Makes PALM Look Like a Calculator...
Written: Oct 07 '00 (Updated Aug 17 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Windows CE OS, 32MB RAM, Beautiful Screen, Easy to Use, Excellent Software, Easily Upgraded
Cons: Price, Cost of accessories
The Bottom Line: I still love it after all this time!
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| RBradford's Full Review: Compaq iPAQ H3650 Pocket PC |
Update: 8-17-2002
I've been using my IPAQ for nearly two years now, and I still love it! About eight months ago, I received the Dual-Slot PC Card Expansion sleeve as a gift, dramatically increasing its functionality. This accessory retails for about $199 and comes with one compact flash adapter and an installation CD-ROM.
Not only does it add two PCMCIA slots, but the unit has a built-in battery which adds many more hours of usage time to the IPAQ. The extra battery is worth the investment alone! I understand that the more recent version of the dual-slot expansion sleeve from Compaq now allows the battery to be removed. I'm not sure of the benefits, but I guess you can buy additional batteries and swap them out when one dies, sort of like some people do with cellular phones. Anyway, the expansion sleeve enables me to use my IPAQ for hours at a time while on long flights. I don't know exactly how much additional "up time" the battery provides, but I've gone an entire week using it on a daily basis without recharging. I don't worry much about losing data due to a completely drained battery anymore.
As I travel a lot, I decided to buy a couple of compact flash (CF) memory cards to use in my expansion sleeve via the included adapter. My original thinking was that I could keep important documents handy and store larger files for business. I figured I could pull out my IPAQ and get some work done while on airplanes without resorting to my bulky laptop. That worked out well, but I found an even better use for the CF cards - digital music!
Since the IPAQ runs on Windows CE, it includes a version of Windows Media Player, which plays MP3s among other file types. The IPAQ has an earphone jack on the top of the unit, making it an ideal portable music device. And best of all, the sound is EXCELLENT! I was literally stunned when I plugged in my stereo earphones and realized how good the sound was.
With a 256MB CF memory card installed, my IPAQ holds hours of high quality audio files. The buttons on the front of the IPAQ are programmable for Media Player, and now the little "toggle pad" acts as a volume control. I press up to increase volume and down to decrease. Pressing left pauses my music and pressing right starts it playing again. I kept it simple, but you can customize to your own personal preferences.
And the best part yet - The IPAQ enables you to multi-task, meaning that I can listen to my music while working on an Excel spreadsheet, Word document, or even playing games. There are no "hiccups" to the music while using other applications. It just plays on as if on a totally separate device!
I wanted to add this update to share my excitement over the additional ways I've been using my IPAQ since first purchasing it. I thought it was great then, and I'm even more sold today. I recommend the Dual-Slot PC Card Expansion Pack for a couple of reasons: 1.)It accepts PCMCIA cards, 2.)it takes Compact Flash cards through the included adapter, and 3.)it has a built-in battery for additional life while traveling.
I had first considered the cheaper CF expansion sleeve, with only one slot. However, the Dual-Slot PC Card version WILL accept CF cards with the included adapter, but the CF expansion sleeve WILL NOT accept PCMCIA cards. This was an important factor for me looking at future wireless connectivity and other accessories that will be in PCMCIA format.
The only drawback of the Dual-Slot PC Card Expansion sleeve is the additional bulk it adds to my IPAQ. I now carry it in a small digital camera bag most of the time, although it does still fit in my suit jacket pocket.
By the way, the IPAQ was the only original Windows CE/Pocket PC device that included an upgradeable ROM chip. I can upgrade mine to the newest version of Windows CE by spending $39 with Compaq to get the software. You can't do that with the first line of HP, Sony, and other CE devices.
And now, we return you to the regularly scheduled review...
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After searching in vain for nearly a month, I found a source for the IPAQ 3630 who actually had them in stock! To tell you the truth, I never expected Radio Shack to be the place I would find one, but that's exactly where I did. I talked to a sales clerk on Sunday, who told me they would have a few in the central warehouse on Monday. I called back on Monday, placed a phone order, and my shiny new IPAQ showed up on my doorstep on Wednesday!
The backorder situation has been a nightmare for those of us trying to get the IPAQ. Apparently there is a huge demand and a shortage of TFT screens. Anyway, enough about that. On to the review...
First of all, I couldn't understand the difference between the 3630 and the 3650. The best that I can gather from information on the internet is that the 3650 will connect via USB or Serial port. The 3630 connects by USB alone. Other than that, I don't believe there is any difference.
Like many new devices, the IPAQ 3630 is a Windows CE device, making it more like a laptop than a PIM or a PDA (Personal Information Manager, Personal Digital Assistant). If you've ever used a machine with a Windows operating system, you'll find the IPAQ easy to use, as Windows CE functions in a very similar manner. The IPAQ comes preloaded with some great software, including Pocket versions of Excel and Word. This means that you can read normal Word and Excel files, as well as create your own. I found this to be awesome when importing my e-mail messages, as any Word or Excel attachments can be easily viewed.
Some key features:
* Color screen, probably the best you can get on a device like this.
* 32MB of memory, allowing a lot of data storage.
* Easily expandable with additional "sleeves", which the device slides into.
* USB cradle connects to your PC, when connected you can "drag and drop" files to the IPAQ from your PC.
* Also when connected via the cradle, you can use your PC to explore the folders and files on the IPAQ.
* Integrated Windows Media Player plays MP3s and other sound files.
* Easy to upgrade and add software, much like a PC or laptop.
* Gamepad-type interface allows easy navigation without always using the stylus.
* ActiveSync software comes with full version of Microsoft Outlook. Viewing and sending e-mail is a breeze, as is updating contacts.
* Comes with Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Microsoft Money, and Pocket Streets (mapping software).
* Thin and light, with beautiful full color screen.
* Built-in voice recorder for taking audio notes.
In summary, the Compaq IPAQ 3630 is a fantastic Pocket PC and works awesome as a replacement for carrying around a heavy laptop. It automatically syncs when placed in it's cradle (or you can use the infrared sync function), and because of the USB interface it's pretty fast. I've been holding out and didn't buy a Palm Pilot, and I'm really glad I did. The Palm devices seem like glorified calculators compared to the Pocket PC line of devices. And in the world of Pocket PCs, the Compaq IPAQ has the best screen and probably the best input options. Additionally, it is infinitely expandable with the variety of "sleeves" being produced, which the device simply slides into.
It's definitely worth the wait. I recommend contacting your local Radio Shack if you are still trying to find one. Their price was typical, $499, and they seem pretty fast with the delivery. The Palm Pilot may be a good organizer, but the IPAQ is an awesome Pocket PC and a generation beyond the Palm. Pay a little extra now, you'll be glad you did, especially when it comes to being able to upgrade later.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 499
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Epinions.com ID:
RBradford
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Location: Dallas, TX
Reviews written: 109
Trusted by: 32 members
About Me:
I'm a Computer Hardware, Software, and Gadget Junkie.
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