Compaq Aero 2110 Color Palm-Size PC

by HP

Product Details

Product Manual [2.92mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 0.8 x 5.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JFEY
• Item model number: 311910-001
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #437,388 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Keep yourself informed, organized, and entertained with the Compaq Aero 2110 palm-size PC. This high-end color palm PC manages your calendar, business contacts, and to-do list; provides a voice recorder and note taker; and even lets you read e-mail and Web information or listen to audiobooks and radio programs downloaded from your desktop PC.

Setting up the Aero 2110 was easy--we just removed the protective strips from the main and backup batteries, plugged in the AC adapter, and attached the synchronization cable to the desktop "partner" PC's serial port. We followed the Aero's setup wizard and then dropped in the software CD-ROM and followed the Windows CE installation wizard--all clearly explained in the Quick Start Guide.

You operate the Aero with five front-mounted and two side-mounted push buttons or by tapping the stylus on the display. The Aero is comfortable to hold and operate, and the high-resolution backlit color screen is beautifully easy to read in any light.

The Windows CE CD-ROM provides the necessary software to manage tasks on your desktop PC and synchronize them with the Aero. Compaq also provides supplemental software to download audio programs, view standard digital files, and more.

In our test, we installed the AudiblePlayer and visited a Web site offering downloadable audiobooks. The process of installing the player and the petulant AudioManager desktop software took about an hour. It took another 20 minutes to download a free book, and another hour to transfer the title to the Aero 2110. Despite the slow process, we were still impressed that we could listen to audiobooks on a PDA. A similar but much friendlier process downloads e-mail and Web content--news, magazine subscriptions, and so on--that you can read offline.

With its attractive ergonomic design, complete set of personal organizer functions, color screen, expandable memory, digital audio abilities, terrific software suite, and Windows CE operating system, the Aero is a fun and useful PDA.

Pros:

• Beautiful 256-color display
• Well-chosen software suite

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other palm-size units
• Does not include a 9-to-25 pin serial port adapter

From Winmag®

Compaq's first PPC is based on a middle-of-the-road design. It has some special features, however, that may endear it to IT managers. Foremost among these is built-in asset management software that lets you tag an Aero 2100 with unique electronic serial numbers.

The unit's backlit reflective LCD display can be hard to see in bright indoor light. But outdoors, it won't wash out, even in the brightest sunlight. I also like the Aero's contoured shape, which was second in comfort only to Everex's Freestyle 540. And of the four PPCs in this group, the Compaq provides the best approach to storing the stylus: It's spring-loaded. Click the stylus top, and it pops up for you to grab. When you're done, just push it back in. Neat!

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Review after having an Aero for a year., November 25, 1999

By 

Bruce Werner (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Aero 2110 Color Palm-Size PC (Office Product)

The Compaq Aero is a great product in regards to productivity and it's use of the Windows CE software. However there are a few buyer beware issues that you should be aware of which I came to after having mine for a year now:

1. The screen is not resistant enough to scratches to allow for long term writing with the included sylus. If you plan to write on your PDA daily and for long periods, sctaches on the bottom appear, and only get worse with use.You will want to purchase screen protectors from a company like Concept Kitchen to protect your screen.

2. Three of my co-workers as well as myself purchased these products at the same time. In 2 of them, the audio went out and never came back.. The vertict when we compared notes: The 2 of us who lost our audio played alarms and MP3's (using the MP3 player), which were very loud. If your looking for a good audio system, you should consier the Casio model instead, which also features stereo audio (Compaq's Aero is mono only)

3. If this will become a necessary part of your life, and if you find that you are using it the majority of your day, you will want to get one of many PDA Accessory kits that are available at various online retailers. Look for one that includes screen protection accessories and cleaning products. The sooner you get this, the better. I found out too late that my screen was getting scratched with my writing, and even though my screen is now protected I have unrecoverable damage to my screen.

Overall, the system performs well, and is rugged enough to be thrown in a briefcase or a pocket daily. This is most useful to someone who is a Microsoft Windows user at home and work, since the interface is almost identical (There is even a start button). If you are a hobbiest wanting the latest and most feature rich PDA, this is not for you, the Casio and HP models may be better. However, if you are a business professional who wants a reliable system that can live with a mono audio system and an acceptable color visual display, this model is for you.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compaq 2150, November 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Compaq Aero 2110 Color Palm-Size PC (Office Product)

This is a nice tool with one very basic flaw. The screen is difficult to see in normal indoor light. However, the voice recorder is a real plus for 'in traffic' ideas and reminders to myself. The earphone and the audio book program is a nice addition for tedious airplane travel. The available v.90 modem allows easy e-mail and faxing which sometimes allows me to travel without my heavy laptop.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent unit -- the voice recorder is a huge plus, October 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Compaq Aero 2110 Color Palm-Size PC (Office Product)

Windows CE works tremendously on the Compaq. Since I use Outlook 2000 on my PC, the screens on the Compaq using CE are as straightforward as it gets for looking up contacts, tasks, calendar items, or e-mails. I really like the fact that you can keep the unit in the cradle while at the office, which charges the battery, and keeps the unit in continuous synch with my PC so that I can grab the Compaq and head out the door when I need to go -- rather than waiting to synch up before I go.

When I'm on the road, I can quickly record an idea on the Compaq by pressing the voice record button that is safely & strategically located in the corner where I can get to it without otherwise turning the unit on,or opening the case. I've been very pleased with it!