Print
Discuss
Send to friend
The success of Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system has a lot to do with Compaq's Ipaq. The first version of the slimline handheld was arguably the best Pocket PC by a mile, although it wasn't without its faults. Now the company hopes to address these problems with a makeover.
At first glance, the new chassis looks quite different from the old, but there are actually very few differences. The dimensions, for example, are identical - 133 x 84 x 16mm (h x w x d).
The same metallic finish is employed, which gives the whole unit a slick feel.
The screen is also the same size: 57.6 x 76.8mm (w x h), and it sports the same resolution, 240 x 320, which can display 16bit colour.
Expansion packs
At the bottom is the familiar connector for the Ipaq expansion packs. These plastic jackets slide onto the rear of the device, installing the appropriate software automatically. The jackets give the Ipaq the ability to take things like Compact Flash (CF) and PC Cards. You can also buy extras like GPS navigation kits.
The good news is that expansion packs bought for the old Ipaq should work with the new one, providing the drivers have been updated by the manufacturer to support the Pocket PC 2002 operating system.
Digital audio
So what's different? The main criticism of the first-generation Ipaq was the fact that it couldn't accept a storage card out of the box - you needed to buy a CF jacket, which added cost and extra bulk.
The 3850 gets around this problem with a Secure Digital (SD) slot at the top. The potential to add extra memory means that it is finally practical to think of the Ipaq as a digital audio player.
The stylus has been redesigned, which may not sound earth shattering, but it's important as the previous one was prone to jamming in its holder if it was accidentally replaced the wrong way around.
The cradle is also slightly different. Both serial and USB connectors are on the end, which is good, but it is now only possible to charge the device by placing it in the cradle, which isn't.
Battery life
Previously, you could plug the charger directly into the Ipaq; very useful if you aren't at your desk and need to generate a little extra juice.
Battery life has been improved, although the lithium-polymer battery still can't supply enough power to last more than a typical Personal Computer World reviewer's day.
The battery indicator was also fairly erratic on our model, frequently insisting that it was imperative we recharge our unit, then deciding when we returned it to the cradle that, actually, there was a lot more power left than it thought.
The basic specs are par for the course - the same 206MHz Strongarm processor, 64Mb of Ram and 32MB=b of Rom are here, as they are in every other Pocket PC based on version 2002 of the operating system.
Software
Where Compaq impresses, however, is in its implementation of the Pocket PC software. The company has allocated 6.59Mb of Flash memory as an 'Ipaq safestore', which can be used to back up crucial files so that, should your Ipaq run out of steam when you're away from a power point, your vital data will be waiting when you recharge. You can even choose to back up your contacts and appointments automatically.
The rest of the software consists of the standard exhaustive Pocket PC applications, with a couple of useful additions. The best is Itask, a utility that lets you see and close down the programs running in memory. Another is Asset Viewer, a breakdown of all the salient hardware features.
Can you dig it?
The alterations Compaq has made to the Ipaq 3850 clearly make this the best Pocket PC of the new bunch. But is it worth buying? The answer depends on what you want from your PDA.
If you're after a flash address book and calendar with a couple of handy extras, then the Palm's M500 or 505 will do you fine. It will save you £200 and you'll be reaching for the charger a lot less.
If the ability to walk out of a shop with a machine that can play MP3s effortlessly, look at nearly all web pages and has a fantastic screen is appealing, dig deep and get this.
Contact
Compaq: 0845 270 4222 www.compaq.co.uk
See also:
The big daddy amoung the Psions, the Series 7 is a cross between a PDA and a sub-notebook. With a large colour screen and an equally spacious keyboard, it will please those who need to key in lots of data on the move. 01 Mar 2002
All Palm PDAs
del.icio.us
Digg this
reddit!
