I Pack my iPAQ and it Packs for I...I mean Me

Author's Rating:

Pros: Pocket Versions of Familiar MS Programs, Processor, Battery Life, Great Software, Expandable, PRICE

Cons: B/W, 16MB ROM (too small for full upgradeability), kinda big

The Bottom Line: 
The PocketPCs have made it possible to take computing on the road and the iPAQ 3135 does it all! It's Fast, Powerful, Portable *AND* Affordable.

Author's Review
My iPAQ 3135 is more than just my Palm m100 replacement PDA. In just one short week it has become my brushed metal, monochrome screened, portable computing companion. In my pocket now resides a mini-PC…it is truly a Pocket PC. The operating system from Microsoft, the latest of the Windows CE line is aptly dubbed PocketPC.

The Vitals

Processor - The Intel StrongArm 3 Processor at 206MHz, is the current speed leader in PDAs. It also happens to be faster than my 3 year old Pentium I 133MHz laptop. The StrongArm packs the punch to instantly open applications and play multi media on the included Windows Media Player

Screen – The monochrome screen, viewed by those with color envy as a con, is actually one of the features that drew me to the unit. It is true that in some light, a color screen would make an easier read and some games are suited to a world of many hues. It is also true that the monochrome screen helps to extend the battery life to a claimed 14 hours of continual use. I think the real world battery life might be something like two days between charges with the power saving features of the unit. Color is a nice addition but a costly one in terms of both money and power.

USB connection – This is a much faster connection than my previous serial one for the Palm. Now that I’m swapping out Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and MP3s, this speed is most appreciated.

Weight/Dimensions – It weighs only 6.3 ounces and measures in at 5.11 x 3.28 x .062 inches. It is not the smallest of all the PDAs, but I find it both portable and sturdy.

RAM – Only 16MB, but because this unit comes with a Compact Flash expansion sleeve, you can purchase one or more CF Memory Expansion card to hold your many documents, MP3s, programs, etc.

Expansion Sleeve – This piece of equipment, an add-on accessory on older models, protects the unit from bumps and bruises and adds a cosmetic dimension. Beyond looks, the CF expandability will allow you to add memory, modem connectivity, network connectivity and more!

Battery – Lithium Polymer rechargeable. Nice long life between charges and Compaq claims that with normal use this battery should work for at least three years.

My First Days Of Use

Installation

This was relatively easy. I installed ActiveSynch and made the two partnerships (my girlfriend and I both have iPAQs). I had always used Microsoft Outlook so the information was immediately transferred over to the iPAQ. If you don’t currently run Microsoft Outlook have no worry because a version is supplied for installation on your desktop PC. You will notice that the Pocket version is similar to the desktop version so it’s quick to learn and integrates very well.


The USB cradle was recognized by Windows and installed easily. The flexibility of the unit is evidenced with power recharging. The power cord can be plugged into the cradle for recharging while synching or directly into the iPAQ for charging anywhere.

Loading Up For The Road

Installation is one thing, but the iPAQ needs to leave your desk to really prove its worth. I wanted to start with email. I don’t have wireless service so email by synch is my only option. Since I use sub-folders in Outlook, I can choose which messages I want to take on the road by dragging them into the top level Inbox. Active Synch will only synch with the top-level box for Inbox and Contacts. Sub folder support is coming in PocketPC 2002. I was able to read my email, including attachments if I chose to, reply to those messages and create new ones. As soon as I plugged the iPAQ back into the cradle Active Synch kicked in and sent my messages for me. Easy. Seamless. Portable.
(See below for how easy it is to have data input into the iPAQ.)

I also loaded some great games. I have a version of Tetris that is pretty fun. I have read about a Pocket version Quake, but I need to get some CF memory expansions before I venture into that arena. I found games at websites like:
www.pocketgear.com and even typical download sites like www.download.com
Also, try a google search for Pocket PC Software.

I was very excited about taking the Windows Media Player on the road so I loaded a few MP3s. Admittedly, I could only put a couple on until I found some shareware (DietMP3 from www.download.com) that shrinks MP3 into smaller files. Windows Media Player will also create .wmf files that are smaller than .mp3s of the same quality, but I haven’t tried it yet and the files are smaller with DietMP3.

Road Test

I was loaded and ready. On my way to my friend’s house I used a cassette adapter to plug my iPAQ into the car stereo. It sounded OK, but the shrunken files definitely lose some audio quality. With the units built-in speaker, you can’t really tell the difference. The speaker itself is tinty and not designed for high quality playback, but with plugged in speakers or headphones you have a full featured portable entertainment system.

At my friend’s house we played with the infra-red capability. I sent him an MP3 file (took awhile), a Word document and a couple of contact files. These worked flawlessly, though the receiving unit needs to open the IR Receive program to begin the process. I was also able to synch with an IR enabled laptop (very cool).

The RAM and processing power make the iPAQ capable of playing music and writing email at the same time.

Just to show off, I recorded a voice memo and emailed it to my friend. He was most impressed. With the included Peacemaker software, I could even beam info to a Palm-powered unit.

Input Methods

* Voice – the unit will record your voice and export a .wav file.

* 5 position joystick – this offers great cursor control and does double duty as the built in speaker.

* InfraRed – as I explained in the 'road test' above, this allows for wireless interfacing with other Pocket PCs, Palm Powered PDA’s, ir enabled computers, printers, etc.

* Handwriting – the PocketPC recognizes your handwriting. As a Palm trained graffiti user, I had to get used to writing ‘regular’ letters on the PocketPC. I am getting acclimated to it and I am able to knock out significant emails now. Handwriting and drawing (inking in Compaq speak) is allowed directly into memos.

Complete Control

* The Stylus/Screen tandem. This is the mode that we usually associate with PDAs. This one is stored in a spring loaded hole on the top of the unit. Gimmicky but impressive in public!

* The Joystick is a very easy alternative that I am starting to use more.

* The Power Button serves double duty – when you hold it down it turns on the backlight.

* Four programmable buttons surround the joystick/speaker.

* There is a voice record start/stop button on the upper left hand side of the unit.

Included Software

Preinstalled:
Asset Viewer
Active Sync 3.1 (you can download the improved 3.5 from Microsoft)
Microsoft Windows CE
Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Calculator, Solitare, Inbox (Email), Microsoft Reader, Explorer
Picture Viewer
Qmenu
Qstart
Qlaunch
Qutility

On CD
Peacemaker Conduit Software
ActiveSync 3.1
Microsoft Money for Pocket PC
Pocket Streets
Pocket Outlook 2000
Pocket Internet Explorer 5.0
Media Manager
Tscribe
Microsoft Reader dBook Samples

Microsoft Outlook 2000 for Windows desktop PC

Conclusion

This iPAQ packs quite a punch for the price. Any complaints I have are centered around the Windows CE/Pocket PC software which I hope will be straightened out with the upcoming release of Pocket PC 2002, which Compaq is upgrading for free I might add.

The monochrome screen may make some people consider the big brother 3635, but I prefer the long battery life of the 3135.