Compaq iPaq H3880

Compaq's pocket PCs have been consistently impressive both in hardware and software terms, and the latest iPaq H3880 is no exception.

Like its predecessors, it's small (8.3 by 1.6 by 13.46cm) and light (190g). It uses a 206MHz StrongARM SA1110 processor backed by 64Mb of Ram, although we didn't find it particularly responsive during menu and program selection.

The iPaq is the first pocket PC we've seen to support Bluetooth. As well as an integrated Bluetooth transceiver, it's supplied with Manager software to allow the device to work with Bluetooth hosts for cable free data exchange and synchronisation.

Also supplied is Virtual Game Gear emulator, which lets you play games similar to the way in which they appeared on Sega's handheld console. An asset viewer shows an at-a-glance readout of the device's capabilities.

You can also get details of any external battery used, choose to enable or disable auto-run and control the back light on the excellent 16-bit colour transflective TFT screen, which is highly visible indoor and out.

The Compaq Audio control less you set the bass and treble control for the integrated headphone socket when listening to MP3 or WMA files using Windows Media Player 8, as well as turn the automatic microphone gain on or off.

If you're experiencing problems with the iPaq, you can run the self-test utility which lets you test correct functioning of sound, screen calibration, LED notification and ROM checksum.

Usefully, you can choose to send your contacts and appointments databases to non-volatile memory to prevent erasure if your device loses power. An applet allows you to change the memory usage from the device defaults, plus there's a clock application.

Hardware control is a little limited as there's no jog dial, but there's an SD Card expansion slot and you can use optional packs that support PC Cards and CompactFlash cards.

There's an integrated microphone and speaker, as well as a quick-launch button for the Notes utility.

As an alternative to synchronising over Bluetooth, you can also use the supplied USB cradle, which will drain the 1,400mAh battery more slowly than the wireless method.

Contact: Compaq 0845 270 4222
www.compaq.co.uk/products/ipaq/pocketpc/

See also:

Toshiba e310

A stylish, slimline handheld computer.  08 Aug 2002

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500

The first commercial Linux PDA hits the shops.  19 Jun 2002

Hewlett Packard Jornada 568

Great software bundle and excellent expandability make this a PDA to check out.  17 May 2002

NEC PocketGear

Very similar to other Pocket PC devices, but with a lower spec.  10 May 2002

Toshiba e570

One of the less impressive Pocket PC solutions available.  12 Apr 2002

Casio Cassiopeia Pocket Manager BE-300

Not quite a Pocket PC but it looks like one.  12 Apr 2002

Compaq Pocket PC

The Ipaq gets a makeover, but is it still the best Pocket PC?  08 Mar 2002

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