HP to Offer Handheld Customers Upgrade Program to Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0

HP iPAQ handhelds with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 will provide customers with enhanced mobile communication, entertainment and productivity through simpler navigation and access to data, an improved Mobile Office suite, along with a more powerful, integrated multimedia experience.

"Since the introduction of the Windows Mobile platform more than five years ago, HP and Microsoft have worked together to offer customers innovative mobile tools to further improve their mobile experience," said Eric Kilponen, director of product marketing, handheld division, HP. "With Windows Mobile 5.0 for HP's award-winning iPAQ line, customers will benefit from 'persistent memory storage' that ensures that devices will retain all their business data, even when the battery is depleted. Further, customers can increase productivity through faster access to information and updates to familiar business applications, such as Outlook and Office."

HP will offer Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrades for the HP iPAQ hx2100, hx2400, hx2700 and hx4700 series of handhelds. These software upgrades are expected to be available this summer and can be purchased directly from HP.

Launched in November 2004, the versatile HP iPAQ hx2000 series offers device and data protection and provides optimal combinations of performance, connectivity and expandability options vital to businesses. Strong security features delivered via HP ProtectTools software across the hx2000 series and integrated biometric fingerprint reader on the HP iPAQ hx2700 help keep both device and data protected from unauthorized access.

The powerful HP iPAQ hx4700 series is designed for mobile professionals to effectively carry on business in or out of the office. A visually stunning 4-inch VGA color display allows customers to conveniently view business documents or slides without having to modify them to fit the screen.

The Intel PXA270 624-megahertz processor raises productivity by helping users work faster and smarter and an integrated touchpad with a mouse-like cursor enables easier navigation. The HP iPAQ hx4700 series has been recognized with superior reviews and industry accolades. These include: PC Magazine's Best of 2004, Government Computer News' Best Products of 2004 and CNET's Best Pocket PC Handheld for Business.