Hewlett Packard IPAQ h3630 Pocket PC

My company bought me a iPAQ H3630 several months ago. Initially, I thought it can be used as my personal organizer as well as a smaller laptop. However, now I only use it to play MP3 songs, viewing photos and recording voice in meetings, not even playing games. Why? It's all bcoz of the following short comings of the iPAQ:-

1. Short battery life and total unreliable data protection after battery exhausted:-

The iPAQ battery normally can last for a whole day for my normal use. This is already not adequate, especially when I cannot find a charger for more than one day. Even worse, when the battery is low, its installed programs and personal data will disappear after u leave it alone for several days.

There is no way to restore the data, except that you need to constantly backup all the data to CF card (not real-time indeed!)
The Active-Sync software has no idea to restore the data but simply warn u that another device is plugged into its socket and ask u if u want to create new profile!?

I consider the iPAQ unreliable also because of the software bugs in the WinCE calendar; I still remember I had entered an appointment in the morning that eventually appeared in the afternoon's schedule!? Believe it or not...

2. Vulnerable

The touch screen is easily got scratched. Dust easily come into the inside of the display and the user has no way to remove the annoying dust and the dust will accumulate. Another dirty feel comes from finger prints which like to appear on the silver body very much.

3. No built-in CF card socket

The add-on jacket makes iPAQ even more bulky, not mention the extra money. However, the 32M internal RAM is absolutely not adequate for multi-media applications. Since the 32M is for both program and data storage, the CF card is a must. I suspect Compaq intentionally not built the socket right into the iPAQ for some reasons other than technical difficulties as other vendor can make it, e.g. HP, Casio

4. No USB Sync Cord provided in standard package

For a pricy device like this, I disagree the "mean" behaviour of the manufacturer.

5. iPAQ cannot detect two or more buttons pressed simultaneously:-

That's mean u cannot use it to play many best games that can be run on other WinCE 3 platforms, like Casio's.

6. Not much freeware available! (WinCE's shortcoming)

7. Can have more than 4K color on display for better picture viewing..

In a few words, if I only use the iPAQ for MP3 playing and sound recording, I'd better bought an advanced compact MP3 player/recorder, e.g. some models from Samsung, etc. and save some money. If I need a compact, reliable and good personal organizer, I recommend to buy Palm. If I need to do office works outdoors, still a light-weight laptop is more practical and easier to use.