HP iPaq rw6100

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Following the launch of its GSM-based iPaq h6315, HP looks set to strengthen its grasp of the handheld market with the iPaq rw6100 PDA-phone. Apart from its novel sliding form factor, youll likely be enticed by this handset's impressive specifications. However, customers outside South Korea may need to wait a while longer as the company prefers to evaluate the success of the product before determining its applicability for CDMA markets elsewhere.

Upside: Available in either black or the customary silver finish, you can expect the rw6100 to fulfill most of your computing needs. Unlike the h6315, this iPaq is powered by a speedy Intel Bulverde processor that clocks in at 520MHz. In addition to the 64MB main RAM, a whooping 78MB of iPaq file store is in hand. This non-volatile memory lets you install applications and serves as a permanent storage area.

Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, you have the ability to orientate the display on-the-fly between portrait and landscape views. Plus, Web pages can be dynamically processed to fit onto the 262K-color TFT. Sadly, the 2.8-inch screen is 240 x 320 pixels.

The sliding mechanism is well-implemented. Similar to the Samsung SGH-D410, a little nudge sets the phone into position and reveals a well-spaced number pad.

Photo enthusiasts will be pleased with the rotatable camera that captures both stills and clips. A photolight is available for close-ups in low-light conditions. HP opted to go with a CCD sensor so pictures should be superior to its CMOS variants. The 1.1-megapixel images will produce quality 4R prints without much issue.

Expansion-wise, a Secure Digital slot takes in both SD and MMC memory cards. Being SDIO compliant, hardware in SD formats should work fine, too.

Downside: Although this iPaq is packed to the brim with features, Bluetooth connectivity is absent. Users will probably be irked when they can't pair their Bluetooth headsets to this device. However, the company stresses that Bluetooth has not made much inroad into Korea and attributes the reason to the dominance of wireless LAN technology. HP has made up for this and thrown in a handsfree that doubles as a remote control for the onboard MP3/OGG player. Unfortunately, owners will need to get accustomed to the device's heft and pesky antenna stub.

Outlook: The iPaq rw6100 looks well-positioned to strike a chord with the data-centric Korean mobile users who want connectivity on-the-go. It is expected to be available this September from the branch offices of KT and KTF dealers in the country.