Whether walking or driving, the Navman GPS 3450 Voice can help you reach your destination. Navman combined the power of the HP iPAQ with a GPS receiver and mapping software to make a portable navigation device that talks.

The hardware for the Navman GPS 3450 consists of a 12 parallel-channel GPS receiver with a CompactFlash (CF) Type II expansion slot, a built-in antenna, and a connector for an external antenna. The iPAQ is docked to the sleeve case of the 3450 and supplies its power. Depending on the iPAQ model, expected battery life is from three to over five hours. When you're in a vehicle, you can use the included cigarette lighter adapter to supply the power. And if you use the power adapter, it will charge the iPAQ at the same time.

To reduce the time it takes for an initial position calculation, the GPS 3450 has an internal battery to retain the last location in its memory. This results in times to first position fix of under a minute. And the location accuracy rating is less than five meters for 95% of the time. When you're traveling, a suction cup windshield mount lets you position the receiver for optimum satellite signal reception. And if you find reception is difficult, you can get the optional remote antenna.

Hardware is only half of the Navman GPS 3450 Voice package, and the SmartST navigation software is the other. The software is available in three versions covering Australia, North America, and Western Europe. The North American edition includes detailed map data for the 48 contiguous states, along with Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. A PC is required to load the iPAQ with the navigation setup program. And once installed, you can save your maps in either the iPAQ's memory or on a CF memory card.

Once you have your maps installed, you have five ways to choose a destination: by an address, intersection, point of interest, or from a list of your recent or favorite trips. If the GPS 3450 has your position fix, it will automatically calculate your route. Otherwise, you can enter your current location.

To get to your destination, the Navman 3450 gives you four screens to choose from. The Map Screen shows a local area map with your current location, the street name and your heading. The Navigation Screen has the street you're on, the distance, name, and direction for your next turn. This screen also has two optional data fields to show your current speed, destination distance, time to destination, estimated time of arrival, or the current time. The Combination Screen displays the local map, your current location and street name, the next street and turn direction, and optional data. This optional information is the same type as the Navigation Screen data. The fourth type of display is a list of route instructions. Turn-by-turn details are shown and updated as you travel.