iPAQ 38xx Series

One of the better PDAs to grace the market, the Compaq iPAQ 3800 series is compatible with Windows 98, NT 4.0, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP. A true upgrade from the iPAQ 3600, the 3800 comes equipped with Microsoft’s Pocket PC 2002 operating system and a 206 MHz Intel Strong ARM 32-bit RISC processor. With 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB or ROM, this device allows input from its soft keyboard, handwriting recognition, voice record, and inking. It is no mystery why this workhorse of a PDA continues its upward demand.

The first thing a typical user might consider is a PDA’s display screen. The iPAQ 3800 boasts a sleek color reflective thin film transistor (TFT) LCD and 64k colors, incorporating a viewable image size of 2.26” by 3.02” complete with touch screen, as well as a dependable 240 X 320 resolution. A comparison of pictures reveals the display’s backlight is thankfully just as bright as the 3600 series. Representative of the 3800 series displays, the image quality on this display is sharp and crisp.

The iPAQ 3800s easily connects to your computer via serial or USB cable and includes an SD memory slot, as well as the standard optional expansion packs for those looking to accessorize. A hard wire connection is not the only option, however. The 3800s offer wireless connectivity via an infrared port running at 115 kb per second.

Other standard features on the iPAQ 3800 series include a 3.5 mm stereo audio out jack, microphone and speaker (the latter having been moved from the joypad on the 3600 series to the top of the PDA on the 3800 series), and a 1400 mAh lithium polymer battery. It may be of no concern to some, but the 3800 series PDA measures 5.3” X 3.3” x .62” and weighs a feathery 6.7 ounces. Although it feels slightly thicker than the 3600 series, the 3800 series PDAs actually weigh less. That said, the 3800 is actually only a touch longer and wider.

One additional notable improvement from the Compaq’s previous series of PDAs is the thoughtful consideration of the new stylus design. Prior to the 3800s, the PDA’s stylus was round and straight, feeling extremely stiff and firm in the hand. The new stylus design has a slight concave curve shape to fit the user’s hand for significantly better performance. Upon ejection, the stylus does not shoot out. Rather, the 3800 series has added friction within the stylus silo so that the stylus will now ease out.

Overall, the iPAQ 3800 series PDAs continue to meet the demands of the pro-PDA world. Most users have nothing but good things to say about this device.