HP Poised To Keep PDA Lead With Souped-Up iPaq Line
HP this week plans to unveil the iPaq H3900 series, an upgraded line of Pocket PC handhelds that sport faster processors, increased memory and brighter displays, among other new features.
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PRODUCT SNAPSHOT
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> PRODUCT: Hewlett-Packard iPaq H3900 Pocket PC series
> RETAIL LIST PRICE: Starts at $649 for base model
> WARRANTY: 1 year
> DISTRIBUTORS/INTEGRATORS: Direct to integrators, solution providers
> AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: None
> COMPANY: Hewlett-Packard
Palo Alto, Calif.
(800) 752-0900
www.hp.com
The H3900 models include Intel's 400MHz X-Scale PXA250 application processor, a major step up from the 206MHz Intel Strong ARM processor in previous iPaq versions. The X-Scale processor provides additional power for the Pocket PC 2002 applications that are included with the unit, as well as for accelerated multimedia and security capabilities, CRN Test Center engineers found.
In addition to the processor upgrade, the H3900 line offers the option of 48 Mbytes or 32 Mbytes of Flash ROM on top of 64 Mbytes of RAM. The preceding iPaq H3800 series offered 32 Mbytes of Flash ROM only.
Also included in the new line is iPaq Backup, a tool that allows users to choose the data to be backed up.
The H3900 series' Secure Digital (SD) expansion slot supports both SD and MultiMedia Cards (MMCs). With the addition of MMC support, iPaq users will now be able to use and store data captured from digital cameras and scanners without putting an unnecessary drain on the handheld's main storage capability, Test Center engineers found.
In addition, HP has replaced the iPaq's reflective TFT LCD with a transflective TFT LCD. The transflective screen provides more vibrant colors and a crisper display, while also enabling users to view the screen in any type of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
On the software side, the H3900 line includes an integrated universal remote-control function. The new feature lets users control a wide range of audio and video equipment in the office and at home.
As with the H3800 series, the new H3900 line offers the option of a Bluetooth wireless connectivity bundle. It also provides support for a variety of third-party Bluetooth accessories that are now available for the iPaq.
The addition of the H3900 to the iPaq family should enable HP to maintain its lead in the Pocket PC handheld market. The H3900 line's faster processor and added memory also should open new doors for third-party developers of Pocket PC accessories and applications.