3GSM HP today unveiled its latest iPaq Mobile Messenger handset, finally taking the wraps off a device it has been inadvertently mentioning on its website for some time. However, the members of the hw6900 series look a little under-specced compared to Fujitsu Siemens' latest competitor product.

The HP machines, like FS', are based on 416MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processors running Windows Mobile 5.0 with Microsoft's Messaging and Security Pack update. That means they get MS' Direct Push Technology support. They have 64MB of RAM on board, and both contain GPS receivers.

However, where the FS Pocket Loox T series offers 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and 3G connectivity, the hw6900 series has 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.2 and GSM/GPRS. That said, it's a quad-band radio and it has EDGE support. The HP PDA phones also boast bigger, 3in displays, but a less capacious, 1200mAh battery.

Some hw6900 family members will incorporate a 1.3 megapixel camera, but it didn't specify which ones. One confirmed model is the 6940, but other models, including the 6910, 6915, 6920, 6925, 6945 and 6965, are believed to be in the pipeline too.

HP said the iPaq hw6900 series is expected to be available in the Asia Pacific and the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this Spring, and in North America in the Summer.  It did not disclose pricing. ®