HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion

in Midrange GPS Systems

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

• Overall

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 Plus reviewers mention the standard TomTom maps are outdated and notice that the GPS functionality drains the battery very quickly.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: $500 TomTom GO 930

Reviewers praise the TomTom GO 930 for its novel features and accessibility. Its performance is considered good, if not quite class-leading. However, some feel that the GO 930's voice command feature could be improved.

MSRP: $250 Navigon 2100

While most manufacturers are trying to impress with you flash and color, Navigon 2100 chooses to woo you with its simplicity.

MSRP: $190 Garmin nuvi 350

GPS writers say the Garmin nuvi 350 is a breeze to use. From the moment you turn it on and wait briefly for it to boot, the 350 is simple to program and reliable to get you where you need to go. Its only real flaw is time -- several years after its introduction on the market, its features are less-than-exciting compared to newer affordable GPS.