Hewlett-Packard iPAQ 310 Bluetooth 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator by hp
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Digital camera reviews of Hewlett-Packard iPAQ 310 Bluetooth 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Digital camera Review: Decent GPS AFTER 1.7GB Service Pack
Summary: 3 Stars
I received this 310 device as a gift 4 months ago. The unit had multiple issues. Battery life was horrible. GPS signal detection was spotty. The directions and routes were off and made no sense. The largest problem was random freezes and locks.
The learning curve was high for me and even now when I know how to use the device it is still cumbersome. For the most part I would keep it in my trunk and if by chance I was in an unfamiliar area I mostly used it to help me find the nearest freeway entrance.
I would give the device a 1 star rating; however I noticed HP posted a map and OS upgrade for this unit in June. The 'update,' is 1.7GB in size, which means it is really an entire install of the OS and maps.
So far the device runs far smoother and no lockups. I feel HP shipped a beta version of the software and it took them many, many months to get the system to a decent point.
However; I have to say I appreciate HP for following through and actually posting an update. They could have just completely dropped the ball and left the unit crippled and angered all the folks who were having trouble, but picked this device.
Now I have to say the unit is a decent GPS and if we have regular updates and the ability to load up non-US regions such as China, Europe, etc., then it would even deserve a 4 star rating.
Digital camera Review: Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
I was initially impressed after receiving the Ipaq 310 4 days ago. It acquired satellites quickly, the display was crisp, bright, and clear. Routing was acceptable. The interface was fairly intuitive. Then the problems started. The unit crashed twice. It spontaneously turns itself on, twice draining the battery as the device sat unused. HP support recommended I return the device for repair, but since Amazon has a 30 day refund policy, I think it would be wise to cut my losses before I am stuck with a remanufactured lemon. I will be returning the unit for a refund. Listen up, HP: fix the problems before releasing the product!
Update: I took the advice of another reviewer and gave this unit a chance. After several weeks of use, I am glad I did. While not perfect, this unit works quite well after all. I learned that turning the unit off while it is navigating will cause the battery drain problem: apparantly the supplied case fits a little snug, and it is easy for the power button to be accidentally pressed. If the unit activates, afer having been switched off while navigating, it will then stay on, draining the battery. The unit has crashed, bit not while operating. THe routes are quite good, and there are plenty of adjustments in the software to allow the user to tweak the results. I do like the advanced features this unit sports, including multipoint routing, and the good display. All in all, I'm glad I kept this device. I would now rate it at least 3 stars, and would recommend it to friends.
Digital camera Review: Disappointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Let me start by saying that I really wanted to like this device. The screen is great and the graphics are very crisp. However, like other reviewers have stated, that it is more about the routing than the graphics and this is where the unit performs very poorly. There were many cases where the route it created would have me going miles in the opposite direction of my destination before heading back in the correct direction.
The menu layout is poor and the unit is not user friendly in general. Couple that with a manual that is not very detailed (and not available in hard copy form except for a Getting Started guide) and you will have many hours of frustration gettin ghtis thing to work. The map shows many Points of Interest (POIs) but you cannot click on the map to get information on that POI. You have to click on the map, then go to a "cursor" menu where it will show you all of the POIs near where you clicked. This is not helpful if you are looking for a POI located in a highrise with dozens or hundreds of other POIs at the same address.
The speaker volume does not go very high which makes the TTS function almost useless at times when outside noise gets high (usually when you are going over 50mph). The TTS also stutters at times which also makes it difficult to understand. The screen does not allow you to see the whole route for your trip and the "next turn" space at the top of the screen is too small to give full information. For example, when you are merging on a highway it frequently doesn't tell you which direction to go. It will say something like Exit 33 --> Highway 270. You don't know if it's Highway 270 West or Highway 270 East until the last second.
The screen lets you adjust the tilt of the map and the distance, but most views do not allow you to see your turns as well. I also don't believe it shows you which side of the street your destination is on and it definitely does not tell you with the TTS.
The bluetooth feature allows the unit to import address book information from many cell phones. My phone would not allow the import, but I was able to make calls with the unit. To make it easier to dial out, I manually entered address and phone information (the address allows yoou to make a route to your contacts). The problem is that it has a problem with most addresses entered. I had to type the city name in twice in the city field of the address for many of the contacts for it to be accepted and usable by the unit. There are more issues with the device, but I think I have listed enough to get my point across.
Unfortunately, with all of these issues I had to return the unit. It is dissappointing as the specs on this device looked really good on paper, but the interface, routing and user-friendliness made it too frustrating for me.
Digital camera Review: Do not buy this unit
Summary: 1 Stars
This unit has several flaws such as:
1) The raised on/off button is easily activated either when in teh carry case or your pocket. The battery will die on you.
2) The battery life is terrible. Basically there is no need for a battery as it needs to be permanently plugged in or will die on you.
3) The screen just stops moving and calculating, basically it freezes up.
4) If you purchase this unit, find out where the reset button is as you will need it virtually every trip!
Digital camera Review: Excellent but could be faster
Summary: 4 Stars
The iPAQ 310 is an excellent machine but, perhaps due to its very high image quality - resolution and colour definition - the load on the processor is also very high and the result is that the speed of the device is not so brilliant. Nevertheless I am happy with the acquisition.