HP secretly offers free software to iPAQ 65xx owners!

If you're lucky enough to own the iPAQ 6510 or 6515, there are a few secret rewards awaiting you on the HP Web site. The company has quietly released some incredible software that's available to download at no-charge.

HP ProtectTools
This security software greatly strengthens the Pocket PC's built-in password protection. HP ProtectTools adds additional choices on the level of complexity in which you set your password and allows you to create a "fail-safe" backup question to unlock your device if you forget your primary password. The enhanced login password protection and policies can even be set to be enforced after a hard reset and you can set HP ProtectTools to encrypt data on your device such as e-mail, contacts, or documents to protect it in case your device is lost or stolen.

Pocket Streets 2006
Microsoft Pocket Streets 2006 puts the street maps of the world in the palm of your hand. The software includes maps of the major cites of the United States, Canada, and Western Europe and includes "points of interest" to locate the nearest restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and other attractions. And with the integrated GPS feature of your HP iPAQ hw6500, you can quickly zoom to your exact position on the map.

Wireless Modem Software
This software, just released last month, enables a desktop PC or laptop to use the handheld as an external modem when it is connected to the computer through the USB cable or docking cradle.

If you don't own a 6500 series and you're thinking about trying to install the software on your device, don't bother. You must enter the serial number of your HP iPAQ before downloading Pocket Streets and HP ProtectTools. The Wireless Modem Software will not install on any device except for the iPAQ 6510 or 6515.