Hewlett Packard IPAQ h3630 Pocket PC

Having used many Pocket PC?s and ?handhelds? over the last few years, I have noticed a remarkable improvement in capabilities and power.

Still, most of these devices offer a less than desirable performance for a painful price. The main let down has been the use of the operating system, as it does not allow effective use of applications or motherboard features.

The iPac H3630 still has a way to go, but to date I believe it is the best Pocket PC on the market.

When compared to other Pocket PCs the iPac H3630 is a league ahead. The design provides a much needed increase in speed and screen characteristics. There also some extra features that make it much easier to use (as compared to others).

This little beast has it?s own beauty too. I was really impressed with the screen lighting. The iPaq uses small lights reflecting off the screen. These lights make the screen bright enough for every use, even when outdoors in direct sunlight. The screen doesn't display as many colors as the Cassiopeia E-115, but it is more than functional for everyday use.

The iPaq H3630 is fast. It contains a processor running at 206MHz. While it is not as fast as most desktops, it is nearly 70MHz faster than either the HP Jornada 545 or the Casio Cassiopeia E-115.

The control pad is located below the screen and provides good scrolling and controls for applications and video games.

There is a small speaker is hidden under the pad for that audio output. But, I would not use it to listen to MP3s. You will be better off plugging in a pair of headphones. The speaker is easily overdriven and can not handle the broad range of frequencies that a song may contain.

Almost all of the Pocket PC?s on the market have the inability to turn off applications quickly and easily. This leads to a slow down of the operating system as the ?apps? continue to run in the background. Most of the time the operating system should shut down applications to keep the Pocket PC chugging right along. But this does not all ways fix the system tire up problem.

Compaq has installed a dedicated button (known as the Qmenu) to remediate this problem. This button allows you to turn off applications quickly with a simple tap of a key. This way the system does not become overloaded and sluggish.

The iPaq comes sheathed in a sleek, silver case that is comparable in size to a Palm IIIe, although the iPaq is slightly heavier.

The Compaq iPac is a well designed and superb Pocket PC. And with the prices dropping daily, I would recommend one for any busy person out there.

The iPaq does not sport an expansion slot. This does not a present a problem memory ?wise, since it comes with 32MB of built-in RAM.

There is a way to add other features. Compaq uses sleeves that slip over the iPaq, including one with a slot for a CompactFlash card and another for a PC Card. While this approach does allow some expansion, it adds to the cost and makes the iPac look like it has some tumor growing on it.