The Compaq iPAQ 3975 Pocket PC boasts an Intel XScale processor, extreme battery life, a dazzling, full-color display, and a wealth of comprehensive wireless solutions via optional expansion packs.
Display
The iPAQ 3975 features high resolution on its 240 x 320 pixel backlit color display, which can display more than 65,000 colors.
Expansion
The iPAQ 3975 uses CompactFlash and Secure Digital expansion cards, which instantly add software applications, additional memory, large databases, and more without taking up built-in memory space. The iPAQ 3975 is also Bluetooth enabled.
Operating System
The iPAQ 3975 is powered by Microsoft Windows CE.
Software
Software applications include: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player (for MP3 playing), Calculator, Solitaire, Inbox (for e-mail), Microsoft Reader (eBooks), File Explorer, MSN Messenger, Terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Infrared Beaming, Clock, Align Screen, Memory, Volume Control, iPAQ Task Manager, iPAQ File Store, iPAQ Backup, iPAQ Image Viewer, Microsoft ActiveSync 3.5, Pocket Outlook 2002 (e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks), and Conduits Peacemaker Professional.
Compatibility
The iPAQ 3975 is compatible with PCs running Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0, and XP.
What's in the box
- iPaQ H3975
- Stylus pen
- AC Adapter
- 1400 mAh Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery
- USB Cradle
- User manual
1 Be Careful
I have a similar unit and for the most part it works OK. However, HP decided to use only a SD expansion slot. Very few accessories go into this slot. Most accessories require a larger CF slot which some of the competition offer on their units. For HP you must by a CF slot accessory + the GPS unit or camera, etc.
2 You'll keep on paying.
In my experience, the problem with Ipaq has been reliability. I bought top-of-the-line at a cost which should have provided me equipment that would work. First the little spring that holds the stylus in place gave out. HP/Compaq did cover this by stretching the warranty, so the only cost to me was the hassle and a couple of replacement styluses at $5 a pop. Then the battery died, after I'd had the unit for about 18 months. What was really distressing was the refusal on the part of the service "support" people to recognize this as any sort of problem -- they were so busy trying to think of creative explanations involving things I might have done wrong that nobody would acknowledge that if customers who buy an Ipaq have to budget $50.00 a year for battery replacement that represents a quality control issue at the old Ipaq factory. Do what my wife did -- order a Dell and include a back-up battery in the package.
3 2 Month User
I've had the Palm III, Palm V, Palm VII, and a BlackBerry so I consider myself a long-time PDA user. I've had the 3975 for about 2 months; here are my observations.
- Screen is the best I've seen, in all types of lighting.
- Battery life is good, but you can not swap out the battery, it is rechargable.
- The ac adapter used for charging comes with a small "adapter" that is needed to charge the device when the cradle is not used, e.g. when traveling. On a recent trip, I brought the charger then realized I did not bring the "adapter". I had to go to an electronics store to buy one...at least it was cheap.
- It is heavier and bulkier than Palm's, not something you can carry in your shirt pocket.
- Includes Bluetooth funcitonality. I was able to download my entire phone list database to my cell phone (also Bluetooth enabled) in about 2 minutes (200-ish numbers). I've also used it with my PC after I got a Bluetooth USB AdapterPairing the iPaq with other devices is a bit klugey but once you've figured it out, it's good.
- Comes with infrared also. It DOES NOT work with a PALM (atleast I have not gotten it to). I have used it with my PC however.
- It interfaces smoothly with MS Outlook (synched via USB port). I use it to download emails and read/respond in meetings or on planes etc. The emails are dumped back into Outlook and sent off at next "autosynch" when attached to PC.
- If it had BlackBerry "always on" capability, it would be much more useful with email.
- It uses MS Pocket PC 2002 OS. I have not had any issues with it, one soft re-boot when internet explorer locked up (iPaq still worked fine, but could not launch explorer).
- HOWEVER, do not expect this OS to function like PC-based Windows. It does have similar look, but does function differently. You have to get used to cycling through windows that are open to get at what you want...not bad, but not like PC-based windows...I still like it better than PALM OS.
- There are several different methods for inputting info; Palm-like character recognition, handwriting recognizer that recognizes long-hand, and a small keyboard-like pad.
- Software is decent and a lot is available in places like Avant-go, apps that are usually free for trial, then [a small fee].
- MS Word is good, Excel is difficult to use unless you want to see a handful of cells at a time; I downloaded a program from Avant-go for viewing ppt slided, great unless there's a lot of text, almost impossible to read. MS Outlook is great, email, calendar come across perfectly. MS Reader is good, screen has enough resolution to make reading easy on the eyes.
- It comes with SD card for adding memory, programs, etc. An expansion kit for Compact Flash is available, should have been included on a device at this price range.
- There are expansion packs that slide on to the device for adding GPS, modem and ethernet hook-up etc. I have not tried them.
- Comes with several other features, voice recognizer (you can include audio in notes, docs..), and other things; see the descriptions on sites like Amazon.com, thier all fine and not worth going into.
Overall, it's my favorite PDA to date. If it had "always-on" email capability, it would get 5 stars from me.
4 Palm OS is better
This device has a nice screen and sleek design and a fast processor. I don't like the OS very well. It wasn't as versatile as I was expecting with reading and recognizing file type that Windows 98 or XP reads (ex: .mpeg and some .exe) I was expecting it to be more like Windows on my PC. I don't like that you can't put icons on your desktop with the IPAQ. You can with Palm OS. When you close a program on this device it's still running in the background so you have to go back in and dig to close things once and for all. This is a MAJOR flaw in the OS in my opinion. Functionality-wise this device is not all that impressive either unless you are willing to fork out another few hundred dollars for expansion pack, cards and other add-ons. It's as though they are selling this just to sell you more expansion devices and memory cards and software. If you're teetering between buying the Palm Tungsten or this, I'd say go with the Tungsten. After playing with the Tungsten for an hour or two I was hooked. After playing with the IPAQ I was ashamed to carry it around in my pocket. The Tungsten is comparatively fast, colorful, bright, and durable. It's also smaller and cheaper.
5 A Really Good Pocket PC
The strongest feature of the 3975, in my opinion, is the screen. The transflective display is bright and vivid. Compared side-by-side with my old HP Jornada 568, the 3975 not only has a larger screen (3.8" diagonal), but is brighter and clearer. Even a black image looks perfect - no dust underneath, no dead pixels (unlike my 568). Also, because the gap between the digitizer and the screen itself is much smaller, the 3975 appears to be more sensitive to the stylus. You won't need to tap too hard for the 3975 to respond.
The 400MHz XScale does NOT perform faster than the 568's 206MHz StrongARM processor. This is because Microsoft has not optimized the Pocket PC 2002 OS for the XScale architecture. No word on when MS will have an OS update that will use the XScale more effectively.
Battery life is on par with the 568, which is excellent for a Pocket PC device. I can go several days with sporadic usage, backlighting set to auto, and no sound. Of course, battery life varies with how the device is used. It is not removeable (the new iPaq 5450, expected for release around the holidays, is purported to have a removeable battery).
The Bluetooth radio is nice but is difficult to set up if you have never dealt with Bluetooth before. After a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, I was able to at least ActiveSync wirelessly through Bluetooth. I can also surf the Internet on the 3975 wirelessly using ActiveSync's pass-through feature. However, web surfing in this manner is very slow. The aforementioned new iPaq is expected to have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in.
The IR is consumer grade, which means you can use the Nevo software that comes with the 3975 and control your electronics remotely with it. I found that I can control my TV from about 6 feet away, which is not bad...
The sound is pretty loud. Definitely louder than my 568. It's not bad for listening to MP3's, though there is a continuous hiss if you plug in headphones. I tend to listen to heavy music, so the background noises are not that big of a deal for me.
In conclusion, the 3975 has a lot of strong points and a few annoyances. I think it's the best PPC out there for me since I am most interested in features, a high-quality screen that is pleasing to look at, and outstanding battery life. The 3975 certainly delivers in those areas.
6 How did I ever Live without this
We all know that a PDA is a life changing device (just buy one and you'll see)... but this little baby is more than just email, schedule, and contacts. With Pocket Word & Pocket Excel it makes storing and editing popular format files extremely simple. Add to that limitless possibilities of expansions, CF, PCMCIA, GPS... Then with the already integrated SD and bluetooth... you have the head & shoulders above the rest... BEST PDA ON THE MARKET
7 Great Handheld:)
I am enjoying the Compaq IPAQ 3975 that I purchased 10 days ago. I have not really explore everything the IPAQ could do as of yet. I was amazed after I activesync to Outlook that it sync all of my folders, something my Palm VII could not do. Once I start exploring. I will do a follow up. I really appreciate some of tips the other IPAQ user had, it help me out a lot.
Thanks
8 Unbelievable little machine
If you've ever wanted a "real" pc that will fit in your pocket, this is the closest you can get. Taking notes (with foldable keyboard attachment, purchased separately), watching movies, listening to mp3s, playing a variety of computer games, reading e-books, performing scientific calculations, graphing, surfing the web, checking e-mail -- these are just a few of the things you can do with this little wonder. Definitely money well spent.
9 Great Pocket PC with plenty of options but lacks a bit...
After reviewing all the literature and having a Jornada 568 already for personal use, I decided on the Ipaq 3975 fo business use. I purchased the expansion pack that adds a compact flash slot and an extra battery. This makes it a bit bulky but allows you to keep the unit on 7+ hours straight. The Blue Tooth technology is very handy. The screen size is a bit bigger than the Jornada 560 series.
Low points include the sometimes eratic screen behavior when switching between apps fast. I also don't like the fact that you cannot change the battery. You need to send the Compaq into HP/Compaq in order to get a new battery installed if the installed one ever fails. The unit (without the expansion) is heavy compared to the Jornada. With the expansion, the Ipaq weighs quite a bit.
Over-all I like the Ipaq. All they really need to do to make this a stellar item is make the battery swappable and add a backup battery in case you happen to wear out the charge in the main battery.
10 so far so good
i've decided to purchase the ipaq3975 instead of toshiba e740 because i've read the not-so-good reviews on having to constantly soft/hard boot the unit. but as long as i don't encounter those problems, then paying a bit more will justify for the headache and unsatisfaction. so far, there hasn't been any problem. let's get down to business.
1. setting up the unit was a breeze. the unit function as expected. activesyn works fine with my toshiba laptop;
2. this is the 3rd day that i have the 3975. i set the backlight to med low, and so far have yet to recharge from the initial charge. although i don't know how many hours i have used in 3 days, the battery seems to hold up as stated per spec;
3. the transflective tft screen is amazing. i'm certain other brands will offer the same, soon;
4. have yet to use bluetooth. will do another review after i try;
5. plan to get a modem and cf expansion pack to go online through regular phone line. will do another review on how the unit responds to websurfing;
6. the unit is definitely heavier than my palm, but that is not a big issue. i've learned to adjust.
all in all, the price was justified by the problem-free ipaq. one should shop around for the best price, no matter what brand. amazon offered the best price to me. amazon also gave me a credit when they lower the unit price. thanks.
i gave the unit four stars because i've yet to use other features.
11 compaq Ipaq color pocket pc
... receptions is fair to be nice.
PDA works well but many times hangs up on window display and will not remove window yet will allow other function to proform.
Good PDA terrible reception phone especially compare to cheapest Nokia which was free had 2 times the reception.
12 Sher Power
I purchaced this (ipaq 3975) recently and love it. It has the most power of any handheld on the market. It can do anything a full desktop can do movies mp3s games plus it comes with word excel outlook etc. and the bluetooth lets me surf the web wirelessly using my cellphone as a modem with no fancy setup. Whay more can you ask for.
13 Best Pocket PC out there
The Compaq iPAQ 3955 and 3975 are hands-down the greatest pocket PCs out there. I've learned a few things that might be helpful to other users, so rather than write another general review, I thought I would post a few suggestions on their use, especially for those that may be making the transition from the Palm platform to the iPAQ, (as I did).
The iPAQ saves individual Notes that you make in the sub-directory where you create them in the Notes app area. This results in them initially having a name such as "Work1, Work2, etc. (i.e., if you have a Note directory called Work). This is not very helpful so you have to rename them by doing a "tap and hold" on the file name, and giving it the new name. Otherwise you end of with lots of Notes with non-descript names with numbers at the end. Not too helpful.
For better power management, watch the screen brightness setting which you set from the Settings menu. You can also hit the "Q" button and pop up the Q menu and get to it from there. A lot of times you can reduce the backlight setting and save power and extend battery life. Otherwise running it at the highest intensity you'll only have about 3 hours. Also, in direct sunlight, where the iPAQ works great but the Palm and Casio units wash out totally, you can set it on "power save" mode
If you use the digital recorder function, be careful what you have for the settings here. The iPAQ will record anywhere from 8,000 Hz, Mono, 2KB/sec, to 44,100 Hz, 16- bit, stereo, 172 KB/sec. You'll find that even the 22,050 Hz, stereo settings will cause even short notes to take up 300K of space. After a few of these you're out of memory and you'll wonder why. The default setting of 8-bit mono is okay so I just leave it there.
This setting is also hard to find and can be found under Settings\Personal\Input\Options.
I've found my iPAQ to be the best of the Pocket PCs out there. Hope these suggestions help.
14 Still A Benchmark PDeviceA
The primary reason I upgraded from an iPAQ 3635 to a iPAQ 3975 was to get the new 16-bit color transflective TFT LCD screen. I wanted to be able to take the compact flash storage media from my digital camera and display a crystal clear and colorful photograph on my PDA. The other features such as the 400 MHz Intel XScale processor, 64 MB SDRAM, 48 MB ROM, Bluetooth, etc., are icing on the cake. Buy and Enjoy!
15 The King Has Arrived!
I purchased this product as an upgrade to the iPAQ 3630. When I purchased the first one, I did my research. It came down between the iPAQ & Jornada products (both of these blew away the Palm stuff). I then did my research again when I decieded to upgrade. And this time, it was between the new iPAQs and the Toshiba line. I decided to go with the iPAQ again, because of unmatched usability. Both are Pocket PC based, but the iPAQ has so much more! Number one, they were the first to sell with the 400 MHz XScale processor. Secondly, the most RAM & ROM available. Next there is the built-in Bluetooth, which allows for wireless connectivity. With a Bluetooth-equipped cell phone, you can sign onto the "Wireless Web", & veiw webpages on your iPAQ! Lastly, are the expansion packs. I love the SD Card slot, but what if I want to use a Compact Flash or PC Card? You can get an expansion pack for it! Not to mention GPS, Cellular, and even ECG/EKG packs(yes, the medical device). Despite the somewhat staggering price tag, this Pocket PC device IS WELL WORTH every cent!
16 My experience with the 3975
I evaluated Pocket PC devices for two weeks before finally deciding on the 3975. I looked at the Toshiba E740 and the Hitachi and the Fijitsu Loox before deciding on the 3975 (which is the same as the 3970). The deciding factors for me where the stunning screen on the 3975, the 48Mb of flashrom which allows instant backup of your contacts and calendar, the built in Bluetooth capability, and a plethora of available accessories. The downsides are the built in non-changeable battery, the relatively high price, and only a SD memory slot (no built in CF slot). All in all, the 3975 was the winner, having more pluses and less minuses than the competition. Having now had it for a week or so, it seems to have been a good choice and I'd order it again.
