The hp iPAQ h6300 has officially been announced by Hewlett Packard. MTekk has been covering the story for some time now, and we were privileged enough at one point to publish a very complete list of specifications and a picture which we're sure almost everyone will have seen by now - but if you haven't, here's an encore.

It's great to finally see hp publicly announce this highly converged device, and I'm certain we'll be hearing plenty more about it over the next few weeks. hp have also announced the rest of their iPAQ lineup for 2004 - 2005, but it's obvious that the hp iPAQ h6315 is the star!

Those in Sydney interested in the new lineup - including the h6315 - may like to attend the next Sydney Pocket PC Users Group, where we will hopefully get more detail and perhaps even some hands-on time with the devices!

" HP Introduces New Suite of iPAQ Handhelds Offering Innovative Integrated Data and Voice Capabilities; HP Partners with T-Mobile USA to Capitalize on Fast-Growing Converged Market

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2004--HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) today strengthened its ability to provide customers with the latest mobile services and content with the introduction of a new suite of HP iPAQ handheld devices and an alliance with T-Mobile USA, Inc. that expands the iPAQ lineup to address the growing converged data/voice market.

The iPAQs enable everyone from mobile professionals to consumers to wirelessly access digital content and services such as corporate data, wireless printing, music downloads and streaming video through a variety of existing and emerging mobile services.(1)

"This new line of iPAQs sets the standard by which all other mobile devices should be judged, and includes the flagship iPAQ h6300, which takes full advantage of the rich digital services that today's wireless networks provide," said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Computing Global Business Group, HP. "As the industry leader in handhelds and a company that delivers products and solutions across the entire mobility spectrum -- from devices, servers and software to infrastructure and services -- HP is mobilizing enterprise customers by providing access to relevant content and information they need to stay productive."

Linking innovative mobile devices to high-speed wireless networks

HP is partnering with T-Mobile USA to offer customers an enhanced mobile experience by seamlessly linking its innovative iPAQ hardware to T-Mobile's national GSM/GPRS wireless voice(2) and high-speed data network, as well as the T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi Internet service.(1) With its expertise in handheld devices and mobile network infrastructure and services, HP is uniquely positioned in the industry to make this encompassing technology experience possible.

Available exclusively from T-Mobile, the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 is the industry's first handheld to provide mobile professionals three-way integrated wireless voice(2) and data capabilities over GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) and Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology.(1)

Providing manageable and enhanced access to corporate data, e-mail and the Internet,(1) the h6315 includes an innovative feature that automatically connects to the fastest available network and automatically switches to an alternate network if the initial connection is lost.

The iPAQ h6315 also delivers superb e-mail and messaging capabilities. When matched with Microsoft(R) Exchange Server 2003, e-mail, attachments, calendar updates and more can be automatically sent and synched with the device over a Wi-Fi or T-Mobile's GPRS network.(1)

"Mobile professionals are demanding anytime, anywhere access to help them communicate in new and better ways," said Scott Ballantyne, vice president of business services marketing, T-Mobile USA, Inc. "The HP and T-Mobile relationship allows these customers greater connection access to what is important in their lives. Easier access to e-mail, integrated wireless connectivity, keyboard and even a camera, it's everything you could want in a device."

The HP iPAQ Pocket PC h6315 is expected to be available for purchase later this summer through HP online at www.hp.com as well as through T-Mobile stores, authorized dealers and national retail stores and online at www.tmobile.com . T-Mobile will be the initial and primary point of contact for activation, billing and support regardless of where the product is purchased.

Industry-leading innovation

Leading the worldwide handheld market in the first quarter of 2004 on a revenue basis, HP outsold the nearest competitor by more than 50 percent on a revenue basis.(3) Building on this leadership, HP revealed its most innovative handheld lineup to date. Highlights of the new products include:

-- First mainstream handheld with integrated three-way wireless capabilities (GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology) to give users access to data, e-mail and the Internet(1) - HP iPAQ h6300 series Pocket PC.

-- First Pocket PC to offer a touchpad with a mouse-like cursor making navigation simple and convenient - HP iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC.

-- Four-inch VGA screen to allow business users to view PowerPoint and business presentations without having to modify the documents to fit the screen - HP iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC.

-- First iPAQ that allows consumers to stream content from their PC to play on the HP iPAQ or to other audio/video-enabled components on the network for enjoyment in any room of a home - HP iPAQ rx3000 series Mobile Media Companion.

-- First handheld in which data is protected by encryption and authentication from HP ProtectTools powered by Credant(4) - HP iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC.

Meeting diverging customer needs

Like the desktop and notebook markets before it, the handheld market is maturing from a one-size-fits-all approach into segmented classes of products. HP designed and engineered the new iPAQ devices to meet the specific needs of mobile professionals, businesses and consumers.

The company's first multimedia-focused handheld, the HP iPAQ rx3000 series, expected to be available later this year, leverages HP's expertise in digital entertainment. With the iPAQ rx3715, consumers can take and share photos, or even take Hollywood's finest or their own videos and enjoy them wherever they are.

HP's mobile professional and business-focused handheld products incorporate the latest technology, including security features, ease-of-use and wireless innovation to allow customers to focus on e-mail, messaging and connectivity ease.

Detailed information on the products and solutions is available through the HP online press kit at www.hp.com/go/iPAQmobility2004 .

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $76.8 billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com .

(1) A standard WLAN infrastructure, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, separately purchased equipment and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. Wireless Internet use requires a separately purchased Internet service contract. Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all Web content available.

(2) Telephone service requires separately purchased contract with a telephone service provider with coverage in customer's service area.

(3) Source: IDC Worldwide Handheld QView, 1Q2004.

(4) Customer must enable this feature on the device.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation."

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.