Two New iPAQs from Compaq

In my initial review of Compaq's unique device, I dubbed it the "Ultimate Pocket PC." My opinion hasn't changed. The iPAQ is slim and sexy, and comes with one of the best indoor/outdoor color displays of any Pocket PC. IPAQ innovations include the versatile Expansion Packs (including the new Dual-Slot PC Card Expansion Pack, see page 20) and the upgradeable Flash-ROM. These, and Compaq's commitment to continue developing the product, keep the iPAQ Pocket PC ahead of the handheld pack.

So what's new with the iPAQ?

Compaq has recently introduced two new iPAQ products: The first, the iPAQ 3635 Pocket PC, is a package that includes a color-screen iPAQ with 32 Mb of RAM, additional software, a Compact Flash Expansion Pack, and a larger slip case that can hold the iPAQ while it's seated in its Expansion Pack. The slipcase has a slot for an additional PC Card. The iPAQ 3635 comes with full versions of Conduits Peacemaker Pro (for file transfer between most PDAs), and ZioGolf2, the latest version of the popular 3-D golfing game. It also includes all of the basic software that comes with all Pocket PCs (ActiveSync 3.1, Outlook 2000, etc.)

The second, the iPAQ 3670 Pocket PC, is a color-screen iPAQ with 64 Mb of RAM. It includes only the basic software mentioned above and the thin slipcase, but it's the 64 Mb of RAM that makes this device significant. All by itself, the iPAQ is a slim and attractive handheld, but the added bulk of an Expansion Pack makes it less "pocketable." The added internal memory may turn the 64k iPAQ into more of a stand-alone product.

Both of these Pocket PCs come with the latest "ROM revision" of the built-in software (described in the next article). Other than the ROM revision and the hardware additions mentioned above, these are essentially identical to the H3600 iPAQ I looked at in my first review.

The iPAQ 3635 has an MSRP of $549.99. The 64 Mb iPAQ 3670 has a MSRP of $649.99. If you want to buy an iPAQ and don't need the extra internal memory, the iPAQ 3635 is the way to go. You'll want a card slot for backups and extra storage memory, and the Expansion Packs have always been in short supply. So why not buy an iPAQ with a CF Expansion Pack included?

If you need lots of internal memory, the iPAQ 3670 is the best choice of any Pocket PC. As a physician, I use many medical programs that, for security reasons, must be installed in the Pocket PC's internal memory. The 64 Mb iPAQ lets me load and run these programs from the faster internal memory. (However, if the program will run off of a storage card, I load it there and keep my internal memory free.)

These products are the latest in a continuing tradition of excellence from Compaq. (Please see "Upgrade 'ROM Version' of existing iPAQs" for a description of what's new in the ROM revision.)