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Updates and additions require frequent rebooting and shutting down of "services" before the device can be activated.Finally, Windows Mobile is arcane, poorly mixed and with a lousy UI. All else is garbage.HP's links to Windows and TomTom are not streamlined, meaning the device frequently conflicts with software provided by one or the other manufacturers. Then, of course, it doesn't work, often without any indication as to why.Do not buy. The HP iPAQ 5915 is a misbegotten hybrid of multiple bad systems. The ONLY place it shines is in the navigational software functionality. What else can you say about software that makes you descend multiple menu trees just to set up USB or wireless syncing.
The unit also hangs up sometimes, requiring a soft reboot. Having said that, it's no longer available from HP and is certainly NOT worth paying more than $150 for it. Wifi also works well but I have had trouble with higher speed draft-N wireless signal as it doesn't seem to connect at that speed. because now you can buy a much more capable netbook computer for about $100 more that offers same or greater runtime on the battery and easily add GPS capability for a few dollars more. So, overall, I'm pretty happy with this, especially for the price I got it for (an excellent condition used one for under $100). It's great for websurfing at free WiFi hotspots and the GPS continues to be a big plus when I travel (although the outdated maps sometimes hinder accurate routing).
Update: I've been using this unit for over a year now and the more I use it the more I like it. This unit was definitely ahead of it's time as all the so-called NEW smartphones can match all the functionalities built into this unit. Also, you need to download third party software to be able to view video formats besides just mpeg1 and wmv. Decent music and video playback capability adds value and makes it a true travel companion. WHY. As other reviewers have mentioned, initial signal acquisition for GPS is slow, sometimes painfully slow but I purchased a Gilsson external antenna for under $20 and now the signal lock is almost instantaneous.
For under $150, it's a deal. So I've given it another star. The main reason for purchasing this unit for me was GPS and internet access. Obviously the small form factor for all it has to offer is it's greatest attribute but also results in compromises in readability and functionality, especially for web surfing. Anything over that, I would seriously look at other alternatives.
There are surprisingly few devices that meet this simple requirement. It runs Tom Tom 6 GPS using a SirfStar III GPS antenna, it's an MP3 player with equalizer, and it is also a very nice PDA.
It's so much more than just a portable GPS. I would expect no less with a SirfStar III GPS antenna.I haven't tried Bluetooth yet, but I have tried every other function in my Travel Companion, and it has worked without the slightest hitch.
Beyond the normal PDA functions it has a travel assistant, (which includes weather forecasts in any four cities you choose, a global map with day & night overlay, times in any five cities, travel checklist, international dialing prefix list and conversions for currencies, measurements and clothing sizes).I had no difficulties connecting to wireless Internet, and regardless of what some reviewers have said about poor GPS reception, I've had no problem receiving GPS signals inside my house, with the meter showing five full bars. You can find these here on Amazon as well as elsewhere at a very low cost, so you have little to lose, and a great travel companion to gain.
I was looking for a device that would give me GPS and Internet access over WiFi, but that wasn't a cell phone too, so I could avoid a data plan. Happily, the iPAQ rx5915 Travel Companion does this and much more.
I've even been able to charge it with my cellphone charger.If you've been looking for a GPS with PDA, WiFi Internet, an MP3 player and Bluetooth, take the plunge.
But my Amazon receipt indicated that it was clearly still under warranty.But HP does not accept Amazon receipts. I suffered from a major GPS problem late in the warranty period. A major retailer is being treated like some second-class citizen. For example, if I use Wifi, then turn it off, I usually have to reboot the device before attempting to use wifi again or it will never connect. It's a good device, but not without some serious problems, and certainly not good enough to worth risking an encounter with HP's bad warranty. The serial number indicated it was out of warranty, so they refused my coverage.
So, you can either not buy this from Amazon, or not buy it at all.My recommendation is the latter. I will keep this short and sweet.The device has been problematic at times. Similar problems with the GPS, but not as consistent.Widespread stability and speed problems are there, but nothing too serious, and nothing one wouldn't expect from Windows Mobile.No, the problem isn't the device, per se, but the manufacturer when the device fails. I found this shocking and unacceptable.
I may be stuck with that unless I want to trash the HP entirely but you don't have to be. Buy something more up to date. They offer no software updates at all.WORST: The Tom Tom Maps are already out of date on this system. Not horrible in itselfBut this is a discontinued product from HP and is no longer supported by them. I loved it all this time. I purchased this from Amazon Nov 2006. But this is not an inexpensive item and I expected to be able to use it for a number of years.The battery life is very low lasting no more thatn 1.5 years. The newest Maps available either from HP or from Tom Tom are dated April 2007 and they will not be provding any more because Tom Tom also no longer supports this.I have read that you can by a Garmin XT card for $99 and use the Garmin Software instead.
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