Compaq iPAQ 3630 Color Pocket PC

Other highlights of the Compaq iPAQ include a microphone and a speaker as well as an audio-in jack. It features an infrared port for wireless data transfer. The Compaq iPAQ uses five buttons plus 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, by voice recorder, or through inking. Both audible and visual alarms alert you when you have a scheduled event.

What sets this Pocket PC apart from similar devices on the market is its sleevelike expansion-pack system. The expansion-pack system allows you add functionality to suit your particular needs. Expansion-pack options currently include a CompactFlash pack, the ability to attach a CompactFlash card slot to your iPAQ, an executive leather and PC Card expansion pack, and a water-resistant sports pack. In the future, Compaq plans to release a global positioning system pack, so you can turn your iPAQ pocket PC into a GPS unit.

The Compaq iPAQ is sporty and small. At 5.11 by 3.28 by 0.62 inches and 6 ounces, it fits in your hand or slides into your pocket with ease. Don't let the size fool you into thinking you don't get many applications with your iPAQ. You receive a great deal of Microsoft software, such as Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Outlook as well as the full desktop version of Outlook 2000. Compaq also has built-in utilities so that frequent actions--such as switching between tasks, adjusting volume, or changing backlighting--are only a click away.

Compaq offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor for the iPAQ.

What's in the box

• iPaQ 3630
• Two Styli
• Vinyl slipcase
• AC adapter
• Docking cradle
• Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
• iPaQ Expansion Pack system
• User Manual

One, it looks the best out of all of the PDA's. It has a sleek, futuristic, design, unlike the Jornada, for example, which is just plain black.

Two, the stylus can store inside of the body, so there is less of a chance of losing it and you don't have to carry it around separately.

Three, It has an Mp3 player, which is one of the main reasons I picked it over the Palm and Visor, in which an Mp3 expansion costs as much as the PDA itself.

Four, the writing area is retractable and there is an on-screen keyboard; the Palm and Visor don't have the keyboard, and the writing area takes up precious screen space.

Five, the processor is an Intel Strong ARM 206MHz; the other pocket PC's only have 133MHz or lower, and they're not Intel, which is the best and most reliable processor.

Six, it doubles as an E-book, you can read books on your iPaq with Microsoft Reader and download them from numerous websites, even a thesaurus and dictionary; the Palm doesn't have this feature and the Visor expansion is expensive and you can only choose from a selection of four books.

Seven, one of the most important factors in my buying the iPaq is the color screen; the resolution is the best out there, especially compared to the color Palm and Visor PDA's, which are expensive and have very low resolution. Not much of an improvement from a Game Boy.

I went through excruciating research on the other PDA's before I decided on the iPaq, visiting Casio, HP, Visor, Palm, and Compaq. The Palm and Visor I ruled out immediately after seeing the capability of the Pocket PC's. I looked at CNET, Epinions, and PDA Buzz, and went to my local Best Buy, CompUSA, and Circuit City. I saw that it got high praise from many electronics and technology magazines, such as Best of the Year from Popular Science.

It took me 2 weeks before my final decision. That was two weeks too late, into the middle of the Christmas shopping frenzy. Almost every retailer was out because of the popularity of the iPaq and on eBay, it cost around $600-$700. I finally snagged it at a Brandsmart USA, it was the last one.

A very useful feature is AvantGo, which is included. You can load your favorite web site onto your iPaq for viewing anywhere. Also, you can read the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USAToday, you can play Jeopardy from SonyStation, you can access Yahoo(with movies, news, sports, stocks, etc.), and thousands of other sites.

There are many games and lots of software that you can download for it, like Flight Simulator.

I am very happy with my iPaq, and I would suggest it to anyone. It's good for the music lover, disorganized person, businessman, etc.


Dont listen to other ppls reviews.   April 26, 2001
Brandon Stavros
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is a great product. DUST DOES NOT ENTER THE SCREEN. People saying that is incorrect. What was behind the screen had nothing to do with dust. Compaq had a problem with a company in Taiwan that installs the screen. Do to poor work tiny glass fragments were left behind. That is what the so called "dust" is. This problem has been fixed with all the new iPaqs. Amazon.com only sells new ones, their will NOT be a problem with the screen. Microsoft activesync has a problem when other usb devices are in the computer. I found Microsoft ridiculous when you call user support. Your best bet is to call compaq where they will give a solution that works perfectly. There is a lot of softweare for the ipaq out, and much more coming. For gamers, go to PocketGamer.org for all the gaming news. You can get great emulators to play all the old Nintendo and SuperNintendo games. I recomend the IBM microdrive or if that is too expensive get the Viking cf card. This is by far the best Pocket PC on the line. The 3630 and the 3650 are the exact same product w/ ho differences what so all. I called Compaq to confirm this. The only difference w/ the new compaq 3635 is the cf card that comes w/ it. The new one costs 100 dollars more, where you can buy a cf expansion pack for 35 dollars. I recomend getting the 3635 or 3650.


Fast, functional with great ergonimics   January 7, 2001
Marjan Rohani (Newport Coast, CA USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I've owned this unit now for 3 months. I've got the PC Card expansion for it, allowing me to use a wireless ethernet card to surf the web when I'm at home. The included applications from contact management to excel and word are all first rate. The synchronization is fantanstic (much better than old CE devices). I actually sync via the wireless card. I read and send my email through this thing. It really is much close to a full function laptop in terms of capabilities that a contact management device such as a palm. I've also got the Pharo GPS device/software combo for it, works great, actually talks you through the directions as you drive! The Reader software is also fantastic. I've read a couple of books (the ClearType is amazingly smooth and readable) and the best part of it is I don't have to leave the light on to read! Your significant other would appreciate that!

I would strongly recommend this product.


Great Product   January 26, 2001
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

This Pocket PC is great.It eats Palms for breakfast.When I hold the iPAQ in my hand, I am holding a 205 MHz "computer." I say computer because it can do most things computers can do and more- it can play Media Files, such as MP3's and MPEG's, it has more organization tools, and a little bit more power than my laptop.It has so many applications and tools it is amazing...you can download many programs such as the AOL program for Pocket PC and AOL Instant Messager.Once a connection with your ISP has been set, Pocket Internet Explorer shines. Pocket Internet Explorer gives you access to the web, any web site. Just make sure your ISP supports the format- this was a problem for me. Some people say they've had problems with it, flickering screen, etc. Well, those are some unlucky people all the people I know have had no problems. The Compaq people are working on these bugs and have fixed some.And Compaq technical service is there 24 hours a day...so it really ok.The only thing to complain about is that dust accumulates rapidly on the screen.So, I suggest the buyer buy some PDA screen wipes.A definite buy if you're looking for e-mail,the internet,productivity and organization all in the palm of your hand.