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Pocket PC Review

Customer Rating:
This computer worked nicely from when I received it last year to help me work with distance courses--and I was hoping it would replace an old CE-based H/PC. While reviews can focus on complaints or highlights, this one is longer and more general--and I hope helpful. The iPaq pocket PC is an interesting, small computer, but it was a little different than I thought it was, and to help those who are interested in an iPaq, here is what I've found as pros, cons, and for info in 5 paragraphs:

Firstly, the PC does not run Vista(tm) or XP--but a mobile OS called "Windows(R) Mobile 6". It takes on some aesthestics of Vista, but it is very basic. The features you would find on the desktop will not be there, such as icon previews. (Hint: Cut & Paste to move files.) It does run a mobile variant of Office(tm), again called "Office(tm) Mobile" but I was under the impression it would do what the desktop Office(tm) would do. The mobile version of PowerPoint(tm) shows presentations, but it can't edit them. Excel(tm) and Word(tm) Mobile work nicely; but again, have limited features. Don't expect it to do what Office(tm) on your desktop will do!

Secondly, the PC's interface can be worked on. Without being able to minimize, you will find that your experience will not be like a full Windows(R) one because Windows(R) Mobile does not have a full-featured taskbar like Windows(R) CE--rest assured, installing WkTask(tm) fixes this problem. Using a registry editor allows you to change the fonts, Start(tm) menu, and use the File Explorer, the Windows(R) Mobile variant of Windows(R) Mobile. You cannot make desktop shortcuts in Mobile, though. I'd recommend using Opera(tm) and/or Skyfire(tm) over IE Mobile when you browse for a MUCH better browsing experience. For writing basic files for writing programs, start with downloading the Notepad app for pocket PC, but a source code editor and a compiler are not only recommended, but crucial. I found you will need a notebook PC along with it to program well.

Thirdly, the feel of the computer is actually a streamlined one. The back has a great feel in your hand. The power button on the top side and with just the power button turning the PC on, it feels like how using a notebook would. Upon first using the PC, the pen on the glass screen (rather than plastic) was different, but I got used to it. The web connection is smooth and liquid, but I had to reset the router every now and again for it to work. Battery life is about four to eight hours once you get it under normal use; with wireless on, about two.

FINALLY, and this is a note for ALL iPaq pocket PC users or buyers! This PC was treated nicely, like how a notebook would be used, but NEVER drop it! The pocket PC met its demise when I accidentally dropped it one morning. The screen broke in two places and began to let out a black residue from the inside of the LCD, and it has had trouble charging and connecting. As of now, the PC is near gone... please take note. Overall, I give the PC three stars for its ease of use and for how it has worked for what I've wanted it to do. I docked two stars because it has what I believe to be a short battery life and a limited OS, including the fact you can't seriously program on it--(I'm a comp guy). It getting accidentally dropped was my fault; it is a great product! Thank you for taking the time to read this LONG review! I hope it was useful!

HP iPAQ 111

Customer Rating:
I LOVE my iPAQ pda. Going from the "incompatible with Vista Palm Z22" to the HP iPAQ is wonderful! This device is compatible with Vista and WIN7 64bit OS. It is so easy to import contact information or type it in yourself on the device. I've downloaded my Sudoku game and good to go. :)

Worst product ever

Customer Rating:
Don't buy this product. Poor service, and keeps loosing the information entered. Go with Dell Axiom.

great!!

Customer Rating:
This product arrived quickly, and has been very easy to use. It's a GREAT product!

HP(HTC) Ipaq 111 Windows Mobile 6 Pocket PC AKA "Windows Mobile Classic Device"

Customer Rating:


This is what's still widely referred to as a "PDA" "Pocket Pc" or. Bluetooth and WIFI capability allow you to access data without...err...a "data plan" I was able to sync my GMAIL inbox with it in almost no time. There is also a functional, though not extensive Facebook app. Google maps works pretty well on it.

Reasons I prefer this device to an IPHONE: I had neither the need nor desire to have telephonic capability from the device. Let my phone be my phone. Included charger is a USB to AC/power adapter. The unit also charges through a regular USB connection to PC,which means you can take it to any computer and exchange data through the common and prevalent USB standard. The IPAQ is expandable up to 32 Gigs I believe, through the side located SD/SDHC card slot. There are many applications available. The file format is .CAB, i.e. "cabinet files" which appear as zipped or rarred compressed folders when you view them on a PC. Executable Cab programs are diverse. There's organizers, wifi sniffers, several internet browsers, text and ebook readers for most major formats, several PDF readers, specialized programs for engineering and data, image editing, rudimentary CAD, and I have no doubt that specific and or proprietary software has been written for specialized applications for your organization.

The Operating System(OS) is Microsoft Windows Mobile 6. It has been described that the unit is capable of running Linux though there are more opportune devices of this type for that functionality I believe. You will perhaps want to customize it with more intuitive file and menu structure cab files as some of the interface elements are written in a less than intuitive fashion, but that's a matter of preference. The standard menus are usable.

If you find yourself in many locations all at once you can certainly pair a bluetooth keyboard with it and type up reports on the fly.

I stood at the local Microcenter, in my hand an example of the unit I had just ordered(prior to having received it), suddenly a bit dismayed when I gazed at the screen of its next model up- the 211. The 211 has a 640x480(VGA)resolution, while the 111 is only 320x240(1/4 of or'QVGA') That's my only major gripe about the 111, and QVGA isnt horrible by any stretch for most tasks. That...and...bummer...no GPS unless you connect an external module. Also,this is an older unit from 2007 so there was no reason to pay full retail for it.

Oh...let me excuse myself...the BATTERY LIFE is pretty horrid. I would suggest plugging it into the wall if you're going to do something like read text on it for an extended period of time. I paired the device,charger, USB cord, and a few SD cards with a small bag from lowepro that was made for a digital point n shoot camera because i like to keep equipment and all vital accessories in the same case.

All in all I'm very pleased with the unit. Plays music of course. Great for students. There's a whole lot that it can do. Places like Staples and Bestbuy have for some screwball reason stopped carrying PDAs alltogether! Idiots! Theyre so frickin usefull. There are a slew of PDAs available out there from several good manufacturers, many of them with telephonic capability. They are not "smartphones"...they are PDAs, and it's a good market share for specialized applications in my esteem. Oh well.