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All posts tagged "hp"


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A Mobility Market Crystal Ball

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 06:00 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/...hifting-mobile/

"In two years, we'll mark the thirtieth anniversary of the first commercially available cellphone -- built by Motorola, incidentally. Given this week's big news from Google, and other big events that we can only presume are yet to come, those two years may also prove to be some of the most interesting yet for the mobile industry."

If you read this site regularly then you likely enjoy tracking the mobility market and smartphone industry. In all of technology could there be more interesting and as fast changing sectors as these? We all tend to speculate these days on RIM's future, Google's moves, and Microsoft's challenges, not to mention the plethora of Android devices that are continually released. The folks over at Engadget must feel much the same. Donald Melanson posted an editorial today, citing statistics from such stalwarts as Gartner and Nielsen regarding the smartphone market. He speculates on what changes we might see in the future. What do you think of Microsoft buying HTC? What about HP getting out of the smartphone business? Where will Dell settle it's focus in the future? There are some juicy statistics and interesting ideas proposed in the editorial, not to mention in the comments from readers. It's a fun piece to peruse, and will stimulate debate for, well, at least another 24 hours or the next major market development, whichever comes first.


Friday, August 6, 2010

Mark Hurd, HP CEO, Resigns Under Storm of Controversy

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts News" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/...-investigation/

"Wild news out of HP just now -- CEO Mark Hurd has just resigned over a sexual harassment investigation. Hurd and the HP's board of directors decided that he should resign following a sexual harassment claim against Hurd and HP by a former marketing contractor -- HP claims that although there was no violation of its sexual harassment policy, Hurd violated the company's standards of business conduct by submitting inaccurate expense reports that covered his relationship with the contractor."

Absolute power corrupting absolutely? You betcha'. HP acted fast on this one - and it came to the fore because the woman involved had an attorney and contacted HP. Lots of missing information here, but I find it depressing that in typical white-collar fashion, when someone gets caught doing something wrong, they don't get punished - they get rewarded with a $12 million dollar severance package and stock options. Seriously, what the hell? What a morally-inverted world we live in...equally interesting that Engadget doesn't mention Hurd is married and has two kids.


Saturday, July 24, 2010

It's Official: HP Not Making Windows Phone 7 Devices

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Windows Phone News" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/24/...-webos-instead/

"No big surprise here, but HP Personal Systems Group VP Todd Bradley just flat-out confirmed to CNBC that HP will not be making any Windows Phone 7 devices, preferring instead to focus on the newly-acquired webOS for its line of smartphones."

I think we all saw this coming the moment HP bought Palm, but now we know for sure. Let's be honest though: will it matter? HP has struggled to be relevant in the smartphone industry for years - their PDA devices were impressive, but they never made a successful transition to hybrid PDA/phones. I don't think this is a significant loss for Microsoft in the Windows Phone space. What do you think?


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Asus, Dell, HTC, LG, Samsung All Working on Windows Phone 7

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Windows Phone News" @ 05:30 PM

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-bri...windows-phone-7

"While there's still shockingly few details about the launch of the Windows Phone 7 platform, Microsoft has now at least revealed a list of manufacturers that will be producing the first set of Phone 7 handsets. The Inquirer reports that Asustek, Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung are all working on Windows Phone 7 devices, although you won't be able to find names, technical specs, or pictures for any of these devices just yet."

There's not much that's new here, other than a confirmation that those OEMs are still on board - perhaps a verification that they haven't given up on Windows Phones like HP has. Looking at the above image though, which comes from a February 15th Engadget story, one has to ask what happened to Sony Ericsson? I've sent inquiries to both Microsoft PR and Sony Ericsson PR and will post their responses when I get them.


Thursday, July 15, 2010

HP tm2 Laptop Reviewed

Posted by Jason Dunn in "HP Laptops & Netbooks" @ 07:00 AM

This is my review video of the HP tm2 laptop [affiliate] - also known as a tablet PC because of the touch screen, though it's worth pointing out that HP doesn't use that term anymore. My unboxing and first impressions video is here if you haven't already watched it. The exact model I'm reviewing is the 1070ca, on loan to me for a few weeks from HP Canada. The exact model and configuration will change depending on where you are in the world, but the basics are the same. Read more...


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

HP No Longer Listed as Windows Phone 7 Partner

Posted by Adan Galvan in "Windows Phone News" @ 08:00 PM

http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2010...nger-a-partner/

During his WPC10 presentation, Andy Lees specifically addressed which partners would be shipping devices this fall. Phones will be available from HTC, Samsung, LG and Dell. The one name curiously missing from the list is HP. Considering that HP recently purchased Palm, this is hardly a surprise. However, I would take this with a grain of salt considering that neither HP nor Microsoft have come out and said that this was a fact.


Friday, May 21, 2010

The Cost of Our Shiny Gadgets

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Talk" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/...hts-on-foxconn/

"It's obvious, by now -- or it should be -- that something's going on at Foxconn -- the owners of massive factories in China which most famously assembles Apple products (though it's also responsible for many, many others). There have been several suicide attempts this year -- at least a few of them successful (though it's been pointed out that the number is pretty much on par with the rest of China) -- and over the past few days we've seen what can only be called a shocking expose by a worker who went undercover there."

Engadget's Laura June shares her thoughts on the real cost of the gadgets we know and love - because this Foxconn issue isn't just about Apple; they make products for HP and other big OEMs. I share June's thoughts that I'm not an economist; I know enough about wages to know that they need to be appropriate for the country the workers are in...you can't just take a North American minimum wage figure and use that. On the other hand, I support the concept of a "living wage" no matter what country we're talking about - if someone can't make a reasonable living working 40 hours a week, then they're not getting paid enough (and that applies to my own country as well).

I'd be a hypocrite if I said that the plight of the workers making my gadgets was at the forefront of my mind when I opened the package on a new device, but it's definitely something I've been thinking about more lately. Do I like cheap gadgets? Yes. But would I be willing to pay 10% more, knowing that money would make its way back to the workers in the form of better pay (which would be hard to do, but possible)? Yes, I absolutely would. Would you?


Wednesday, April 28, 2010

HP Buys Palm for $1.2 Billion. Yes, Seriously.

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Windows Phone Competition" @ 02:13 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/hp-buys-palm/

"HP and Palm, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which HP will purchase Palm, a provider of smartphones powered by the Palm webOS mobile operating system, at a price of $5.70 per share of Palm common stock in cash or an enterprise value of approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction has been approved by the HP and Palm boards of directors."

Of all the companies I was thinking about buying Palm, HP wasn't very high on the list - but now that I think about it, it makes quite a bit of sense. Palm has a lot of expertise in mobile devices, and by all accounts, their new generation of WebOS devices are pretty good. HP on the other hand has deep pockets and really struggled in the mobile space since PDAs became phones; they're never managed to have a very successful mobile device. They need people will skills and vision in the mobile phone space, something they've lacked for many years now. I wonder what this means for Windows phone 7? HP was a launch partner, and I was expecting them to release a Windows phone 7 device...I kind of doubt that will happen now. So, what are your thoughts on this? Engadget has a liveblog of the conference call as well.

Tags: hp, acquisition, palm, $$$

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Why Can't HP Get Smartphones Right?

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Windows Phone Articles & Resources" @ 01:00 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/24/t...ner=rss&emc=rss

"Hewlett-Packard is one of the world's most successful makers of desktop computers, laptops, servers and printers. It owns a powerful consumer brand, and it is a growing provider of services for businesses. In the first quarter, the company's sales rose 8 percent. But in smartphones, H.P. has been on a steady slide into irrelevance."

As someone who has fond memories of the first HP Jornada HPC (handheld personal computer) in the late '90s, and the amazing iPAQ 3650 and Jornada 568 Pocket PCs, it's been painful watching HP never quite get it right. Sure, they've had some decent devices, but nothing in my mind that can really compete with the likes of HTC, Samsung, or even Toshiba. Their Windows Mobile devices have been functional, yes, but they've tended to have all the visual appeal of a lead-encrusted brick. They're the classic "play it safe" device that doesn't stand out from the pack. HP is a powerful company full of smart people, so why haven't they managed to get this one right? Will we see them in the Windows phone 7 era, or is the Glisten the last iPAQ we'll see?


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

HP iPaq Glisten Reviewed

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "HP Windows Phones" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.mobilitysite.com/2009/12...(Mobility+Site)

If you're communication needs are purely business-oriented, and you don't need fancy-schmancy user interfaces, HP has the perfect smartphone for you. Mobilitysite's review notes a great (AMOLED) screen that is unfortunately QVGA only, hardware keyboard, and...that's it. The Glisten comes with an unvarnished WM6.5 install, which even for business users might not be enough any longer.


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

AT&T and HP Announce iPAQ Glisten

Posted by Jon Westfall in "HP Windows Phones" @ 06:30 AM

http://www.wireless.att.com/busines...isten/index.jsp

"The new HP iPAQ Glisten smartphone is a productivity powerhouse exclusively from AT&T. With its simple yet superior design, the iPAQ Glisten lets you view email, Web pages, and documents clearly from any angle on the active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) resistive-touch display that offers vivid colors, true black, and outdoor readability with fast-touch response and better battery performance. Durability begins with the attractive, thin design and jewel-like front. Its soft-touch finish resists scratches."

Another year, another iPAQ. Hopefully this one will be released in a timely fashion. Given HP's track record though, I'd expect this 6.5 device to hit just about the time Windows Mobile 7.5 is announced. Sorry HP - I guess I just have bad memories!

Tags: hp, ipaq, 3g, at&t, glisten

Monday, July 27, 2009

HP iPAQ K3 Obsidian Spotted

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Pocket PC Hardware" @ 04:00 AM

http://www.wmexperts.com/atts-hp-ip...-obsidian-flesh

"Whoa. Welcome back, iPAQ. What you see here is the HP iPAQ K3 "Obsidian," which has made an appearance in Vietnam a couple of months after we first learned of its existence. VNExpress has it that this Windows Mobile 6.5 phone sports a 2.46-inch AMOLED touchscreen at 320x240 pixels, a Qualcomm 7200A processor @ 528MHz, 256MB RAM/512MB ROM, GPS, 3.2MB camera and WiFi b/g. So, things have been upgraded since we saw the early leaked specs."

Oh HP, how I mourn the loss of the iPAQ line - please let your comeback actually keep the line going. This looks like a step in the right direction (WM 6.5, all the usual bells and whistles), but with HP's track record of slipping release dates, who knows when we'll see it. It is branded though, which is a good sign we may see it before 2012.


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

All Business, With a Little Bit of Fun...the HP910c Business Manager

Posted by Don Tolson in "Pocket PC Hardware" @ 09:00 AM

Product Category: 3G touch PDA Phone with embedded keyboard
Manufacturer: HP
Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
Price: $484 USD
System Requirements: Runs Windows Mobile 6.1
Specifications: Marvell PXA270 Processor running at 416 Mhz, 128 MB of RAM and 256 MB of ROM. Quad-band GSM/GPRS and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA, able to get 3G/H anywhere it's available. 3.0 megapixel camera, USB 2.0, BT 2.0 with EDR. 1940 mAh battery, 802.11b/g. Weight is 154g (5.4oz) with battery.

Pros:

  • Solidly built, very reliable, lightweight and easily pocketable;
  • Keyboard feel/design works well to prevent keying errors -- very solid tactile response;
  • GPS sensitivity and stability is excellent;
  • Battery life is very good.

Cons:

  • Accessories package is a bit light -- should have included a cover/case and a second stylus;
  • The position of the USB sync port and its rubber cover are a pain to work around.

Summary: I've owned numerous HP iPAQs over the years -- from the venerable 1950 through the Jornada series to the Messengers. While HP is not always the first with the latest and greatest features on their PDAs, I've always been impressed by the quality and reliability of their products. The hardware is very durable and stands up to the rigors of daily office and personal use, and the software provided clearly has the corporate user in mind. The HP iPAQ 910c Business Manager is no exception. This is a solidly built unit that will serve the business/corporate user very well. It doesn't come with a sexy, gesture-based interface, but it does everything it claims to do well, and consistently. Read more...


Friday, December 5, 2008

TamsPPC Interviews HP Austria About WM Strategy

Posted by Janak Parekh in "Pocket PC Articles" @ 10:00 AM

http://tamsppc.tamoggemon.com/2008/...uber-interview/

"HP's mobile strategy has recently left a few open questions in some analyst's heads. As TamsPPC has had an excellent relationship with HP ever since we debuted on a rx4240, we proudly present you this interview with Rudolf Gruber. Rudolf Gruber is the sales manager for mobile devices for HP Austria - he sat down with us for a no-holds-barred interview looking at topics like custom UI's, PDAs, the future of touchscreen devices and Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrades."

I want to commend Tom Hanna of TamsPPC for asking some necessary questions of HP and writing this article. That said, I was extremely disappointed with this interview; if anything, it reinforces my negative perception of HP. They refuse to go into detail about how they will differentiate themselves from the rest of the industry ("investing a lot of R&D"? Meaning?) and sidestep many of the issues (the WM6.1 "explanation" was particularly bad, in my opinion, even from a business standpoint). To be brutally honest, I think HP deserves its increasingly marginal role; it could have owned the entire handheld world a few years ago, but tossed it out the window, and still doesn't have a clue, despite making a few attractive devices. Is there anyone in our readership that plans to invest in HP mobile devices in the near future?

Tags: interview, hp, tamsppc

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

HP Announces iPAQ Data Messenger and Voice Messenger - Not For You US Users!

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Pocket PC Hardware" @ 11:00 AM

So yea - there are now some pretty slick looking iPAQs in the pipeline, but not everyone in the world will get to enjoy their features. Specifically, those in the Europe / Middle East / Asia Pacific markets may come across them (With high speed data through of a deal with Vodafone), but North Americans need not apply. Its a shame too, for once the stats on these HP devices look current and they certainly appear sleek from a design standpoint. Pictured above is the Data Messenger, the voice messenger and stats appearing after the break!

Read more...

Tags: hp

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

More HP iPAQ 910c Reviews Surface

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC Articles" @ 03:40 AM

"The HP iPAQ 910c Business Messenger is, as its name implies, a very good business phone. Like the BlackBerry Curve, it proves that business phones can be attractive and we do like the looks and compact size. It's a dream phone for those who love the T-Mobile Dash, Moto Q9 and BlackJack II but want Windows Mobile Pro rather than standard edition. The QWERTY-bar design is ever-popular in the US and we do love it for easier one-handed operation and expedience. The iPAQ doesn't bring any flashy design elements as do the HTC Touch Pro or Omnia, but we'll largely forgive that since it aims to be a solid business and messaging phone rather than an iPhone competitor. That said, we do wish it had a flush touch screen which would make it both more attractive and finger-friendly. While the iPAQ couldn't be described as an iPhone killer, it certainly is a Treo killer and we're impressed with the display, features, design and build quality compared to recent Windows Mobile Treo models."

More iPAQ 910 reviews have surfaced, courtesy of PocketPCSoft.net and MobileTechReview, and they seem to confirm what others have said in the past: it's a winner. If you're after a solid, no-frills device, this looks like the one to get.

Tags: review, hp, ipaq, 910, 910c, 912, 914

Monday, July 21, 2008

Mobility Site Unboxes the HP iPAQ 910

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC Hardware" @ 04:00 AM

http://mobilitysite.com/2008/07/hp-...k-and-unboxing/

Our buddy, Chris, has just unboxed the HP iPAQ 910. The quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA device is impressive, packing 128MB RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera, a huge 1940mAh battery (HTC, are you taking note of this?), and Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. Alas, some of you may be let down by its QVGA display. But if you can look past that, this may be the device for you.

Tags: hp, unboxing, ipaq, 910

Sunday, April 27, 2008

31 Days Of The Dragon: The HP-Sponsored $160,000+ Giveaway

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Pocket PC Events" @ 09:42 PM

http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/...0-giveaway.html



HP has kicked off a huge promotional giveaway of 31 of their HDX "Dragon" laptops in partnership with 31 different bloggers from around the world, and one of those sites is Digital Home Thoughts. Check out the full post for details!

Tags: contest, hp, dragon, HDX

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