I've been sitting on this for a little while, on request, but it's too interesting to keep down any longer. At MTekk, we've been hearing a lot of questions about why one might opt for the hp iPAQ h6300 series Pocket PC Phone over the existing XDA II / i-mate, and perhaps even over the forthcoming Motorola MPx. We might now have the best answer yet.

The hp iPAQ h6300 - which recently attained FCC approval - looks set to sell here in Australia at a price somewhere under AUD$900 - a stunning price difference to the XDA II, which debuted at AUD$1,599, or the Motorola MPx which was previously listed in a Motorola Germany press release at a price equivalent (at the time) to AUD$1364. Admittedly the Motorola pricing has not been officially announced for Australia, and it may be that MPx pricing might be subsidised to make it similarly affordable.

This pricing would make this the cheapest Pocket PC Phone released to date in Australia, and would be certain to help the devices' popularity along.

I have this rumour from what I believe to be a reliable source. They make the provision, though, that given hp's corporate focus with the h6300, it may be that we can expect the recommended retail price to prove higher. Their information actually included some more exact pricing, and it's pretty nice, but I'm inclined to agree - it may well be the case that retail will be higher, but those who seek bargains should be able to obtain the device at this price.

Exciting news for those eagerly awaiting the h6300 - and perhaps even those awaiting the Motorola MPx. Both devices hitting the market here in Australia may result in somewhat of a price war that has the end user as the winner!

iPAQ h6300 Series Specifications

• Integrated quad band GSM/GPRS, WLAN 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.1, IrDA and USB
• Operating system Microsoft Windows Mobile™ 2003 software for Pocket PC – Phone Edition Pocket versions of Microsoft software are included (Outlook, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer for Pocket PC)
• Processor Texas Instruments OMAP™ 1510
• Display 3.5” (89mm) Transflective TFT color with LED backlight
• Camera (on select SKUs) Built-in VGA, 640x480 resolution
• Memory 64-MB SDRAM, 64-MB Flash ROM Memory (55-MB user accessible)
• Up to 20-MB iPAQ File Store (varies by SKU)
• Dimensions 4.68” x 2.95” x .73” (119mm x 75mm x 18.7mm)
• Weight 6.7 oz (190 g)
• Indicators
  Power Button Charge and Notify indicators
  Blinking green – notify;
  Blinking amber – charging;
  Solid amber – full charge
• LED 1 GSM/GPRS
  Blinking green LED – radio ON with signal;
  Blinking amber LED – radio ON without signal
• LED 2 – Bluetooth
  Blinking blue LED – radio ON
• LED 3 – WLAN
  Blinking green LED – radio ON with signal;
  Blinking amber LED – radio ON without signal
• Phone Notification Vibrate, Audible, Visible message on the display
• Power Battery - Removable/Rechargeable 1800 mAh Lithium-lon user swappable battery.
  Optional extended 3600 mAh Lithium-lon battery available for purchase
  AC Power - AC Input: 100~240 Vac, 50/60 Hz, AC Input current: 0.3 Aac maxOutput Voltage: 5Vdc (typical), Output Current: 2A (typical)
  NOTE: Battery run time varies based on the usage pattern of an individual user and the configuration of the handheld. Use of some internal wireless capabilities and backlight will significantly decrease battery run time.Based on PRD TW.09 measurements to GSM Association/ECTEL Battery Life Measurement Technique Document.
• Expansion Integrated SD slot - Supports SD/MMC type standard, SDIO ready
• Audio Integrated microphone, receiver, speaker and one 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, MP3 stereo (through audio jack and speaker)
• HP exclusive applications
  Bluetooth Manager
  iPAQ File Store: non-volatile storage in flash ROM
  iPAQ Backup: utility for Backup/Restore to Main Memory, Memory Card or iPAQ File Store
  HP Image Capture: application to take digital photographs with the integrated camera
  HP Image Zone for Pocket PC: view, edit images and create slide shows
  HP Image Transfer: application to transfer digital photographs from the iPAQ to your personal computer
  Utilities: Self Test, iPAQ Audio, Power Status
• Ergonomic design features
  4 programmable application launch buttons – defaults Inbox, Contacts, Voice Recorder and Camera buttons (on select SKUs)
  Rubber sides for comfortable grip
• What's in the box
  HP iPAQ Pocket PC h6300 unit, Desktop cradle/charger, Slim removable battery, Removable keyboard, AC Adapter, Wired ear bud headset, Carrying case, Stylus, Getting Started guide, and HP iPAQ Pocket PC Companion CD
  Warranty One-year parts and labor in most regions; 90 days technical support for software in most regions. Additional offers may vary by region.