More on the new iPAQ design

[marlof]

<a href="http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/nieuws.php?action=1&amp;id=770">http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/nieuws.php?action=1&amp;id=770</a><br /><br />The best pictures so far on a new iPAQ can be found on the Dutch <a href="http://www.pocketpc-club.nl">Pocket PC Club</a> site. They visited the press meeting of <a href="http://www.kpn.com/br2/ng/catalog/cat_Browser.jsp?c=ok&BV_SessionID=@@@@1612677644.1031743265@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadcgekfidkecefeceehdfildghl.0&contentOID=45299&categoryOID=-16997&site=0&channel=1">Lucio</a>, a new service by Dutch mobile service provider KPN Mobile. With Lucio KPN Mobile will cooperate with HP and Microsoft to provide fast mobile access to enterprise data. On the presentation CD, Roel Martens found pictures of the new iPAQ.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/ipaq5000dutch.jpg" /><br /><br />As you can see, this picture is different from the Brighthand picture we talked about earlier. It even shows the biometric scanner. Roel gave me permission to host one of them, but if you click the title of this post, you'll see more where this one is coming from.

[hshortt]

hmmm.... so that's a retractable antenna, well that's cool at least.

So that will mean 3 different series of iPAQs in two years, right?? I personally think that is crazy. There's no time for any series to prove itself before the next one is released.

Anyway.

[thumber]

Pocket Loox, o2 XDA, Jornada 958 and now iPaq. Where do I start? I guess the iPaq is a good choice - it's arguably the most popular so far and loads of accessories for upgrading.

[rlobrecht]

I can't read anything on the linked page, but I can look at pictures. The third photo is a different device from the second and fourth. The third one has a purple antennae, which is either smaller or retractable. The first one is too small to tell.

Given the specs in the other threads, this device could be perfect. 64 mb (all of the current phone editions have too little memory) SD slot for memory, WIFI and bluetooth built in. Lets just hope Compaq/HP can get their bluetooth problems worked out, and that they enable the headset profile. I think a phone edition with a bluetooth headset is a killer combination.

[marlof]

I think one and three are the same pic, where three is an enlargement of the iPAQ in one. So I see two different designs, one with a small purple antenna, and one with a large black antenna. Could that be one with a WiFi or Bluetooth solution, and one with GSM/GPRS ?

[van_mierlo]

The strange thing is that the compaq logo still appears on al the pictures we have seen.......hmmmm.

This make sure a difference since it has the biometric scanner and not one on the screen...otherwise you will always have a dirty screen.

[Ravenswing]

The strange thing is that the compaq logo still appears on al the pictures we have seen.......hmmmm.

I suspect all these pictures come from pre-production/prototype device. Also, since none of them show anything on the screen it's quite possible that this is a mock-up done to show the look of the thing.

Either way, I suspect they were commisioned by Compaq before the take over... um, merger... and the eventual production model may have different logos/lettering.

That said, HP don't seem to pushing the logo changeover on production kit very fast. You can still buy boxes with Compaq on them, and this month's Inmac catalogue is liting a lot of stuff as HP-Compaq, which must be sanctioned by HP or someone would be in litigation faster than you can say "multi-million dollar law suit".

[TMAN]

As you can see, this picture is different from the Brighthand picture we talked about earlier. It even shows the biometric scanner.

How is this one different from the one posted on Brighthand? The only thing that I see different is this one has the Biometric Scanner under the D-Pad. From what the person who posted the Brighthand photo says, the unit in the picture he posted does not have the Biometric Scanner but has the Biometric Scanner "Tutorial" software running.

This just confirms that this IS A NEW iPAQ.

[marlof]

How is this one different from the one posted on Brighthand? The only thing that I see different is this one has the Biometric Scanner under the D-Pad.

Yes. That makes it different doesn't it? And that's what I said. Not that the device is entirely different (it is not), just that the picture is different. Bt it's a great resemblance to the Brighthand pictures. And yes, I think if pictures like this appear in presentation CDs handed out by a company cooperating with HP, chances are high that this is a new iPAQ. :)

[paris]

hmmm ok now i am sure that this picture resembles the new iPaq since we have seen 2 different photos.

But what i am wondering is will they make 5 diferent versions of this new device?

1. GSM+biometric id enabled
2. GSM enabled
3. Bluetooth enabled
4. WiFi enabled
5. no wireless

hmmmmm

[MobileAGBell]

I think the "purple antenna" in the third picture is simply the guy's index finger resting on top of the unit.

The built-in WiFi rumor is interesting as well. If built-in WiFi does become an option on the new units, I wonder if it will be 802.11b or 802.11a? Or if it will be configurable in the field?

[entropy1980]

No one of the people who has seen the new Ipaq said the one he saw had a short antenna didn't have a phone but did have bluetooth. So here are the versions:
1.Biometric+BT+WiFi
2.Biometric+BT+GSM/GPRS
an then non Biometric versions of the above.... Just my guess...

[agostumpy]

Everybody's going on about the "HP" or "Compaq" name on this thing...for all we know, the iPaq will stay a "Compaq" named device. Just got this off the HP.com merger FAQ site:

Q: Will we continue to see both the HP and Compaq brands in the marketplace?
A: The HP and Compaq brands will both play important roles in the new HP product portfolio. HP will be the corporate brand and will be used for all products, services and solutions except commercial PCs and notebooks. The HP and Compaq brands will both be used for consumer PCs and notebooks, while the Compaq brand will be used for commercial PCs and notebooks. The HP brand will be positioned as the leading overall technology brand with the Compaq brand positioned as the leading PC and notebook brand.

It's kinda vague, but it says to me that the "brand" on it may remain Compaq....? :?

[bblock]

Lets just hope Compaq/HP can get their bluetooth problems worked out, and that they enable the headset profile. I think a phone edition with a bluetooth headset is a killer combination.

I can't believe I don't see this comment showing up more. It's my killer combo as well - Pocket PC in your case/pocket, and tiny Bluetooth headset on your ear or in it's own tiny case (did I say tiny?) It was my plan for the 3870, until I discovered, straight from Compaq after much digging) that it didn't support the Headset Profile. What a bummer.

[rubberdemon]

That purple thing is not the model's finger, unless he's got some terrible disease! It's obviously an antenna, and even though I can't read Dutch, I can figure out enough to see someone on the site is suggesting that small antenna is WiFi, and large is GSM. What would be nice is if there's a model that supports both...

[scrinch]

It looks to me like the third photo is just an enlargement of a portion of the first photo.

I agree about the PPC Bluetooth headset combination....you then get QVGA screen resolution and additional functionality of a PDA, but also a small, lightweight "phone" (the part you speak into). I wonder though...since the current crop of convergent devices is having a tough time with battery life, how will the addition of an another radio (BT) further impact talk and standby time?

[szamot]

Darn it, I am yet to see 39xx and now there is this. So unfair - but certainly worth the wait.

[Philip Colmer]

Lets just hope Compaq/HP can get their bluetooth problems worked out, and that they enable the headset profile. I think a phone edition with a bluetooth headset is a killer combination.

I can't believe I don't see this comment showing up more. It's my killer combo as well - Pocket PC in your case/pocket, and tiny Bluetooth headset on your ear or in it's own tiny case (did I say tiny?) It was my plan for the 3870, until I discovered, straight from Compaq after much digging) that it didn't support the Headset Profile. What a bummer.

There are a few things that Compaq don't do with BT that others, e.g. TDK, do do. The TDK BT sleeve offers more functionality that the Compaq equivalent and it would be nice to see Compaq catching up.

TDK are trialling an update for their PC card & USB adapter that *does* support the headset profile. I haven't tried it yet but they do warn that headsets will typically only *partner* with one device at a time. So, if you have been using your headset with your PC, say, you need to re-register it with your mobile before you can use it with that.

Which is a bit of a shame, but maybe newer headsets will overcome that as well. Still early days, I guess.

--Philip

[kagayaki1]

I concur on the battery life problem associated with Wi-Fi, BT, and GSM/GPRS in the same device. It's really easy if you just THINK about it. I certainly wouldn't want an iPAQ that lasted, say, 35 minutes.

-Jason

[yellow1]

while it's always nice to get new features, who really needs that Biometric thingy ?!

[mar2k]

while it's always nice to get new features, who really needs that Biometric thingy ?!

Err...no one that I know of. I get the impression this is strictly an enterprise device. I wouldn't be surprised if the price tag exceeds $1000 given what they are pricing the 39xx series at.

[Birdman]

I have the same comment. It seems like each new device (rumoured) to be coming down the pike has some reference to a biometric (security) device. Is this really needed and practical even in the enterprise edition?

[Pinnacle]

I concur on the battery life problem associated with Wi-Fi, BT, and GSM/GPRS in the same device. It's really easy if you just THINK about it. I certainly wouldn't want an iPAQ that lasted, say, 35 minutes.

-Jason
Why couldn't you put all of these features on one unit? It supposedly has a high capacity battery, and the beauty of bluetooth and wi fi is that (if done right), you can turn these features on and off whenever you like.

As far as GSM, look at the T-Mobile/O2...it's getting great battery life. I think your off-shoot estimation of 35 minutes is a bit far fetched. Use the bluetooth and wi fi only when you need them to conserve battery.

A device with all these features would be killer for the power user that's willing to pay the price...I would. :)

[Will T Smith]

That the rumors are somewhat confirmed.

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.

The biometric thumbpad is a great feature. I've often thought about "locking" my PocketPC with a password. However, entering the password kinda kills the point of having a portable, "instant on" device. If I can authenticate simply by grabbing it, it's a big plus.

I'm still waiting for the Jornada/iPaq fusion device :-) Most of all, a lid, please, please please, a stupid piece of cheap plastic thats integrated so one doesn't have to buy an expensive case.

H-Paq iPaq seems to be making progress. Let's hope that Jornada design and stability is contagious.

[dochall]

That purple thing is not the model's finger, unless he's got some terrible disease! It's obviously an antenna, and even though I can't read Dutch, I can figure out enough to see someone on the site is suggesting that small antenna is WiFi, and large is GSM. What would be nice is if there's a model that supports both...

And he's got some very strange double jointed thing going on. (If it his index finger you try hold your ipaq like that and get the middle comfortable while appearing on the right side of the device)

The other possibility that i thought is that possibly the larger antenna (for gsm) is removable leaving the nub aerial (for Wifi)

As a long time ipaq user I can't say it is particuarly exciting TBH. The new Tosh models are more interesting. Even though I have a few jackets I decent PPC with CFII and SD in a simple form factor would make my life easier.

[ijablokov]

while it's always nice to get new features, who really needs that Biometric thingy ?!

Maybe people that don't play w/ their PDA's and require security for their enterprise apps? :-P

[Janak Parekh]

while it's always nice to get new features, who really needs that Biometric thingy ?!
Do you password-protect your PPC? You should, in case it gets stolen. However, the password is annoying like anything: especially if I'm trying to look something up without the stylus. Having a fingerprint reader would be much more convenient if it's fast and accurate.

--bdj

[sponge]

Wonder if companies would use the biometric scanner as an alternative to registration keys. Would be interesting to say the least.

[Gremmie]

Couldn't BT and WiFi pose a problem? I am going to assume that it will be 802.11b since it has more lasting power with the compatibility with g. So, two transreceivers operating on the same frequency emitting from the same device. Also, considering that BT is more aggressive than 802.11b, that is to say BT covers the whole 2.4GHz spectrum and if 802.11b sees interference when it send test packets out, it will wait until it no longer sees such interference. This could be seen when you are using a BT headset and surfing the internet. Anyone else see this problem? --btw, IMHO I like this device, but I've deceided to get a tablet PC and maybe that new Kyocera PalmOS phone.

[Jonathon Watkins]

.....I've deceided to get a tablet PC and maybe that new Kyocera PalmOS phone.
Aren't the tablet PCs quite large? No instant on either....... Do tell us what's sold you on the tablets. :D

[mmidgley]

where is the speaker on this new device :?:

if the fingerprint ID thing really can work accurately and quickly, I really like this idea. perhaps it could identify me and let me access everything, and maybe identify my wife and only let her do a limited number of actions all without entering any password/pin.

m.

[dmck]

Is it just me (and I apologize for the off-topic comment although it does relate to the design) but does anybody else see some resemblance between the central pad and surrounding ridge and a certain area of the female anatomy?

[Kirk Stephens]

This is a little off topic (sorry) but has anybody read the discussion associated with Brighthand's article on iPAQ 5000 pictures? Jason's good friend David Ciccone made some pretty obnoxious comments to Steve Bush.

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=384372f82e10f1dd104aca233bdd9c45&threadid=59990

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.

I'm not sure I follow... you're saying that this is a bust if it's compatible with sleeves despite the following sentiment stating that there really isn't need for expansion?

[Pony99CA]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.

Yeah, who needs 2 and 5 GB PCMCIA drives, GPS, Memory Sticks, bar code scanners, digital cameras, presentation output, etc? :roll:

A Compact Flash slot would help with some of that, but not everything.

Steve

[Gremmie]

Aren't the tablet PCs quite large? No instant on either....... Do tell us what's sold you on the tablets.


Well you know that feeling you get in your stomach when you see something really cool? I haven't gotten that since I saw a PPC, and I just got it with the tablets :) But, I'm a college student and I think the tablets is what I've been after for sometime, and was at least attempting with the PPC. I saw that video demo and how you can look up works instantly--that would be great for review time, I always go to look for something and can never find it. The new Kyocera is nice and portible so I can use it for my 'instant on', 'need to quick look up info'. Just imagine, a WiFi notebook :)[/quote]

[Rob Alexander]

Well, two different sources and pretty much the same images. That definitely puts a damper on my hoax theory. :oops: Still, I can't quite get over how unattractive it is. I was hoping I could leverage some of my current iPaq extras with a new iPaq in the next generation, but if this is for real then I think I'll look elsewhere. I really thought, given the merger and all, that this was the time for them to go back to the boards and come up with a completely new design. I guess that was naive. Take the two major producers of a product and merge them (i.e. remove most of the competition). The result isn't usually an increase in innovation.

[jffcurt]

Well it sure looks a heck of alot better with the scanner than without. I've been thinking of getting the T-Mobile, now this pops up. I wish we had some kind of price prediction. :?:

[jerrytroll]

Just imagine, a WiFi notebook :)

You almost make it sound like WiFi in a notebook is unheardof. A lot of people now use 802.11 with them, and even more now we're seeing notebooks with them built in. Not a shocker.


As far as these new iPAQs go, I think it's great that HP wants to take a huge step forward and retain the form factor. Sad part is, never in a million years will I afford one. :)

[Gremmie]

You almost make it sound like WiFi in a notebook is unheardof. A lot of people now use 802.11 with them, and even more now we're seeing notebooks with them built in. Not a shocker.


I'm not sure if you have seen what the Tablet PC's will be like, but I'm referencing a notebook as a school notebook, you know, like a FiveStar. Nevertheless, a tablet pc's screen will be able to rotate and lay down, much like the NR- series Clie's. So you will be able to use it like a laptop, or lay it down like a fivestar notebook and take notes.

[Pony99CA]

As far as these new iPAQs go, I think it's great that HP wants to take a huge step forward and retain the form factor. Sad part is, never in a million years will I afford one. :)
I don't know. If you save one penny a day for a million years, you'll have $3,650,000. That should be able to buy one. :lol:

Steve

[Will T Smith]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.




Yeah, who needs 2 and 5 GB PCMCIA drives, GPS, Memory Sticks, bar code scanners, digital cameras, presentation output, etc? :roll:

A Compact Flash slot would help with some of that, but not everything.

Steve

Sorry you've misread my statement. I should have been clearer.

I'm not downplaying the merits of functional enhancement. I'm downplaying the need for traditional physical expansion capabilities. Once one has a flexible network solution in place, one can interface wirelesssly with virtually evey class of device.

Bar code scanners, digital imaging, and presentation can all be done over Bluetooth. As can GPS and GPRS.

Even for those big data luggers, mass storage fits as well in your pocket as the file server does in the office. I believe that Terrapin Mine is releasing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled devices. Is bandwidth your problem ??? Think again. The PocketPC has neither the memory nor bandwidth to process a saturated stream that typically isn't 1/2 as fast as Bluetooth.

More functionality, ALWAYS. More bulk, BLAAHHH!!!! I want my GPS receiver to talk to my cell phone. My iPod should wirelessly serve files up to my PocketPC. My funky cool Logitech Credit card cam should dump images to either the PocketPC or iPod/Data Caddy. This is REAL functional enhancement. Autonomous devices that interoperate.

[Will T Smith]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.

I'm not sure I follow... you're saying that this is a bust if it's compatible with sleeves despite the following sentiment stating that there really isn't need for expansion?

From your statement, you follow perfectly. I device with universal wireless network connectivity has little need for fixed expansion capability. All those services are available via network link with other appliances. Therefore, I don't need the unnecessary extra bulk of conforming to a 3 year old form factor that is now overly bulky and obsolete.

[st63z]

I second the built-in cover idea like current Palm/Sony units. Ditto the biometric sensor, wish Dell/IBM laptops have it besides Micron (still remembering when my old laptop was stolen, argh).

Also wished HP could've included a 4" VGA, seems like just about EVERY non-PPC, non-Palm handheld device coming out has such a screen -- I think in terms of mass market hardware production, this is a standard thing nowadays, it's just limited by the OS support. Would've been nice if HP could do similar to what Sony did and include 4" VGA anyway that can be used by specific apps now and have full OS support when it gets flashed to WinCE .Net later. I can think of so many (better) uses w/ VGA... Like that BSquare demo vid from CNet which is just the latest example to show how VGA makes web/email stuff much more doable. Another example, check the AVS Replay forum or ExtremeTech about how Replay's new PVP handheld using XScale PXA250 will supposedly play the same high-res, full framerate (720x480?) MPEG-2 video copied from their DVR, as well as full MPEG-4 video. Assuming Intel Labs was really THIS successful making optimized XScale software that does wonders to unlock its potential, then a 4" VGA screen (which is what the Replay PVP also has) would be very nice. As an aside, this would be amazing, as my StrongARM iPAQ can barely manage ~10fps playing QVGA/QCIF MPEG-1, and initially XScale didn't perform any better on the PPC.

Anyways, with all this stuff integrated on the 5000 (still w/ Nevo?), I think I can learn to live w/o CF when naked. WiFi or GPRS that's a toughie, but since I've already bought my T68i I think I would choose WiFi. Anyone know when this is coming out though (my iPAQ is just now breaking down)??? Unfortunately I can't afford both a new iPAQ and the OQO this year (which incidentally has, you guessed it, 4" VGA).

Yet it's all coming together.. In regards to BT peripherals, I'm working up the courage to click on the Emtac BT GPS preorder ( www.transplantcomputing.com/btgps.html ). And though I just bought the Motorola headset, I also preordered the amazingly, incredibly awesome BlueSpoon :) How sweet are these pics, straight from the designer himself:
www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=1698&forum=15&start=251
www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic=1698&forum=15&start=399

So small and light, it just plugs in like those earbud headphones. Much vaunted 2nd-gen CSR core supposedly gives long talk time in small package (6-8hrs?). The thread also has a head photo of the Jabra FreeSpeak, which looks huge by comparison.

Oh and I'm curious, people've complained about the 3870 not supporting headset profile, but does the new 3970?

I haven't tried it yet but they do warn that headsets will typically only *partner* with one device at a time. So, if you have been using your headset with your PC, say, you need to re-register it with your mobile before you can use it with that.

Which is a bit of a shame, but maybe newer headsets will overcome that as well. Still early days, I guess.

--Philip

Philip, can you explain this more? With my Mot headset (which is one of the very first ones that became available, before most others) I can pair it w/ two phones. Then to switch back and forth I close the boom to turn it off, then press 2 buttons. Is there a faster way that future headsets will support?

This is a little off topic (sorry) but has anybody read the discussion associated with Brighthand's article on iPAQ 5000 pictures? Jason's good friend David Ciccone made some pretty obnoxious comments to Steve Bush.

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=384372f82e10f1dd104aca233bdd9c45&threadid=59990

Heh, is there a history there between those two? I don't follow board politics much. But everyone can always use a person they universally dislike to bring them together, maybe Dave can help bring Jason/Wes and Steve closer together again? :) Just joshin'...

[Pony99CA]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.




Yeah, who needs 2 and 5 GB PCMCIA drives, GPS, Memory Sticks, bar code scanners, digital cameras, presentation output, etc? :roll:

A Compact Flash slot would help with some of that, but not everything.

Steve

Sorry you've misread my statement. I should have been clearer.

I'm not downplaying the merits of functional enhancement. I'm downplaying the need for traditional physical expansion capabilities. Once one has a flexible network solution in place, one can interface wirelesssly with virtually evey class of device.

Bar code scanners, digital imaging, and presentation can all be done over Bluetooth. As can GPS and GPRS.

Even for those big data luggers, mass storage fits as well in your pocket as the file server does in the office. I believe that Terrapin Mine is releasing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled devices. Is bandwidth your problem ??? Think again. The PocketPC has neither the memory nor bandwidth to process a saturated stream that typically isn't 1/2 as fast as Bluetooth.

More functionality, ALWAYS. More bulk, BLAAHHH!!!! I want my GPS receiver to talk to my cell phone. My iPod should wirelessly serve files up to my PocketPC. My funky cool Logitech Credit card cam should dump images to either the PocketPC or iPod/Data Caddy. This is REAL functional enhancement. Autonomous devices that interoperate.
That's an interesting concept, but it has its downsides, too.

For example, I've heard of a Bluetooth GPS solution, but I don't think it was truly autonomous. In other words, I don't think you could use it as a GPS device without another device.

Also, with that strategy, you have two devices to carry around. I use an iHolster to carry my iPAQ 3870 and whatever sleeve I'm using, which makes it very convenient. With my dual PCMCIA sleeve, I could easily put a 5 GB hard disk in there, but with a Bluetooth hard disk, I'd have to find someplace to put it.

Yes, the iPAQ gets bigger with a sleeve, but you can treat it like one device in most regards, and that is very convenient.

This is similar to the debate that Brighthand had about being a one-piece or two-piece person. Given your stance above, you probably would hate Pocket PC Phone Edition devices, right?

Steve

[Ravenswing]

I am curious about the overall form factor of this device. If it's still "sleeve compliant" than for me it's a bust. If not, it could compel my interest back towards iPaq.

Interesting. If it's not 'sleeve-compliant' I won't even consider it.

BTW, with built in bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is there really much need for expansion. Networking is taken care of. You can access virtually everything via network.

I don't have network access in the office via BT or WiFi, but I do have good old Ethernet. And until GPRS roaming is viable I'll still need my dial-up modem.

The biometric thumbpad is a great feature. I've often thought about "locking" my PocketPC with a password. However, entering the password kinda kills the point of having a portable, "instant on" device. If I can authenticate simply by grabbing it, it's a big plus.


The biometric scanner is a gimmic which will greatly improve security on the device, but only because most people, like you, don't password protect their PDAs. As a corporate security measure, any system admin who allows only the biometric sensor to be used to control security on their network would be very stupid indeed.

That said, look at the number of unsecured or weak WLANs out there. :roll: [/i]

[Ravenswing]

while it's always nice to get new features, who really needs that Biometric thingy ?!

Maybe people that don't play w/ their PDA's and require security for their enterprise apps? :-P

A biometric scanner, especially one attached to a device that can be stolen and used to remotely access a network, is completely insufficient security for corporate network access.

A smartcard reader, which would allow password controlled access to a security certificate would be a hell of a lot more use.

The scanner is a toy and if HP bulk up the price based on having that thing on the device then the more fool anyone that thinks it's useful.

[yellow1]

Just came across this:
http://www.destinator1.com/storefront.emb?market=na&category=4&id=
Isn't this is a 5000 in the banner picture ! Another picture ? (http://www.destinator1.com/storefront.emb?market=na&category=4&id=)

[st63z]

Psst, what happened to the original pics, they're not on the site anymore?

[Jason Dunn]

Psst, what happened to the original pics, they're not on the site anymore?

Looks like they got pulled:

"**HP demanded me to remove the pictures because they have been put on the Press CD by mistake**"

[Gremmie]

Just came across this:
http://www.destinator1.com/storefront.emb?market=na&category=4&id=
Isn't this is a 5000 in the banner picture ! Another picture ? (http://www.destinator1.com/storefront.emb?market=na&category=4&id=)

Thats a distrubingly ugly picture of the iPAQ, looks like an iPAQ mated with an i705