TamsPPC - the PocketPC Blog

So far, the hp ipaq 614 business navigator has presented itself as a well-done and innovative device with a lot of similarities to the rx4240. Unfortunately, HP did not include a VGA screen…can the QVGA display stack up?

Our first test partner was Palm’s Treo 680 - the 614 managed to come out a bit ahead:

Comparisons between it and a rx4240 ended in a tie - as the screens seem similarly big, it looks like HP used the same LCM module in both devices. This explains the excellent contrast…but also leads to potential issues in very bright sunlight:

In the end, it looks like HP recycled the rx4240’s excellent screen here. Insanely high color saturation and bright enough for most outdoor use(I never had any problems using my rx4240 outdoors in Austria) - this definitely is a great display. However, navigators tend to be used outdoors a lot - a device with a reflective display may be better suited for people living in countries with loads of sun..

The folks over at BrightHand’s report that HP does not plan to offer any Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrades for its existing devices. Mike Hockey from HP is quoted as following:

HP will not be offering an operating system upgrade for currently shipping HP iPAQ devices beyond what ships on the device today — Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.

This decision comes after having evaluated the potential for delays in firmware and software updates, device recertification, and carry-over costs to our customers that are often associated with an operating system upgrade.

HP is committed to continuing its long-standing relationship with Microsoft and will deliver HP iPAQs with Windows Mobile 6.1 at a future date.

For me, this is a very bad sign. Originally, HP devices stood for future security - the original iPaq’s always got at least one software update(usually in time, although the hx4700 was a bit, um, late). However, all of this changed when Windows Mobile 6.0 was announced; HP was no longer willing to offer any upgrades for its existing devices.

This definitely is a slap in the face of all device owners; people expecting an upgrade due to HP’s excellent part track record are now standing in the rain.

But HP now has an even bigger problem: the 110 and 210 series. These generally well-done devices are now hampered by their outdated OS - which will make selling them more difficult.

Does this mark the beginning of the end of HP? Will they become a new Acer soon? Or will they understand their mistake and row back?

Please let us know what you think!