HP iPAQ hw6920 Press Release

With the HP iPAQ hw6920 series Mobile Messenger, customers can use Cingular’s nationwide GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless data network, Wi-Fi, GPS, infrared and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies(1,2,3) to connect business customers to their information, whether it’s corporate email or more robust industry-specific applications.

The built-in GPS (global positioning system) receiver enables customers to receive directions on their hw6920 series to points-of-interest around town and to impromptu destination choices. The hw6920 series will debut with Cingular’s first generally available, location-based solution – TeleNav GPS Navigator™ from TeleNav, Inc.

With TeleNav GPS Navigator, HP iPAQ users can get turn-by-turn voice and onscreen directions directly on the device for use when driving or walking. TeleNav GPS Navigator, which also provides information on more than 10 million points of interest and additional search tools, is available as a subscription service from Cingular. HP iPAQ customers also can choose from several other GPS navigation options – including Microsoft Pocket Streets or HP Navigation Maps and Software.

“HP is making it simple for customers to stay connected and work effectively when on the move,” said Alain Debost, director, Handheld Business Unit – North America, HP. “By combining the iPAQ hw6920 series wireless email, voice and fast data access with Cingular’s expansive network, we are allowing customers to tap into the information and rich content they want, when they want it.”

Cingular’s EDGE network is the largest national wireless data network in the United States, with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and along about 40,000 miles of interstate highways.

“The HP iPAQ hw6920 series is a powerful communications tool that will give our business customers multiple ways to stay connected to important information,” said Cathy Quaciari, director, B2B devices, Cingular Wireless. “Whether it’s through a wide area, local area or Bluetooth connection, customers will be able to access their email and other corporate data while having location-based capabilities with the device’s built-in GPS receiver. It’s yet another jewel in the long and fruitful collaborative alliance between HP and Cingular.”

The Microsoft Windows® Mobile 5.0 operating system gives HP iPAQ hw6920 series users access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer and Outlook.

Additionally, the HP iPAQ hw6920 series includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which offers up-to-date email, calendar, tasks and contacts as well as advanced security features, including remote device wipe, remotely enforced IT policy and S/MIME support.

The HP Mobility Solutions Evaluation Center provides customers with access to a premier portfolio of business applications – many available via downloadable, 30-day evaluations at no charge. Cingular’s certification process for business application providers was incorporated into the Mobility Solutions Center. Expertise areas include mail and messaging, field service, government, healthcare, retail, sales and transportation.

Customers also can use the HP iPAQ hw6920 series’ built-in 1.3-megapixel HP Photosmart camera for capturing photos and videos to share wirelessly,(2) or they can relax to their favorite music using Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. Cingular will sell two versions of the HP iPAQ hw6900 series Mobile Messenger: the hw6925 has a built-in camera and the hw6920 comes without a camera.

Availability and pricing(4)

The iPAQ hw6920 series is available from Cingular Wireless’ B2B sales organization for as low as $359.99 for business customers with a two-year contract and qualifying voice and data plans. The iPAQ hw6920 series also is available through hp.com and select HP channel partners.

HP iPAQ hw6920 Reviews

InfoWorld has a review of the HP iPAQ hw6920 and writes, “While the iPAQ hw6920 series Mobile Messenger has a few blemishes, and various HP and Cingular services can get pricey, it still represents a sound enterprise mobile solution. The hardware isn’t a svelte as you’ll find, but its quality construction and multiple connectivity features should meet requirements of many organizations. And don’t ignore HP’s optional mobile services, including security and manageability. The most glaring omission is a HSDPA radio.” Link.

PCWorld has a review of the HP iPAQ hw6920 and writes, “because the hw6920 offers only 6MB of user-accessible storage, I overloaded the unit within a few hours of testing and found myself besieged by low-memory warnings that wouldn’t vanish until I uninstalled apps or moved data to a miniSD card. At only $360 with a two-year contract from Cingular, the hw6920 is not a terrible deal, but other phones provide nearly the same features (sans GPS) with far fewer operational problems.” Link.