Rating: Summary: actually usefull--really usefull!! Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: Would be great it if worked Review: I've had intermittent problems with the touch screen. No matter how many times I align, after a while it gets messed up. I think it might be nice little machine, but in it's current state is unusable. And having ordered it from Amazon means that it's not easy exchanging it for one that works.
Rating: Summary: iPaq 3765 Is it 1 of the top PDA's? Review: First let me say I am not a "techie" but I can follow directions fairly well. Instructions come in a small book and are very basic, but allow you to get the set up completed with little problems, anything more than that and you will have to call Compaq Tech Support, which is an act in futility. After owning a Handspring Visor Prism, and an HP Jornada 568, the Compaq 3765 would have to rate #2 out of the 3. The metal case on the 3765 is very appealing until you pick it up and realize how smooth it is, so make sure you hold on. I had to reinstall the active sync numerous times as it would not recognize my USB connection? Color is excellent on the 3765, and once I got everything going it worked great, and I had no problem loading in my contact list from my cardscan files. I rate the 3765 a 4 because I had no problems with the Visor Prism, or the HP Jornada, and they worked first time out of the box, and both provided much better Customer Service and support.
Rating: Summary: I LOVE this little machine Review: I just bought my iPAQ 3765 in order to take notes in school (I bought it along with the foldable keyboard), and I swear I do not know HOW I got along without it. Being a college student, I am always taking 6-8 pages worth of notes per lecture, 4 classes a day, 3 days a week - my hand was dying. I use it instead of a laptop, which for me would be way too much to carry because of all the stuff I already carry for my classes. Also, a laptop has many more features than I would ever need while in class - I have my desktop for more complex tasks. Pocket Word doesn't have all the features of Word, such as keyboard short-cuts, but when you synch up the iPAQ with your computer, it changes pocket word files to Word format, so editting is a breeze. Putting in reminders and addresses is simple when done in Outlook, and I like the functionality I get when using services such as Avantgo, or downloading maps off Mapquest. The sound system on this little machine is great - get a good set of headphones, such as the Sony MDR-G52 which I use, and you are ready to jam to MP3's. The speakers themselves sound a little can-ish, but using headphones, it's great. I'm waiting for my Compact Flash expansion pack and CF card to arrive in order to pile in the MP3's. Despite how much fun I'm having with this little machine, I admit there are some things that could have been better, such as the screen - 4k colors makes for grainy pictures, and websites look a little strange. Another problem is quality control at Compaq - the first unit I bought had to be returned because the backlight would not work, not an uncommon problem with these PDAs if you read the Compaq forums. Another thing: it comes with a lot of preinstalled software, such as Microsoft Messenger, Excel, etc., which is great - however, I don't use them, and have yet to figure out how to uninstall them from my PDA (I would really like to take out Media Player and install an MP3 player of my choice). I am beginning to believe I CAN'T remove them. That really irks me. Bottom Line: if you're going to use it as a substitute for a laptop, and your primary needs are basic word processing (without printing), keeping contact lists, keeping a to-do list, appointments, email, silly web browsing, and MP3 listening, this is the machine for you. At 499.00, it's much cheaper than a laptop - however, it's pretty steep for a PDA, so if you're not in a big hurry, wait a few months for prices to drop as competition picks up. I wouldn't suggest going for the more pricier models (if your needs are similiar to what I described above) just for the extra colors and other do-dads - believe me, 4k colors is enough. If your needs are a little more complex, maybe a laptop is the better way to go.
Rating: Summary: Read the fine print! Review: If you want to use this Pocket PC at work, don't count on it! Unless you want to send an extra $25.00 to Compaq so that you can sync it with your NT desktop. My old HP Jornada didn't have any problem with NT. I wonder why Compaq doesn't support business software?
Rating: Summary: Terrible IPAQ design without cover Review: I switched my palm to IPAQ and very unhappy with the design. Its round edge is so easy to fall from hand and break. Why they do not make it easy to hold and a cover on it. All Palm comes with cover sometimes with metal cover to protect the glass or simply privacy. How it is to have your note book open all the times. If you use the cover that comes with IPAQ you can not put in your pocket, so it was better with my PALM I am going back. Regarding those features like word excell. you better get a note book folks you can't type a business plan with this IPAQ because without a physical key board it does not work well. Ya microsoft says SOFTWARE MATTER yes it is true but hardwares matter more. What will help you to have a handheld device it does not fit in your hand? or could not carry in pocket? I like the software but I hate the hardware made by Compaq simply it is bulky, ugly and not practical to use like handheld. It would be nice to have a sony type slim (cleio)design handheld with microsoft program that comes with cover and handy size to carry.
Rating: Summary: Hardware is Fair, Software is Riddled with Bugs Review: I am not a computer guru, I admit. But I do have a decent grip on modern technology. I purchased this IPAQ in the hopes that it could replace my paper calendar and my appointment book at home, while also allowing me to type term papers on it at school and keep good notes. But instead, all it does is keep track of my appointments at work. It freezes up often while using it and the battery lasts only a couple of hours on low power. It's absolutely rediculous. When you add in all the software bugs, like not being able to easily synchronize with more than one computer, and the machine becomes a time and money waste. This is not a handheld computer at all. I should have waited for better technology.
Rating: Summary: Rock solid PDA with room to improve. Review: I used an iPaq 3600 series, and was able to get it upgraded to an 3700. I have always been a fan of the iPaq series from Compaq, not only the most attractive, but the most powerful PocketPCs on the market. However, now that all of the PocketPCs will be running on the StrongARM processors that gave iPaq's their edge, it's hard to say without a doubt the iPaq is the best buy - it still is the best looking handheld by far. It's 12-bit screen, can seem washed out when compared to the 16-bit models of the other models (which, by the way, are at least $... more), but is readable even in direct sunlight. The iPaq also lacks built in expansion options (the 3800 series includes a SD digital slot). I have a CompactFlash sleeve I use for my CompactFlash Wi-Fi card and memory cards, but it adds bulk to the otherwise sleek design. Other companies are releasing their products with BOTH CompactFlash and SD digital integrated. The iPaq does have its strong points though. These expansion packs allow for a great deal of expandability. Don't want CompactFlash? Pick up a PC card sleeve. Or maybe the DUEL PC card sleeve. Or the CompactFlash sleeve with a bluetooth receiever. Compaq is releasing other expansion sleeves with cell phones integrated - this gives the iPaq the ability to expand to a great level more than that of the competition. When it all comes down to it, the iPaq 3700 series is the cheapest, BEST looking PocketPC on the market. The 3800, atleast in my opinion, is ugly in comparision (and also feels heavier in your hand). It would be nice to see an integrated CompactFlash slot, though.
Rating: Summary: Cool product Review: Upsides: - great for synchronizing between home and office. - handwriting recognition is awesome - doubles up as a portable audio device! it can play windows media files - has VPN support (haven't tested that yet) - Amazing graphics (64k colors is a lot) Downsides - practically zero documentation. - windows xp gives no logo testing warning : checked out the compaq site, found nothing, decided to ignore warning : working great, so far. - handhelds still have a long way to go before they can replace laptops... go in for a laptop if you can spend the extra money.
Rating: Summary: iPAQ stomps the competition Review: 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.
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