HP and Cingular Wireless today announced the HP iPAQ hw6500 series Mobile Messenger, the first Pocket PCs in the United States to use Cingular's high-speed EDGE network.

Photo: HP iPAQ hw6500 Photo 1

Beginning on Oct. 31, Cingular will be the sole U.S. carrier for this sleek smart device, which delivers wireless email and an array of applications that offer users access to the digital content and services they need for truly effective global communication and mobile productivity.

The HP iPAQ hw6500 series is the first generally available Cingular-enabled device to have an integrated global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver. Cingular will sell two versions of the Mobile Messenger, the hw6515 featuring a 1.3-megapixel camera and the hw6510, which will come without a camera. The HP iPAQ hw6500 series also boasts a unique combination of digital wireless voice and data capabilities, including access to Cingular's nationwide EDGE network, built-in keyboard, and Bluetooth wireless technology.

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

To help simplify the implementation of wireless solutions, HP and Cingular have collaborated with 14 application providers to create the HP Mobility Solutions Evaluation Center (www.hp.com/go/mobile-evaluation), a one-stop shop for diverse mobility solutions and know-how for notebooks, tablet PC and handheld devices.

Customers can visit this online resource to learn about and download trial versions of mobile applications such as mail and messaging, security, navigation and business solutions. The website also includes HP-branded solutions such as Hosted Microsoft Exchange, Open Roaming and HP Navigation System.

Together, the HP iPAQ hw6500 series and HP Mobility Solutions Evaluation Center offer customers an easy way to evaluate and implement powerful mobile solutions with less risk by leveraging the experience and market leadership of both HP and Cingular.

"HP is simplifying the path for customers who are eager to add mobility to their lives but wary of the complexity and technical challenges," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Computing Global Business Unit, HP. "Together with Cingular, we are empowering customers to take full advantage of mobility in ways they've never experienced before and to change the way they do business and how they connect to information, communication and even entertainment."

At the Microsoft CIO Summit earlier this year, HP and Cingular previewed the HP iPAQ hw6500 and several applications featured in the HP Mobility Solutions Evaluation Center. The response to alternative mail and messaging solutions and the HP iPAQ hw6500 was overwhelming, with more than 60 corporate customers signing up for an early evaluation pilot program.

"The introduction of the HP iPAQ hw6510/hw6515 provides business customers with more than just a powerful new device but rather a complete wireless voice and data solution right out of the gate," said Jeff Bradley, vice president, business data services, Cingular Wireless. "Cingular and HP have developed specifically for the iPAQ 6510/hw6515 an ecosystem of application providers whose services extend from broad-based email to those for specific industries. This, combined with the popular Pocket PC technology platform and the largest and fastest national wireless data network in the country, presents to a broad range of companies a one-stop approach through which they can give their mobile workforces wireless access to critical information and processes."

Treasure chest of mobile solutions

Developed with wireless expertise from Cingular, 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 for iPAQ 6500 series solutions. Expertise areas include:

- Mobile Mail and Messaging: Customers will have a choice of two "push" e-mail services - Good Technology's GoodLink wireless messaging and data access software and service and Cingular Xpress Mail. GoodLink, which is targeted by Cingular to medium and large businesses, provides a two-way, wirelessly synchronized connection to Microsoft Outlook email, PIM and other corporate applications with more end-to-end security and robust IT management capabilities. Cingular Xpress Mail, based on the popular email platform from SEVEN, gives individuals and small business access to work and personal email, calendar and contacts as well as the ability to view attachments. Extended Systems also provides mobile access to earlier versions of Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes.

- GPS and Navigation: Microsoft Pocket Streets will be available as a free download for HP iPAQ hw6500 customers in North America. For customers looking for fuller featured, GPS-enabled turn-by-turn navigation, HP iPAQ Navigation Maps and Software, powered by NAVTEQ can be purchased. The GEOTAB mobile field force and fleet management solution represents just one of the GPS-based software solutions compatible with the HP iPAQ hw6500.

- Security and Management: CREDANT Technologies delivers access controls to help protect sensitive data. Bluefire Security Technologies provides wireless VPN clients for Cisco/Nortel infrastructures. iAnywhere offers mobile device management and security features. Ecutel enables a more secure mobile VPN. HP Open Roaming allows enterprises to implement mobility solutions that insulate users from the complexities of managing different networks on their wireless devices.

- Business Applications: Offerings include powerful customer relationship management and sales force automation software such as Siebel and Dovarri; field force automation software from Countermind and WennSoft; and industry-specific applications such as healthcare data management from PatientKeeper.

Meeting both business and personal lifestyles

Weighing less than 6 ounces, the HP iPAQ hw6500 series Mobile Messenger combines open industry standards to offer mobile professionals a single, stylish device for their global business and personal communication needs. Key features include:

- Quad-band Class 10 GSM/GPRS/EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) technology allows for voice and data communication around the world.(1,3,4,6) The de facto global standard for digital cellular radio, GSM is the world's most deployed digital cellular system. Cingular has the largest international footprint of any U.S. carrier with roaming agreements in more than 165 countries for voice and more than 85 countries for data.

- Multiple messaging and inbox capabilities including multimedia, text and instant messaging and the ability to access all business and personal email accounts on one device.

- Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology to communicate with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headsets, printers or bar code scanners and wirelessly synchronize with desktop or notebook PCs.

- Built-in 1.3-megapixel HP Photosmart camera (HP iPAQ hw6515 only) helps ensure high-quality 4 x 6-inch photos and allows for easy image and video sharing.

The iPAQ hw6500 series will be available at Cingular stores and outlets as well as select Cingular authorized dealers. Cingular will offer the device at $449 with a two-year contract, and $39.99 per month for unlimited data with a qualified voice plan.

- HP iPAQ hw6500 Photo 1
- HP iPAQ hw6500 Photo 2
- HP iPAQ hw6500 Photo 3