3GSM 2006: HP goes after Blackberry market with new smartphone range

HP is hoping to tackle Blackberry’s new 8700 handheld device with a new Smartphone range

13 February 2006 16:14 GMT / By Stuart Miles

HP is hoping to tackle Blackberry's new 8700 handheld device with a new Smartphone range that features Microsoft's new Push email technology and a wealth of connectivity options at 3GSM in Barcelona, Spain.

The new HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger series will come with Windows Mobile 5.0.alongside a variety of wireless technologies including quad-band, high-speed GPRS/EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) data networking, Wi-Fi, GPS technology and Bluetooth.

Comprising of two models in the range, all three will come with TomTom GPS navigation software meaning that it's a fully fledged GPS device out of the box featuring integrated turn-by-turn navigation to nearby restaurants, hotels, airports, cinemas, petrol stations, museums and many other points of interest (POI).

Utilising the wi-fi connectivity aspect of the handsets users will be able to get additional maps and valuable services, such as dynamic traffic information and weather updates.
The unit also comes with a built-in1.3 mega-pixel HP Photosmart camera.

The HP iPAQ hw6900 series, which comprises of two models, will be available in April, 2006, at a recommended price of £399 for the hw6910, £421 for the hw6915 (excluding VAT)