The iPAQ is Back: The iPAQ K3

For those of you that are new to Windows Mobile, the HP iPAQs used to be king. In fact, a search of our review archive will bring up the classics like the iPAQ hx4700, hx3800, and so on.

In the last few years, HP hasn't done much work in the handheld space. They did two Windows Mobile Classic (non-phone) devices (the 2xx series and 1xx series) that no one really paid attention to because no one really wants a standalone PDA anymore.

Then, HP made a return to phone-based devices with the 910 Business Messenger which was a decent device. Then, there was the Voice and Data Messenger, which again, no one really paid attention to because they both were too little too late.

It looks like HP may be poised for a comeback thanks to some leaks sent over to Engadget showing a device called the iPAQ K3, or Obsidian, which sports a QVGA touchscreen. It's listed as running on Windows Mobile 6.5, though the interface shown on the device is mysteriously similar to leaks of Windows Mobile 7 we've seen. Also lending to the possibility of this being a WinMo 7 device is that it won't include a stylus. Since 7 should include support for capacitive screens, this makes us wonder if the K3 will usher in a new era of capacitive screens for Windows Mobile device.

We're really liking the capacious keyboard which is said to have "large THUMB-sized keys." We're also excited for the integration of a proximity sensor which may be used to help to save battery while on a call.

Is the iPAQ back? Perhaps we'll find out towards the end of this year when the K3 launches, though if the device will indeed ship with WinMo7 and not 6.5, it could be pushed back into next year.