The Compaq Ipaq 3630 is based on Windows CE operating system. For the uninitiated this means that the look an feel of the device is exactly like Windows on your Pc. It has all the basic PDA functions like contacts, calender, expense accounts but is more versatile. The Ipaq also has pocket versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. This means you can be productive even on the move. It also supports database and presentation software and has thousands of third party software letting you do almost anything that you would use your desktop PC for.
I bought it as a laptop replacement and believe me it works almost as well. I can type out my notes, work on spreadsheets and also catch up on my mail while I’m on the move. My factory is an hour’s drive from my house and I now use the time to get a good bit of work done.
Also it has a built in Media player for MP3’s and a software called PocketTV to view mpeg videos. It has a built in speaker for playback and mike to record voice notes. It has Internet explorer where you can view offline web pages loaded from your PC or use a flash modem to connect to the net. I use my Nokia 8310 cellphone with GPRS to connect my Ipaq to the net while I am on the move.Also for some serious fun it has Microsoft reader to read ebooks thousands of which are available free on the net. Besides that it has many game softwares available.
I chose the Ipaq over other windows CE based devices as it is upgradeable easily and is easily the sleekest model available in the market.
It has 32MB built in RAM with a colour screen and a 206mhz ARM processor. With a battery life of around 8 hours it lasts you through you workday easily. Also you can add more memory through expansion packs with SD/ Flash or PCMCIA cards. It has a cradle connecting to the serial or USB port on your PC to easily sync files and a battery charger.
The Pocket PC compared to the Palm Devices would be like comparing a Mercedes to a Premier Padmini.