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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

• 

  nukarma gave 5/10 on 27/01/2008 07:43 Report abuse

  • Good: Maps are detailed and the device is easy to see while driving. Once you get a hold of the menues its ok to use.
  • Bad: Really only a GPS device as all other functions like media player, videos and so forth are quite useless compared to other similar devices

  I have to agree, this little number looks great, but lacks the ease of use. I pick this stuff up usually fairly quickly but it took days to figure out how to use this device quickly while out n about. Fantastic screen res though and once you have the figured it out only then is it easy to use and navagate around. The distance & speed at which your traveling is quite accurate too!

• 

  Marco gave 3/10 on 21/01/2008 06:24 Report abuse

  • Good: Nice clear screen but gets dirty easily and smudges when you touch it with your fingers. An impressive lineup of voices/languages available in the GPS.
  • Bad: Unfortunately, too many.

  Unfortunately, I don't agree. I've found it lacking in instructional material, no organiser functionality, impossible to transfer files to eg: media player 11 and no wifi. Bluetooth tooth as stated is phone only, don't expect to be able to sync or transfer files let alone stream music. I bought this thinking it would be a PDA first and GPS second. Sadly I was wrong. There is a link to a 3rd party site where you can purchase organiser software but I don't believe this is equitable. I'd love to know how to install Media Player 11..
  
  Still, at the end of the day it's not a bad GPS with added functionality for its price. Even though it uses HP's own mapping software, the maps themselves are once again supported by WereIs. This means you can be sure to have to pay for a map update. Also no red light/speed camera warnings or 3D mapping here in Australia.
  
  Unfortunately it seems to be geared towards a younger market that has a certain prerequisite level of understanding devices like this. I really don't have the time to spare to try and figure this out.
  
  If anyone knows of forums etc. where some practical advice is available, please let me know.

• 

  Marco gave 3/10 on 20/01/2008 22:39 Report abuse

  • Good: Nice clear screen but gets dirty easily and smudges when you touch it with your fingers. An impressive lineup of voices/languages available in the GPS.
  • Bad: Unfortunately, too many.

  Unfortunately, I don't agree. I've found it lacking in instructional material, no organiser functionality, impossible to transfer files to eg: media player 11 and no wifi. Bluetooth tooth as stated is phone only, don't expect to be able to sync or transfer files let alone stream music. I bought this thinking it would be a PDA first and GPS second. Sadly I was wrong. There is a link to a 3rd party site where you can purchase organiser software but I don't believe this is equitable. I'd love to know how to install Media Player 11..
  
  Still, at the end of the day it's not a bad GPS with added functionality for its price. Even though it uses HP's own mapping software, the maps themselves are once again supported by WereIs. This means you can be sure to have to pay for a map update. Also no red light/speed camera warnings or 3D mapping here in Australia.
  
  Unfortunately it seems to be geared towards a younger market that has a certain prerequisite level of understanding devices like this. I really don't have the time to spare to try and figure this out.
  
  If anyone knows of forums etc. where some practical advice is available, please let me know.

• 

  The Crypto gave 8/10 on 09/12/2007 07:54 Report abuse

  • Good: Big screen, fast, multifunction, bluetooth wifi
  • Bad: battery life is a few days, needs a shield when operating on hot days.

  after having used it for a week and being my 2nd gps I am impressed. It is not onyl easy to use by a fantastic travel companion for the long hauls with areas of interest being a bonus.