Customer Reviews

Compaq iPAQ 3650 Color Pocket PC

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I've had my IPAQ for several months now and am extremely satisfied with it. Over that time I've learned a few things that might be helpful to to other users, so rather than write another general review, I thought I would post a few suggestions on this, especially for those that may be making the transition from the Palm platform to the iPAQ, (as I did).

The iPAQ saves individual Notes that you make in the sub-directory where you create them in the Notes app area. This results in them initially having a name such as "Work1, Work2, etc. (i.e., if you have a Note directory called Work). This is not very helpful so you have to rename them by doing a "tap and hold" on the file name, and giving it the new name. Otherwise you end of with lots of Notes with non-descript names with numbers at the end. Not too helpful.

For better power management, watch the screen brightness setting which you set from the Settings menu. You can also hit the "Q" button and pop up the Q menu and get to it from there. A lot of times you can reduce the backlight setting and save power and extend battery life. Otherwise running it at the highest intensity you'll only have about 3 hours. Also, in direct sunlight, where the iPAQ works great but the Palm and Casio units wash out totally, you can set it on "power save" mode

If you use the digital recorder function, be careful what you have the settings here. The iPAQ will record anywhere from 8,000 Hz, Mono, 2KB/sec, to 44,100 Hz, 16-bit, stereo, 172 KB/sec. You'll find that even the 22,050 Hz, stereo settings will cause even short notes to take up 300K of space. After a few of these you're out of memory and you'll wonder why. The default setting of 8-bit mono is okay so I just leave it there.

This setting is also hard to find and can be found under Settings\Personal\Input\Options.

I've found my iPAQ to be the best of the Pocket PCs out there. Hope these suggestions help.

You have heard by now that a new class of handhelds - the PocketPCs - have hit the market and selling like hotcakes. You have probably even decided that you would rather go with a PocketPC than a Palm because you use Windows at work and home and feel happy with MSWord, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and the whole kit-n-kaboodle. What you cannot decide is which one of these to buy - they all rate so high! Well, for good reason. Faster processors and simpler WindowsCE system are making these eminently powerful and useful.

Price: Cassiopeia E-115 and Jornada 548 are both ~ $600 (if you go for the 16 M RAM, the price drops, but I don't recommend it). iPAQs are cheaper at ~ $500.

Processors: Cassiopeia (MIPS) and Jornada (SH3) processors are about the same speed (131 MHz) but Cassiopeia is a 64 bit processor. iPAQ has a StrongArm processor running at 206 MHz and noticeably faster.

Expandability: Cassiopeia comes with a Type II Compact Flash slot. This means you can put any compact flash cards out there, including the snazzy 1 inch IBM-microdrives that store upto 340 MB of data. Jornada comes with a Type I slot which means it cannot accomodate type II cards or the IBM-drive. iPAQ needs to add an expansion "jacket" to allow any cards. It is an innovative design that allows the main unit to be smaller - but you have to carry more components if you want to lug around more data or music.

Display: Only Cassiopeia has a true 16 bit display (65000 colors). iPAQ and Jornada are both 12 bit (1000 colors). Can you make out the difference - mostly not, unless you are looking at photographs.

Size: Cassiopeia is bulky and comes in at 9 oz. It does not have a hard top - so it needs to be carried in a soft case that comes along. Jornada unit is about as bulky as Cassiopeia, but it comes with a hard top so the total package (unit and case) is definitely less bulky. iPAQ wins hands down with a Palm like form factor.

Bottom Line: If you need dislay, multimedia capabilities and expandability - buy a Cassiopeia. Looking for a sleeker option with decent built-in expansion options - buy a Jornada. You need speed and sleek - look not farther than an iPAQ (remeber you need a separate jacket at times).

For those of you are trying to find this very hard to get PDA, Keep in mind that the H3650 and H3630 are the same device. The H3630 model is sent to direct re-salers (i.e. Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, etc), and the H3650 is sent to the online retailers. However, I've noticed on-line that you will see both. I've called compaq to confirm this. Good luck, and good shopping! I've been sold!

NOTICE: The IPAQ does not support "Open Host Control" USB.

To check this out right click mycomputer->properties->Device Manager, then look under the USB icon.

If you have that kind of USB you will not be able to sync with the IPAQ through usb. I have been syncing with a serial since and it is terrible. It takes approximately 30 min. to sync an mp3, and at least 20 min. to sync avantgo. If you have an open host controller USB I would not advise getting the IPAQ.

Overall, I have to say that I am very happy with my IPAQ since I can sync at work with a USB.

I have owned the palm IIIc and the Handspring Prism. First the Prism, simply, not worth the money. The only advantage of the prism over the IIIc is the expansion port but the components are so expensive that it isn't worth it. So given the choice I would choose the IIIc over the prism. The screens for all intents and purposes are equal and you will not be able to tell the difference most of the time. My primary reason for getting the IPAQ over any palm type device would be the unit's speaker. I purchased all of my pda's to make sure that I am on schedule but the palm type devices don't have a loud enough speaker to warn me of a meeting. The IPAQ is loud, extremely loud. I also found the palm type devices to be somewhat limiting. In approximately one day you will know the entire machine and you will also know that, that is about all you can do with it. However, on the other had the IPAQ is way more complicated to use and to set up but I feel that if there is something unique that I need to do it will be able to do it.

Before buying the IPAQ I read many reviews and many of them said that Compaq's service was terrible. I must say that I do not agree. As a matter of fact I found there service to be A++ and the operators to be extremely polite and patient.

Also DO NOT buy this unit to play mp3's. It will be maxed out in about 4 standard mp3's because the IPAQ allocates part of it's memory for running programs so in reality you only have about 14 mgs of space to work with for your files. Also don't plan on upgrading the memory for the ipaq since the 64 meg cards cost $310 + $50 (prices from Compaq) for the expansion jacket.

One more note about the available software. There is not as much available software for the IPAQ (or any other PocketPc) as for the Palm devices. So if you want to do something highly specialized plan on spending more money after you get your pocketpc.

I know that I gave alot of cons and little if any pros, eventhough I said I was happy with my unit. I did this primarly because when you are spending [this much] on anything, the cons are way more important.

I got an iPAQ about 3 weeks ago. So far I'm very impressed with it, and starting to replace the 2" thick "Brain book" I was carrying with me. The unit's capabilites are very impressive -- I use it for

- Schedule planner (synch with home and work)

- Read email, including Word and Excel attachments

- Address/ contacts data

- Notes (including free hand simple drawings)

- Business applications (mainly spreadsheet)

- MP3 player

- Personal pictures (JPGs) although this is a small screen

- Ebook reader using Project Gutenberg text files.

I have not owned a PDA before, and was not impressed by friends' Palms since they appeared to be just electronic address and calendars. This is *quite* a bit more...

Good Points -

- Excellent screen -- very bright and colorful (although other people have reported dust under the screen, I have not found any)

- Word and Excel. In my professional life I live on these. I have several self written Excel spreadsheet on the iPAQ which aid me greatly in daily working enviroments. And it's really impressive to see a client's reaction when I pull out the iPAQ and do a company valuation or financial model spreadsheet on my PDA. These are "Pocket" versions of Word and Excel, so they don't have the full features of the desktop versions, but for something I can put in my shirt pocket and take with me, they are quite functional.

- Ezpandability. I picked up the Compact Flash sleeve and now have a machine with essentially 100 MB RAM, using a 64 MB CF card. Using a spare card I can swap out 64 MB of data at a time -- mp3s for music or data for work. This has replaced me carrying a 100 MB zip disk around.

- Power. I've run test MPEG video clips on this in full color and sound. 200 MHz is more than my last generation desktop's processor power.

- Excellent handwriting recognition without needing to learn a new language. Still not as easy as just writing and took me a day to get used to, but for taking meeting notes etc it is very good.

- Versatility. Excel, word, email, mp3, games, ebooks, voice recorder, jpg viewer -- I'm very impressed to get this in one device. Some of the wireless connectivity options through the expansion sleeves (CF or PCMIA wireless modem and through the installed Internet Explorer) look very impressive, although I have not tried them yet.

Could be Improved -- Most of these are quibbles or personal preference...

- Connectivity. I use the provided USB cradle at home and aserial cable at work. I had to buy the serial cable for the workmachine (no USB port) and I think Compaq should have provided it.Autosynch works pretty well, but I have had some duplicate meetingsshow up on my schedule. Part of that I think, it that I am learningto use it, and switching between Outlook at home and MS Exchange atwork. Other people have reported connectivity problems that I havenot encountered.

- Battery. The unit has an internal wired inbattery which is rechargable from either the cradle or an externalpower adapter. I would have preferred a replaceable (and rechargable)battery just in case. I get from 4-6 hours of standard usage out ofthe battery now.

- Software availability. There are severalhundreds of programs availabe and more being added each week -- but Iwould like to see more available including standard business products.In particular, I am *VERY* surprized there isn't a pocket version ofPowerpoint -- although I understand one is near release.

-Earphone volume is loud with earbuds, so I run it at near minimumvolume.

- Case or cover for the iPAQ. Compaq provides a smallsimple case, and aftermarket vendors have others available. I'm usinga surplus HP65 calculator case which works very well. I would havepreferred a snazzy case from Compaq to show off the machine -- butthat is my personal preference.

All in all, I am *very* impressedwith this machine. There are things that could be better, but overallit is very good. People who have seen this being used by myself droolover it...

I say "available" because people are paying up ... retail in auctions, there are so few in stock anywhere. I've looked at a number of earlier WinCE units, as well as trying several Palm generations, but wasn't impressed by anything up till now. The Palm's are good units, but limited in their interoperation with the applications I use every day. The MS PocketPC OS and applications work extremely well with their full size counterparts. The screen is amazingly bright and crisp, and the form is slim and sharp looking.

a couple of annoyances: The stylus holder accepts the stylus in either direction (left-right, not top-down), but will jam in the last inch if you put it in backwards. Why not use a design that would only fit in one way, or make it symetrical so it didn't matter? you jam this stylus in good, and it's never coming out, not without a trip to service. I'd rather have seen a Palm compatible stylus holder, so one of the excellent aftermarket ones could be used (Pentopia makes a stylus/pen combination that rocks!)

The data connection on the stand is a flimsy design that makes an uncomfortable "chunk" sound everytime you connect it. I don't know how well it's going to last.

the hard plastic slip case that comes with it has no face cover, so it doesn't protect the screen, and it latches into place only lightly. a quick movement will launch the unit out of the case. So the "protective" cover actually provides a negative level of protection, creating a situation where damage is certain to happen. Better to buy the leather case, looks nice and much better protection.

The voice recorder button is placed in the perfect place to bet hit accidentally, and often. I delete odd recordings almost every day.

ActiveSync has a long way to go to become a mature application. It works, but it's very limited in capabilities.

built in lithium ion batter makes for a nice slim unit, but what happens if it needs replacing? The case is sealed.

The system reminder alarms are LOUD, no amount of adjusting volume settings seemed to change it. I had to turn them all off, otherwise anytime a reminder went off, the entire office would hear it.

all in all, the best handheld PC available now, but the market has a lot of maturing to do as of yet.

I've had the Palm V for about a year before I was able to buy this Ipaq 3650. The Ipaq is really awesome! Compared to the Palm V, here are some of the positive and negative sides:

Positive:
-This beats the Palm in almost every way possible. Clear and bright screen that is perfectly viewable in sunlight. Not to mention that it's also crisp color as well. The brightness is totally adjustable and there's even a sensor that you can set so it will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly. Very cool.

-The hotsync speed blows away the Palm. What's also very nice is that it can dynamically sync with your Outlook mail, contacts, calendar, notes, etc. If you have the Ipaq already connected in the cradle and you're sorting and deleting your email on your desktop, the Ipaq will instaneously synchronize every delete/add that you make on your desktop. With the Palm, you have to press the hotsync button everytime or schedule a hotsync. With the Ipaq, you just plug it in and forget about it.

-The integrated Windows Media Player is awesome. It's basically an integrated Mp3 player that can play any mp3. You now have music on the go and plus you can plug in headphones to your Ipaq, and listen to your music at work.

-You can also record with the built-in microphone your voice or voice reminders

-Everything with Outlook - Contacts, Emails, Calendar appears the exact same way as it does on your Ipaq.

-Very accurate Handwriting recognition. One of the best selling points for the Apple PDA is now available for the Ipaq. Same technology and accuracy that the Newtons run on.

-With the Palm V, you're limited to the amount of memory you can store of only 2MB or 8MB if you have the Vx. With the Compact Flash Card, you can store up to whatever your compact flash can hold. Currently, it's at 1GB. That's a lot of mp3s.

-Overall, it looks very cool (Matrix silver) and it's the fastest and most top of the line PocketPC you can buy out there on the market. And because it's so hard to get, it just raises the cool factor even higher. =)

Some of the negative sides
-Doesn't come with a serial cable. So people running NT have to purchase this cable separately.

-Size. It is a little bulkier than the sleek Palm V, but it still fits in my pocket and I can carry it in my bag.

-Accessories are hard to find and anything related to this item (including the Ipaq itself) is hard to find. Too bad a hard cover case isn't available yet for this. I'm still looking btw.

-Software. There's much more third party software out there available for Palm than there is for PocketPC. Go figure...Palm owns 70% marketshare for PDAs. This will slowly change.

Overall...the Ipaq is very nice. If you can afford one and find one available, I really suggest this as a very good strong buy.

... I almost gave up waiting on this unit to instead choose an HP, but I am so glad I waited-- thanks for delivering, Amazon! As a developer, I am kind of picky, and I didn't want just another slow Palm. For only ~$60 more than a Palm IIIc, I got so much more in performance. Plus, with free Microsoft Developer tools, I can now write my own applications.

The advertisement pictures do it a "professional" injustice. I was a little apprehensive that the unit would look too much like a "GameBoy" for serious business use. However, that quickly vanished when I saw that the front "joystick" device was flat and unobtrusive. My peers all were impressed. It feels solid and metal-like, but I believe it is metalized plastic. The buttons are solid and I really like the way it is so responsive--I seem to never have to wait while applications launch. It's like having a Pentium PC in your hand.

Here are my feelings so far after only several days of use:

* - The display is truly outstanding--bright, clear, functional, under any lighting conditions. The only negative is that it does look a little bluish for pictures--maybe a limit of the backlight or only 4096 colors. However, it is a reasonable design compromise and not a distraction to me.

* - I like the way it sites in the cradle by my desk and shows me new messages appearing in my inbox. I just downloaded PicturePerfect to try--it creates a pleasant picture slide show while the iPaq is docked. I copied over several digital family photos. Now it sits and shows them like a Photo album. PicturePerfect is a nice application and performs great on the iPaq!

* - I use it with USB on Windows 2000. Microsoft ActiveSync works very well. It's interesting to see the changes take place on the iPaq as I read or delete email on my PC, and visa versa. The only disappointment was that it won't sync both my separate work and home email accounts in Outlook, as I was hoping to keep both on my iPaq.

* - Last night the kids were having fun recording and playing back their voices, and now I have 30 wav files-- treasures I can electronically preserve so we can laugh about when they are older. It's like taking snapshots of their voices. I would never do that with a tape recorder--too much setup. Now I can record simple voice note for later action.

* - So far, the 32 mb of memory goes a long way. Over the weekend, I loaded pictures, sound bits, several Word files, and an Excel file from work. I was impressed that Excel's entire spreadsheet transferred seamlessly. As an experiment, I changed a cell and copied the file back to the PC and reloaded it into Excell successfully. Impressive! Similarly, I loaded a large Word file of a book I extracted from a CD program. This still doesn't even put a dent into the memory. However, I've yet to do MP3 files, which uses 1 mb per minute.

* - Battery life is 8-10 hours. At home I mistakenly forgot to plug the charger in along with the USB. It ran all day long in its cradle until I noticed a low battery warning. A quick plug-in and it charged in a few hours.

As I am still discovering, the newness hasn't yet worn off. However, it appears I finally won't need to lug around my laptop as much anymore. It's well worth waiting for while Compaq ramps up their production. I am quite impressed with this iPaq device--it is good balance between power and functionality. Now, I hope they sell enough to encourage after-market supporting products. Nevertheless, I now have a device worthy of my development attention that will run the mobile applications I've dreamed of writing without feeling compromised or constrained!

I was lucky enough to get my Ipaq on June 23rd, and it is far superior to any other Organizer / Pocket PC or whatever small device you can think of. It's great as a:

PIM: Outlook is great, I've been using it and have easily been able to quickly go through at times 100's of emails in my inbox and keep 350 contacts at my fingertips, not to mention calendaring and todo's.

E-book: I've already read Timeline and a couple of Gutenberg Project books on this thing. That alone makes it awesome. MS Cleartype makes it enjoyable to read an ebook anywhere.

Mapping Tool: I've got a 3MB map of my hometown in here that is very quick to work with in finding an address, restaurant, you name it. Much faster than previous versions.

SpreadSheet: Pocket Excel is very useful. I'm using a 5-sheet spreadsheet to manage costs, financing and taxes on a new home purchase.

Browser: AvantGo, after a few weeks, now works like a champ on the IPAQ.

Games: If Pacman is any indication, this will be be console quality competition by Christmas.

...Now if we could just have unlimited wireless access for $20 a month at 56kbs.

Just got mine and I must say this is a solid unit!

Most of the reviews I have read here are a good eval of this product. However some are misleading in regards to the following information:

1. Some are saying that because the battery is built in it cannot be replaced. But it can be replaced (maybe even on warrenty) by a compaq service rep (says so right on the service sheet). While this is more annoying than putting in some new AA's it shouldn't happen very often with the new lithium polymer battery.

2. Some are quite satisfied with the screen, but be aware that a side by side comparison with a casio 105 or 115 would make the Ipaq's screen appear "milky". The screen on the Ipaq also sits a little deeper than the screen on the Casio. In my opinion the screen on the Casio 105-115 is currently the best with the most "Laptop" like screen. Don't let this discourage you though, the screen is still quite bright and readable.

Some other observations about my unit:

The USB connection on Windows 2000 is a bit finiky. Mine sometimes does not connect and I have to unplug it or restart my machine or play around with the connection stuff to get it to reconnect (it gets even worse after waking up from sleep or hibernate modes). This may be a problem with ActiveSync 3.1 though.

The auto-brightness feature is not tunable, so if you enable it you are stuck with what it feels is "bright enough" for your use. For me it needs to be brighter.

Dispite these observations I am happy with it's price, speed and form. I would definately get this unit if you are considering a Pocket PC!