Cool Gadget | PDA Phone

Though not really prolific this year when it comes to launching new handhelds and mobile phones, HP’s current portfolio is pretty comprehensive. The latest is the Data Messenger which comes with a slide-out QWERTY keypad.
Upside
Having such a form factor is a big plus in itself. The slide-out QWERTY design has its legion of fans because you don’t compromise on the size of the screen while still giving a spacious keyboard for typing. For example, HP’s other model with a QWERTY keypad, the 912 Business Messenger, has a shape similar to the BlackBerry models. Though it is slimmer, the screen is smaller and those with fat fingers may not appreciate the size of the keys.

The tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM radios on the Data Messenger make it extremely versatile when it comes to roaming. That’s good news for business travelers who need to stay contactable and receive emails wherever they go. Still on the topic of connectivity, this PDA-phone has all the requisite wireless features including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS for navigation.

Though quality cameras don’t come to mind immediately when you think of HP handsets, the Data Messenger has a decently specced 3-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED for lighting up subjects in dark situations. Of course, this does not guarantee nice images, something we’ll have to test out in a review at a later date.

Downside
The use of a 2.8-inch QVGA display is very disappointing. Though it may not be targeted for entertainment, having a higher-resolution screen like those found in the HTC Touch Pro and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is good for Web browsing and productivity apps like spreadsheets.

Looking at its specifications, this really looks like a “me-too” product. While you can’t fault it for lack of features, the truth is that you can say the same of most other flagship models from other brands.

Outlook
HP has a reputation when it comes to service and support for its business customers. That’s especially true for its computers and could also be a deciding factor for its PDA-phones especially if they are deployed by a user’s IT department.

Nonetheless, it’s going to take more than that to attract buyers given the quality of products we have seen from brands like HTC and Samsung. At US$549, it’s not very expensive, but still, HP will need to throw in goodies like a great software package or improved user interface to keep up with the rest of the pack. The Data Messenger is expected to be available at the end of December.