In addition to their high-end iPaq 900, HP also announced their iPaq 600 phone, which almost tops the iPaq 900 in terms of features. Instead of a full-QWERTY keyboard, the iPaq 600 uses a 12-key keypad, but also integrates an innovative Smart Touch navigational wheel. Basically, the middle of the keypad also acts as a scroll wheel. Though you can't click the compass points, as you can on an iPod or similar device, you can use the wheel area for scrolling and other tasks. In our tests, the wheel area was very responsive, and an interesting way to improve navigation on Windows Mobile 6, without relying on a clickwheel.
The iPaq 600 is not short on features. Like the iPaq 900, it will pack tri-band UMTS for global, high-speed networking, as well as quad-band GSM for worldwide calling. Also, like the iPaq 900, the phone will feature Wi-Fi, including VoIP capabilities, as well as assisted GPS for navigation. In fact, unlike the iPaq 900, which will use Google Maps for navigation, the iPaq 600 should ship with a more robust navigational suite.
The iPaq 600 will also be loaded with HP's Voice Commander software, as well as Windows Mobile 6. A 3-megapixel camera will allow users to take shots, then upload them to HP's Snapfish service. Pricing and availability have yet to be determined, but HP is hoping to get the phone to market by the end of the year.
We think the HP iPaq 600 will be the pinnacle of the new iPaq line, thanks to the navigation wheel. Though some users might clamor for a QWERTY keyboard, in terms of design, the iPaq 600 brings more innovation to the crowded smartphone market than its big brother, the iPaq 900. Without having tested either phone we can't comment on performance, but in terms of design, we think the iPaq 600 is the way forward for HP. Smartphone makers surely need to distinguish themselves from the pack, and this sort of interesting and innovative design is the way to go. Also, with better navigation options pre-loaded, we're much more interested in seeing this device than the milquetoast iPaq 900.
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