HP surprises us with a GPS navigator . . . and it isn't running Windows Mobile. Is the new iPaq 310 worth the trip? Read our hands-on impressions.
The iPaq 310 is not a smartphone. In fact, it doesn't even run Windows Mobile, unlike every other iPaq HP announced today. In fact, the phone runs a proprietary system that HP developed specifically for the navigation device. We haven't had a chance to seriously compare the device to other GPS navigators on the market, but compared to HP's other iPaq announcements, the iPaq 310 stands out in interesting ways.
The most interesting feature on the GPS navigator is the 3-D mapping software. For certain, select cities, maps don't simply appear as lines in a 2-D space (not even a tilted, almost 3-D space). Instead, you get actual 3-D models of buildings filling the city space. We can't imagine populating an entire globe's worth of buildings, but in our hands-on experience mapping trips through London, we were quite impressed at the range of buildings represented, and the graphical prowess of the small navigator.
The device feels more like a PMP in the hand than a traditional GPS navigator. Whether the thinner shell has any affect on GPS reception remains to be seen, but we found the 4.3-inch screen to be plenty large for typing instructions and reading directions. The screen packs 800 by 480 pixels, which exceeds DVD resolution, so users who want to watch movies on the device should also be pleased by its capabilities. An MP3 player and photo viewer are standard, though it is more difficult to find a standalone GPS device without these features than with, these days.
Bluetooth will help the iPaq 310 link to your cell phone for calls, but this is not a smartphone device. HP's proprietary system seemed adept at directions and basic trip planning, but HP clearly intends for itineraries to be created on a desktop and transferred to the device. This is an interesting idea, especially for complicated business trips that might require multiples stops and good dining recommendations. Though we like the points of interest database found on most handheld navigators, we can't help but expect that a desktop PC might provide a more in-depth experience that could be more accurate and easier to navigate. If HP can come through on this aspect, they will probably be successful expanding into the GPS market. The real question is whether people will need to buy an iPaq 310 to go with their iPaq 900.
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