I started using PDAs with the first Apple Newtons (had 4 of them), then went to the Philips Nino, then two Palm Pilots, and finally I've added the Compaq H3650 Ipaq to my collection.

I wanted to wait for the H3670, but didn't have the patience. I called a bunch of local resellers in Chicago, and only found one who had it, and also had it marked up $60 over the MSRP of $599. I wanted it now, so I drove and picked it up.

I purchased at the same time the PCMCIA sleeve, the car charger, and the leather carrying case. I already own the Sierra Wireless Aircard 300 wireless internet PC card, so I would have everything I needed for my handheld digital assistant.

First, the PDA: silver, light, tiny, gorgeous. Turning it on immediately showed me that Compaq made a good choice with the screen. The previous revision of this handheld had some glitches that caused the screen to get scratched from the inside because of dust or glass or something. After a good week of using this device, I've seen no problems. The screen does get dirty quick though.

The small size of this unit is remarkable and definitely a plus in my book. It fits in a shirt pocket with no problem.

The Windows CE 3.0 PocketPC operating system is a blast. Much better than my Nino was. Its fast, switching application is wonderful, and all the pocket applications work as you think they would. Pocket Excel was able to read my typical spreadsheets, Pocket Word worked great for quick letters. Pocket Money sync'd up with my Microsoft Money 2001 just beautifully, and will probably help me stay within budget. Note to self: Compaq Ipaq is NOT in budget :)

Battery life seems wonderful, I have not needed to charge it yet, although docking it twice daily is probably why. The built in battery is not really a concern for me, it seems like it's going to be there for the long haul.

The add-on sleeve for the wireless internet card is a problem. It's too big and bulky. It does come with a built in battery though, which is good because the Aircard 300 is a battery hog, albeit much less than other cards of its type. Since I rarely use the wireless web anyway (Goamerica is great, but still slow at 19.2kbps), I keep the card off and store it in my briefcase for when I do need it.

The leather case is nice. Definitely protects the Ipaq, but you can't use the case at the same time as the PCMCIA sleeve, its just won't fit.

The pocket e-book reader is nice, I actually had some freebie e-books, and reading them were not has hard as one would think.

I purchased a version of Pocketbible, and I was very impressed with the speed and clarity of the Ipaq. This is the first handheld where reading actual material on the screen is not a problem - everything was crystal clear, and pages changed instantly!

I still think the product is too expensive. $600 for the device, $180 for the PCMCIA sleeve, $500 for the Aircard 300, $40 for the leather case, $80 for the car charger, that's over $1400 with shipping and any taxes. Ouch.

But I am using it. Much more than I ever used my Palm. Quite a bit more than my Nino or even my beloved Newton. This is definitely a keeper, and Compaq has won my heart back after years of bad hardware, terrible desktops, and glitches.

Run, don't walk, to your nearest retailer and put a deposit down or pre-pay it outright.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 660