HP ipaq 614 review - physical
Now that you have an impression of the size of the hp ipaq 614 business navigator, it’s time to look at what HP has integrated into the device from a physical standpoint. After the excellent rx4240 and 110 classic, HP must beat itself - can the boys do it?
When looking at the 614, one immediately notes the slightly weird keyboard - no application buttons, no 5way. Instead, HP now graces users with a combined “nav 5way keyboard”. For example, instead of having dedicated 5way keys, you briefly touch the circle in order to toggle a 5way press(center is missing). The two small buttons under the screen can be used as application launch keys or as direct access toggles for the two WM6 softkeys. As for the other keys…the icons are mostly self-explanatory…
Sounds weird - but after a bit of playing around, you’ll eventually become accustomed to the new from of input(and start to like it). Controlling applications works very well indeed - however, gamers will still prefer a dedicated 5way navigator.
The left side of the unit contains a jog dial and two further soft buttons - one doubles the ok key found in the front, whereas the other one is for the voice recorder. The jog dial itself is very well done and handles well - no issues here:
The top of the device features a “silence” button - while this is not quote as comfortable as a Treo’s slider(no visual indication of status - come on, give us a LED), it’s nevertheless great to see HP integrate this into their devices.
