HP has reinvigorated its iPaq handheld range with the launch of five new devices, plus a host of new software programs, accessories and services designed to attract business users.
The refreshed lineup includes two new 3G smartphones, a GPS-only device and two standalone PDAs.
Many of the new handhelds have a strong business bent, so it's no surprise that HP is also pitching the latest version of its Enterprise Mobility Suite. The suite is a self-service portal that will allow IT managers to set up, diagnose and update software. Using this software managers will also be able lock/unlock lost or stolen devices, as well wipe data from them. Furthermore, HP will also be offering a customisation service, allowing iPaqs to be shipped with an organisation's network and registry settings pre-configured, and company-specific applications and content pre-loaded.
Non-corporate buyers may be attracted by the 100 Series entry-level PDA and the 300 Series standalone GPS unit. Although it will be the most basic model in the iPaq line, the 100 Series seems to be pitched above the bare bones Palm Z22, with a large 3.5-inch screen, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Most left-field of the new models is the 300 Series, which like standalone GPSes from established names like Mio, Navman and TomTom, features a custom designed interface and no PDA functionality.
More information on Australian pricing and availability is expected to be announced later this week.
HP iPAQ 900 Series
This top-of-the-line "business messenger" runs Windows Mobile 6 and includes a QWERTY thumb keyboard, a predictive text tool, push-email capability, a 2.46-inch touch screen and a 3 megapixel camera. It also has HSDPA support, Assisted GPS, Bluetooth 2.0 and integrated Wi-Fi.
HP iPAQ 600 Series
Dubbed the "business navigator" this 3G phone/GPS combo features a 12-key design with a Smart Touch navigation wheel embedded in the keypad to support single-handed use. It runs on Windows Mobile 6 and includes a 3-megapixel camera.
HP iPAQ 200 Series
Designed for business users who don't require phone functionality, its large 4-inch VGA touch screen lends itself to enterprise applications and third-party vertical solutions. Scanners and bar code readers can easily be attached for field forces needing to take orders. It has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth support, and can be used as a VoIP handset.
HP iPAQ 112 Classic
There aren't many choices for dedicated, low-cost PDAs, so it's good to know that the 112 Classic pretty much gets all the basics right at an affordable price.
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