HP iPAQ 310 Portable GPS Navigator Review

The HP iPAQ 310 Portable GPS Navigator raises the bar for portable GPS units.

Perhaps what is most striking about the HP iPAQ 310 at first glance is the gorgeous High Definition WVGA Display Screen which, at 4.3 Inch, is mightily impressive for a GPS. Input is either via the touch screen or with a stylus.

Despite its many features the HP iPAQ 310 manages to remain a remarkably slim unit. Indeed its dimensions of 4.30" x 3.40" x 0.70" with a weight of just 0.41 Lbs ensure it's portability.

Its slim size belies the fact that HP have managed to pack a powerful SiRFtitan 600MHz dual core processor, 128MB Fast DDR Memory and 2GB Flash Storage into it. These specifications are unprecedented in a portable GPS unit, especially one priced as competitively as the iPaq 310.
Other high end units rely on the less powerful 400MHz SIRF III chipset, backed up by 64Mb of RAM.

In practice this means that the HP iPAQ 310 boasts faster route calculations and re-routing than its competitors. Satellite acquisition time is also markedly improved, even from a cold start.

The power within the HP iPAQ 310 also allows for an enhanced graphic display. For a start the 4.3 inch screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, whilst its competitors use the 420 x 272 pixel standard. Buildings, terrain, texture, overpasses, bridges are all illustrated in 3D detail. Elevation of roads is depicted. Select cities are completely 3D rendered, which makes for a unique travel experience.

Navigation within the iPaq 310 is a breeze. HP have built the interface based on the renowned Windows Mobile 5.0. This allows navigation to be intuitive and easy, even for the non tech savvy user.

The innovative text to speech feature allows for the user to be vocally directed to their destination, using real street names. This is great for hands free operation, and also in terms of safety.

The HP iPAQ 310 includes TeleAtlas maps for the United States and Canada. Another interesting feature is the inclusion of 12 million points of interest. Never has it been so easy to find a gas station, or hotel in a completely new area. 

In another innovative move, HP have introduced a website, www.ipaq.com, where iPAQ 310 users can access a wealth of new features. such as custom points of interest, travel reviews, reservation information. Users can also download map updates so their iPAQ is always up-to-date.

Microsoft Outlook address data can also be used to create custom points of interest. This is a very useful and time-saving feature for the user with a pre-existing address book within outlook.

The website also introduces community options to the GPS user. The user can upload travel plans for others to view, or change. This is a very handy feature when planning a trip involving multiple parties.

Planning ahead is also very easy with the iPAQ 310. The user can plan their complicated itinerary on a PC, then transfer it to the 310 via the high speed USB 2.0 port. The 310 will then direct the user, turn-by-turn to their destination via text to speech or/and visual guidance.

The raw power of the HP iPAQ 310 means it is also capable of functioning as a portable entertainment system. With the addition of a SD Card it can be used as a video player, MP3 music player, photo viewer. Indeed the 800 x 480 resolution is better than most dedicated portable players. It also ships with 5 pre-installed games.

The 310 is also Bluetooth compatible. It can, for example, function as a hands-free calling on compatible phones.

Battery life is good. The rechargable battery ensures true portability while on foot.  

Included in the case is the iPAQ-310 unit, a car kit, a car charger, AC charger, USB 2.0 sync cable and a slip case.

The HP iPAQ 310 Portable GPS Navigator is a unique, stylish and extremely useful traveling companion. It is suitable for users of all ability levels. People who make lot of business trips may find it particularly useful when on the road in unfamiliar areas. Hewlett-Packard have come up with an innovative, powerful, feature rich GPS unit that is available at an affordable price.