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 These generally well-done devices are now hampered by their outdated OS - which will make selling them more difficult.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!
Related posts:
HP will lose customers. One for sure - me…
HP 2600n Color Laser Printer - drivers update take forever.
Scanjet 2200c - no up to date drivers, it’s true that it’s a bit old, but when you use a scanner once a year there is no point of buying new one every time you need to scan something.
HP514 - v.2.05 firmware took 3 months to cover ‘all’ phone/language versions. VoIP still has very low volume.
Pavillion ze2000 laptop - mainboard problem, never got solved.
One other HP laptop (dont rememebr the model) - wifi switch was damaged (still under warranty), two months at HP and they returned it in same non-working condition.
I was going to buy 614c… Not anymore!!
Hi Mike,
I am very sorry to hear this!
Should I link you up to a buddy of mine at HP’s?
Best regards
Tam Hanna
Some good guys share cooked ROMs for ipaqs that working GREAT
Check this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2093351#post2093351
Hi Jim,
unfortunately, no ROM is available for my rx4240 as of now. If it were, expect a rave review immediately ;).
Best regards
Tam Hanna
It’s such a disappointment that HP does not allow upgrade. I will not buy iPAQ 110 that still has old WM6.0 instead of 6.1.
HP, wake up !!! You guys are out of touch with customers !!!
Hi Folks,
my words!
The guys at HP’s hear the sounds - but didn’t respond yet…
All the best
Tam Hanna
I just bought an HP IPAQ 111 and I am very disappointed to hear there will be no upgrades. This is a well built device and HP should not abandon their customers who use these PDAs. This is very disturbing news and HP better rethink this.
Hi,
more on this here:
http://tamsppc.tamoggemon.com/2008/08/15/do-you-speak-ipaq/
All the best
Tam Hanna