Kross of the group Panda sported his iPhone on a chain at last night's MTV Latin Awards, giving the already legendary device yet another new function. So what's the deal, ladies, gentleman, players, pimps: is the iPhone destined to hang 24 inches low from some of the best-accessorized necks around, or is Kross just trippin with his unique showpiece?

If you're still hung up on 2.5G data and Windows Mobile 5... well, first, we recommend you consult a professional. Failing that, though, check out HTC's P6300, the self-branded version of the throwback "Panda" that looks straight outta 2004 and has a feature set to match: tri-band EDGE data, Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Phone Edition, and SD / MMC slot. Mercifully, internal Flash is a more 2007-ish 256MB, and the WiFi and 3.5-inch QVGA display certainly helps round this one out. You can already grab this one on O2 as the Xda Argon, but it looks like folks elsewhere should be able to pick it up now too -- if you're into that sort of thing.

[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]

If this wasn't actually on O2's website, we'd think it was just a late (really late) April Fool's joke; alas, it now seems that the HTC Panda is the real deal in all its throwback glory. Looking pretty much like an HTC Himalaya or Alpine, the Panda reminds us of everything that was great about 2004 -- and thankfully, O2 has decided in its infinite wisdom to pick up the device as the "Xda Argon." Don't get your hopes up for modernized guts, though -- those are throwback, too, with EDGE data and Windows Mobile 5 leading the charge. On the other hand, Bluetooth, WiFi, a 2 megapixel camera, and a gloriously large 3.5 inch display all help make the Panda's case for a place in the sentimental Pocket PC user's pocket. Get it now on O2 for as little as... well, nothing, depending on the contract you select.

[Via the::unwired]

Ring any bells here, folks? This one goes way back -- think back to the early days of all-in-one devices, when Windows Mobile 6 was nothing more than a twinkle in Microsoft's eye, GSM 1900 was all you needed to get a decent signal in North America, and telephony support was a hacky graft in the form of Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition. That's right: the "Panda" from HTC appears, for all practical purposes, to be the true successor to the one and only "Space Needle" released on T-Mobile many, many moons ago (and later, the "Alpine"). Features are said to include a generous 3.5 inch display, 256MB ROM / 128MB RAM, 802.11b / g, Bluetooth 2.0, EDGE data (no 3G here -- throwback, indeed!), and a 2 megapixel cam. The release schedule is unclear -- in fact, it's not even clear whether HTC will release it at all -- but for once, that's not breaking out hearts.

If the X7500 "Athena" somehow managed to fail to attract your attention and you found the Vox, Libra, Love, and Cavailer positively forgettable, first verify that you have a pulse (because we really don't think that's normal) then check this out: HTC's 2007 arsenal is shaping up to be a doozy, with several previously-unknown models stepping into the spotlight. First up is the "Kaiser" (pictured top left), a follow-on to the Hermes that adds GPS -- a feature that's becoming increasingly common in high-end Pocket PCs. The "Elf" (top right) and "Panda" (not pictured) are midrange devices; they'll lack 3G radios, but the Panda's claim to fame will be a giant QVGA display that weighs in at well over 3 inches, while the Elf makes a name for itself with a fashion-friendly design and a touchpad in place of the typical d-pad. The "Wings" (bottom left) will ultimately take the torch from the Vox -- yes, the still-unreleased Vox -- by adding 3G, GPS, and a beefier processor. Finally, a new clamshell Smartphone will pick up where the Star Trek left off, rocking a GPS receiver and more wireless radios than its predecessor. If you can't find yourself an '07 HTC to your liking now, well... that's just crazy talk, but we know a Finnish outfit that might like your business.

[Via PDA247]

Despite Nokia's best efforts, it looks like the 8800 has gotten the fake treatment once again. The latest knock-off, which some were speculating to be the 8800's successor, sports a shiny metal exterior and a 2 megapixel camera, but still doesn't slide. It's certainly not as slick as the high-priced genuine models, or the classy 8801, but for the $200 this thing is allegedly costs (presumably out of suitcases and car trunks) you get what you pay for.