HP iPaq Pocket PC h6315

The good: Four-way wireless (IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and quad-band GSM/GPRS) capabilities; built-in VGA camera; user-replaceable battery; speakerphone.

The bad: Bulky; keyboard is not integrated; keys are cramped; somewhat sluggish performance; washed-out screen.

The bottom line: While bulky, the iPaq h6315 offers strong performance and plenty of high-end features for professionals looking for an all-in-one device.

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Description: The HP iPAQ H6315 is a Pocket PC-based, PDA/Phone combination handheld device. Compared to other PDA/Phone combination handhelds on the market, it is expensive at around $560. The HP iPAQ H6315 is GSM 850/900/1800/1900 enabled for voice and data transmission. You can expand the memory of this unit using Secure Digital (SD), or MMC media. The Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE operating system comes installed on this PDA.

Pros: Offers IEEE 802.11b, Bluetooth, and IrDA wireless capability, which is better than some similarly priced handhelds. Also, this handheld runs on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE operating system.

Cons: Weighs in at 6.7 ounces weight. This is not out of line with the product's price, but is heavier than the average handheld on the market today. Since this device runs on Pocket PC, it will work only with Windows, not with Linux or Macintosh operating systems. There are still more third-party applications for Palm OS than for Pocket PC, but that is changing.

Suitability: A PDA/Phone combination handheld, suited for integrated communications in a single device. Also, its display, supporting 64,000 colors at 240x320 resolution, makes it adequate for viewing color images. The built-in camera can come in handy for quick snap-shots or web images, though you should still consider a full featured camera if you are a photo enthusiast. You can use the bluetooth capability of this device to connect to cell phones and other devices that are similarly enabled. You can also use this handheld to playback MP3 files stored in memory. The Wi-Fi (802.11b) capability of this PDA allows you to connect to wireless networks in offices, airports, and in hundreds of public areas (charges may apply).

Value: Overall, this handheld's features are as expected for this price. With Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE installed, the HP iPAQ H6315 includes support for the latest technologies available in a Pocket PC-based PDA.

Suggestions: (1) If you plan to enter large amounts of data, consider getting an external portable keyboard for your PDA. (2) If you want to use your handheld when you meet new people to record their contact info, you can use the built in camera to add their picture to your address book. (3) For news and reviews of the latest handhelds, visit the Handhelds Feature on CNET Reviews . (4) Before purchasing a cellular enabled PDA, check to make sure that service is available in your area. Note that a subscription of one year or more is generally required once service is initiated.