Before we even start this review, let’s all thank Stefan Weder big-time for managing to get this device into my claws. Don’t ask me how he did it, but he made it. Perfect work - folks from other companies(Asus, I am looking at you) really can learn a lot from him!
HP’s 614. Delayed multiple times, withdrawn from the USA under dubious circumstances…the 614 has had a pretty active “history” before even shipping. Anyways, now it’s here - can it fill up the void ripped open by hp’s foolish discontinuation of the GPS-enabled rx5xxx devices?
The company has standardized its box design quite some time ago - this box doesn’t really look all that different. However, the designer chose to emphasize the “clickwheel” concept that replaces the traditional 5way on this machine:
As always, opening the box immediately reveals a device overview and basic instructions on getting started:
Once the lids are flipped away, one can immediately reach all accessories found in the box - HP included its standard MiniUSB charge/sync set and a headset:
A short “manual” and some software is hidden below the accessory tray:
As always, HP didn’t make the screen cover transparent to allow usage as a screen protector. Instead, the company used it as a “billboard” for a few extra warnings to novice users:
The camera lens also gets some protection by the way:
So far, so good - the 614 has not disappointed me so far! Will the good impression last? Tune in soon for Part 2 of our review!
P.S. The unit won’t be around much longer. If you wish me to test anything specific, please let me know NOW.
P.S.2 Want to see our HP ipaq 614 unboxing video? Find it over at Google Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7970787505444739814