On the heels of its HP iPAQ rx4540 review, CNET has also done a review of the iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion. They describe it as a sexy and sleek handheld that not only offers the benefits of a Windows Mobile PDA but also integrates GPS into the mix. It’s more refined than some of the other PDA/GPS combos out there.
The rx5900 uses Windows Mobile 5.0. It comes with a 400MHz Samsung processor, a 3.5-inch, QVGA touch screen, 64MB RAM and an impressive 2GB ROM, a nine-way navigation pad and two function keys below it, an SD slot on top of the unit, a mini USB connector, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and a 3.5mm headset jack. It also comes with a a vehicle mount for both windshield and dash. The GPS uses the SiRFstar III GPS receiver and comes loaded with North America maps and TomTom Navigator 6 software
The rx5900 does suffer a bit when it comes to performance. The various functions can put quite a load on the processor and the battery life is on the short side of the range. It was also slow in acquiring an GPS signal. CNET also laments the fact that there is no VGA version.
The iPAQ rx5900 is expected to start shipping in October and will sell for $599 USD.