iPAQ hw6910/hw6915 Appears on HP UK Site

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF05a/21675-21679-21679-21679-297609-12343242.html' target='_blank'>http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/e...9-12343242.html</a><br /><br /></div>HP's second-generation iPAQ Mobile Messenger series has just appeared on their UK portal. Both the <a href="http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF05a/21675-21679-21679-21679-297609-12343214.html">hw6910</a> and <a href="http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF05a/21675-21679-21679-21679-297609-12343242.html">hw6915</a> have an Intel PXA270 416MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 128MB Flash ROM, a miniSD slot, a 3.0" (240 x 240, 64K-colour) square-screen TFT-LCD, Bluetooth 1.2, 802.11b Wi-Fi, quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, IrDA, integrated GPS, a 1.3-megapixel PhotoSmart camera (hw6915 only), a backlit keyboard, a 1200mAh Li-Ion battery, and Windows Mobile 5.0.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060213-hw6900.jpg" /><br /><br />Now, we play the waiting game and watch for an official price tag and release date. On paper, the hw6900 series seems a lot more powerful than the Treo 700w, but for multiple reasons, I believe the latter will still end up being the more successful device. Your thoughts?<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> A high-resolution image of the iPAQ hw6900 series is available <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-hw6900-large.jpg">here</a> (courtesy of Microsoft and HP). (318KB)

[Patrick Y.]

GPS, EDGE, Qual-Band GPRS all in one device?? 8O This thing got even more wireless built-in than the giant Universal!!! Just how much will it cost? I won't so surprised if it's even more expensive than Universal. BTW, HTC makes this device? Right?

[Duncan]

On paper, the hw6900 series seems a lot more powerful than the Treo 700w, but for multiple reasons, I believe the latter will still end up being the more successful device. Your thoughts?

My thoughts? That the Loox T830 will be more powerful/superior than either of them... but as per usual the herd will vote for the Treo, rather than Loox or iPAQ, because they always go for the 'name' or shiny look rather then the best specs. (See also iPOD buyers - ignoring superior battery life and format flexibility in favour of the 'Oooh its a shiny iPOD' mentality).

[Menneisyys]

GPS, EDGE, Qual-Band GPRS all in one device?? 8O This thing got even more wireless built-in than the giant Universal!!!

Where's 3G? ;) The T830 will be far better than this device.

[pocketpcadmirer]

I think sliding keyboard would have been nice. This would have helped me to get the normal 320*240 display instead of 240*240 display

Otherwise,a nice device for the normal people

Sunny :)

[Menneisyys]

I think sliding keyboard would have been nice. This would have helped me to get the normal 320*240 display instead of 240*240 display


Yup, it'd be great. The biggest problem with the T830 (and the hw691x) is the incompatble 240*240 screen. I just don't get why PPC PE manufacturers don't use 320*320 screens to be compatible with 'legacy' QVGA apps...

This may be the stumbling block for me - I don't know if I wanted to trade in my HTC Wizard for a 240*240 device, which isn't able to run 95% of the current apps.

[Menneisyys]

Yup, it'd be great. The biggest problem with the T830 (and the hw691x) is the incompatble 240*240 screen. I just don't get why PPC PE manufacturers don't use 320*320 screens to be compatible with 'legacy' QVGA apps...

I have an idea... It may be Nokia that influences PPC manufacturers not to come up with anything compatible/usable, but try to force users buy 240*240 devices to learn to hate the entire WM platform ;)

(Except for some QVGA HTC models like the Wizard - but they can't match the T830 in capabilities, not even the (VGA) Universal, which painfully lacks USB hosting, GPS, a BIG ROM and most importantly EDGE.)

[JwY]

I think sliding keyboard would have been nice. This would have helped me to get the normal 320*240 display instead of 240*240 display


Yup, it'd be great. The biggest problem with the T830 (and the hw691x) is the incompatble 240*240 screen. I just don't get why PPC PE manufacturers don't use 320*320 screens to be compatible with 'legacy' QVGA apps...

This may be the stumbling block for me - I don't know if I wanted to trade in my HTC Wizard for a 240*240 device, which isn't able to run 95% of the current apps.

i thought ppc doesn't support 320x320, only 240x240 and 480x480

[Menneisyys]

i thought ppc doesn't support 320x320, only 240x240 and 480x480

Well, if it's not possible in any way to use 320x320 (dunno - haven't tried to 'hack'/program WM5 to work in this resolution as yet), PPC manufacturers could still just use two 40-pixel-high black stripes on the left/right screen. Or incorporate a landscape-by-default, say, 2.4-2.5" QVGA screen, in top of the keyboard.

[Typhoon]

Yea, that 240 x 240 kills it for me (though it might not be that bad). I like the idea of that Inventec PDA that has the landscape screen at 240 x 320. What do you guys think? Will it become a trend?? It's ridiculous though...they try to figure out how to save space, so they make a 240 x 240 screen, when instead they could of just taken the smaller version of the QVGA screen and flip it 90 degrees...

[Raphael Salgado]

I wonder if products like NYDITOT Virtual Display can make it happen for 240x240 users to get a 240x320 screen. Sure, it'll be squished, but it's better than not having a working app at all.

As for my thoughts, I held these iPAQs in my hand, and I have to say, I'm just not comfortable with the device as a phone. Blackberries and Treos have a better form-factor, IMHO.

Lastly, I'm leery about any product with the HP logo on it. Given their attitude on previous devices, just like the 6500 series that will likely never get a Windows Mobile 5 upgrade, I'd hate to see a bunch of disgruntled HP mobile devicowners in the future.

[Menneisyys]

Yea, that 240 x 240 kills it for me (though it might not be that bad).

It is, comptibility-wise. For example, I haven't found a single remote controller application to be compatible with the screen (tested them all some 2 months ago - see this (http://pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17874). Dunno whether the new Novii 3.2 - I still havent tested it - is compatible though). A lot of essential apps are pretty useless too - for example, MS Portrait.

[Typhoon]

Yea, that 240 x 240 kills it for me (though it might not be that bad).

It is, comptibility-wise. For example, I haven't found a single remote controller application to be compatible with the screen (tested them all some 2 months ago - see this (http://pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17874). Dunno whether the new Novii 3.2 - I still havent tested it - is compatible though). A lot of essential apps are pretty useless too - for example, MS Portrait.

Yea, that definitely kills it for some people. I wouldn't want incompatibility like that either.

[Jason Dunn]

Looks like a pretty nice device - I haven't had much experience with the 6500 series, but it felt good in the hand and had a decent keyboard. Hopefully it will get picked up by more carriers than the 6300 was...

[Jerry Raia]

I don't think the 240x240 is going to be a big deal much longer. Since I've had my 6515 more and more apps are becoming compatible with its screen. The ones that aren't it is usually barely a noticeable problem. This has been my experience so far at least.

[Darius Wey]

Here is a high-resolution image for anyone interested:

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-hw6900-small.jpg (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-hw6900-large.jpg)
Click the image above. (318KB)

[Jerry Raia]

Oh that looks nice. That might be the next one for me. I need to take a look at the 8125 too.

[Johnny Bravo RJ]

I think this release buries the idea of that HP 6828 model, based on O2 XDA ATOM, right? So it's bad... at least the ATOM has a 320x240 display... I'll stick to the ATOM.

[cgavula]

Although the Loox is an interesting device it's short in 2 areas - only 64MB of RAM (which is okay for a lot of people) and the lack of quad-band GSM.

If the specs on the Loox are correct it won't be a big player here in the U.S. because it's only a tri-band GSM device and it's 900/1800/1900MHz, whereas the biggest GSM carrier here, Cingular, is 850/1800/1900. No quad-band means Loox will continue (in the U.S.) to be a secondary player. The HP will do much better here. But I agree with the original assertion that the Treo 700w, even though it appears to have lesser specs, will probably do better - the Treo name carries a lot of weight.

Personally, I'm looking at the 8125 (the HTC Wizard) as well - quad-band GSM, 320*240, and a full 128MB of RAM.

--Chris

[alex_kac]

Since using a Treo 700w exclusively now for several weeks, I can say that a square screen is not at all an issue. I'd prefer 480x480 by sure, but frankly I've been very happy with it. The only thing I miss are some games.

[tsaxton]

It is, comptibility-wise. For example, I haven't found a single remote controller application to be compatible with the screen (tested them all some 2 months ago - see this (http://pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17874). Dunno whether the new Novii 3.2 - I still havent tested it - is compatible though). A lot of essential apps are pretty useless too - for example, MS Portrait.

Novii Remote Deluxe 3.3 works perfectly with my 6515.

In general, I've had far fewer compatibility problems than I expected -- at the moment, all the applications I consider essential are working for me -- but 240x240 games are harder to come by.

[Menneisyys]

Personally, I'm looking at the 8125 (the HTC Wizard) as well - quad-band GSM, 320*240, and a full 128MB of RAM.


Does it (the Cingular version) really have 128M RAM? Many say (see for example this: http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/10/cingular-8215-now-available-to-all/ ) that it's just a mistake from Cingular - it, in reality, only has 64M RAM.

[Menneisyys]

Novii Remote Deluxe 3.3 works perfectly with my 6515.


Cool! Thanks :)

[aweaton]

Quickspecs have now been released for this.
Click me (http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12352_div/12352_div.HTML)

[Menneisyys]

Quickspecs have now been released for this.
Click me (http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12352_div/12352_div.HTML)

Funny folks these HP folks are - they are referring to the "camera" as a "HP Photosmart Camera". This is, to say the least, misleading - the "real" "HP Photosmart Camera" known to most people (the SD card-based one) isn't a fixed-focus (in this case, 120 mm) one and has much bigger/better lens and, consequently, much better image quality. That is, you get much worse images than with the "traditional" "HP Photosmart Cameras".

(Of course I know HP calls all its camera models "Photosmart" - even these built-in, crappy ones. In this respect, the name is correct.)

[Menneisyys]

Personally, I'm looking at the 8125 (the HTC Wizard) as well - quad-band GSM, 320*240, and a full 128MB of RAM.


Does it (the Cingular version) really have 128M RAM? Many say (see for example this: http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/10/cingular-8215-now-available-to-all/ ) that it's just a mistake from Cingular - it, in reality, only has 64M RAM.

News: the 8125 only has 64M RAM:

http://www.mobilitysite.com/reviews/8125/pc_capture20.jpg

[Northerner]

Lastly, I'm leery about any product with the HP logo on it. Given their attitude on previous devices, just like the 6500 series that will likely never get a Windows Mobile 5 upgrade, I'd hate to see a bunch of disgruntled HP mobile devicowners in the future.
Why's that HP's fault? There's a simple reason the 6515 won't get an upgrade - it only has 64MB of ROM. As you know, most WM5 PE devices with 128MB of ROM only leave around 40MB of Storage for user data (see above). How do you expect HP to fit WM5, GPS and Storage into 64MB?

[Menneisyys]

Why's that HP's fault? There's a simple reason the 6515 won't get an upgrade - it only has 64MB of ROM.

Well, they could have built in 128M ROM ;)

[Northerner]

Why's that HP's fault? There's a simple reason the 6515 won't get an upgrade - it only has 64MB of ROM.

Well, they could have built-in 128M ROM ;)
So could HTC, Dell or any other manufacturer of WM2003 devices. None of them have offered a WM5 upgrade for 64MB models, as the hardware just isn't suitable. So I'm surprised that Raphael singled HP out for criticism, when they didn't have any other option, and have only done the same as everyone else!

[Jerry Raia]

So I'm surprised that Raphael singled HP out for criticism, when they didn't have any other option, and have only done the same as everyone else!

I don't buy that. HP used to be an innovator. They have since turned into the Kmart of technology. Because they are doing what everyone else is doing means they have gotten weak. HP was a maverick company. No more I'm sad to say.

[Menneisyys]

So could HTC, Dell or any other manufacturer of WM2003 devices. None of them have offered a WM5 upgrade for 64MB models, as the hardware just isn't suitable.

iPAQ hx211x? hx241x? Dell Axim x50 Basic? They all have 64M ROM - and still have the WM5 upgrade.

[Northerner]

iPAQ hx211x? hx241x? Dell Axim x50 Basic? They all have 64M ROM - and still have the WM5 upgrade. OK, I stand corrected. But they're irrelevant to my point anyway, as they're only using vanilla WM5, not the larger Phone Edition needed by the 65xx.

[bnycastro]

I agree IMO hp has dropped the 'ball' so far I haven't seen anything that makes me want to own an 'iPAQ' again. IIRC they came out with one uber low-end WM5 device [19xx something] and then this the 69xx, the rest of their iPAQs either a) got a WM5 upgrade b) are waiting for WM5 update c) will not get WM5 [is this correct?] if they re-brand the ATOM I wouldn't consider it as a 'new offering' it's been available since Jan 2006. Are there any other iPAQs on the way? The hp invent slogan seems to have been forgotten...

[ctmagnus]

Aren't some of the hx2000 models native WM5 devices? I was playing with one in Staples a few days ago.

[Darius Wey]

Aren't some of the hx2000 models native WM5 devices? I was playing with one in Staples a few days ago.

Yes, the hx2190, hx2490, and hx2790 are native Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, and the successors to the older hx2110, hx2450, and hx2750. Apart from the OS, the newer models have some slight shuffling in the RAM and ROM department.

If it's of any help, check out this table: http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050926-hx2000.jpg