Useful and Reliable
Written: Apr 28 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very rugged and dependable unit
Cons: Aged, limited memory and upgradeability
The Bottom Line: If it meets your needs, get it. If you're looking for top of the line and the newest features, pass on by.
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| emuelle1's Full Review: Compaq iPAQ H3765 Pocket PC |
My entry into the PDA world involved a Cassiopia Pv-400 Plus that my wife gave me when I was debating whether to continue to spend $40 a year on Franklin Planner refills or not. I found the handheld to be very useful but limited. A few months later, the Palm Zire arrived, and I was given one for Christmas. I wrote a review on that. But still, it was missing something. As a computer geek, I always want more.
I was working the swing shift with a guy who bought a Pocket PC and didn't use it, and mentioned that he would be willing to sell it for $120. I knew very little about them, but I knew enough to know that was a good price. He brought the unit in and let me "test drive" it for a few days, then I bought it outright.
I've had it for almost two years, and it's been a great use to me. As I write this review, I should have a Dell Axim x30 sitting on my doorstep. It was time to move on, but I'll write my thoughts on the ipaq 3765 that has been my computer away from my computer for almost two years.
I'll start with the biggest negative I came across. Shortly after buying the ipaq, I started to have problems syncing. This was a problem. Without the ability to sync with my computer to transfer email, appointments, tasks, files, and such, I might as well just go back to the Palm Zire, which I still have but don't use. The problem became incredibly frustrating to me. I reached the point where I could not sync via cable, and I could only syncronize via IR with my laptop. In my frustration, I inadvertatly broke the soft reset button, which caused another technical problem using the ipaq. I found a free program that allowed me to soft reset it, but if it locked up, I had to crack the case and push it back together just right. If I did it right, it soft resetted. If I did it wrong, I had a hard reset and I had to reinstall everything. That was a hard time.
I found a third party supplier online through which I bought a new switchboard assembly for $30, and my ipaq has worked like a champ ever since. I can even soft reset it normally once again.
All that aside, the technical specifications of the unit are below with my comments and experiences:
-Memory (standard): 64 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
The ROM contains the operating system and about a 6 MB file store, in which you can store documents that you don't want to get lost during a hard reset. I keep my resume in there, for instance. You are not able to write to the ROM, however, so any programs that you put on will be written to the RAM. Though it says you have 64 MB of RAM, I find the spec to be misleading because that 64 MB is divided between program memory and storage memory. It defaults to 32 MB each, although you are able to adjust it. Compaq designed an expansion sleeve for this unit, which I will address later. It allows you to add extra memory, although some programs will only work properly if installed into main program memory.
Third party upgrades are available. Pocket PC Techs can upgrade the memory to at least 128 for this unit; perhaps beyond. I will confine my remarks to a "stock" unit, however.
-Memory (maximum): Information not available
-CompactFlash: Yes, with optional Compaq expansion pack
The expansion sleeve is a very useful investment. Mine was given to me for my birthday by a friend. There are different models available. One contains PCMCIA slots. Mine has an extra battery and a CF slot. I have been running with a 128 MB CF card, which allows me to carry MP3 files to listen to in the car. I also carry other files on there. NOTE: CF cards WILL survive the laundry, but please take my word for it and don't try it at home.
-Other expansion: No
This is a frustrating limitation of the unit. There are some units not that offer both SD and CF slots, as some expansions work better in one format and some in the other. You may have a CF camera but you need an SD card to store pictures on, for instance. This unit lacks upgradability.
-Display type: Color-reflective TFT LCD (indoor/outdoor)
I've found my screen difficult to read in direct sunlight.
-Display colors: 4,096 (12-bit)
-Display size: 2.26 by 3.02 inches
-Resolution: 240 by 320 pixels
Windows Mobile 2003 offers a landscape mode, which is highly useful. That is not offerred in PPCOS 2002. Everything is displayed in portrait.
-Processor: 206 MHz Intel StrongARM 32-bit
The processor, after two years, is just starting to show the need for a faster one. It's a very good processor overall, and has served me well. Comments continuing in next section.
-Operating system: Microsoft Pocket PC 2002
-PC compatible: Yes
PPCOS2002 was an upgrade from the older WinCE operating system. I believe there was a 2000 version as well. What it does, it does fairly well. I'll discuss applications later. Windows Mobile 2003 and 2003 SE offer more features, but my understanding is an upgrade to them on this unit would not offer much, as they support technology that this model isn't compatible with.
-Mac compatible: No
-PC system requirements: 486/33 MHz or higher processor (Pentium 90 MHz recommended), 10 to 50 MB free hard drive space, 9 or 25 pin communication port, CD-ROM drive, VGA or higher resolution graphics card, mouse, USB port, Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, or XP.
-Handwriting recognition: Yes
I have heard that some people have used the handwriting recognition feature and liked it. I found it actually faster to fumble with the on screen keyboard as it is to try to teach the unit your writing style and still get it to recognize obscure characters.
-Keyboard: On-screen
You can buy a 3rd party attachable keyboard to improve your typing. A fried of mine uses it to take minutes at meetings.
-User controls: On/off, light, menu, speaker/5-way joystick, contacts, calendar
The hardware buttons can be mapped to any applications that you choose. The power button functions also as the button to turn the backlight on or off. THe joystick is also the speaker. I haven't had a problem with this, but the next line of models moved the speaker. The voice recorder button is located on the left side, up high, in a convenient spot to dictate notes to yourself.
-Memo pad: Yes
-Address book: Yes
-Scheduler: Yes
-Email: Yes
-Web browser: Yes
-Security: Yes
These are all applications that come standard with the operating system. They are all "adequate", but third party add ons are widely available, both paid and freeware, to meet any needs you might have.
-Stereo: Yes
-Built-in speaker: Yes
-Headset jack: Yes (3.5mm stereo)
-Voice recorder: Yes
-MP3 playback: Yes
-Audible content playback: Yes
-AC adapter included: Yes
-Battery type: 950 mAh lithium-polymer
-Batteries included: Yes
Newer models come with a detachable and replaceable battery. The battery in the older models, like this one, is mounted inside the case and requires special tools to service. With the expansion pack, I've never had a problem with battery life.
-Average battery life: 9 hours
I'm not sure what they actually base this on, but this is the published standard for the unit. I haven't really had a chance to do any scientific battery consumtion trials. I try to keep mine on it's charger whenever I can.
-Serial: Yes, with optional Compaq serial cradle
-USB: Yes
-Infrared: Yes
-Wireless: No
-Docking cradle: USB cradle included
-PC cable: Yes
-Other hardware: Two styli, vinyl slipcase, AC adapter
Pre-installed Software: Asset Viewer, Microsoft Windows CE, Calendar, Contacts, Task, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player (MP3), Calculator, Solitaire, Inbox (for e-mail), Microsoft Reader (eBooks and audible.com content), Picture Viewer, iPAQ Task Manager, File Explorer, MSN Instant Messenger, Terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Server Sync Client, Infrared Beaming, iPAQ File Store
-Software on CD: Microsoft ActiveSync 3.5, Microsoft Money 2002, Pocket Streets, Pocket Outlook 2002 (e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks), Conduits Peacemaker Professional, Microsoft Games, Presenter (for PowerPoint), Dashboard, Startap (trial version), Xcellenet Device Management Agent, Audible Player (link), Compaq Wireless LAN Drivers, iPAQ eBook Reference Guide, iPAQ Reference Guide, Callex Player Voice Messaging, Connection Wizard, AvantGo, MSN Mobile
-What's in the box: iPaQ 3765, AC adapter, 950 mAh lithium-polymer battery, USB cradle, USB connection cable, Two styli, Vinyl slipcase, User manual
-Width: 3.28 inches
-Height: 0.62 inches
-Depth: 5.11 inches
-Weight: 6 ounces
-Warranty, parts: 1 year limited
-Warranty, labor: 1 year limited
My unit was long since out of warranty when I bought it, but as I said, there is third party support available.
The stylus lock is horrible. It is poorly designed and ceases to function quickly. My stylus is always sticking out, and falls out quite easily. Every time I have to hit the brakes hard on my car, I have to spend time hunting for my stylus on the floor. This stylus design was not used after the 3700 series.
About the only comment I have on the applications is that I have found the mobile Windows Media Player to be about useless. I use a third party freeware program.
If you're looking for an older model, I would highly recommend this one. If you want to keep up with technology, then leave it for someone who doesn't need as much. It's very rugged and capable, and has served me well for 2 years.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 120
Recommended for: Beginners - Simple and Easy to Use
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Epinions.com ID:
emuelle1
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Member: Eric Mueller
Location: Lindenwold, NJ
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 1 member
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