Several of my colleagues at work have been using PDAs for a few years now. Almost all of them have been loyal Palm users. Although I've always liked their Palm PDAs, I didn't like them enough to go out and buy one for myself. The Palm's monochrome display and 8 MB or less RAM (on most models) just didn't impress me enough to part with a few hundred dollars of my money. For this reason, I elected to use my notebook PC and day planner to stay organized and get my work done.

A couple of Palm users and I have also been doing our homework on the Compaq Ipaq Pocket PC for about a year now. I was looking at the Ipaq because it's much easier to get excited about a PDA that has a fast processor, beautiful color display, and 32 MB RAM. The Ipaq 3635 also has numerous hardware expansion options just like the Palms. While I was considering whether or not to buy the Ipaq 3635, a loyal Palm user surprised me by buying the Ipaq. This was the same person who used to tell everyone to buy a Palm PDA! After taking a closer look at his Ipaq and witnessing his surprise transformation from Palm to Ipaq Pocket PC, I decided it was time to buy an Ipaq of my own.

It was surprisingly easy to unpack, setup, and begin using my Ipaq Pocket PC. The Windows CE user interface is easy to learn because it's much like the familiar Windows 95/98 desktop. I was also surprised at how easy it was to quit using my day planner. My Ipaq 3635 is absolutely great; it does everything that I expected it to do and more!

The following is a list of features and benefits that I considered important when buying my Ipaq:

1) 32 MB RAM - Since PDAs do not have hard drives, all program files and data files must be stored in RAM.

2) CF Expansion Sleeve - The CF Expansion Sleeve allows you to add industry standard CF memory. I have an additional 64 MB CF module that I use for backups, email attachments, and MP3 music files.

3) Expansion Slot - The Ipaq has an expansion slot for adding additional hardware. I use mine with a modem. The modem allows me to check email and surf the Internet with my Ipaq. There are several additional hardware options available such as Network Interface Cards.

4) Software - My Ipaq had Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, MS Money and more already installed. It's easy to install new software. I had to install Cadenza so my Ipaq calendar and tasks would sync with Lotus Notes at work. If you use MS Outlook, your Ipaq will ship with everything required to sync your calendar and tasks. There are lots of good titles already available and new titles being released every month.

5) Color Display - The bright color display is superior to monochrome. It can be manually adjusted to conserve battery life or automatically adjust to ambient light.

6) Fast Processor - The fast 206 MHz RISC processor means very little waiting for programs to load.

7) Speaker & Microphone - The built-in speaker and Windows Media Player (included) makes it easy to play my MP3 music files. The built-in microphone and Windows Sound Recorder (included) makes it easy to record voice messages.

8) Sync Cradle - The Sync Cradle and Active Sync software (included) is a convenient way to share data between the Ipaq and a notebook or desktop PC. I use mine to recharge my Ipaq while synchronizing data, tasks, and calendars between my Ipaq and notebook PC. If you use Windows 95, you must use a Serial Port Sync Cradle because the USB Port Sync Cradle only works with Windows 98 and higher.

9) IR Port - The IR Port makes it very easy to share files with another IR Port device such as another Ipaq or notebook PC.

10) Sync Cable - The Sync Cable works like a Sync Cradle, but it's smaller and easier to travel with.

11) Re-chargeable Batteries - The batteries can be recharged from an AC Adapter (included) or a 12-volt Car Adapter. The batteries can be recharged while you're using the Ipaq.

If you need or simply want a PDA, you’ll love the Ipaq 3635. This Pocket PC is going to convert more Palm users!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 599