Customer Reviews

Compaq iPAQ 3765 Color Pocket PC

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Besides all the obvious ways in which the Compaq iPaq 3765 is a more robust electronic organizer than any version of the Palm, there are two features or characteristics of the iPaq 3765 that deserve special mention. The first is the fact that the iPaq 3765 is a full-featured eBook, running Microsoft Reader with ClearType display technology. Now, perhaps that doesn't make you trip over your keyboard as you scramble to order one, but consider: You now have a full dictionary in your PDA. You also have an English to Spanish dictionary in your PDA. Or French to English. Or whatever you need. You also have Jack Welch's new best seller to peruse on your next flight, or while you're waiting at the doctor's office. You have the full operations manual for your iPaq right there on the iPaq itself! How many times have you actually had the manual for a device readily available at the moment you actually needed the damn thing? The fact that the iPaq 3765 is an easy-to-read eBook (with adjustable font sizes, book marking and other features) is a remarkable increase in usefulness over the conventional Palm OS PDA.
But the real advantage of the Compaq iPaq 3765 is the fact that its screen is a marvel of both clarity (hence an actually readable eBook) and touch-sensitivity. One of the most annoying characteristics of Palm PDAs is the insensitivity of the touch screen. You often have to tap the screen multiple times before it responds. And using it for graffiti writing is an enormous pain in the neck for even the relatively adept graffiti user. Your strokes are continuously misinterpreted. All the back spacing to re-stroke letters has caused many a Palm owner to give up on using graffiti as their most common mode of data entry. But with the iPaq 3765 each stroke is recogized instantly, with almost no re-stroking required. No kidding. As long as you're even close to matching the model graffiti stroke, the iPaq accurately recognizes the stroke! You can actually write with the damn thing! And when you tap the screen to select an entry in your contacts list, or choose one tab or the other, or highlight a bit of text, voila... the screen responds instantly and accurately. There are virtually no re-taps, no re-strokes, no mistakes. It's a touch screen made to be touched.
After years of using a Palm, including a color screen Palm IIIC, I feel like I have died and gone to heaven. The Copmpaq iPaq 3765 is head and shoulders better than the Palm OS offerings because it is a far more robust PDA, with marvelous eBook capabilities and an order of magnitude better screen in terms of clarity and the all important touch sensitivity.

Purchased this handheld about a two weeks ago and extremely pleased with functionality of unit. It is very solid; some might say its heavy. I use it to keep my contacts and appointments in order. Just beginning to realize all the other graet features it has. Does a great job as an MP3 player(will need to use a expansion pact if you want more than 5-6 songs on it) I've heard horror stories about individuals calling compaq tech support. I've called them twice. I have never gotten such good service. Better than my Dell service. The tech. didnot want to get off the phone with me. He answerd all questions in a way it was easy to understand. Hand writting recognition works very well; I'm elated. several things could be done better-finnish is great but can be slipery. No cover. Sronly advise to get a screen protector. If you get this unit you must call compaq to register and have them explain in full the sinc. proceedure so communication between the Comp. and the PDA can occure properly. Documentation does not explain it well.

I have forever and always seen people play with Palm thing-a-ma-jiggers and wondered what they were all about. I never looked into them because I thought they were a "very fancy" electronic phonebook, calendar, etc... I happened to see an ad for a local office products company and noticed another product similar to Compaq's IPAQ. While the price was high, I thought I would check things out. Much to my surprise, things have changed quite a bit. I never knew I could carry my "alternative laptop" in my purse with me. While it can't replace my desktop and "real" laptop, this pocket pc is...cool.

I already have a Compaq desktop so I decided to look at their pocket pcs. There were two (3765 & 3835). One had no rebate and cost more than the one with the rebate. Being new at this, I decided to buy the cheaper 3765 (at this moment, I must interrupt myself...yesterday I went with a friend to a local department store and found the 3765 on clearance and am still eligible for the $50 rebate..I would tell you my final price but I know Amazon will "bleep" it out). I played with it and debated as to whether or not to return it and upgrade to the 3835 (obviously I won't now since I got the 3765 at a dirt cheap price..please don't edit that part out Amazon! ;-) )

What I like about 3765:
-the letter/handwriting recognition, in my opinion, is fantastic; it's better than what I use to sign at the local computer/office retail store when I use my credit card to purchase something(my signature never looks quite right)
-the ability to create/edit/import/export documents with Word, Excel and a "makeshift" Powerpoint (within reason) is beneficial and saves me time
-I already feel more organized..and that's only been within the last two weeks
-Compaq gives LIFETIME support (let's just hope HP lives up to that when it takes over)..too bad they don't do that for some of their other products
-games..need I say more (what they give you is limited and there isn't much out there to buy..everything seems to be for OS..but I think things are changing)
-voice recorder...no more need to leave messages for myself on my answering maching at home or on my voice mail at work
-it makes me look very professional..something all teachers need (laugh please)
-the "intrinsic" memory and speed are good for a little computer

Now for the bad news...
-so far, I've been able to keep it charged and haven't experienced "damage," but I hear the battery charge isn't the greatest..invest in a car adapter...
-if you can find one..I finally found one (unfortunately it isn't Compaq's, however, it is a dual charger-one for the car and one for a powered USB); I wanted to kiss the feet of the salesperson when he told me he had one..he was my sixth attempt to find one
-color---quite honestly, I don't see the big deal unless you really, really want more colors (which the 3835 offers)
-synchronization can be a pain..you must know which PC to synchronize with first (the one you will retrieve your email from); this leads me into another bad lemon
-the ability to only synchronize with 2 computers..I actively use 3 AND Compaq told me you can only put Outlook 2002 on one PC (rather stupid if you ask me..why would you have the "ability" to synchronize with 2 computers but only be able to put Outlook 2002 on one; however, this is a Microsoft issue..not Compaq's)
-Compaq's attempt at a user guide..when I called customer service to get the synchronization problem handled (I called twice and it didn't take forever to get help-a plus for Compaq), I told them their guide su**ed. The first techie said many people say that and agreed with me..the second techie ignored my comment....I'm sure he has heard it several times too
-the need for an adaptor to add external memory..something I'm not too worried about but you might be
-a real version of Power Point would be realllyy great..I use it alot in my classroom and the files are rather large..they don't fit on a floppy..I haven't tried using the makeshift version of a presentation program so I can't give it a complete thumbs down

Before you buy...
-make sure you really want it for more than a phonebook, calendar and other "pencil/paper" needs; it is an investment and there is alot of potential
-go to your local bookstore, grab a few "how to" books about Pocket PC's (not Palms) and see if the information grabs your attention; trust me, if you buy a Pocket PC, you'll need the "how to" books..one kudo for Amazon...even with my 20% educator discount at two bookstores, Amazon seems to beat their prices..plus I pay no taxes (hint: accumulate your order to get free shipping)

Happy Shopping!

I purchased this IPAQ about a month ago to use at home, work, and college. The main feature I like is being able to consolodate all phone numbers, contacts, and Microsoft Office documents into one little device. I've eliminated reems of paperwork with my IPAQ and I'm very glad I purchased it.

BUT the support from Compaq is terrible. I'm a Social Worker, NOT a computer programmer. Yet my IPAQ comes with a small owner's manual and very little useful online advice that is actually written in plain English. Navigating their web site is tricky. The PocketPC software (Microsoft) is mostly straightforward and easy to use (ingenious really), but there's no simple way to schedule an appointment with your contacts--why not? Isn't that why you buy a handheld computer?

Word of advice: If you're going to be using your IPAQ more than 4 hours a day, then you might want to upgrade to the IPAQ H3850 simply because the 3850 has a much longer battery life. My battery dies within about 2-4 hours on LOW power. The problem is you have to keep the unit charged to about 40% so it doesn't permanently lose all the data. Either upgrade to the 3850 or buy several AC adapters to charge the thing.

Even with all the complaints, I love the fact that my IPAQ has made me a much more productive student and employee.

Wow!! I had a Palm III and all I can say is that I never thought that a PDA would be able to do all this. I sync with Outlook and I have all my contacts ,appointments and Notes!! When I am driving I just speak into it and record onto it anything I want to jot down. I can email any notes w/ my voice as an attachment. Also the Media Player is great I keep some songs in there to make time go by quicker when Im inline somewhere. The ability to create documents and spreadsheets is great but I dont use it much. The sync time is about 1/8 of what it was w/ Palm. I am still able to exchange info via infrared w/ Palm users. Spend the extra bucks and get it I promise you wont regret it!

I did a lot of market research before buying a replacement for my gray-scale PDA. Each manufacturer and each product I looked at had its own merits and demerits.
I chose the COMPAQ IPAQ 3765 for a number of reasons:
- The ability to use a variety of "sleeves" around the basic unit that allow you to dramatically expand memory, utilize Bluetooth technology, etc.
- The clarity and visibility of the screen
- Pocket PC 2002
- The availability of a refurbished unit.
Things I Would Improve:

- The body is brushed aluminum. It is very slippery. I would add some rubber dots (similar to those used on electric shavers) or some kind of non-skid material on the sides to avoid dropping the unit.
- The brightness control on my machine occasionally changes to a lower setting (making it dimmer).
- Compaq's web site is difficult to navigate. I couldn't locate how to register my product.
- Using Compaq's technical assistance phone system can be a trial.
- Lack of a flip-up protective cover is a major problem.
- The carrying case that is provided does not have a flap at the top. This makes it likely that the unit could fall out once the case has stretched over time. Also, the protective case cannot accommodate the IPAQ if the unit is inside a slip-on sleeve.
- I received a non-working copy of the start-up disk. Compaq is aware that a number of units were shipped with bad disks. The work-around was to download Active-Synch software from Microsoft's web page. The COMPAQ tech rep promised a new CD within four days.
- The cord on the recharger stand is far too short unless you plan on putting the IPAQ directly on top of your computer box or on the floor. The cable should be at least twice as long so it can be dropped down the back of a desk and snaked to the back of a PC.
- I would redesign the charger stand so that it is easier to keep the data cable and power cable separate. I would also design the charger stand so the cables cannot be mounted underneath the support foot of the charger.

Things That Were Good:
- The unit is very attractive.
- The screen display is very clear and vibrant.
- You do not have to disassemble the basic unit and a slip-on sleeve in order to charge the unit. Both fit in the recharger stand.
- Unlike other reviewers, my experience with the technical reps was generally pleasant.
- Pocket PC 2002 is intuitive to use. Anyone familiar with the Windows environment will find it easy to learn.
- I was told that shipping might take two weeks...my unit arrived in two days.
- People who are hesitant to migrate from a Palm to a Pocket PC 2002 environment need not worry. There are software packages on the market that convert data and contact information from one PDA operating system to another. I had no problem with my bulk data transfer, but am discovering occasional odd characters that require correction.

It helped me tremendously when doing my school work, This is because I could type notes on it (with an ipaq compatible keyboard, not included) without using a BULKY and indiscreet laptop, and easily EDIT my notes (sooo awesome and better than using the old fashioned wire-bound paper notebooks) when I transfer the notes to my computer. Highly recommended for students. BUT, the aspects of it that helped me in school are ones that you could find in almost any PDA retailing about $150 and up (due to "DocumentsToGo" and "4.0 student" software. Both are very necessary for students). You see, I had a Sony Clie SJ20 before I upgraded to this, and I realized that both did the same in terms of school work.

The main thing I don't like about it is the seemingly false advertising from compaq, saying you could get internet access. Not that you can't, you CAN, but only after purchasing

1) an expansion pack: WHEN YOU ADD THE EXPANSION PACK, FORGET THE TERM "POCKET PC" BECAUSE IT WILL NOT FIT WELL IN YOUR POCKET. It also makes it heavy. I hate the expansion pack because it's so bulky, and you can't find any cases on the market to fit the ipaq and the expansion pack, except for the case made by the manufacturer. I actually considered making my own case for it (because I'm into arts and crafts) just so I didn't have to spend more money on a case. Due to the expansion pack, I wanted to upgrade to one of the newer and smaller models of the ipaq because the unit is so indiscreet with the expansion pack.

2) A compatible Sierra Wireless Aircard: a lot of places don't even sell them

3) And setting up the internet service you will get (your new account) through a phone company. Hard for me, some places don't do internet access through pocket PCs.

Not to mention that the expansion pack is another $70-100 added onto the original price of the ipaq, and there's the price of the aircard and internet service (so monthly payments mean more money added onto the unit). So, when the company says, "internet access", be very wary of what you're getting into because a lot of leg work and money is involved. In total, the things previously mentioned are four extra things that would have made me not buy the ipaq if had known about them before.

The other thing I wasn't satisfied with is the windows media player, on which you can play MP3s. You can only play about seven of them, unless you install more memory (and getting more memory means getting a memory card, which means getting a dual slot expansion pack, which means more BULK...uggghh). I haven't tried a movie or any visual on it yet.

The battery power dies out quickly as well. So be prepared to see the "main battery low" sign appear on the screen every couple days or so (with regular usage).

Overall, if you want true satisfaction with this product, be willing to spend an extra $200-300, in addition to monthly internet service payments, and go through a lot of leg work.

MY SUGGESTION: buy a more expensive PDA that has built in internet access (well, if you want internet access at all...and if you don't, it's not really a pocket computer/PC), or simply save lots of money and don't buy a PDA with internet access. It seems that there are lots of great PDAs on the market that have all the same features that the ipaq 3765, minus the internet. Overall, the whole internet illusion that is set forth by pocket PC manufacturers isn't as easy to obtain as it seems with any pocket PC out right now (because even with the ones that claim they have built in internet, you still have to buy a specific and very expensive internet card, in addition to monthly service payments. Hope this helps!!

I really got mine more because it was a gadget than under the serious belief that I would use it very regularly, but I have to say, this is probably the most usefull things I own next to my stereo system. My primary reason for saying so is that it really works perfectly as an e-book. I actually prefer it to regular books now because it is so light and you can easily turn it to suit whatever position your head wants to be in. The screen is bright and clear, and in some conditions easier to read than ink on a page. It would have been nice to put a little nubby wheel high up on the side for flipping pages, since the "joystick" thing isn't quite where your hand wants it to be for one-handed reading.

I have a nice dimage7 digital camera that I use to take snaps of book pages, run them through the uncannily reliable omnipage pro 11, publish them with mobipocket publisher, and in about 40 minutes I have yet another 300+ page book that goes with me anywhere (which is mostly to traffic court for another speeding ticket.) I also use it to schedule my traffic court appearances.

The "voice" recorder is good (it can go up to 44khz stereo and you can plug in a mike, thus the quotation marks--you could record just about anything). There is a hotbutton on the side that activates the voive memo program, but unfortunately does not actually start the recording, so you still have to push the record button on the screen. To my way of thinking, this kind of defeats the idea of the button, but who am I to nit-pick that rare product that actually works.

Syncing works fine, but I haven't been able to get it to sync properly through the ir port on my dell notebook yet.

A friend got me a targus stowaway keyboard and it is darn swell too--nice quality feel and works without a hitch. I also puchased a 3rd party car/usb adapter that can either charge in the car or you can take the small detachable cable with you to charge and sync from any usb cpu, which means you're always charged and you don't have to drag around the cradle.

My advice is buy it, especially if you like to read-- you'll use it.

It' s very useful for daily life, I'm graduated student. I always use this thing for my lecture. You can use Word, Excel, Powerpoint in this machine. The best thing I will say is it's very easy to use because one of my friend use sony clie 760, and he told me to teach him uninstall the program for his machine, but I couldn't do it, because it's very difficult to do, but for iPaq you can use it easily like your desktop because of Window OS.
I like this iPaq because:
1. Easy to use.
2. Good design.
3. Big screen.
4. Good color display.
5. A lot of accessories.
6. A lot of good utilities programs.
7. Pocket PC 2002.
8. Easy to synchonize.
Its drawbacks:
1. Short battery life just couple hours.
2. No cover.
3. No compactflash slot.
4. I sometimes miss my appointments because I didn't hear reminder sound.
5. It'll be very too big to carry with compactflash jacket .
I absolutely recommend this product . I use it to manage my time schedule, banking account, dictionary, MP3, game, and Internet as well as MSN messenger. This product is much better than Palm pilot.

Christmas 2001 turned out to be the defining moment for pocket electronics in our household. 3 family members each received a different brand and so far the iPAQ has come out ahead for ease of use, speed, and the popular "cool factor". Pitted against the Casio color BE-300 and the Handspring Visor (and the now retired Palms), the iPAQ has been the "lemme play with it" gift of the season. Great graphics, clear sound, easy interface,and it's speed have made it a winner. Downloads for games and utilities are abundant on the internet and simple to load into the iPAQ.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this gem of electronic genius.