The HP iPaq Glisten offers all of the features that smartphone users could possibly want - in theory, anyway. In practice, the device is somewhat subpar, with several features that should be standouts actually becoming detractions from the overall usage experience. What's more, at a fairly high price tag, it seems unarguable that there are better options for the discerning business user.

A passing glance at the Glisten is promising, as the sleek black and chrome design and wide, easy to push buttons of the full QWERTY keyboard are undeniably attractive. The 2.5 inch AMOLED touch screen should be a design triumph here, but low resolution makes for an underwhelming practical experience. Colors and text appear fine, but not with the "glisten" promised in the phone's name. Touchy and somewhat dated menu screens take what could have been a huge draw and leave no impression at all.

HP iPaq Glisten Quick Stats:

• Dimensions: 4.45" x 2.48" x .52"
• Weight: 5.3 oz
• Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
• Camera: 3.1 MP

As far as features go, the Glisten offers exactly what you would expect in smart phone - and nothing else. This phone, which should have been designed to go above and beyond, seems to expect star credit for everyday options. There are plenty of wireless options, as well as email capabilities and personal management features like a calendar and alarm clock.

The media options are all halfhearted attempts at including them without putting any extra energy into making them stand out. The camera is included, but has disappointing photo quality, and the media player included is very basic and unexciting. Match this all with a sometimes sluggish performance and you have a whole host of reasons to dismiss the HP Glisten as little more than disappointing eye candy.

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