Comments on the Compaq iPAQ 3835/3850 Pocket PC Review

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Compaq iPAQ 3835/3850 Pocket PC Review Comments

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Author	Topic: Comments on the Compaq iPAQ 3835/3850 Pocket PC Review
fmarct Junior Member Posts: 1 From: Registered: Jun 2002	posted 06-26-2002 06:19 PM hi. i am interested in puchasing an ipaq 3835 but i am concerned about the software, i am currently in the medical field and was wondering if anyone knew if the software available for the palm os is also available for the pocket pcs. thanks... [email protected]
vanillavibe21 Junior Member Posts: 2 From: Laramie, WY. USA Registered: Jul 2002	posted 07-07-2002 11:02 PM I am currently in the proccess of purchasing an iPac 3970 and was hoping someone could tell me if 3800 accessories are compatible. Compaq says that it is basically the same, but will it work with the stowaway keyboard and cases that are designed for the naked 3800 models? Thank you.
Julie Administrator Posts: 2752 From: Columbus, IN USA Registered: Feb 1999	posted 07-08-2002 03:34 PM quote: Originally posted by vanillavibe21: I am currently in the proccess of purchasing an iPac 3970 and was hoping someone could tell me if 3800 accessories are compatible. Compaq says that it is basically the same, but will it work with the stowaway keyboard and cases that are designed for the naked 3800 models? Thank you. Yes, they should work just fine. Julie
JASH Junior Member Posts: 1 From: Registered: Jul 2002	posted 07-24-2002 05:20 PM I am facing the problem with its backlight, (I3850). If I don't use it for several hours, the backlight doesn't work when I switch it on. I have to re-adjust the panel for a few times to make it functioning. It's been fixed by Compaq, but the problem still exist. Is there anyone facing the same experience? It's really let me down!
Darren unregistered	posted 07-25-2002 02:58 PM Companion CD replacement Great article, certainly helped me wrap it up. I bought my 3870 from a colleague who got a new BlackBerry from the Co 3 weeks after purchasing the unit. Problem is, he cannot locate the companion CD, but has given me the license key for Outlook Anyone know where I can get a copy? [email protected]
JeffBrinton unregistered	posted 08-04-2002 07:32 AM I too have experienced this with a 32Mb Sandisk card. Can you tell me how you resolved it? Thanks! [email protected]. quote: Originally posted by tonymex: Hi. I bought a SanDisk 128MB SD card for my iPaq 3835/3850 but can't get it to appear on the device. I've tried sliding it into the SD slot with the device on, off, and even tried a soft reset. Nothing doing. Have I missed something very obvious, or should I return the card and try with a new one? Thanks.
Tryxalon unregistered	posted 08-11-2002 06:40 PM Wondering how you two feel about your Ipaq 3800's now after the other reviews? I love mine and would like to add a few observations on both My 3835 and the Pocket PC 2002 software: 1) Via Voice is ... unworkable. Slows down the machine to immobility. 2)Snoopsoft Dashboard is much like Via Voice. 3) I find the Ipaq WITHOUT a sleeve to be entirely too small! Uncomfortable! Since I use a CFII format 340mb microdrive and a 64mb SD card this is probably a good thing. I modified an older CF expansion slot to take the screen cover off of the "cover sleeve" that came with the 3835. This is a comfortable handful. 4) I use the software keyboard extensively. I write short stories for fun and occasionally even sell one. This is a good "on the fly" comfortable way to work. (Transcriber has nervious coniptions tryint to read my handwriting, but the keyboard is good.) I have Belkin adapters for AC power at work and USB/auto adapter for long trips in the car as well as the cradle/AC at home. It does work best when kept completely charged. I have so completely adapted to my Ipaq that I couldn't work without it. I wondered if you two have "moved on" with all the options you have??
Tryxalon unregistered	posted 08-11-2002 06:44 PM Opps! I forgot to add In my experience: 80% of the software offered for Pocket PC is either a duplication of a pocket PC application, or a duplication of a Compaq Itask function.
Mystic unregistered	posted 09-14-2002 12:18 PM In your Article you Stated: "In case you were wondering, the iPAQ actually charges through the sync port now, and that means you will no longer be able to use your old car charging cable when traveling. I bet that just made your day, right? ;0) I looked at the Compaq store, and it appears that they will soon be selling the same old charging cable, but they have added a most likely high-dollar removeable adapter to the end, so that you can either use it with the 3600 or 3800 series. I am hopeful that they will sell the adapter as a separate item, but somehow I doubt it." Compaq Does have the Adapter Available on thier web site for $13 Part number 274707-B21 So it is seperate and not "High Dollar"
JGadgLvr unregistered	posted 09-19-2002 01:09 PM quote: Originally posted by Noldor: When i give my ipaq a soft shake the stylus actualy slide out of its place. Is that supposed to happen. I know you dont put your ipaq into lots of shaking but i thought it could only be removed if you push it first. Is my "hold stylus in place mecanism" broken or is it supposed to do that. Noldor - I had the same problem, and worked around it by taking a thin, stiff piece of plastic and carefully looking down the sleeve where the stylus rests, and pulling out the pins that lock the stylus in place just a little. It solved my problem. Hope this helps.
JGadgLvr unregistered	posted 09-19-2002 01:17 PM quote: Originally posted by athlonkmf: Lithium battery's can't stand too many full recharges. It'd drain their lifespan. But one full discharge shouldn't really be a problem. And a 38xx can't full discharge anyway, cuz there's always a bit of juice left to keep the data in the RAM secured. However, this little bit of juice won't last forever, but would certainly last for more than 24h. It's about 78 or something in that area before the battery is all out. This could be bad for the battery and should be avoided, but it shouldn't be like a "rule" I have experienced this, and I'm glad to know that others have as well. I left my Compaq iPAQ for about a week, as I did not need it at the time. When I returned, I decided to recharge it, and after 8 hours plugged in the wall, I take the plug out and the LCD screen just fades away. Of course, it works just suberbly when plugged in, and the contacts are all still there, so there is obviously some component of battery life still remaining. Have tried this repeatedly. Now I guess I will need to send it back to Compaq - someone mentioned here that Compaq will service this problem for free?
thegobrien1 unregistered	posted 09-29-2002 11:33 PM I have an ibiz "travel board: also known as a Key Sync Keyboard. I originally got this for my casiopia, which died just before the extended warranty ran out. The place of purchase gave me a ipaq 3835. I found their website on a search engine and the drivers for the new Intel chip were there. I downloaded it and it works better than it ever did on the casio. This keyboard will work with most brands of pocket pc's, a little small, doesn't fold up, but about 1/3 the price of those that do. I like this keyboard and the results a lot. George O'Brien [email protected] Unfortunately, every PPC 2002 except for the HP 56x series, has incompatible accessory ports and will not work with the old versions' connectors. There are a variety of new keyboards that are coming out for the iPAQ 3800s, but so far there are only the clip/snap on "thumb-type" versions. If you are looking for a full fold-out version, you will probably have to wait til late spring at the earliest - unless someone here can think of one I am forgetting? To the best of my knowledge, there is no limit (other than the boundaries of your available memory) that would keep you from being able to write a lengthy article on any PPC. That's one of their great points. Thanks for writing - sorry I didn't have better news. It is always like this for we early adapters. Judie :0) [This message has been edited by Judie Clark (edited 12-30-2001).][/B][/QUOTE]
shonk unregistered	posted 10-01-2002 03:51 PM There is a very good foldaway keyboard available and made by Compaq - i have one, and it works very well, and is just about full size
JHig05 unregistered	posted 10-08-2002 11:53 AM I'm looking at buying a 3835, but I was wondering how Terminal Services works.
Australian Student unregistered	posted 10-15-2002 05:17 AM Dear Gadgeteers - your website is fantastic!! I am a law student from Australia. I currently have a Compaq Armada M700 laptop which is really heavy but I need to carry around with me all day, 5 days a week to University. I want to switch to a pocket pc and use a foldout keyboard. Given your review, I was thinking of getting the compaq ipaq 3850. I would use this for class everyday and would type constantly for about 4 hours over an 8 hour day. I would need to keep at least 400 pages of Word on memory. We have power points in all lecture theatres so battery life is not a problem. My PROBLEM is that a lot of reviews I have read by journalists and writers have complained about 'hanging', sudden cutting out, deletion of files and instability of the physical and technological structures of the handheld plus keyboard. Do you think it would be wise to invest in a pocket pc for these needs? I have no interest in calendars or appointment books etc. I only want the word function and get a heavy load off my back. Do any of your readers have any suggestions? Thanks@!!
inetgeek unregistered	posted 10-30-2002 10:06 AM I liked the iPAQ 3835 review however one bit of info was not right - SD handles up to 256MB. I just saw them at my local CompUSA for $180 (more than double the $80 that the 128MB version is going for)
Judie Administrator Posts: 891 From: San Angelo, TX USA Registered: Jun 1999	posted 10-30-2002 11:15 AM inetgeek, You are correct. However, if you will check the date that this review was written, you'll see that at that time 128MB was the limit. BTW, You can get a 256MB for $139.99 (there should be an additional rebate for it on top of the low price) from eCost. That's where Julie and I got ours. Judie :0)
PaulyS unregistered	posted 11-06-2002 08:21 PM I just ordered a 3835 from J and R in NYC for 359 before the 50 dollar rebate. Among other things, I intend to use it as a server fro streaming audio to my home theater using my home wi fi network. I am currewntly doingthis with my 3150 and find it works far better and delivers cleaner sound than my old Pentium 166 notebook. The 3835 will also serve as a business replacement for my laptop. I just ordered an adapter for my Stowawy keyboard. I made the purchase based on the very good price and on this discussion thread. I have been very happy with the 3150, but of course we gadget geeks alwys feel a need to move on. My thing has been never to be an early adopter! Always buy a year later and benefit from price reduction and other's experience. now is it time to get rid of my 286 computer??
[email protected] unregistered	posted 11-15-2002 06:17 PM quote: Originally posted by JeffBrinton: I too have experienced this with a 32Mb Sandisk card. Can you tell me how you resolved it? Thanks! [email protected]. Did you ever get a reply, I have the same problem with sandisk 64 mb.
Scott Girardot unregistered	posted 11-15-2002 07:53 PM I have a question? I really want to get the iPAQ 3830, but I am perplexed concerning online connectivity.Will or is there an SD card wireless modem or will I have to by the expansion pack? and if so, which one? there is the cf card pack, the pc card pack, and the dual slot card pack. Is it safe to assume that there are wireless modem options for all three? When I say wireless modem, I am talking about connectiong to a cellular network, but I would also like to have 802.11b connectivity for the future. Any help in sorting oiut these options wouls be much appreciated. Thanks, Scott Girardot. P.S. I loved the review. I have been online for 4 hours looking at reviews and this one was by far the most detailed.
Jenna unregistered	posted 11-19-2002 05:17 AM I have the ipaq 3835, the best pocket PC for 2002, <no I dont want the xscale processor, they can keep it I dont care if it is faster> I just wanted to tell anyone who had not seen it, tiger direct is now selling 512 MB sd cards, tho expensive its nice to know they are being made when the prices come down a bit I'm gonna grab one so I can bring my ipaq around without the cf sleeve
The Wraith unregistered	posted 11-20-2002 02:41 PM Scott: SD card wireless modems aren't on the horizon for now, and probably won't be for many years. Yes, you would need a sleeve. A PC Card sleeve, because I don't believe there are any CF cellular modem cards available. There is a GSM/GPRS sleeve for the iPaq, but it doesn't allow for the addition of a CF or PC card for WiFi. Your only option if you want both is a dual PC Card sleeve, plus cellular PC Card and WiFi card. Whatever you do, be prepared to pay through the nose if you want cellular access on an iPaq--it could go up to $900 to $1000.
Nyani unregistered	posted 12-16-2002 12:26 AM Hi I'm a long-time Palm user who's thinking of switching allegiances, and have a couple of dumb iPAQ questions... 1. Am I right in thinking that you can sync your calendar, contacts, etc with MS Outlook on your desktop out of the box? 2. Does anyone know if you can sync an iPAQ (or any other Pocket PC) with Ximian Evolution under Linux instead of Windows/ Outlook? Thanks, Nyani
Julie Administrator Posts: 2752 From: Columbus, IN USA Registered: Feb 1999	posted 12-16-2002 04:54 AM quote: Originally posted by Nyani: Hi I'm a long-time Palm user who's thinking of switching allegiances, and have a couple of dumb iPAQ questions... 1. Am I right in thinking that you can sync your calendar, contacts, etc with MS Outlook on your desktop out of the box? Yes, you can. quote: 2. Does anyone know if you can sync an iPAQ (or any other Pocket PC) with Ximian Evolution under Linux instead of Windows/ Outlook? Can't help you with this one. Julie
R. Baxter Miller unregistered	posted 01-20-2003 07:03 AM I can access the ATT dial-in network ISP on the IPAQ 3835 via my Motorola V66 cellular phone. (See the Net for setup settings.)I use the $44-59 special cable to connect the phone to the IPAQ. Though the phone reports an access speed of only 9.6K (9600) baud, the special mobile sites snap up at a nice clip. Standard sites, however, take forever. I have also configured the V99 to connect directly to the Istream wirless network of voicestream by a different setting. What I have not managed to do, however, is have two settings --one for ISP dial in and the other for wireless connection--working on the IPAQ at once. Is is possible? quote: Originally posted by The Wraith: Scott: SD card wireless modems aren't on the horizon for now, and probably won't be for many years. Yes, you would need a sleeve. A PC Card sleeve, because I don't believe there are any CF cellular modem cards available. There is a GSM/GPRS sleeve for the iPaq, but it doesn't allow for the addition of a CF or PC card for WiFi. Your only option if you want both is a dual PC Card sleeve, plus cellular PC Card and WiFi card. Whatever you do, be prepared to pay through the nose if you want cellular access on an iPaq--it could go up to $900 to $1000.
Mankul unregistered	posted 01-22-2003 09:51 AM Hi, I know I'm a bit late cos I'm into the 2nd hand market. I'm a student and intend to use the IPAQ3850 with PC CARD sleeve + CISCO 352 wireless LAN card to surf wirelessly using my school's wireless network, WiFi b. I'm currently a PalmIIIc user. Before I pludge to buy this 3850, I need to ask whether pocketpc2002 internet browser is FULLY COMPATIBLE with the internet? What I meant is , can it load java powered yahoo e-mail web pages or webpages which need flash plugins. Can I be able to log on to all most forum pages? or log on to a secure internet banking website which needs the java virtual machine to be installed. Cos I know there is no way a Palm or Clie can do that. I'll be very appreciative if anyone or Judie can help me with my switch over from palm by answering my queries. Thanks! [email protected]
labrams unregistered	posted 02-01-2003 02:55 PM I had to return it--it is not compatable.
Nick Karstedt unregistered	posted 02-02-2003 05:28 PM I'm about to buy a Compaq IPAQ 3835, and wasn't sure if it was right for me. After reading this review, I'm sure it is!!!
labrams unregistered	posted 02-14-2003 07:55 PM quote: Originally posted by [email protected]: Did you ever get a reply, I have the same problem with sandisk 64 mb. I returned it for a replacement--it is not compatable.
rmx unregistered	posted 03-13-2003 01:13 AM I just purchased a iPAQ 3835 today on sale for $224.90 , I have so far spent the last 12 and a half hours playing with it , and I haven't found too much of aything that i disliked , hell I even found a leather carrying case that didn't obscure the lower buttons! Overall I must say "Keep up the good work Compaq!" Dj RMX A very satisfied iPAQ owner
Sufyan unregistered	posted 04-13-2003 10:43 PM Hi All, I want to connect to the net using my Ipaq 3835. I basically want to hook it to to my T300 Sony Ericsson handset which I have with T-Mobile. Has anyone done this ? I found the cable for it here : http://www.thesupplynet.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=6204 They say it will only work with AT&T. Shouldnt make a difference I think. Also, just got off the phone with T-Mobile customer service. They said I had two options. One was take the data plan through them having them as the service providers. Else I could use a local ISP, but with a local ISP he said my speed would be very less. Any ideas or inputs ? - Sufyan.
patola18 unregistered	posted 08-05-2003 06:28 AM hello..im from manila and thre are very few handhelds here...people are just getting into pocket pc and stuff. i'd like to know if i can upgrade my 3850 to a pocket pc 2003. thanks
Dan unregistered	posted 09-08-2003 10:15 PM quote: Originally posted by JASH: I am facing the problem with its backlight, (I3850). If I don't use it for several hours, the backlight doesn't work when I switch it on. I have to re-adjust the panel for a few times to make it functioning. It's been fixed by Compaq, but the problem still exist. Is there anyone facing the same experience? It's really let me down! I too am having brightness problems with my 3850. Lately more often than not when I turn it on the screen is very dim. I turn the device on and off several times and adjust the brightness settings switching from automatic to manual and eventually I get back my brightness back. This can be very frustrating especially when I am in a hurry. Is there something wrong with software? Hardware? Is there a patch? FYI: I have an expansion pack and am using a CDPD aircard if that has any bearing on my problem. Lots of great info on this site. Thanks for the updates. Dan
WAN Admin unregistered	posted 12-28-2003 08:36 AM My iPAQ 3850 is one of the greatest tools I have ever used. I would be completely lost without it. It easily synchronizes my Lotus Notes Calendar & Contacts. It us also very useful as a wireless detector & sniffer as well. I have used Palm handhelds in the past, and none of them came close to the versatility of my iPAQ. I recommend it to anyone thinking of purchasing a handheld.
Rastwitz unregistered	posted 01-25-2004 07:16 PM quote: Originally posted by JGadgLvr: ... I left my Compaq iPAQ for about a week, as I did not need it at the time. When I returned, I decided to recharge it, and after 8 hours plugged in the wall, I take the plug out and the LCD screen just fades away. First thanks for the original review & forum. There seem to be a few messages on the problem with the battery - that if you let it go dead, it doesn't seem to work. Has ANYONE found a fix for this? Does it need a new battery - will that fix it? I have this problem & I wanted to check with the forum. Thanks
ockie raubenheimer unregistered	posted 02-12-2004 10:08 AM I found your information on the Ipaq 3800 very helpfull I really need some help. Previously I had no problems but I have recently bought an new computer with Windows XP. I have proplems to sync my Ipaq 3850. Any suggestions.
Kristian Francisco unregistered	posted 03-17-2004 01:43 PM What do I need in order to get my iPAQ 3830 working with Lotus Notes 5.0?
Julie Administrator Posts: 2752 From: Columbus, IN USA Registered: Feb 1999	posted 03-18-2004 04:29 AM There are a couple of 3rd party syncing solutions. Check out: http://www.companionlink.com/ http://www.ianywhere.com/products/pylon.html
Perubanc unregistered	posted 05-08-2004 09:29 AM Dear Julie I am writing from Lima, Peru. A friend of mine recently bought a used Ipaq Pocket PC (3850) and we have been trying to "make it work" PLEASE, could you help us with our main problem....Is it possible to change the unit�s language from Italian(as it is now) to Spanish)? ...If so...please be so kind as to tell us dimwitts HOW it can be done. Thank you for your great articles that help us to try and understand first world technology whilst in a third world environment...Regards. Vincent Lima, peru [email protected]
Julie Administrator Posts: 2752 From: Columbus, IN USA Registered: Feb 1999	posted 05-09-2004 05:16 PM I'm afraid it will be very difficult for you to change the language of your iPAQ. The only way that it might be possible is to find someone with an iPAQ (same model as yours) that has the language that you want, and use software to extract an image of the OS to a file. Then you would have to take that image and install it on your Pocket PC. There are software tools that will allow you to do this for people that have installed Linux on their Pocket PCs. I found this link that might help you: http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~arvind/linuxonipaq.htm Good luck.

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