HP releases multi-tasking hybrid PDA phone

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 08 February 2005 09:30

IT Industry - Development

Mobile enthusiasts can now connect simultaneously to multiple communications functions with the debut of HP’s iPAQ h6365, a three-way wireless, fully integrated pocket PC - the first of its kind in Australia.

The imaginatively named HP iPAQ h6365 has the capabilities of a personal organiser and mobile telephone and uses a three-way wireless network.

The  h6365  is  designed  to  work  with  various  frequencies and carriers available  in  multiple countries to give customers wireless coverage where they want it and at the speed they need.

Features include integrated Bluetooth capability to synchronise and share data, access the internet, send e-mails and exchange business cards or other documents.

The  h6365  offers three-way wireless capabilities – GSM/GPRS, wireless LAN network  access  (802.11b)  and  Bluetooth. While making a GSM voice call users can simultaneously use WiFi to send and receive e-mails, utilising all three wireless technologies.

The  h6365 enables users to automatically connect to  the  fastest  network  available  and  has the ability to switch to an alternate  network if the initial connection is lost. While on a GSM voice call, customers can be notified of an incoming e-mail or vice versa.

With integrated WLAN, users can stay connected while in a wireless LAN-enabled  office or home or at public wireless hotspots such as coffee shops, hotels and airports.

If the device lives up to the advance publicity in performance and usability, then it may go some way to bolstering HP’s sagging image of an innovator in its field. However, someone should give the marketing department a good kick in the backside and hire someone from Apple. h6365 – a really catchy name, eh?