Compaq iPAQ H3850

The original iPAQ was nothing short of revolutionary. It was faster, sleeker and more glamorous than any other Pocket PC, and managed to give Palm a serious scare for the first time. As a result, we were eager to see what Compaq could produce around Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002.

First up is the H3760, which we can summarise all too briefly. It's actually an identical piece of hardware to the iPAQ H3660, as featured in our PDAs group test (see Labs, issue 87, p94), with the only difference being the updated operating system. If you already own an H3660, you can even update the OS to Pocket PC 2002 separately - this only costs $30 (£21).

The H3850, on the other hand, includes a whole host of new features. The most obvious is its integrated SD/MMC (Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard) slot. However, this can only be used for adding memory; Compaq isn't making any guarantees about support for SD cards in the future. Thankfully, the addition of this slot doesn't change the iPAQ's dimensions significantly, so you can draw upon any of the existing expansion jackets. The H3800 series isn't compatible with existing docking cradles, though, which will cause difficulties for any companies that hot-desk their iPAQs.

Another more subtle improvement over previous iPAQs is the H3850's screen: it's now 16-bit instead of 12-bit. This is mainly noticeable if you're viewing photos side by side on the two PDAs, particularly with skin tones. It's also good to see that the H3850's screen is brighter, making it easier to read under fluorescent lighting - mind you, the H3760's screen is still more than adequate.

One further piece of good news is the extra battery Compaq squeezes into the H3850, with 1,400mAh as opposed to 950mAh of the H3760. In our tests, we saw an extra 30 minutes' battery life - not to be sniffed at. There's no room in this closed chassis for a backup battery, though, so if you're taking the iPAQ abroad make sure you bring the power pack with you.

Another innovation debuted by the H3850 is its screen protection. Rather than using the simple leather-effect wallet that protects the original iPAQ on the move, Compaq has designed a new jacket with an integrated wraparound plastic screen cover. Unfortunately, this first design feels like a first design - it's cumbersome to use the H3850 with it on, as the flexible plastic refuses to sit comfortably in your hand when it's bent around the back of the jacket. It also inevitably adds to the bulk of the iPAQ - one of its greatest selling points, after all - with the bejacketed H3850 weighing 233g and measuring 134 x 87 x 19mm.

If you want even more new features, you should wait for the H3870 to become widely available. This integrates a Bluetooth transceiver into the unit, allowing for seamless synchronisation with your Bluetooth-equipped notebook or phone.

One factor shared by all these iPAQs is Compaq's comprehensive collection of extra software. It supplies IBM's ViaVoice for Pocket PC, allowing for basic voice control of your PDA; its own skin for the Today page, ingeniously named Desktop; a self-test utility; a number of Sega games via Virtual Game Gear (all circa 1991, but entertaining nonetheless); and several standard apps, such as Microsoft Reader.

This comprehensive software bundle is one of the factors that sets the iPAQ apart from the opposition, with only HP's Jornada range able to compete. But be warned that adding all this software slowed the H3850 down in practice - our unit suffered from a frustrating stalling effect.