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View Full Version : iPAQ hw6500 Features & Stats Released!


Jon Westfall
04-04-2005, 07:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://phonearena.com/htmls/readarticles.php?id=545' target='_blank'>http://phonearena.com/htmls/readart...cles.php?id=545</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The latest HP pda/cell phone combo will be manufactured by well know Tawisanese company HTC and will be sold under the HP hw6500 model nuber. Pictures of the device have already leaked on the NET, but this is the first time we have almost full specification on it thank to the recent FCC approval of the HP hw6500. This is the first device we see with 240 x 240 pixels squire display with 2.205 x 2.205 inches screen. As expected the OS is Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 Phone Second Edition with EDGE/GPRS plus support for quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 Mhz) --- WOW. "</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-20050404-hw6500.jpg" /> <br /><br />This pair of articles at phoneArena give detailed <a href="http://phonearena.com/htmls/readarticles.php?id=545"> summary </a> and <a href="http://phonearena.com/htmls/details.php?id=1112"> stats </a> information on our new iPaq friend. While not stating a release date, we had heard rumors that April would be the "go" month for this in the U.S. back in February. Hopefully HP has learned from the 6315 and this device will launch shortly, minus the headaches associated with their last phone edition!

MobilePaddy
04-04-2005, 07:45 PM
Anyone have any thoughts on who will carry this? Cingular or T-mobile?

JohnJohn
04-04-2005, 07:52 PM
Anyone have any thoughts on who will carry this? Cingular or T-mobile?

I guess Cingular. They are the only provider that I know of that uses the terminology "EDGE" describing one of their services.

The device is very cool. This is the first article I have seen which talks about it having Bluetooth, which is a plus for me.

There has also been some chatter about is have "PUSH" email technology. This would be a HUGE plus for me also.

MobilePaddy
04-04-2005, 07:59 PM
According to Phonescoop, they said T-mobile are considering a new HP device for 2nd Quarter. http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=1146

szamot
04-04-2005, 08:21 PM
any news as to when this one will get recalled and canceled by the big carriers? :devilboy:

HP "innovation" Yawn.

DaleReeck
04-04-2005, 08:43 PM
That square screen still bugs me. Text based software may work fine, but fixed width software (like games) may have problems.

serpico
04-04-2005, 08:51 PM
The square screen might be an issue for sure. How would you talk into this, holding it to your head or earpiece ? Cleaning that screen after each conversation would suck ! I still love my 4150 and motorola v400 cell. Works for now. One day HP might "innovate" something to combine both very well or another pocketpc manufacturer.

RobertCF
04-04-2005, 10:31 PM
What a horribly ridiculous piece of flotsam. Good grief, HP is hitting the skids now. Stupid thumbboard and square screen. And still holding onto WM2k3. I wouldn't take one of those things if someone gave it to me for free. Ugh!

cmorris
04-04-2005, 10:50 PM
The square screen might be an issue for sure. How would you talk into this, holding it to your head or earpiece ? Cleaning that screen after each conversation would suck !

How is this different than any other PPC Phone or even BlackBerry? Get a bluetooth headset and you won't turn back! :D

cmorris
04-04-2005, 10:53 PM
What a horribly ridiculous piece of flotsam. Good grief, HP is hitting the skids now. Stupid thumbboard and square screen. And still holding onto WM2k3. I wouldn't take one of those things if someone gave it to me for free. Ugh!

Wow that seems a little harsh. Have you listened in other threads to people who swear by thumbboards? Square screen is necessary to make it a shorter device. And WM2K3 is the latest OS out there last I checked.

That said, I would absolutely hope that this device is designed to upgrade to WM2005 when it comes out. Latest rumors seem to indicate that WM2005 + Exchange SP2 will provide full PUSH capability which would be what it takes to really set this up as a Treo competitor.

Pdaholic
04-04-2005, 10:55 PM
I don't think there's anything stupid about this device at all. HP is going for the money. This device says Treo competitor all over it. Every person I know of who has a Treo would love this device. Bigger screen, better keyboard, GPS, two card slots...they would be jealous. The average consumer has no idea how different 240x240 resolution is compared to 320x320. They won't have a clue regarding software issues or even that a new win mobile is around the corner. It's actually a smart move for HP.

But I won't buy it. Heck no. MDA IV for me, baby!

nosmohtac
04-04-2005, 11:37 PM
I'm sure this device will do very well as a treo competitor but, 48MB RAM available to user, give me a break. IMHO another step backward for HP.

As for the post about putting the screen up to your ear, a BT headset would solve this, but I don't understand why more PPCPE devices wouldn't do the same thing that HP did with their GSM sleeve. The mic. and speaker were on the back of the sleeve.

bbarker
04-04-2005, 11:44 PM
What is the processor speed? The articles says it's an Intel PXA272, but I don't keep track of Intel's processor model numbers. I may have missed the speed somewhere else, but I looked for it.

Is there any user-accessible ROM? I didn't see any. Not a huge deal, since SD is probably faster anyway. On my X50v I have 128 MB ROM and wish it were all RAM instead.

jlp
04-04-2005, 11:56 PM
http://www.abaxas.ch/divppc/image3.gif

Square screen will probably be a bigger problem than one might think.

I just made up the above pic from a screen shot from my Axim x5 to represent a 240 x 240 screen compared to a regular screen.

The first one shows 12 lines of appointments, the second only about 5 :!:

This one shows only one week of appointments, imagine you want to view 2 or worse, more lines; you couldn't see anything at all.

Deslock
04-05-2005, 12:01 AM
240x240 sceen = suck
48 MB RAM for PPC = suck

Why didn't they increase memory and use a 480x480 screen?

Jason Dunn
04-05-2005, 12:22 AM
That square screen still bugs me. Text based software may work fine, but fixed width software (like games) may have problems.

While is sucks they went with 240 x 240 instead of 480 x 480, the square screen is AWESOME for one reason: size. Remember the iPAQ 4350? It was HUGE - way too tall to be practical. The square screen allows OEMs to make devices with keyboards that aren't insanely tall, where Palm has always eaten our lunch. This is a pretty cool device for messaging!

rmasinag
04-05-2005, 12:23 AM
What is the processor speed?

I googled and I think its 520 mHz, the Toshiba 830e has one I think

worst for me is its not 128, im running out of room with 48 mb usable space (ipaq 2210).

I prefer an antenna too because it ususally means better reception.

I would reserve judgement until I see the screen for myself.

But it gives me a good excuse until iMate Jam becomes cheaper. :D

jeasher
04-05-2005, 01:10 AM
While is sucks they went with 240 x 240 instead of 480 x 480, the square screen is AWESOME for one reason: size. Remember the iPAQ 4350? It was HUGE - way too tall to be practical.
I still don't understand why my 4350 gets a bad rap. Sure it's tall, but being as thin as it is, it fits right in my suit coat pocket without any problems. Jay, who do you think uses these devices? It has WiFi, BT, decent RAM, fast processor, great keyboard, etc. Mine is almost 1.5 years old and it's still relevant today. I'd like to upgrade but there's nothing out there...

yslee
04-05-2005, 03:18 AM
While is sucks they went with 240 x 240 instead of 480 x 480, the square screen is AWESOME for one reason: size. Remember the iPAQ 4350? It was HUGE - way too tall to be practical. The square screen allows OEMs to make devices with keyboards that aren't insanely tall, where Palm has always eaten our lunch. This is a pretty cool device for messaging!

Exactly Jason. I wonder why everyone expects the next PPC to have everything and the kitchen sink. I'd get one of these, but I have bought a Treo 600 on the cheap without a contract, so that's what I'll be using for the next year or so!

I think a link to my post ( http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=37556) on the different types of mobile computing devices is needed. Some people just have different needs and will have a different setup to meet their needs (not wants). Have some perspective people!

jimski
04-05-2005, 03:23 AM
Is there any user-accessible ROM? I didn't see any. Not a huge deal, since SD is probably faster anyway. On my X50v I have 128 MB ROM and wish it were all RAM instead.

Guess you have not read that on a possible future OS, RAM will be reserved for running apps only (like a desktop) and all apps/files will be stored in ROM. Better hang on to your X50v.

jimski
04-05-2005, 03:29 AM
The square screen might be an issue for sure. How would you talk into this, holding it to your head or earpiece ? Cleaning that screen after each conversation would suck !

How is this different than any other PPC Phone or even BlackBerry? Get a bluetooth headset and you won't turn back! :D

Somehow I can't see myself wearing a BT Headset from the time I get out of the shower till the time my head hits the pillow (usually about 18 hours) as these are the times of day/night that people call me and expect me to answer. BT headset is great for making calls (I currently have two), but is not the "catch all" solution for receiving calls. A simple small phone with a meaningless screen is.

Paundskumm
04-05-2005, 04:00 AM
Well, a PDA/Phone with keypad that doesn't have a square screen, and isn't longer than the great wall of China :roll: , already does exist and its called the XDA IIs (et al different names under different providers). The sliding keyboard works fine in my opinion if not the best thing in the world.

It also has plenty of memory (128 Ram / 96 ROM about 50 usable)... and only battery life may be a small issue. Quadband, GPRS, bluetooth and Wi-fi included.

Why would anyone buy this other stuff when they can get an XDA IIs (or mini if they want something smaller). I assume anyone wanting all that power would be willing to pay for it (so price shouldn't be a factor for those that want that kind of functionality and power).

Also made by HTC so no real "quality" difference with an HP.

Now if only they get the blackberry push support working I'd be a lean mean road warrior...

sylvangale
04-05-2005, 05:00 AM
Knowing that a new PPC OS is going to be released this year and HPs refusal to offer updates to the 2000/4000/6000 model PPCs to PPC 2003SE when it was released makes me wary about purchasing a new PPC with the "expectation" of an upgrade.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. :|

straysheepie
04-05-2005, 05:17 AM
Why would anyone buy this other stuff when they can get an XDA IIs (or mini if they want something smaller). I assume anyone wanting all that power would be willing to pay for it (so price shouldn't be a factor for those that want that kind of functionality and power)

That's true, but for some reason I really like the look of the HP - reminds me of a blackberry and it has the iPAQ 435x keypad which I current have and like. I've heard about balance problems for XDA II where the weight is distributed unevenly and would be a problem if constantly replying to text messages and e-mails which I do a lot. The XDA II *does* have wifi which would save me ~$100 on a wifi card, but the GPS on the HP is quite spiffy.

Now I don't know if I should get the XDA II or iPAQ... the XDA II price will drop by the time the iPAQ comes out so it would be very very tempting. I do hope someone will carry it in Canada so I can check out the square screen.

I hope somone will come up with comparison photos of the Treo, XDA II, and iPAQ later on - that would aid purchasing decisions a lot. At least there's another gadget to look forward to! :D

Paundskumm
04-05-2005, 08:05 AM
I've heard about balance problems for XDA II where the weight is distributed unevenly and would be a problem if constantly replying to text messages and e-mails which I do a lot.

Well, the keypad does slide out and anytime that happens, it does not have the same balance but I haven't had any problems with it. I actually kind of like the keypad not exposed to be honest but that's personal preference. I know everyone has different needs but once they get the blackberry push e-mail working, I will be a happy camper. Don't need to bring a cellphone, blackberry, pda, ipod (hey, four in one as long as you have a gig or two of SD card to put those MP3s) everywhere with me and if they upgrade the camera to a 1.3mp like the XDA IIi, then it will be even reasonably functional as a camera in a flash.

Now I don't know if I should get the XDA II or iPAQ... the XDA II price will drop by the time the iPAQ comes out so it would be very very tempting. I do hope someone will carry it in Canada so I can check out the square screen.

Yeah, that's always the problem with the CDMA networks and having to have someone support the darned stuff. I bought the original XDA II and gave one to my brother in-law in Calgary and he reckons it works fine (don't know about the e-mail but you got more wi-fi in North America so the GPRS is not as necessary).

I know most people around here (Hong Kong) are buying the XDA mini cause its so much smaller but it loses some functionality. I used to have an iPAQ but the XDA series has been so good, I'm not even tempted to switch given the difference is specs and I love the bigger screen. As for GPS, must be all those tall buildings cause it don't work worth a darned here. I played with one for a while and it didn't even work walking let alone in a car.

If you do go with XDA (or equivalent) be careful of the wording as the XDA IIs is the one with the sliding keyboard. Everyone seems to love the mini though and I know a friend who bought another one after dropping his into to ocean by accident. Good hunting in any case.

surur
04-05-2005, 10:14 AM
BTW the processor speed is 300Mhz or around there.

Most other OEM's ask for a fast processor and gives you the option of running it slower. Not HP. HP has as usual decided to make all the decisions regarding battery life, leaving nothing up to the end user.

Surur

TMann
04-05-2005, 01:46 PM
I've noticed that experienced PDA users (ie. the people who post on web forums like this one,) tend to have similar preferences in PDA design. Most of the "power users" want the following features in their PDA:

1. Large screens, preferably high resolution
2. No keyboards
3. Wi-Fi capability
4. Large amounts of RAM

Consequently, people who post on these forums don't seem to like PDA's like this one, or the Treo and Blackberry for that matter. Those sorts of "communicator-type" devices simply don't fit our needs.

I am going to go out on a limb here, and say that IF this PDA is priced reasonably, and IF the software is much less buggy than the 6300 series, that it has the potential to be a good seller for HP. The average customer is not going to be bothered by the small screen, and minimal RAM. They probably won't miss Wi-Fi either, since this is a GPRS phone, and thus has "always-on" data capability. (Treo and Blackberry users seem to be doing just fine in this regard.) I'm not holding my breath for any OS upgrades from HP or any other manufacturer, but IF HP really wanted to make this a Blackberry competitor, they'd seriously consider upgrading this device to WM 2005, and adding push-email capability.

Anyways...I could be totally wrong about this, but that's just my 2 cents. :D

TMann

Craig Horlacher
04-05-2005, 02:36 PM
Only HP would actually release a pocket pc with a screen resolution of less than 240x320. That's crazy. You could not even count the number of applications that won't work correctly on that thing! It makes as much sense as having a pointing device on a pda with a touch screen - at least nobody has done that yet...oh wait - doh!

Craig Horlacher
04-05-2005, 02:48 PM
I've noticed that experienced PDA users (ie. the people who post on web forums like this one,) tend to have similar preferences in PDA design. Most of the "power users" want the following features in their PDA:

1. Large screens, preferably high resolution
2. No keyboards
3. Wi-Fi capability
4. Large amounts of RAM

Consequently, people who post on these forums don't seem to like PDA's like this one, or the Treo and Blackberry for that matter. Those sorts of "communicator-type" devices simply don't fit our needs.

I am going to go out on a limb here, and say that IF this PDA is priced reasonably, and IF the software is much less buggy than the 6300 series, that it has the potential to be a good seller for HP. The average customer is not going to be bothered by the small screen, and minimal RAM. They probably won't miss Wi-Fi either, since this is a GPRS phone, and thus has "always-on" data capability. (Treo and Blackberry users seem to be doing just fine in this regard.) I'm not holding my breath for any OS upgrades from HP or any other manufacturer, but IF HP really wanted to make this a Blackberry competitor, they'd seriously consider upgrading this device to WM 2005, and adding push-email capability.

Anyways...I could be totally wrong about this, but that's just my 2 cents. :D

TMann

There is a lot of truth to your post. I will point out one difference that I think exists in this case. The 240x240 resolution screen will render many (most?) applications that already exist for the pocket pc useless. Sure, someone will probably release a utility that lets you use hardware buttons to pan the screen up and down to "fix" the problem but that won't be fun. If someone doesn't need to add any applications I guess this could be an ok device. I don't know why you'd bother with high speed wireless (like edge) on something that can't run any good applications to use it with. Especially when the service is so expensive - I pay $80/month for edge.

yslee
04-05-2005, 06:15 PM
Err, I'm sure most programs will scroll just fine. It'll probably be like what someone said earlier; works fine in text, breaks in games or programs hardcoded to 320x240.

eugarps
04-05-2005, 09:02 PM
Ed posted an interesting article, which said the Mass. State Troopers were using an iPAQ phone with EDGE at Boston Logan. Since EDGE is ATTingular, one onders if the Troopers are in-fat using the initial release of the 6500 or if they have Cingular 6315's (If there is such..)

Bill

Craig Horlacher
04-07-2005, 06:24 PM
Err, I'm sure most programs will scroll just fine. It'll probably be like what someone said earlier; works fine in text, breaks in games or programs hardcoded to 320x240.

I was actually refering to software that would simulate a 320x240 resoultion by letting you scrool vertically. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that countless applications will not be usable because tabs and buttons that you need will not be displayed on the screen. I'd expect this to be a problem mostly for pop-up dialog boxes which do not size to the screen but instead have a fixed size.

As you state, I'm also sure that scrolling functions within applications will work fine.

mashtim
04-09-2005, 08:17 AM
I suppose the nearest competitor would be the Benq P50, right? Has anyone heard any rumours lately as to a ship date?