HP unveils trio of new iPaq handhelds

Hewlett-Packard has announced new iPaqs based on Windows mobile 5.0

HP iPaq rw6815: on-screen keypad

HP has introduced three new iPaq handhelds based on Microsoft's Windows mobile 5.0 software, including a compact PDA phone, a model designed for satellite navigation, and a media-centric handheld.

The new models provide the rich mobile data experience that customers are demanding for both professional and personal productivity, according to Neil Dagger, HP's senior manager for handhelds in the UK and Ireland

The rw6815 Personal Messenger is a tri-band Pocket PC phone with 802.11b WLAN and Bluetooth wireless support. It weighs just 140g and has a 2.7in touch screen display and 2 megapixel camera.

Although it lacks a qwerty keyboard, users can compose emails and text messages using an on-screen keyboard. The HP iPaq rw6815 will cost £369.

HP's iPaq rx5700 and rx5900 Travel Companion models are designed to fit into a GPS receiver car cradle for satellite navigation and come with TomTom Navigator 6 installed on a memory card. The rx5900 has 802.11b/g and Bluetooth, while the rx5700 only has Bluetooth. Both devices will cost upwards of £299.

The iPaq rx4000 Mobile Media Companion models, priced from £199, have 1GB of user storage for music, photos and videos, but also support Skype for voice-over-IP calls.

All models will be available from the end of October.