Editorial Review
Compaq's iPAQ pocket PC combines a real Intel processor, new hardware, and a sleek industrial design that fits in your hand to create a powerful and stylish PDA you can take anywhere. It offers 32 MB of RAM and 16 MB of ROM--enough memory to hold a robust package of applications while leaving you a lot of room for your own applications. The color TFT screen produces 4,086 colors, and you can view the screen from many angles and in a variety of lighting situations. The Compaq iPAQ wraps the power of a Microsoft Windows operating system in a new interface designed for ease of use in a portable format. Even if you've never used a computer or digital organizer, learning to use the Compaq iPAQ is easy.
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 make 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 has also 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 3650
- Two Styli
- Vinyl slipcase
- AC adapter
- Docking cradle
- Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
- iPaQ Expansion Pack system
- User Manual
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Customer Reviews
You can't go wrong with this series 
2002-03-20
I purchased the Aero when it came out, and I upgraded myself to this one. I love this PDA. I travel to customer sites all day, and this PDA is a life saver. I have the keyboard, and I bought the expansion pack, the network card, the modem, and more memory. It's like having my computer w/o actually carry a huge and heavy bag. The color is fantastic and the battery lasts a good 4-5 days. I recommend any iPAQ. This one is an older version by now, but it is still very fast and does the job great. You can get a good price on this if you shop around.
I own it and love it! 2002-03-01
Its a great deal! Comprable to the 3700 Series when you buy the Pocket PC 2002 Upgrade off of Compaq.Com
Too expensive? 
2002-02-25
I just recently bought my Ipaq from [auction site] and I wsa all hyped up. But once I got it, I realized I need to buy an expansion pack, because what can you do with only 32MB? Then you have to buy an adapter for a memory stick, buy the memory stick and a cable adapter! Now, I dont know if you have to do this for all Handhelds, but once you actually bought the thing, you have to spend twice as much for upgrade to make it even worth it.
Now, Im not saying this is not a great Handheld, it gets the job done, has great battery life, and is easy to use, but the question is: Is it worth it?
Im know considering selling my Ipaq for a more easlily upgradable Sony Clie, or a more expensive Ipaq where Im not going to have to spend hundreds of dollors to upgrade it.
So, think before you buy the 3650, do you wanna spend more money on the expansion pack or do you want to save a few buck and buy a more expensive Ipaq?
Best-of-breed PDA! 2001-12-28
The iPaq is certainly THE PDA to own. Dont think twice about it. I bought this model in early 2001 and, regardless the latest models that have appeared since, the quality and performance of this pocketpc has not declined. My only complaint is that, with the excellent games and programs that developers are putting out, i need extra memory!
I am about to get a CF expansion pack and 256 MB of extra memory, to be able to use it more and enjoy more programs and even have some mp3s on the go.
I have also updated the operating system to PPC 2002, and the results are great. Greatly recommended for first-time buyers and also PDAers from other systems in search of real connectivity, playability and processing power!
Wireless Wonder 2001-07-09
Others have pretty much said it. Great unit. A bit bulky with the dual expansion sleeve, but fast and functional.
I am using a DLink wireless card with a wireless 802.11b access point both at home and work. I can now quickly and easily check email or look up a website and carry it around. It did take a bit of research getting thw wireless to work though.
The ipaq is also pretty pricey once you get the jacket, the network card and expansion memory or an ibm microdrive.
An actual Review 2003-05-20
The Ipaq is a great pocket pc overall. The Good and the bad
Bad- With small amount of memory you can sometimes have a problem of certain programs not functioning properly. Since the pocket pc manages its memory automatically you cant always use your on board memory to its full advantage.
The foul part on Compaq is that you must buy accessories for example the carring case you get with it is a sleeve which is tight as hell to pull your pocket pc which means you need to buy accessories and since there is no slot to stick a memory card in you have to buy a new sleeve that allows you to put a memory card in then you got to get the card seperately which all together can run you over another 100 or more which as we know will be more. Which is funny cause you can get a real pc for the price of this.
I guess buy now your wondering what the good is:
Well if your the type like me that has a lot of appointments on a daily basis and keeps forgetting those important meetings than this is definately for you. Its great because you have many programs that interact with your pc like word and excel plus once linked to your pc you can connect through the net download and whatever which is cool. The programs that you can load are amazing like you can turn your pocket pc from a calculator to a voice command gaming system to even a remote control for any tv stero or vcr or dvd player doesnt matter.
I have found it very useful in my newly busy life and a great benefit for reminders. Battery last pretty long even with the color screen I mean if you plan on using it the whole day and plan on doing serious programs on it better bring your charger.
Later
Love the concept and loved the product 
2002-06-28
But after several months of owning it, I am noticing some things I don't like.
Pro's:
Pocket PC operating system is wonderful. It is just like Windows and has everything Windows has to offer in a little tiny version. I am a programmer, and love the ability to connect to databases with this product
MP3. What else do I need to say about that?? Wonderful!
Document Library: A specially designated place tos tore eBooks was a wonderful idea!
Screen: Crisp and clean. Perfect clarity, much better than the Sony's.
Con's:
Battery Life: Very short. I need to recharge fully every night and do a restore as the battery dies throughout the day.
Size: Very bulky. In today's marketplace I find it hard to believe this model cannot be more compact. Warning: This BARELY fits in the Coach mini-office.
Lack of accessories: Try to find a hardcase for this model. Yikes! Without it, your iPaq will turn on on its own, draining the battery even more.
Solid device 2002-06-27
Very nice machine - I use it everyday. The software out for it is growing. I have owned this machine since Jan '02, and have had no major problems with it. I think it is better than any palm device I have ever used.
Cons:
Software - MS still has some glitches... but only once in a while (~1/month) after a sync the machine will 'freeze' and needs to be soft reset (w/no loss of data).
Also be aware of another problem other ppl have encountered with pluging in the ear phone jack to listen to music, then removing them and having no sound on the external speakers. This may have been fixed on the more recent devices.
...
Close to perfect 2002-06-24
I had an Ipaq 3150 before this unit. That unit was a replacement for my Palm IIIXE. Each time I have changed my Handheld, it has been a step up. Now, going to the 3650 has been a giant step forward.
The color screen is great. It is well lit, easy to read. The programs that come with the unit halp me keep myself organized at home or on the road. I already used Microsoft Outlook to organize everything while at my desk. The Activesync software that comes with the Ipaq automatically found all my appointment, calendars, and contacts and put them into my Ipaq for me.
Sure, it only has 32mb of storage. But I have hundreds of contacts, 40-60 eamails per day, and I subscribe to Avantgo for offline web broiwsing and I never get near the maximum.
If I want to store some music files, I just add a 64mb Compact Flash card and I have plenty of space. That 64mb card can store about 2 and a half albums when compressed into WMA format. I use my Ipaq on planes as a music player similar to an MP3 player (Can't call it an MP3 player if I use WMA files, can I?) All I do is hook up my headphones, turn on the media player (Included with PocketPC software), and put the player in my breast pocket.
The only thing I would like to see is longer battery life. I regularly travel and after 8-10 hours of continuous use, I have to recharge it.
One accessory I would recommend....I picked up a USB Sync cable that also recharges the battery from your USB port. It's great when on the road...one cable both charges and syncs up the Ipaq...
Compaq ipaq - great product! 2002-06-07
Overall, a fantastic product. I use it every day for business and personal matters. The handwriting recognition is especially useful. It would be useful if there was a pad which could be used in conjunction with it to enable bigger handwriting which would lead to even greater accuracy - hopefully, someone will develop and sell it. Battery life could be longer, however, I have no doubt that there are plenty of people working on that issue.
