The new iPAQ hw6900?

Thanks to ipaq ace, I’m looking at an HP Powerpoint slide called the ‘iPAQ Product Line’. A new model called the iPAQ hw6900 appears at the top end of the Messaging category and right below the Performance line (the current hx2790 and hx4700 models). So, is it a typo or a new model?

hw6900 rumour

The specifications promise a GSM/GPRS/EDGE capable device that looks very much like the hw6500. It will be powered by a more powerful 416HMz Intel processor and come with 802.11b WiFi, Bluetooth, Serial IR, 64MB of RAM and 128MB of Flash memory, will come with both GPS and camera, a 240×240 display and a miniSD slot. Dimensions are the same as the hw6500. I suspect that it will be using Windows Mobile 5.0.

A second slide goes on to compare the hw6900 to the Palm Treo 650. The Treo lists brand recognition, an SD slot and 6 hours of talktime and 12 hours of standby as its strengths. Its small amount of memory, cramped keyboard and VGA camera are its weaknesses according to HP. The hw6900 benefits from WiFi, GPS, an internal antenna, an enhanced QWERTY keyboard and more. Weaknesses include its comparative bulk, 240×240 screen and the fact that it’s GSM only.

hw6900 comparison

One typo maybe but two? Is it possible that the hw6700 will be released as the hw6900? We should have answers in Q2 2006 if ipaq ace is right.

Thanks for the tip, ipaq ace.