HP has just officially announced the launch of the HP iPAQ hw6900 series of smartphones, touted as Mobile Messengers. Let's find out why.

To begin with there are quite a few ways through which the hw6900s will keep you connected. These include:

The HP iPAQ hw6900 series is also compatible with Skype Mobile software, allowing customers to enjoy high-quality voice calls via high-speed Internet connections. With the hw6900s distance should not be a problem. What's surprising to me though, is the lack of support for 802.11g. It seems to me like a step in the wrong direction.

On the GPS front (available on all models), customers in North America get Microsoft Pocket Streets 2006 to provide basic navigation assistance and a 60-day free trial of the HP iPAQ Navigation Software and Maps is included on CD to provide voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation. For customers in Europe, TomTom Navigator 5 software comes installed and customers can download their choice of one city map for free, while additional maps can be purchased separately.

Another highlight of these iPAQs is the bundled Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Messaging and Security Feature Pack, which allows you to automatically receive new email, calendar items, tasks or contacts without incurring additional email middleware expenses. As an added benefit these iPAQs allow an IT administrator to remotely delete data on an HP iPAQ in case it is lost or stolen. Wow!

You also get a HP Photosmart 1.3 megapixel camera to play around with (on select models only). With a Intel PXA270 Processor 416 Processor MHz powering them, these iPAQs are peppy performers.

The HP iPAQ hw6900 series is expected to be available in the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this spring and in North America in summer. Pricing will vary by region and on the telecommunications carrier.

Manufacturer website: Hewlett Packard