Product Description

Still the most powerful and expandable pocket PC, the Microsoft Windows-powered iPAQ Pocket PC 3835 takes Compaq's award-winning handheld to new extremes. Combine the longest battery life and fastest processor available with massive memory speeds and unprecedented storage capacity to take advantage of a wealth of new features. With thousands of available applications, a standard secure digital slot for internal upgrades and a number of external expansion pack options like wireless connectivity, there's no telling how far it'll take you.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23373 in Consumer Electronics
• Size: 3635 Color
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: 230397-002
• Platforms: Windows 98, Windows 2000
• Dimensions: .62" h x 3.30" w x 5.30" l, .42 pounds
• Memory: 64MB
• Native resolution: 240 x 320
• Display size: 3.77

Features

• Pocket PC 2002 operating system features improved handwriting recognition
• 64 MB RAM and 32 MB ROM ; 206 MHz Intel StrongARM 32-bit RISC processor
• 240 x 320-inch TFT LCD screen displays more than 4,000 colors
• Pre-installed software includes Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer
• What's in the box: iPAQ Pocket PC H3835 series, Extra stylus, Protective cover pack

Amazon.com Review
For many, Compaq's iPAQs were the pick of the first round of Pocket PC releases. Now that Microsoft has released a new version of its Pocket PC operating system (Pocket PC 2002), the company's previous hardware partners have all updated their products and some new players have joined in. The net result is greater competition--so how does Compaq fare?

The new range of iPAQ is available in two versions. The iPAQ 3765 is much like the popular 3635 model, but has the new OS on board. The iPAQ 3835, our review unit, is similar in body, but adds a few extra features.

The 3835 is driven by Intel's fast StrongARM processor, which runs at 206 MHz, and is outfitted with a healthy 64 MB RAM. The Pocket PC 2002 OS itself is stored on the 32 MB flash ROM, so you should be able to easily install OS updates as they come along. The screen quality is superb and can show over 65,000 colors--a greater color depth than the 3765.

Most hardware expansion is provided via an optional CompactFlash expansion jacket, with CF cards and modules from previous iPAQs largely compatible with the iPAQ 3835. Note, however, that this does not carry through to hardware add-ons that use the docking port (such as keyboards), as the connector on the 3835 is different than on the 3635 or 3765.

Additionally, there is now a built-in expansion slot onboard that enables you to add both software and hardware to the iPAQ without the need for the CF expansion jacket. This slot is compatible with both Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards.

The iPAQ's design and build quality are superb; this is still the best-looking Pocket PC around. The docking station is both USB and serial--this "one size fits all" approach is intelligent and user friendly. Data input has also been improved, including the ability to register more than one button press at a time, making speedy gaming possible as some light relief from all the serious work you can set the device to.

Overall, Compaq's new iPAQ 3835 beats the rest for looks and performance. The built-in SD/MMC expansion card slot is a plus, and the iPAQ becomes an even more powerful productivity machine with the addition of the optional CompactFlash jacket. --Sandra Vogel

Pros:

• Expansion card slot for SD and MMC cards
• Fast processor and good amount of onboard memory
• Bright screen with great color depth
• Latest Microsoft operating system--Pocket PC 2002

• Use of CompactFlash cards requires optional expansion jacket

Amazon.com Product Description
Sleek, expandable, and wireless-enabled, the Compaq iPAQ 3835 Pocket PC offers a powerful mobile computing tool that fits in the palm of your hand. It comes with 64 MB RAM and 32 MB ROM, a fast 206 MHz Intel StrongArm processor, and a bright LCD screen that displays 65,000 colors.

The iPAQ 3835 features a built-in Secure Digital (SD) card slot for adding more memory and modules, from modems to cameras to GPS receivers. You can also add an optional expansion jacket for using CompactFlash cards.

With the enhancements and improvements in Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 operating system, the iPAQ 3835 is even more powerful and easier to use. You'll get improved handwriting recognition, more reliable synchronization, increased security, and the ability to chat using MSN Messenger. It also features new Pocket versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer.

Work hard, but play hard, too. The iPAQ 3835 can play digital audio files (both MP3 and WMA) using the Windows Media Player software. It's also compatible with audible.com files, for listening to audiobooks, radio broadcasts, and more. You also get the Microsoft Reader e-book software.

Other highlights include a microphone and a speaker as well as an audio-in jack. The iPAQ 3835 features an infrared port for wireless data transfer. It uses five buttons and a five-way joystick. The iPAQ connects to either USB or serial ports. The iPAQ allows you to input data in your own handwriting, by soft keyboard, or by voice recorder. Both audible and visual alarms alert you to a scheduled event.

At 5.3 by 3.3 by 0.62 inches, and weighing 6.7 ounces, the iPAQ 3835 is sporty and small, fitting in your hand or sliding into your pocket with ease. Compaq has also built in utilities, so that frequent actions--such as switching between tasks, adjusting volume, and changing backlighting--are only a click away.

The iPAQ 3835 has a built-in lithium rechargeable battery that gives up to 10 hours of battery life. It also comes with a docking cradle, AC adapter for battery charging, and a USB connection cable. Compaq offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the box

• iPAQ Pocket PC H3835
• Extra stylus
• Protective cover pack
• Universal cradle for both USB and serial connections with tether
• AC adapter
• DC adapter plug

From the Manufacturer
The Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC 3835 takes our award-winning handheld to new extremes. Combine the longest battery life and fastest processor available with massive memory speeds and unprecedented storage capacity to take advantage of a wealth of new features. With thousands of available applications, a standard secure digital slot for internal upgrades, and a number of external Expansion Pack options like wireless connectivity, there's no telling how far it'll take you. But one thing's certain: the ultraportable, multifunctional iPAQ Pocket PC 3835 is sure to keep you connected--anytime and anywhere.

What's in the box

• iPAQ Pocket PC H3835
• Extra stylus
• Protective cover pack
• Universal cradle for both USB and serial connections with tether
• AC adapter
• DC adapter plug

Customer Reviews

Good Product, but be careful if upgrading from Previous iPAQ
I have been using an iPAQ 3635 (32MB RAM/ 16MB ROM) for almost a year and just upgraded to the new 3835 model a few days ago (my old 3635 developed a defect and I was given full credit towards a replacement).

While the 3835 is basically a good evolutionary upgrade from the 3635, there is at least one "gotcha" that Compaq does not go out of their way to point out: Compaq changed the Power/Data interface from once model to the other. On the 31xx, 36xx and new 37xx iPAQ models, the power interface and the data interface are separate. On the 38xx series, Compaq chose to combine the two interfaces into a single, slightly larger (and thus incompatible), combined power/data interface. This means that you won't be able to use some accessories you purchased for your older model with the new 38xx series, such as that the:

- Targus Stowaway foldable keyboard
- the 31xx, 36xx and 37xx "Universal" or Serial Sync cradles
- the 31xx, 36xx and 37xx sync cables.

You can use the your old AC Adapter and your car / airplace power cables if you have the interface converter adapter.

If you have a big investment in these power- and/or sync-related accessories, give some consideration to purchasing a 37xx model rather than a 38xx servies model.

There are some differences between the 38xx and 36xx (and new 37xx) series, but I have not used my 3835 long enough to notice a huge difference in performance. The 38xx has

- Double the RAM and ROM of the 36xx (this is good if you were finding 32MB RAM to be too confining)
- An integrated SD slot for 64/128MB memory cards without having to use a CF Card expansion pack (a truely useful new feature)
- Pocket PC 2002 vs Pocket PC original (some additional, applications, functionality and ease-of-use)
- a 64K color screen vs. a 4096 color screen (the difference not so obvious so far)
- 1400mAh battery versus a 950mAh battery (but the rated battery life remains 10 hours)
- A different task manager (which at first blush appears a bit less easy to use .. but that's probably just me)
- Some additional software bundled by Compaq, including IBM ViaVoice (voice commands) and iPresenter PowerPoint (for converting and displaying PowerPoint presentations - quite useful for me).

There other differences, but it's best to go to Compaq's website and print out the QuickSpecs to see for yourself.

All-in-all, I'm not sure if upgrading from a 36xx to a 38xx is really worth it if you have to pay full for a new 38xx; but if you only have to pay the price delta between the two, and you don't mind not being able to use (for now) productivity-increasing accessories such as the Targus Stowaway foldable keyboard, it was certainly worth to me.

Excellent Unit all around
After returning the disapointing Jornada 568, I decided to stick with the iPAQ line after owning the 3630 since October 2000. I'm so glad I made that choice. The screen is brilliant (Could use some contrast controls especially in viewing pictures, but I'm sure that will be worked on) and extremely clear and DUSTLESS. The Jornada was heavily polluted with dust particles and was plagued with an uneven backlight. The iPAQ light is uniformly lit all around. The sound quality is crisp and clear and has replaced my RioVolt SP250 as my music device. The bass controls work well. Games are fun to play on the unit, and the unit comes with a hefty 64MB of RAM. Overall, I would definately go with this device, Compaq has thought of everything this time, up to the improved included carrying case (which is an awesome cover pack this time around.)

Compaq iPaq 3835 Thumbs Up all around
Purchased the Compaq iPaq about 3 weeks ago and all I can say is WOW! I used the newer HP Jornada for about a week and there is no comparison. The screen on the Compaq 3835 is by far more brighter and exact. I am able to move around through the software more easily on the Compaq too. I find Word and Excel a plus. My favorite feature is being able to sync my Compaq in the morning and have news and other items downloaded in less than a minute. The battery life on this unit is more than sufficient. Complaints? None, zero, nada!!! Well worth the money.