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Many PDAs have had integrated GPS (global positioning satellite) capabilities over the years. But these devices often served as handhelds first and then navigation tools. Hewlett Packard (HP) has officially introduced the iPAQ rx5915, a new type of mobile device for the computer and printer giant that it calls a Travel Companion, which takes a different tack.

HP appears to address the issues that hurt earlier PDA/GPS combos by re-imagining what an iPAQ should look like and do with the rx5915, a full-fledged Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC with an extensive software bundle that places the emphasis on mapping and navigation. In fact, the device looks more like a standalone car nav system than a PDA, while still measuring a handheld-friendly 4.74 x 3.00 x 0.65 inches (120.5 x 76 x 16.5 millimeters) and weighing in at a light 5.99 ounces (170 grams).

The $599.99 device runs on a built-in SiRFstar III GSC3F GPS chip and uses TomTom's Navigator 6 software, with maps and turn-by-turn directions that can be voice guided, along with points of interest data provided by Tele Atlas: The company that delivers the same information for RIM's new mapping application, first available with the BlackBerry Pearl.

HP doesn't skimp on memory to hold all the map data. While there's only 64 MB of RAM, the Travel Companion has 2 GBs of ROM. All the maps and navigation software are pre-installed.

There's a 9-way directional pad and two Windows Mobile buttons to navigate through the rx5915's many applications and maps on its large 3.5-inch 480 x 640 pixel resolution (QVGA) antiglare touch screen.

The rx5915 uses a 400 MHz Samsung processor, and offers an SD slot plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity.

It has an integrated microphone, speaker and one 3.5 mm headphone jack. The rx5915 leverages Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, so in addition to playing regular MP3s and WMA files, it can handle DRM protected files from certain online music stores, something Microsoft's own Zune music player won't be able to do when it is released. You can also view photos, watch videos and, as a Pocket PC, access the Web and edit MS Office files, etc.

The box contains the device's 1700 mAh lithium-ion removable battery, an AC adapter, mini-USB synchronization/charge cable, car charger, car holder, windshield mount, slip case and documentation kit.

The rx5915 is expected to ship next month, and is listed on HP's Web site as coming soon.

Two versions of the rx5000 series will ship across the pond as well. The rx5700 will offers eight regional map configurations, while the rx5900 maps of Western Europe.

For the Asia Pacific region, HP said additional navigation providers will offer solutions for Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and several other Southeast Asian locations.

Earlier in the month, HP pre-announced the rx4000 Mobile Media Companion, a smaller but similar looking Pocket PC to the rx5915 that focuses on multimedia for the Asian market exclusively. This Windows Mobile 5.0 handheld reportedly has a 2.8-inch QVGA touch screen, 400 MHz processor, 64 MB or RAM and 128 MB of ROM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. One version may contain 1 GB of ROM. It is supposed to cost about $299.