Compaq iPAQ 3870 Review

Good Points
Bluetooth functionality, expandability, fast interface, ease of use when integrating with other devices, software supplied and additional software and tweaks available.

Bad Points
Unable to connect to the internet VIA mobile device while using Active Synch at the same time. Why would anyone do this anyway you ask? Good point....

General Comments
The Compaq Ipaq H3870 PDA has all the functionality you'll ever need with plenty of memory available to you, and with the 206 MHz Intel StrongARM 32 bit RISC Processor holding up the foundation like Atlas with a mountain, it's no slouch in the speed department either. As you would expect, the screen is a thin film transistor screen boasting 65,536 colours as the stylus glides over the surface with ease. This really is the most ergonomic hand held out there at the present time, and if you're entering and reading a lot of data, then eye delicate surroundings and ease of use go a long way to justifying what you'll spend on this Pocket PC.



The main criteria that may come under scrutiny is the Bluetooth compatibility. Having connected the H3870 to a T68i Ericsson with consumate ease courtesy of both manufacturers, it's easy to see where the future of wirefree communication lies. Having travelled through Europe, Asia and then parts of the United States with both devices (take an adaptor people!), the tri-band functionality of the phone handset combined with the Ipaq's stunning features made communication with Outlook, Word, Excel, Reader (books are essential on long journeys, and this Pocket PC can store plenty for you and save that suitcase space for other items) and of course, Bluetooth Manager.



One thing: The UK networks are robbing you. If you don't mind the wait (and it doesn't seem too long on this model) for a download, then avoid GPRD and HSCSD. Why? Because conventional Circuit Switched Data is cheaper by far, though it's not marketed in that way (of course - put a strip on it to make it go faster, ergo it's cheaper?!?!?).