HP Veer

amazon HP Veer reviews

Design and Build Quality

Form Factor and Size

One of the most distinguishing features of the HP Veer is its incredibly compact size. Measuring just 84 x 54.5 x 15.1 mm and weighing only 103 grams, the Veer was significantly smaller than most smartphones on the market at the time. Its design was reminiscent of the earlier Palm Pre series, featuring a pebble-like shape with rounded edges that made it comfortable to hold. The phone was marketed as the smallest smartphone capable of full multitasking, emphasizing its portability.

• Pros: The compact size made the HP Veer easy to carry around, fitting effortlessly into pockets, even alongside other items. It was ideal for users who found the increasing size of smartphones cumbersome.
• Cons: The small size came with trade-offs, particularly in terms of screen size and usability. The 2.6-inch display, while clear and vibrant, felt cramped, especially for tasks like typing and web browsing. Users with larger hands might find it difficult to navigate the touchscreen and keyboard comfortably.

Materials and Build Quality

The HP Veer was constructed with a plastic chassis that had a glossy finish, giving it a sleek and modern look. Despite its small size, the device felt solid in hand, with no noticeable creaks or flexing, which is a testament to its build quality. The phone featured a slider mechanism that revealed a physical QWERTY keyboard, a design choice that added to its durability. The keyboard was responsive, with well-spaced keys, although their small size required some adjustment.

• Pros: The slider mechanism was smooth and felt sturdy, contributing to the phone’s overall build quality. The plastic body, while lightweight, didn’t feel cheap, and the glossy finish added a premium touch to the device’s appearance.
• Cons: The glossy plastic was prone to fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the plastic material, while durable, lacked the premium feel of metal or glass, which was becoming more common in smartphones at the time.

Physical Keyboard

The inclusion of a physical QWERTY keyboard was one of the HP Veer’s standout features, catering to users who preferred tactile feedback when typing. The keyboard, though small, was well-designed, with keys that provided a good amount of travel and a satisfying click when pressed. However, the small size of the keys meant that typing quickly and accurately could be challenging, especially for users with larger fingers.

• Pros: The keyboard was a significant advantage for users who frequently typed emails or messages, offering a level of precision that on-screen keyboards often struggled to match.
• Cons: The small size of the keys made typing a slower process, and users accustomed to larger keyboards or touchscreens might find it cumbersome. The keyboard’s effectiveness was largely dependent on the user’s comfort with its compact design.

Display and User Interface

Screen Quality

The HP Veer featured a 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 400 pixels. Despite its small size, the screen was bright and offered good color reproduction, making it suitable for basic tasks like messaging, calling, and light web browsing. The screen’s pixel density of approximately 195 PPI (pixels per inch) was decent for its size, though it didn’t compare to the higher-resolution displays that were becoming more common in smartphones during that period.

• Pros: The display was crisp and clear, with vibrant colors and adequate brightness for most indoor and outdoor scenarios. The small screen size contributed to the device’s compactness, which was one of its key selling points.
• Cons: The screen’s small size and lower resolution made it less ideal for tasks that required more screen real estate, such as reading long documents, watching videos, or browsing complex web pages. The lack of multitouch gestures, which were becoming standard, also limited the display’s functionality.

User Interface and webOS

The HP Veer ran on webOS, a unique operating system developed by Palm and later acquired by HP. WebOS was known for its intuitive interface, card-based multitasking, and seamless integration of online services like email, social media, and cloud storage. The operating system was designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

• Card-Based Multitasking: One of webOS’s standout features was its card-based multitasking system, which allowed users to manage and switch between open applications effortlessly. Each app was represented as a card, and users could swipe through these cards to access their apps or close them by flicking them off the screen.
• Synergy Feature: Another innovative feature of webOS was Synergy, which unified contacts, calendars, and messages from multiple sources into a single, cohesive interface. This integration was particularly useful for users who managed multiple accounts across different platforms, such as Google, Microsoft Exchange, and Facebook.
• App Catalog: The webOS App Catalog was the platform’s app store, offering a selection of applications and games. However, compared to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the webOS App Catalog had a much smaller selection of apps, which limited the phone’s functionality for users seeking a wide range of applications.
• Pros: The webOS interface was user-friendly, with a clean design and intuitive navigation. The card-based multitasking was ahead of its time, offering a level of convenience and efficiency that other mobile operating systems struggled to match.
• Cons: The limited app ecosystem was a significant drawback, especially as the smartphone market was rapidly expanding and users were beginning to demand more from their devices. Additionally, HP’s support for webOS was short-lived, leading to concerns about long-term software updates and app development.

Performance and Hardware

Processor and RAM

The HP Veer was powered by an 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM7230 processor and 512 MB of RAM. While these specifications were modest compared to the high-end smartphones of the time, they were sufficient for the Veer’s intended use case. The phone was designed for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and light app usage, and it performed adequately in these areas.

• Pros: The processor was capable of handling the phone’s core functions without significant lag or slowdowns. For users who primarily used their phones for communication and basic productivity, the performance was satisfactory.
• Cons: The 800 MHz processor and 512 MB of RAM were limiting when it came to more demanding tasks, such as gaming, multimedia consumption, and multitasking with several apps running simultaneously. Users who expected their phones to handle a broader range of functions might find the Veer’s performance underwhelming.

Storage

The HP Veer came with 8 GB of internal storage, with no option for expandable storage via a microSD card. This limitation was a significant drawback for users who needed more space for apps, media, and documents.

• Pros: For basic users who primarily used their phones for communication and occasional media consumption, 8 GB of storage was adequate. The lack of expandable storage simplified the phone’s design and kept costs down.
• Cons: The limited storage was a major limitation for users who wanted to store a larger library of music, videos, or apps on their phones. The absence of a microSD card slot meant users had to manage their storage carefully or rely on cloud-based solutions, which were not as prevalent or user-friendly at the time.

Battery Life

The HP Veer was equipped with a non-removable 910 mAh battery, which was small even by the standards of its time. However, the Veer’s modest hardware and small screen size meant that its battery life was generally sufficient for a full day of light to moderate use.

• Pros: The Veer’s battery life was adequate for its size and performance level. Users who primarily used their phones for calls, texts, and occasional app usage could expect to get through a day without needing to recharge.
• Cons: The small battery capacity was a limiting factor for users who wanted to use their phones more intensively, such as for gaming, navigation, or media consumption. The non-removable nature of the battery also meant that users couldn’t easily swap out the battery for a fresh one if they needed extended usage.

Connectivity

The HP Veer supported 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, and GPS. While these connectivity options were standard for smartphones at the time, the absence of 4G LTE was a notable omission, especially as faster mobile data speeds were becoming increasingly common.

• Pros: The phone’s connectivity options were sufficient for most users, providing reliable access to mobile data, Wi-Fi networks, and Bluetooth devices.
• Cons: The lack of 4G LTE support meant that the Veer’s mobile data speeds were slower than those of newer devices, which could be a drawback for users who relied heavily on mobile internet access. The phone’s limited connectivity options also reflected its position as a budget or mid-range device, rather than a high-end smartphone.

Camera and Multimedia

Rear Camera

The HP Veer was equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera, which was a standard offering for smartphones at the time. The camera lacked advanced features such as autofocus, LED flash, and image stabilization, which limited its performance in various shooting conditions.

Image Quality

The 5-megapixel rear camera on the HP Veer was functional but not exceptional. In well-lit conditions, the camera was capable of capturing decent photos with reasonably accurate colors and detail. However, the lack of autofocus made it difficult to capture sharp images, especially of moving subjects or in close-up shots. Low-light performance was poor, as the camera struggled to capture enough light without the aid of a flash, resulting in grainy and underexposed photos.

• Pros: The camera was suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting. For users who didn’t prioritize photography and only needed a basic camera for occasional use, the Veer’s camera was sufficient.
• Cons: The camera’s limitations became apparent in less-than-ideal lighting conditions or when trying to capture more detailed or dynamic scenes. The absence of autofocus and a flash meant that the camera couldn’t compete with higher-end smartphones of the time, which offered more advanced photography features.

Video Recording

The HP Veer could record video at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (VGA), which was below the standard for video recording at the time, as HD (720p) recording was becoming more common in smartphones. The video quality was adequate for simple recordings, but the lack of HD resolution and limited frame rate resulted in videos that appeared dated and lacked detail.

• Pros: The video recording capability was a useful addition for users who needed to capture quick videos without requiring high quality.
• Cons: The low resolution and absence of HD recording made the video quality subpar, especially compared to other smartphones that offered better video capabilities. Users who wanted to capture important moments in higher quality might find the Veer’s video performance disappointing.

Multimedia Capabilities

Despite its small size, the HP Veer was equipped with a range of multimedia features that allowed users to enjoy music, videos, and other media on the go. The device supported common audio and video formats, such as MP3, AAC, MP4, and H.264, allowing for playback of most media files.

• Music Player: The built-in music player offered basic functionality, allowing users to create playlists, shuffle songs, and view album art. The audio quality was decent, especially when using headphones, although the lack of advanced audio features meant that audiophiles might not be fully satisfied.
• Video Playback: The small screen size limited the Veer’s usefulness as a video player. While it could handle standard-definition video files, the 2.6-inch display made watching videos for extended periods uncomfortable, and the lower resolution meant that videos lacked the sharpness seen on larger, higher-resolution screens.
• Pros: The Veer’s multimedia features were adequate for users who occasionally listened to music or watched short video clips. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack was a plus, allowing users to use their preferred headphones.
• Cons: The small screen size and limited video resolution made the Veer less suitable for users who wanted to consume media on their phones regularly. The audio quality, while decent, lacked the depth and richness offered by more advanced audio systems in other smartphones.

Software and Ecosystem

webOS Experience

The HP Veer ran on webOS 2.1, an iteration of the operating system that introduced some refinements and new features while maintaining the core strengths of webOS. The operating system was praised for its intuitive design, smooth multitasking, and integrated services, which made it stand out from other mobile operating systems of the time.

• Multitasking: WebOS’s card-based multitasking system allowed users to easily switch between apps, making the Veer feel more like a mini-computer than a traditional smartphone. This feature was one of webOS’s strongest selling points, offering a level of efficiency and ease of use that was unmatched by other platforms.
• Notifications: The notification system in webOS was well-implemented, with unobtrusive alerts that didn’t interrupt the user’s workflow. Notifications could be managed from the lock screen or dismissed with a simple swipe, providing a streamlined user experience.
• Synergy: WebOS’s Synergy feature unified contacts, calendars, and messages from various sources into a single, cohesive interface. This integration was particularly beneficial for users who managed multiple accounts across different platforms, making it easy to stay organized and up-to-date.
• Pros: The webOS experience on the HP Veer was smooth and intuitive, with a user interface that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The operating system’s multitasking capabilities were particularly impressive, allowing users to switch between tasks effortlessly.
• Cons: Despite its strengths, webOS had a limited app ecosystem, which hindered the phone’s functionality for users who relied on third-party apps. The relatively small number of available apps meant that users had fewer options for customization and productivity compared to those on iOS or Android.

App Catalog

The webOS App Catalog served as the primary source for downloading apps and games on the HP Veer. While it offered a selection of essential apps, such as social media, email, and productivity tools, the catalog was limited in comparison to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The smaller app selection was a significant drawback for users who wanted access to a broader range of apps.

• Pros: The App Catalog included several key apps that met the basic needs of most users, such as email clients, social media apps, and a web browser.
• Cons: The limited app selection was a major limitation, especially as the smartphone ecosystem was rapidly expanding and users were beginning to expect more from their devices. The lack of popular apps and games could be a dealbreaker for users who relied on their smartphones for entertainment and advanced productivity.

Software Updates and Support

The HP Veer’s software support was another area of concern. HP’s commitment to webOS was short-lived, and the company eventually discontinued development of the operating system. As a result, the Veer received only a few software updates, and users were left without long-term support or access to new features and apps.

• Pros: During its brief period of support, the Veer received updates that improved stability and performance, addressing some of the initial bugs and issues.
• Cons: The discontinuation of webOS development meant that the Veer’s software quickly became outdated, and users were left with an operating system that lacked ongoing support. This limited the phone’s longevity and reduced its appeal for users who wanted a device that would remain functional and up-to-date over time.

User Experience and Usability

Ease of Use

The HP Veer was designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The compact size, physical keyboard, and intuitive webOS interface made it a user-friendly device, especially for those who preferred a straightforward and no-nonsense smartphone experience. The phone’s small size made it easy to navigate with one hand, and the physical keyboard was a welcome feature for users who valued tactile feedback when typing.

• Pros: The Veer’s design and interface were well-suited for users who wanted a simple, easy-to-use smartphone that could handle basic tasks without unnecessary complexity. The physical keyboard was a standout feature for those who preferred a more traditional typing experience.
• Cons: The small screen size and limited app ecosystem could be frustrating for users who wanted to do more with their smartphones, such as gaming, media consumption, or using advanced apps. The phone’s compactness, while a strength in some areas, also meant that certain tasks were more challenging to perform.

Target Audience

The HP Veer was targeted at users who prioritized portability, ease of use, and basic smartphone functionality over the advanced features and larger screens offered by other devices. It was particularly appealing to users who preferred a physical keyboard and those who were looking for a small, pocket-friendly phone that could still perform essential tasks.

• Pros: The Veer was a good fit for users who wanted a compact, easy-to-carry smartphone that could handle calls, texts, and basic apps without the bulk of larger devices. It was also a good option for users who valued the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard.
• Cons: The phone’s limited functionality and lack of software support made it less suitable for users who wanted a more versatile and future-proof device. The small screen size and limited app ecosystem could be dealbreakers for users who expected more from their smartphones.

Durability and Longevity

The HP Veer was a well-built device with a solid construction that could withstand the rigors of daily use. The slider mechanism was smooth and durable, and the plastic body was resistant to scratches and minor impacts. However, the phone’s longevity was compromised by the lack of software updates and the eventual discontinuation of webOS.

• Pros: The Veer’s build quality was impressive, with a durable design that could withstand everyday wear and tear. The phone’s compact size also made it less prone to damage from drops and impacts.
• Cons: The lack of long-term software support meant that the Veer quickly became outdated, reducing its usefulness over time. The non-removable battery also limited the phone’s lifespan, as users couldn’t easily replace the battery if it began to degrade.

Conclusion

The HP Veer was an intriguing and unique entry into the smartphone market, offering a compact and user-friendly device that stood out for its small size, physical keyboard, and intuitive webOS interface. It was a phone designed for a specific audience: users who valued portability and simplicity over advanced features and large screens. However, despite its strengths, the Veer was hampered by its limited app ecosystem, modest hardware, and the eventual discontinuation of webOS, which left it without long-term software support.

where can you get a HP Veer online

HP Palm Veer 4G P160 Unlocked GSM Phone with QWERTY Keyboard, WebOS, Touchscreen, Wi-Fi and GPS – Black: Buy it now