Review of
HP GPS Navigation Software
running on the
iPAQ Hw6945 Mobile Messenger
April 2007
Summary: HP GPS Navigation software is full-featured, offering turn-by-turn guidance for less than most dedicated dash-top units. A trial version comes with the select HP handheld devices, which makes it tempting to purchase. The biggest drawbacks are a due to the hardware limitations common to most PDA's: poor screen visibility in daylight conditions, in-car mounting considerations, and limited map memory, requiring you to anticipate what maps you'll need. The advantage is that you can have one device that serves as a personal navigator and replacement for your cellular phone, digital camera, laptop...
In December 2006, I purchased a
HP iPAQ Hw6945 Mobile Messenger
to test GPS navigation software for use with Travel By GPS ™ Maps and Tour
Guides.
The primary reasons for choosing the iPAQ hw6945 were: 1) it is a PocketPC running Windows Mobile operating system, and 2) it has a built-in GPS. In addition to GPS, it has cellular, Bluetooth, and wi-fi wireless communications capability. These features make the 6945 an excellent device for downloading GPS Tours on-the-fly.
The 6945 came with a free trial of HP GPS Navigation System software – the subject of this review – version 2.1.2724 (Netropa Corporation).
Compatibility
The iPAQ’s built-in GPS is controlled by navigation software and there is no provision for manually turning on or off the GPS circuitry. This prevents the user from inadvertently leaving the GPS turned on, which consumes a considerable about of batter power. Since the GPS is software controlled, you should make sure that any navigation software you purchase is compatible. The HP GPS Navigation software is 100% compatible with the iPAQ hw 6945 hardware.
GPS Signal Acquisition
The first time I used HP GPS Navigation software, is took several minutes to acquire satellite lock. This is a common occurrence when a GPS receiver has not been turned on recently or when it has moved a long distance from the last location it was used. However, the Quick GPS Connection utility, that came pre-installed on the iPAQ hw6945, will significantly speed up sat lock acquisition. After running the Quick GPS Connection utility, sat lock was noticeably faster.
Optimum signal reception depends, among other things, on the orientation of the device. I could not find any information regarding how to properly orient the device and the GPS Info screen does not indicate signal strength, enabling me to determine this for myself. However, it seems to work equally well in a vertical or horizontal orientation.
Once sat lock is acquired, it maintained lock under the conditions I tested, which included heavy rain.
Map Detail
Note: You must load maps using companion PC software. This is not a problem for me as I travel mostly in the Southeastern United States. I have loaded on one 512 meg micro-SD card: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. When traveling outside this region, I re-load the card with the states I’ll be traveling to. To my knowledge, maps outside the United States are not available.
The maps are based on NAVTEQ vector data. The version I tested was dated 2004 so some of the new road alignments were not represented. Otherwise, coverage of primary and secondary roads was very good.
Non-road map detail was fairly good, in my opinion. Large bodies of water were shown. Most parks and golf courses were represented by green areas, not just points. However many creeks and streams were not shown at all.
I like the low-angle map view, which makes it look like you are flying over the road looking out to the horizon. This angle can be adjusted to the point where you are looking straight down at the map. You can also zoom and pan the map.
HP GPS Navigation software includes thousands of points-of-interest (POI). You can choose what POI categories are displayed on the map. The default categories, like hospitals and airports, minimize clutter while indicating the location of essential services. Selecting all POIs, clutters the map a certain zoom levels. Clicking on POI icons provides more information, sometimes even including address and phone number.
In-car Use
The first problem you have to solve using a hand-held device for car navigation is where to put it. I first tried to put it in a cup holder which enabled me to see the screen, but the device did not have a clear view of the sky. Setting the unit on the dash improved signal reception, but it kept sliding around at every turn. I finally decided to purchase a good quality windshield mount (which I understand is illegal in some states).
Screen visibility is the biggest problem; you cannot see the screen well enough in daylight conditions. However, the voice prompts are very good when following a route.
Voice prompts are loud and clear. You are giving sufficient warning of approaching turns. But you should review your routing before relying on voice guidance, because the names of the streets are not announced. I assume it’s because the HP GPS Navigation is not truly text-to-speech featured. The voice prompts have a limited vocabulary. If the road has a number like “Highway 1” the number will be announced, but “Pacific Coast Highway” will not. Not hearing the street names may cause you to turn too early or too late especially in cities and towns where the streets are close together.
One more note of caution: If you are talking on the phone, you will not hear the voice guidance.
Other features
Safety Features
Speed Alert – The software will alert you if you exceed a preset speed.
Fog Driving – The software can alert you when approaching an intersection.
Saving GPS Data
Waypoints – The HP GPS Navigation Software does not refer to “waypoints” per se, but rather in generic terms, your favorite locations can be saved and used as destinations. However, these locations are not displayed on the map and I have not found a way to import or export a list waypoints, unless you are creative with your contact list.
Tracks – The HP GPS Navigation software can record the travels of your phone and it back for your review. This “breadcrumb trail” does not show up on the map and I am not aware of any other application that can import the data recorded in what I assume is a proprietary (.gps) format. Unfortunately, HP GPS Navigation software does not support the generic GPs eXchange (.gpx) file format which facilitates the sharing of GPS data between other devices and applications.
