Compaq iPAQ 3835 Color Pocket PC

Other products by Hewlett-Packard

Product Details

Product Manual [20.69mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.3 x 0.6 inches ; 6.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005QEYI
• Item model number: 230397-002
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,067 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > PDAs & Handhelds

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 17, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

For many, Compaq's iPAQs were the pick of the first round of Pocket PC releases. Now that Microsoft has released a new version of its Pocket PC operating system (Pocket PC 2002), the company's previous hardware partners have all updated their products and some new players have joined in. The net result is greater competition--so how does Compaq fare?

The new range of iPAQ is available in two versions. The iPAQ 3765 is much like the popular 3635 model, but has the new OS on board. The iPAQ 3835, our review unit, is similar in body, but adds a few extra features.

The 3835 is driven by Intel's fast StrongARM processor, which runs at 206 MHz, and is outfitted with a healthy 64 MB RAM. The Pocket PC 2002 OS itself is stored on the 32 MB flash ROM, so you should be able to easily install OS updates as they come along. The screen quality is superb and can show over 65,000 colors--a greater color depth than the 3765.

Most hardware expansion is provided via an optional CompactFlash expansion jacket, with CF cards and modules from previous iPAQs largely compatible with the iPAQ 3835. Note, however, that this does not carry through to hardware add-ons that use the docking port (such as keyboards), as the connector on the 3835 is different than on the 3635 or 3765.

Additionally, there is now a built-in expansion slot onboard that enables you to add both software and hardware to the iPAQ without the need for the CF expansion jacket. This slot is compatible with both Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards.

The iPAQ's design and build quality are superb; this is still the best-looking Pocket PC around. The docking station is both USB and serial--this "one size fits all" approach is intelligent and user friendly. Data input has also been improved, including the ability to register more than one button press at a time, making speedy gaming possible as some light relief from all the serious work you can set the device to.

Overall, Compaq's new iPAQ 3835 beats the rest for looks and performance. The built-in SD/MMC expansion card slot is a plus, and the iPAQ becomes an even more powerful productivity machine with the addition of the optional CompactFlash jacket. --Sandra Vogel

Pros:

• Expansion card slot for SD and MMC cards
• Fast processor and good amount of onboard memory
• Bright screen with great color depth
• Latest Microsoft operating system--Pocket PC 2002

Cons:

• Use of CompactFlash cards requires optional expansion jacket

Product Description

Still the most powerful and expandable pocket PC, the Microsoft Windows-powered iPAQ Pocket PC 3835 takes Compaq's award-winning handheld to new extremes. Combine the longest battery life and fastest processor available with massive memory speeds and unprecedented storage capacity to take advantage of a wealth of new features. With thousands of available applications, a standard secure digital slot for internal upgrades and a number of external expansion pack options like wireless connectivity, there's no telling how far it'll take you.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Product, but be careful if upgrading from Previous iPAQ, November 2, 2001

By A Customer

I have been using an iPAQ 3635 (32MB RAM/ 16MB ROM) for almost a year and just upgraded to the new 3835 model a few days ago (my old 3635 developed a defect and I was given full credit towards a replacement).

While the 3835 is basically a good evolutionary upgrade from the 3635, there is at least one "gotcha" that Compaq does not go out of their way to point out: Compaq changed the Power/Data interface from once model to the other. On the 31xx, 36xx and new 37xx iPAQ models, the power interface and the data interface are separate. On the 38xx series, Compaq chose to combine the two interfaces into a single, slightly larger (and thus incompatible), combined power/data interface. This means that you won't be able to use some accessories you purchased for your older model with the new 38xx series, such as that the:

- Targus Stowaway foldable keyboard
- the 31xx, 36xx and 37xx "Universal" or Serial Sync cradles
- the 31xx, 36xx and 37xx sync cables.

You can use the your old AC Adapter and your car / airplace power cables if you have the interface converter adapter.

If you have a big investment in these power- and/or sync-related accessories, give some consideration to purchasing a 37xx model rather than a 38xx servies model.

There are some differences between the 38xx and 36xx (and new 37xx) series, but I have not used my 3835 long enough to notice a huge difference in performance. The 38xx has

- Double the RAM and ROM of the 36xx (this is good if you were finding 32MB RAM to be too confining)
- An integrated SD slot for 64/128MB memory cards without having to use a CF Card expansion pack (a truely useful new feature)
- Pocket PC 2002 vs Pocket PC original (some additional, applications, functionality and ease-of-use)
- a 64K color screen vs. a 4096 color screen (the difference not so obvious so far)
- 1400mAh battery versus a 950mAh battery (but the rated battery life remains 10 hours)
- A different task manager (which at first blush appears a bit less easy to use .. but that's probably just me)
- Some additional software bundled by Compaq, including IBM ViaVoice (voice commands) and iPresenter PowerPoint (for converting and displaying PowerPoint presentations - quite useful for me).

There other differences, but it's best to go to Compaq's website and print out the QuickSpecs to see for yourself.

All-in-all, I'm not sure if upgrading from a 36xx to a 38xx is really worth it if you have to pay full for a new 38xx; but if you only have to pay the price delta between the two, and you don't mind not being able to use (for now) productivity-increasing accessories such as the Targus Stowaway foldable keyboard, it was certainly worth to me.

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Unit all around, November 15, 2001

By A Customer

After returning the disapointing Jornada 568, I decided to stick with the iPAQ line after owning the 3630 since October 2000. I'm so glad I made that choice. The screen is brilliant (Could use some contrast controls especially in viewing pictures, but I'm sure that will be worked on) and extremely clear and DUSTLESS. The Jornada was heavily polluted with dust particles and was plagued with an uneven backlight. The iPAQ light is uniformly lit all around. The sound quality is crisp and clear and has replaced my RioVolt SP250 as my music device. The bass controls work well. Games are fun to play on the unit, and the unit comes with a hefty 64MB of RAM. Overall, I would definately go with this device, Compaq has thought of everything this time, up to the improved included carrying case (which is an awesome cover pack this time around.)

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compaq iPaq 3835 Thumbs Up all around, November 5, 2001

By	Raymond Lopez (Sonoma, California United States) - See all my reviews

Purchased the Compaq iPaq about 3 weeks ago and all I can say is WOW! I used the newer HP Jornada for about a week and there is no comparison. The screen on the Compaq 3835 is by far more brighter and exact. I am able to move around through the software more easily on the Compaq too. I find Word and Excel a plus. My favorite feature is being able to sync my Compaq in the morning and have news and other items downloaded in less than a minute. The battery life on this unit is more than sufficient. Complaints? None, zero, nada!!! Well worth the money.