HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion

#8

in Midrange GPS Systems

Score: 6.8/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

Reviewers praise the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion as a successful hybrid of GPS technology and personal digital assistant convenience.

 

List Price: $499
  • Overall
Key Features
  • 3.5-inch display
  • Windows Media Player
  • MP3 player
  • Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Bluetooth
Pros
  • Loud speaker; clear-sounding navigation
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • A sleek design
  • Extremely portable
Cons
  • GPS receiver drains the battery quickly
  • No QWERTY keyboard
  • Slow cold starts
  • Offers Bluetooth, but is not a phone itself

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion Overall - 6.83 (Acceptable)

Long before the iPhone 3G, reviewers have appreciated the one-stop convenience of the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion. Built on the same platform as Hewlett Packard's iPaq personal digital assistants, this model's emphasis is on convenience during travel. Reviewers determine the model is not the best PDA, nor is it a go-to model for exclusive GPS navigation. But if you need a blending of the two, the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion just might exceed your expectations.

The HP iPaq series has other Travel Companions with capabilities similar to the rx5900. Also consider the 310 model with its larger 4.3-inch screen. 

What the Experts Say: 

  • "The iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion feels first and foremost like a GPS device, one that delivers extra value by delivering all of the things you would expect from a top-notch Pocket PC." -- Laptop Mag
  • "The HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion delivers a sleek all-in-one navigation, productivity, and entertainment device to mobile professionals; we just wish it had better battery life." -- CNET
  • "The iPAQ Travel Companion combines a GPS receiver with a traditional PDA. I've been testing the iPAQ for several weeks. While I've found a great deal to admire, I've also been disappointed -- if not downright confounded -- by the navigation guidance I received." -- PC World
  • "If you're looking for a versatile PDA that also offers GPS capabilities, the well-designed HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion is an excellent device to take on the road with you." -- Consumer Guide

 

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion Performance - 6.33 (Mediocre)

Reviewers find extreme highs and lows with the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion's performance. Several find the device very sluggish to boot from a cold start. Plus reviewers mention the standard TomTom maps are outdated and notice that the GPS functionality drains the battery very quickly. In PC World's tests, "The GPS signal sometimes took 5 to 10 minutes to kick in. And the 3.5-inch color touch screen was difficult to read in direct sunlight, even at the screen's maximum brightness level." The 5900 Travel Companion has its positive traits as well. In addition to finding reasonably accuracy thanks to the TomTom Navigator 6 software, reviewers also liked the voice-guided directions. "It stays blessedly silent until you're coming up to a turn," PDA Street writes. "When it does speak, it sounded clear and plenty loud coming through the 5900's speaker. I had no problem hearing even in my tin can on wheels with its loose muffler." 

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion Ease of Use - 9.5 (Excellent)

Even with PDA functions thrown into the mix, the HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion is very easy to use. CNET reports: "Overall, the rx5900 is easy to navigate thanks to its smart set of external controls and a feature called HP Quick Launch. This utility simplifies the interface by bringing together the five most essential functions of the device -- Today, Entertainment, Navigation, Travel Assistant, and Internet -- onto one screen...." 

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion Design - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 5900 has a great design -- but several reviewers note its dimensions are better for GPS rather than PDA use. PDA Street notes, "It has a modern, minimalist look with simple low-rise control keys. The casing is molded and curved, made of high-impact plastic -- very comfortable to hold." One of Smartphone Magazine's favorite features is the fingerprint- resistant screen. "Nothing bugs me more than having a smudged screen, but that isn't an issue with the Travel Companion."  

HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion Features - 9.5 (Excellent)

The HP iPaq rx5900 has an advantage over some of its class because it is designed with more than GPS in mind. This personal digital assistant runs Windows Mobile 5.0, and also features Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth connection. Laptop Mag explains, "With the Mobile version of Microsoft's Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you'll be able to get some work done between trips -- albeit without the aid of a QWERTY keyboard."

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $100 Magellan Maestro 3100

The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an entry-level GPS that aims to provide bare-bones navigation at an attractive price. While not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going -- and it won't break the bank in the process.

MSRP: $186 Mio Moov 310

The Mio Moov 310 gets a mixed response from reviewers. On one hand, they like that its MSRP is easy on the wallet, but on the other hand, they feel there is better performance to be had among inexpensive GPS devices.

MSRP: $536 TomTom GO 300

The TomTom GO 300's features and design are universally easy to master for basic navigation. But other models are unanimously seen as stronger navigators with more innovative features.

MSRP: $299 TeleNav Shotgun

The TeleNav Shotgun is only the second GPS-dedicated device to offer Internet connectivity. But its appeal lies more in its innovation than in its functionality.