Although the design of each smartphone is different, specifications are largely the same – more photos, full specifications and our hands-on video after the cut.
The iPaq Voice Messenger has a candy bar design with 20-key Qwerty/numeric keypad, while the iPaq Data Traveller has a full slide-out Qwerty keyboard similar to that on the HTC Diamond Touch Pro. Both offer quad-band GSM, tri-band UMTS and HSDPA and have a 3.1 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and 128Mb/256Mb RAM/ROM.
There are couple of particularly interesting features found on both smartphones. First, both have a ringer silence switch – old news for Palm (and now iPhone) users, but a long overdue touch for other Windows Mobile device manufacturers. Second, HP has dumped the physical four-way control pad in favour of an optical sensor that works just as well, but has fewer moving parts.
Both smartphones will be available in November, both unlocked and with contract from Vodafone. The HP iPaq Voice Messenger will cost around £333 inc VAT unlocked, the HP iPaq Data Messenger around £399 inc VAT. The full specifications and press release are below. Look out for our full reviews later this week.
HP Drives Mobile Connectivity Around the Globe
BRACKNELL, October 21, 2008 – HP today announced an agreement with Vodafone in Europe that will provide customers access to Vodafone’s high speed network on two new smartphones launched today - the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and the HP iPAQ Data Messenger.
The new HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and the HP iPAQ Data Messenger will be available through Vodafone’s business sales channels starting in the UK, with other European countries to be announced.
The HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and HP iPAQ Data Messenger are the latest additions to the HP smartphone portfolio. The HP iPAQ Voice Messenger is a sleek 3G smartphone with an integrated 20-key keypad that allows users to access powerful voice, email, Internet browsing and GPS applications.(1,2,3) The HP iPAQ Data Messenger is a sophisticated 3G smartphone with a large touchscreen display, full slide-out alphanumeric keyboard and built-in GPS capabilities,(3) providing a new way to experience mobile messaging and navigation from HP.
“HP is taking mobile computing beyond borders and boundaries to something truly global as a result of our relationship with Vodafone,” said David Wright, vice president and general manager, Personal Systems Group, HP UK&I. “Our new HP iPAQs will enable people to stay connected seamlessly on Vodafone’s high speed networks to the information, content and people that matter most to them.”
“High speed wireless connectivity is changing the way people communicate and helping our customers make the most of their time. Our continued relationship with HP is an important next step in helping customers stay connected to our high speed networks via easy to use, stylish smartphones in more places while on the move,” said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Director of Terminals, Vodafone Group. “Leveraging the depth in HP’s routes to market and the global scope of our partnership, we are expanding the range of mobile devices and regions where customers can experience true office mobility.”
Stylish new 3G smartphones
The HP iPAQ Data Messenger and HP iPAQ Voice Messenger offer email and voice capabilities, along with convenient access to a wealth of applications, making it easy for people on the move to stay connected.(1,2,3)
Users can easily setup and access email, and connect to the Internet around the world with advanced 3G wireless technologies, including HSPA broadband speeds, tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE.(1) Travelers can connect to the Internet and email(1) where WiFi is available, as well as find their way on the road with integrated GPS and Google Maps.(3)
Both smartphones feature a unique five-way optical navigation button that provides a “gliding” sensation when scrolling through menus, and intelligent predictive text capabilities that learn user’s vocabulary and style from messages and emails for progressively faster and easier message composition.
With integrated Microsoft Windows® Live Messenger, instant messaging is more intuitive. Additionally, the familiar Windows Mobile® 6.1 operating system means many customers can skip the hassles of a “new phone” learning curve and IT departments can easily and securely integrate the iPAQ smartphones into their existing Microsoft® Exchange environments.
“People expect their mobile phones to integrate seamlessly into their life, to meet their personal and business needs throughout the day”, said Alfredo Patron, Director, Microsoft Mobile Communications Business EMEA. “We are excited that HP continues to rely on Windows Mobile to deliver mobile solutions for their business and prosumer customers. From messaging and editing documents, to navigation and Internet browsing, these new iPAQ smartphones bring a new level of enterprise-class mobile solution to market.”
The HP iPAQ Data Messenger and the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger feature Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile, making synchronising contacts, appointments and tasks a breeze. Both devices feature ample memory to access important Microsoft Office Mobile files and store favourite photos and music with up to 8 gigabytes (GB)(4) of convenient micro secure digital (SD) storage. Users can easily capture and share pictures with the 3.1MP auto focus camera with built-in LED flash and 5X digital zoom and upload photos to Snapfish(1) directly from the HP iPAQs.
The new iPAQ devices feature one-step printing support for select WiFi, USB and Bluetooth enabled printers. Users can easily print their documents or email by directly connecting to USB printers, or pairing with Bluetooth enabled printing devices.
A sleek package featuring a beautiful 2.4-inch QVGA screen, the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger packs a powerful punch with its many connectivity options and is ideal for people on the go who want a slim and stylish smartphone with a 20-key keypad design.
The HP iPAQ Data Messenger is a stunning 3G world phone with a large, 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen designed for those who prefer working with mobile applications and composing their detailed messages on a full alphanumeric keyboard. The HP iPAQ Data Messenger’s large touchscreen display automatically rotates between portrait and landscape orientation to easily view mobile content.
More information on the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and the HP iPAQ Data Messenger is available at http://hp.eu/handhelds
HP iPAQ customers can choose from more than 250 software titles and download up to four of them at no additional charge by visiting http://www.ipaqchoice.com/uk. From games and entertainment to business and travel, HP offers software for virtually every need. With a full range of available options and accessories, customers can expand their HP iPAQ capabilities and adapt them to the way they work or play.
A dedicated smartphone section features ringtones, software and utility tools designed for the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and HP iPAQ Data Messenger. In addition, a dedicated navigation section offers maps, location-based services, speed camera services and in-car accessories.
The iPAQ Choice website allows customers to log in and download software “over-the-air” and view the latest software titles. Via the website, customers can stay in touch with and up to date on what’s new with HP iPAQ, even when travelling. More information is available at www.ipaqchoice.com/uk.
Pricing and Availability
The HP iPAQ Voice Messenger and the HP iPAQ Data Messenger are available at http://hp.eu/handhelds with the following pricing:
- The HP iPAQ Voice Messenger is expected to be available in November at a recommended street price of £333 including VAT.(5)
- The HP iPAQ Data Messenger is expected to be available in November at a recommended street price of £399 including VAT.(5)
Pricing through Vodafone is expected to be announced in November.
About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. HP completed its acquisition of EDS on Aug. 26, 2008. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.
(1) A standard GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA infrastructure, Wi-Fi network access, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, separately purchased equipment, and a service contract with a wireless service provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. Wireless Internet access requires separately purchased Internet service contract. Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all web content available. Normal GSM Data Calls (CSD) are not basic GSM data services. These services may not be available via all service providers, and may require separate subscription. Establishment and continuation of a wireless connection depends on network availability, provider support and signal strength. Coverage is subject to transmission limitations and terrain, system, capacity and other limitations. Not all features and service options are available in all areas.
(2) Telephone service requires a separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for availability.
(3) Purchase of additional maps and/or software may be required to enable some features or allow navigation in certain areas. Map coverage may vary and is not guaranteed.
(4) Sold separately or as an-add on feature.
(5) Estimated Street prices. Actual prices may vary.
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