HP Readies New IPaq

Hewlett-Packard looks set to expand its line of IPaq handhelds with the introduction of a new device, the IPaq H2200.

The H2200, which is manufactured by Taiwanese hardware maker High Tech Computer, is based on either a 200-MHz or a 400-MHz Xscale processor from Intel. HP's newest personal digital assistant will be available with at least 64MB of SDRAM and 32MB of ROM, according to a draft version of the user manual filed with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

Information on when the PDA will be released and how it will be priced was not immediately available.

Basic Specs

The H2200 measures 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches by just over 0.6 inches and weighs 5.5 ounces. The device incorporates a transflective TFT LCD with a resolution of 240 by 320 pixels, and supports 64,000 colors. It comes with a Secure Digital card slot, a CompactFlash card slot, and an infrared port.

Selected models will also include Bluetooth wireless networking connectivity and a universal remote control for control home entertainment devices, according to the manual.

Based on Microsoft Pocket PC software, the H2200 includes a number of Microsoft PDA applications. Among them are Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Windows Media Player, Pocket Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Reader.

Wireless Options

Because the device uses Bluetooth wireless, High Tech Computer was required to obtain FCC approval before the new device can be sold in the U.S. The FCC has granted approval for the H2200.

The launch of a new device typically follows within a few months of FCC approval, although in some cases this can take longer. In rare instances, an approved device can be canceled by the manufacturer and never make it to market.

A spokesperson for HP said she could not confirm or deny information about the H2200 and could not comment beyond that.