HP does not allow returns (says CDW). Buyer beware!
If you are in the mood for a gadget that will fill your day to maintain it and play with it go ahead, but this is not a device for the busy executive that needs automation and effeciency.
Some more practical points: the surface is quite smooth and you may risk dropping your $660 baby (incl. tax & shipping...).
Of course, my pedigree is that I am used to Palm since Vx, have used Treo since 180 etc. I am honestly baffled how Microsoft gets away with such a lame Windows Mobile that is literally 5-10 years behind the Palm OS, albeit visually more pleasing. ActiveSync 4.5 stinks!