Has the iPAQ hw6700 Been Canceled?

Ever since HP announced the iPAQ hw6500 last spring, there have been persistent rumors that a second version, the hw6700, is on the way.

The hw6700 supposedly will be a device quite similar to its predecessor, but offering some features not included in the hw6500, like Wi-Fi and the latest version of Windows Mobile.

At one point last summer HP itself even accidentally leaked the specifications of this model, confirming its existence.

However, there have recently been some signs that the hw6700 may never be released at all.

An Interesting Encounter

A Brighthand reader recently had an interesting telephone conversation with someone at HP.

He was calling to order the iPAQ hw6500 and had a technical question the salesperson couldn't answer. He was then transferred to someone within HP who had the information, but doesn't normally take customer calls.

The customer then took the opportunity to ask about the hw6700, and was told that this model has been canceled.

Instead, HP supposedly plans to come out later this year with a device to be called the iPAQ hw6900. Unfortunately, the HP employee did not give any additional details on this Pocket PC.

Another Bad Sign

According to the information HP leaked a few months ago, the hw6700 is supposed to debut early this year. If this is true, then it seems likely it would be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show.

This would give the company an opportunity to show this iPAQ off to thousands of potential customers.

However, the CES is winding down and there has been no announcement of the hw6700.

Even if it isn't ready to be shipped, HP could still make the announcement. It began talking about the hw6500 months before it was available.

Obviously, rumors and speculation do not constitute definite proof. But they are enough to raise questions about where the iPAQ hw6700 will even reach customers' hands.

Related Links

• HP Leaks Details on the iPAQ hw6700 Series