Compaq iPAQ 3135 Monochrome Pocket PC Bundle (with Compact Flash Jacket)

The Compaq iPAQ 3135 is one of the most stylish Pocket PCs on the market. Unlike its highly sought-after sibling, the iPAQ 3635, this model has gone largely unnoticed, despite the fact that the iPAQ 3135 has one distinct advantage: longer battery life. This is because it comes with a 15-grayscale display that, while not as sexy as the full-color screen of the 3635, is eminently usable.

Utilizing Windows CE 3.0, the latest and much improved Pocket PC operating system from Microsoft, along with a 206 MHz StrongARM processor, this is both a powerful and flexible device. The unit comes supplied with an AC adapter, USB cable, case, and software for syncing with your PC, along with a full desktop copy of Outlook 2000.

Getting the unit up and running is straightforward, and managing the synchronization with your PC is simple with the aid of ActiveSync. The usual array of applications, such as Pocket versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, are at your disposal. It also comes with some exciting additions, such as MediaPlayer, enabling you to use your iPAQ as an MP3 player. However, with only 16 MB of built-in RAM available, be prepared to buy additional memory if this is an intended use.

The design, as well as looking good, is thoughtfully laid out. The buttons are well placed and usefully assigned. In addition, the iPAQ 3135 can be easily expanded with the included CompactFlash Expansion Jacket, which slides onto the unit, allowing you to increase memory and add modules (such as a bar code scanner) using CF cards.

If you're looking for Pocket PC functionality but need to be budget conscious, the iPAQ 3135 is a great deal. --J. Weston

Pros:

• Great price for Pocket PC
• Includes CompactFlash Expansion Jacket
• Sharp grayscale screen

Cons:

• Only 16 MB of built-in RAM, but can be expanded with CompactFlash memory cards

The Compaq iPAQ 3135 offers all the power you expect from the Pocket PC platform at a great price. The iPAQ 3135 combines an 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 also has a crisp 15-level grayscale semi-transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD).

The iPAQ 3135 offers 16 MB of RAM and 16 MB of Flash ROM--enough memory to hold a robust package of applications while leaving you a lot of room for your own applications. It comes loaded with Calendar, Contacts, and Task applications, as well as Pocket versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer. It also comes with Windows Media Player for playing digital audio files and Audible.com content and Microsoft Reader for eBooks. The iPAQ also features built-in utilities so that frequent actions--such as switching between tasks, adjusting volume, and changing backlighting--are only a click away.

The iPAQ 3135 features five buttons plus a five-way joystick. 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, and it connects to your desktop PC via a USB port.

You can input data in your own handwriting, by soft keyboard, by voice recorder, or through handwritten memos and drawings (called inking by Compaq). Both audible and visual alarms alert you when you have a scheduled event.

At 5.11 by 3.28 by 0.62 inches and 6.3 ounces, the iPAQ is sporty and small, fitting in your hand or sliding into your pocket with ease. The iPAQ 3135 comes with battery charger to power the rechargeable lithium polymer battery. It also has a CD-ROM with desktop software including Microsoft Outlook 2000 and ActiveSync 3.1.

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

What's in the box

• iPaQ 3135
• Two Styli
• Vinyl slipcase
• AC adapter
• USB cable
• Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
• CompactFlash Jacket
• iPaQ Expansion Pack system
• User Manual