HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ rx5915 Automobile Navigator

An extremely functional GPS and Pocket PC

Strengths: - fast gps signal acquisition - no protuding antenna - user-friendly TomTom 6 software (with no lag time) - compact size - rotatable screen

Weakness: - no wall charger/adapter - speaker located in the back - no "switch bar" utility in Windows Mobile

My previous Pocket PC was the Dell Axim x50v so my review is based on comparing these two devices. The x50v needed a plug-in (CompactFlash or SDIO) GPS receiver as well as GPS software. It's nice to have the RX5915 pre-packaged with all these with no protruding antenna. The RX5915 has FAST GPS SIGNAL ACQUISITION thanks to the newer Sirf III technology. The screen rotation button comes in really...
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My previous Pocket PC was the Dell Axim x50v so my review is based on comparing these two devices. The x50v needed a plug-in (CompactFlash or SDIO) GPS receiver as well as GPS software. It's nice to have the RX5915 pre-packaged with all these with no protruding antenna.

The RX5915 has FAST GPS SIGNAL ACQUISITION thanks to the newer Sirf III technology. The screen rotation button comes in really handy.

TomTom 6 software is VERY user-friendly with NO lag time while moving through the menus. TomTom is also highly configurable (with downloadable, multi-lingual voices).

Too bad the RX5915 doesn't come with a wall charger. It would probably take significantly less time to charge the batter. It feels like it takes for ever to charge when using the USB connection.

If the speaker were placed underneath the 4-way navigation button (just like the x50v), it would be awesome! Since the speaker is located in the back of the RX5915, I sometimes have trouble hearing the TomTom directions (having wind noise at higher vehicle speeds compounds this problem).

The first thing I noticed is that there is no "Switch Bar" utility in the RX5915. The x50v had this and I found it to be very convenient allowing me to quickly flip through (and close - not minimize) the various applications I had open.

I travel quite often and love watching movies on the Pocket PC while inflight. It would be nice if the RX5915 had a cradle accessory available that charges an additional battery that I could take with me (the x50v came with the cradle and I bought a higher-capacity battery separately).

An excellent device for the $500 price tag!

By joseluck - Apr 14, 2007

Great combination of GPS and PDA

Strengths: Value for money. Small.

Weakness: High cost of add-on maps for non-US regions.

I bought this as a replacement for my old PDA, and the GPS functionality was a bonus. The GPS traffic navigation (TomTom) is capable and reliable. This PDA is solidly built and is both compact and very attractive.

Overall, a combination PDA + GPS is a great idea, and very well-implemented.

By virtuaoski - Feb 10, 2007

great product!

Strengths: basically, the whole unit--- like everyone else--- the portability, updated maps, GPS,PC, video and music player... what more can you ask for?

Weakness: if it has been off for a while, u have to wait at least a couple of minutes to get a a signal! and one more thing, my audio volume seems to be a little bit lower..

it's super good quality for the price! i have tried other ones but had to return them... i had use this GPS as handheld and in the car, very portable and has definitely proven to be the best because it has not gotten me lost, updated maps and i didn't have to download and battery life is great too! i can't live without it now!

By MC2007; - Jan 8, 2007

HP Ipaq rx5915

Strengths: 1.GPS and a pocket PC for the price of a stand alone GPS unit. 2.Plays media files music and video 3. Has wireless 802.11B and G 4. Has Blue tooth 5. Battery is 1700Mh and removable

Weakness: For the price and features none as far as I am concerned

I was going to purchase a laptop but my PDA took a dive and needed a replacement. I also wanted to be able to connect to the internet when I travel and I liked the idea of having GPS capabilities.I looked at other Mfg's like Asus and Palm but none could match the price and features of the HP rx5915. I have been using it the past few day's and it has been great. I personally don't know why anyone...
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I was going to purchase a laptop but my PDA took a dive and needed a replacement. I also wanted to be able to connect to the internet when I travel and I liked the idea of having GPS capabilities.I looked at other Mfg's like Asus and Palm but none could match the price and features of the HP rx5915. I have been using it the past few day's and it has been great. I personally don't know why anyone would purchase a $500.00 standalone GPS without first considering the rx5915.

By byouh - Dec 9, 2006

All-in-One-GPS-PDA-Multimedia Solution

Strengths: Not just TomTom navigation, all maps already loaded, but Windows CE 5.0, WiFi, BlueTooth, Multimedia, everything you need is in the box. 2GB internal ROM. SD expansion slot.

Weakness: Not certain if you can use your unit to answer or make calls. Buttons on the side while good shortcuts, are hard to see when driving.

Compared to other units that I have bought and returned in the last few months, I have found my solution. Why spend hundreds of dollara (I found it on a rare sale for $399) on a stand alone GPS unit when you can purchase this unit that will also be a pocket PC, multimedia player? I have already downloaded software that will allow this unit to watch AVI files which the Windows Media Player on the...
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Compared to other units that I have bought and returned in the last few months, I have found my solution. Why spend hundreds of dollara (I found it on a rare sale for $399) on a stand alone GPS unit when you can purchase this unit that will also be a pocket PC, multimedia player? I have already downloaded software that will allow this unit to watch AVI files which the Windows Media Player on the unit will not allow you to do. No matter, like any other computer, you can add software to meet your needs. The unti has ample 2GB internal ROM with only about 3/4 filled with operating and other software. Plus, it has the SD expansion slot limited only by the size of your SD card. It is lightweight and versatile making me take this unit with me rather than leaving it in the car as I would with a stand-alone TomTom unit...it truly is a travel companion.

By sokoloff - Dec 19, 2006