HP and Michelin team up for the ViaMichelin iPAQ rx1950 Navigator

HP has a pretty good little PDA business, and in a move similar to TomTom last year, HP is teaming up with a well known travel partner to launch a GPS device. Recall that TomTom is making a MapQuest PND in the US - see our story.

The solution offers a variety of smart features for accurate turn-by-turn visual and voice guidance to any address in the UK1 - just plug in and go. In addition, integrated wireless WLAN capability ensures connectivity from home, at work and on the road. It is targeted for launch in the UK.

The HP iPAQ rx1950 Navigator solution can be used to plot a journey or to search for points of interest en route, while still allowing the user to manage their calendar, contacts, tasks and appointments. The Microsoft Windows Mobile5.0 operating system with updated Microsoft Office software means improved productivity and more efficient data management, including persistent storage to safeguard personal information as well as a range of entertainment features including WMA, MP3 and WMV.

An ideal choice for drivers looking for an efficient navigation system at an affordable price, this dual-purpose HP iPAQ comes with a ready-to-use, pre-programmed ViaMichelin Navigation Secure Digital (SD) card. This 'Plug and Drive' solution provides instant access to navigation functions. Simply plug the SD card into the HP iPAQ and the GPS application will install automatically.

"Whether it is a cross-country trip, or just a drive to a new part of town, HP is helping customers reach their destinations safely and easily with state of the art iPAQ navigation solutions," said Neil Dagger, Handhelds and Wireless Device Business Manager HP UK & Ireland.

"The iPAQ rx1950 Navigator is simple to set up and has an integrated GPS receiver in the cradle," he added. "This provides fast satellite acquisition and just a single cable providing power from the car cigar charger. With maps that are clear and bright, it is also ideal for locating POIs on the move."

"This new offer with HP confirms ViaMichelin's leadership role in designing and developing navigation solutions for mobile devices, especially those supporting Pocket PC," commented Vincent Pilloy, VP Sales & Marketing, ViaMichelin. "Equipped with a revolutionary design, the solution combines innovation, mapping quality, best-in-class car integration and ease-of-use."

Easy to use
This unique solution combines HP quality, ViaMichelin Navigation software with a high quality GPS car cradle (including loudspeaker) to deliver an all-in-one solution. The compact, portable and stylish design also means the device is not restricted to one vehicle and is easily transferable between cars. Simply insert the iPAQ into the car cradle and the navigation software starts automatically, with either landscape or portrait viewing options available. A user-friendly interface design allows quick access to all key functions, such as route calculation, via the main menu touch-screen.

The fully-integrated GPS receiver ensures accurate satellite coverage and good reception of satellite signals, regardless of windshield thickness and no external antenna is required. Thanks to the cradle's powerful integrated loudspeaker, the rx1950 Navigator is also the loudest navigation device on the market, producing great sound quality that you can hear even with your windows open and music playing.

January 14, 2006

HP and Michelin team up for the ViaMichelin iPAQ rx1950 Navigator