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HP iPAQ 312 Travel Companion

By Derek Fung on 13 June 2008

It may not be entirely rational buying a GPS for its beautiful screen and multimedia features, but the 312 almost makes the case despite its numerous bugs and flaws.

Editor's rating:7.5 User rating:6.5

Comments (14)

  • Robbie gave a review on 27/08/2009 15:19 Report abuse

    First time using iPAQ 312 GPS went alright for a week and today 27/08/09 between 1015 to 1045 freezes up three times within 30mins. Has reported it to HP but no solution yet, they don't know why and said to monitor it for a few days if and when it freezes up.HP will check with me later on out come. This unit won't be good if it keeps locking up for no reason. Have to K.I.V.

    • Good: Looks great and features good
    • Bad: Freezes up

  • Gwin gave 3/10 on 22/07/2009 07:34 Report abuse

    The unit had died on me when I pressed the reset button, HP claimed it was an old operating system. Went back to shop came out ok.

    Interface is very chokey especially if the Navigation is running.

    Idle turn off only works when turned on without car power adapter. If you leave it running in the car it will run the battery flat. You can't power the device without a battery inside.

    You can't manage your favourite points via Pc management software, which is a pain when you want to load bulk points.

    Flip side, touch screen is clear and sensative, but defeats the purpose if the whole device has issues such as software choke.

    Good thing I got this thing on clearance at 30% of its RRP, if not I'd be one cheesed off customer.

    Summary: It won't make me think twice about going back to Navman or Gramin models.

    • Good: Bluetooth dialling, Media Player, Games
    • Bad: Unable to clear all routes, Chokey software, Poor HP support, poor power management

  • s1999 gave 8/10 on 04/02/2009 10:26 Report abuse

    Used mainly as media player (movies, topgear etc) on short flights ~4 hrs.
    GPS ok

    • Good: Takes at least 12 GB SD card
      Use third party app that plays almost all media types
    • Bad: battery life
      getting maps outside country is issue
      no pedestrian mode

  • pablofanque1 gave 8/10 on 07/01/2009 20:30 Report abuse

    A real enigma. Like Many HP devices, it's feature set is fantastic...when all the features work as they're supposed to. The screen is awesome and can very easily be used for watching movies and photos. The GUI is great, but often freezes or lags. Guidance is a little better than other GPS units I've tried. Battery power isn't great and often freezes if not connected to power. But overall, I like the unit and would recommend one if the price is right (I picked mine up for $245, a bargain).

    • Good: Bluetooth is great. Ability to sync with Outlook very handy. Video and music playback also good.
    • Bad: Low volume. Freezes. Bad battery life.

  • deej99 gave 2/10 on 27/04/2008 15:07 Report abuse

    Do not buy this product. I bought one in the UK and it was ok, but can't use it back in Australia. So much for the "travel companion" idea - only use it where you buy it!!

    • Good: Nice screen
    • Bad: Pitiful support
      Assumes you are in a car even though it's a handheld (not allowed to walk up one way streets apparently)
      Can't get maps
      Documentation abysmal
      HP support site won't let you register

  • Borris gave 9/10 on 20/04/2008 21:19 Report abuse

    I have one and think it is one of the easiest GPS to use.

    • Good: easy to use
    • Bad: can't download unless using HP manager.

  • BChau gave 8/10 on 15/04/2008 09:22 Report abuse

    Great GPS with other extras. Well worth the money.

    • Good: Big and Beautiful screen. Quite speedy. Built-in 2 GB memory leaves lots of rooms for my songs, photos and videos.
    • Bad: Only Australian map included. I hope they would throw in the New Zealand map as well.

  • chopsya gave 9/10 on 14/04/2008 21:30 Report abuse

    Great GPS, works well very happy

    • Good: Easy to Modify and add custom apps
      Big display
      picks up GPS signal quickly
      good price picked mine up for $350AUD
    • Bad: because of high resolution some video clips stutter

  • salizas gave 10/10 on 29/03/2008 18:08 Report abuse

    brilliant gadgets

  • mw3330 gave 9/10 on 02/02/2008 11:19 Report abuse

    Picked up this unit, got to my car, unboxed it, plugged in car charger, mounted on windscreen and navigated home within 3 minutes! Really simple to use for navigation. Outstanding screen and voice clarity.

    Very comprehensive Points of Interest selection with phone numbers where available that can be dialled via bluetooth on your phone (which was also surprisingly easy to set up).

    Contacts synchonise with Outlook and addresses used as destinations with phone numbers diallable with Bluetooth.

    Media Player (using files on SD card) plays music via standard 3.5mm jack to car stereo and is muted each time a navigation instruction is given. Music volume is aslo adjusted based on speed.

    Games and video player functionality will be a bonus on long-haul trips with the kids.

    Overall, a very impressive device and a brilliant "Out of Box" experience.

    • Good: Get navigating fast Great GPS with fast connection
      Additional functions nice but not overkill
      Solid build quality
      Robust screen mount and car charger included
      Mains charger also included
    • Bad: ipaq.com site is USA centric
      WiFi and a Browser would be useful additions to the feature set

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