iPAQ 36xx Series

 

Despite being discontinued in 2003, the 3600 series remains a popular choice for PDA users. It includes a robust set of features that make it usable with modern devices, making it ideal for use as a spare PDA. The iPaq was originally sold by Compaq, then replaced HP''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Jordana line when Hewlett Packard bought Compaq in 2002; HP and Compaq models and accessories are identical, and can be used interchangeably.

These PDA''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s are built around the PocketPC standard, using a 206mhz StrongARM CPU. Along with normal office tasks, the 3600 series can also record and play back audio with its built-in speaker and microphone, as well as a 3.5mm mic jack. PC Cards (PCMCIA) and Compact Flash cards can be used with the addition of accessory jackets that slip over the iPaq. All models in this series have a 96mm screen capable of displaying 4,086 colours at a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The unit has a built-in light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness.

The 3600 series'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' operating system is stored in a 16mb on-board re-flashable ROM, allowing users to perform updates and replace core software. It uses PocketPC 2000, which is based on Windows CE 3.0; HP offered an update to PocketPC 2002, which adds some enhancements to its software library. The PocketPC software package includes Calendar, Contacts, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player (MP3 and MPEG playback), Calculator, Solitaire, Inbox e-mail client, and Microsoft Reader (for e-books.) The 3630, 3635, 3641, and 3650 have 32MB of RAM on board for storing additional applications, while the 3660 and 3670 have 64MB. The iPaq can interface with a computer through its infrared port (IRDA), or when attached to a charging dock, connect via USB or serial port. The iPaq''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s can sync with Microsoft Office and other applications using Windows Mobile ActiveSync.

The iPaq is also a great choice for Linux enthusiasts: the iPaq was one of the first PDA''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s to run Linux, and can run modern PDA distributions. Familiar Linux is centered on iPaq support. It can run StrongARM ports of popular programs, and give the same device compatibility built into desktop Linux distributions.