I got the Compaq iPaq this past December for Christmas. I needed a pocket device mainly to keep all my appointments and contact information, so I had been looking at Palm Pilots. I didn't like their no-color displays, so I never bought one.

Enter the Compaq iPaq. This pocket PC is amazing - and it only weighs 6 ounces! It has 16 MB of ROM, which contains the basic Win CE operating system. It has 32 MB of RAM, which is allocated between data storage and additional programs. Right now I've added over a dozen programs - including Pocket Streets mapping software, Pocket Workout, and a bunch of games - and I still have 23 MB free. That's also after I've entered all my contacts and calendar data. You can adjust the amount of memory you want allocated to data and software in the settting. The iPaq also has a 206 MHz Intel StrongARM 32 bit RISC processor - I've run many programs at once and never seen any change in performance.

As far as looks, it is very eye-catching and modern. Every time I pull it out, people are curious and want to know what it is. The silver case is edgy without being too flashy, and the shape is a good fit with your hand. The shortcut buttons on the front are nice too - they speed the navigation of the menus.

More features: it has a gorgeous LCD 4096-color display with 240 x 320 resolution. I have Pac-Man and on this screen it looks JUST like the arcade version. It also is easy to see regardless of the surrounding light conditions. There's a voice recorder so you can record memos or notes. There's a headphone jack so you can listen to MP-3's. There's an infrared port so you can communicate with other iPaqs, or your cellular phone. There's a speaker for playing music or recorded messages, and the sound quality is excellent for such a small device. There's a light sensor that adjusts the display's backlight according to the light where you are. This saves battery power by minimizing the backlight in darker surroundings. The battery is internal and rechargeable. I usually get 4 days to a week's use out of a charge, or about 8-12 hours, and I use it constantly. There is also an expansion slot which can be used in several ways, including adding memory or connecting wirelessly to email and the Internet (see www.compaq.com for more on that).

As far as the software, the iPaq comes with a basic version of Win CE. Handwriting recognition software is included on the CD that comes with the product. I've used this extensively for lists and when I'm in a hurry, and it works very well. If you write neatly, it almost always translates the script to text correctly. This is wonderful since sometimes you just don't have the time to mess with the stylus. The iPaq also comes with Pocket Word, Excel and Internet Explorer. The calendar and contacts are just like Outlook, so anyone who uses Outlook at work will easily be able to use this.

The iPaq comes with a docking cradle that charges the unit (via the included AC adaptor) and connects it to the PC. Depending on the model, it connects via a serial or USB port. If you have a USB connection, you won't be able to connect to a Windows NT workstation. The USB connection is only supported on Windows 98 and 2000. Once you set up the ActiveSync software on your PC, you use the cradle to sync your iPaq calendar and contacts with your PC, and download files to the iPaq from your PC. There is also an adaptor to charge the iPaq's battery in your car.

The only thing I didn't like about my iPaq was the case it came with. The basic pack comes with a cheap vinyl case, but it's usable. I'm planning to get a new flip-open case down the road though (which the executive pack comes with).

I have found the iPaq incredibly useful. I download my work calendar to it so I can keep track of all of my schedule wherever I am. I have my budget spreadsheet on it, and my strength training workouts (ie, exercises for each body part - legs, abs, shoulders, etc). I keep several lists on it, including grocery lists, to-do lists, and a running weekend list. I have phone numbers, email addresses and contacts stored on it so I'm always able to reach people. I use the mapping software to find addresses and alternate routes if I'm in traffic and there's a wreck. You can download maps for whatever towns you need, so if you travel to an unfamiliar town you can find restaurants, ATMs and many other points of interest (shopping, skiing, theatres, campgrounds). I also use it for fun. Whenever I'm stuck in line somewhere or on a plane, I can play games, read books, or listen to music. It's been an amazing device and I know I have only brushed the surface of what it can do.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 500