Review: HP iPaq rx1950 Navigator route planning

This satellite navigation system is a two-part contraption, consisting of an HP iPaq Pocket PC, and a GPS receiver.

Unlike an all-in-one device, this setup has the advantage that you can use it for  purposes other than navigating. The HP iPaq rx1950 is a fully-featured handheld computer.

It has a 300MHz processor, which is reasonably fast by today's standards, and 30Mb of memory. The navigation software, provided by ViaMichelin, comes on a 256Mb SD memory card that fits into a slot in the top of the iPaq.

The screen is reasonable although its resolution is not as high as that of the Acer n311 we looked at recently.

Unlike most two-part navigation devices, the GPS receiver in this one is built in to the stand that attaches to a car's windscreen. Because it takes its power from the provided cigarette lighter attachment, this means it's not possible to use the navigation facility when not in a car.

This won't be much of a problem for most users, but cyclists and walkers will have to look elsewhere. That said, the navigation itself is impressive. The maps are clear and easy to read, and our test routes were calculated extremely accurately.

It took a little while – around a minute – to calculate our route at the first time of asking, but while driving, having taken some deliberate wrong turns, the rx1950 was able to very quickly recalculate the route to take our new location into account.

The interface is simple and uncluttered – there are no buttons on screen, and controls are accessed by tapping the screen, at which point a menu appears.

The voice directions are clear but delivered in a slightly annoying American accent. That wouldn't be a particular problem, but the sound quality isn't great and it can get a little muffled at times.

At £300 for the combination of Pocket PC and satellite navigator, this is a very good deal. Although it's more bulky than a standalone unit, the HP iPaq rx1950 Navigator is a good choice for anyone who wants an in-car GPS system and is in the market for a new handheld PC.

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