The iPAQ H3660 offers the same fast performance, bright colour screen, and full array of programs as other choices in Compaq's H3600 series. But with 64M of RAM, it raises the bar on memory, offering twice as much as other iPAQ PDAs for about AU$200 more than the H3650 and providing lots of room for programs and data.
If you like Compaq's H3650, with its fast performance and highly praised bright colour screen, you'll have every reason to love the iPaq Pocket PC H3660. The H3660 is essentially the same pocket computer but with 64M of RAM instead of the already generous 32M; that's twice as much RAM for programs and data--an enormous amount for a Pocket PC.
That extra 32M buys you one of two benefits. It can function as extra space for storing MP3s and other files, meaning you won't have to shell out extra for an Expansion Pack and CompactFlash card. Or you can leave it empty and increase the amount of memory available to the operating system and slow the performance degradation that occurs as you run more apps simultaneously.
The H3660 uses the same version of Microsoft Windows Pocket PC as the H3650 and comes with the same array of programs. You'll find all the basics you need, including Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes, which includes a voice-record feature that takes advantage of a built-in microphone and speaker or audio jack. In addition, you'll find programs that make this more than merely a pocket organiser: Pocket Excel, Pocket Word, Internet Explorer, an email program, Picture Viewer, Windows Media Player, and a few extras (such as Solitaire).
EDITORS' RATING: 8.4
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9The 206MHz StrongARM processor gives the H3660 the same fast performance as its 32M cousin, which means you won't feel that you're waiting for the computer to catch up when you're switching programs or searching for a contact. And as with the H3650, the H3660's colour screen is bright enough to use as a flashlight. But with only 4,096 colours to work with, the H3660 posterizes some photos and graphics, with colours changing suddenly when they should change gradually, although the image quality is easily good enough for most purposes, even for many photos.
The control buttons are well positioned for easy use, with one on the side that naturally rests under your thumb or forefinger and, by default, lets you record a voice note quickly and easily. A large five-position button lets you move through a list onscreen to make a selection.
The claimed battery life is 12 hours of continuous use. However, in real life, the H3660 will easily last several days between charges. More importantly, Compaq says that the built-in lithium-polymer battery has no memory effect, which means you can charge it at every opportunity without worrying about lowering battery life.
In addition to the computer itself, the package comes with ActiveSync for synchronising with your desktop system, a cradle that includes a USB cable, and Outlook 2000 that so you have a program to synchronise with. The power cord can plug directly into the computer or to the cradle. Compaq also sells optional sleeves that add little size or weight but offer slots for either a CompactFlash card or one or two PC Cards.
Like the other handhelds in Compaq's 3600 series, the H3660 is an attractive package on almost every count. And with 64M of RAM, it will be hard to outgrow.
Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC H3660
Company: Compaq Australia
Ph: 13 23 93
Price: AU$1,445
What these scores mean
Value: Weighs the overall merits of the product versus its price relative to other products in the handheld PC category. We look for the handheld device that delivers the most bang for the buck.
Performance: Gauges the overall performance of the handheld when entering and synchronizing data, and opening and closing files, as well as rated battery life.
Ease of use: Rates how easy the product is to use relative to features and those of competitors. Score is based on the ease of accomplishing typical tasks, plus factors such as handwriting recognition.
Applications: Gauges the quality and quantity of applications included from basic PIM programs to communications, productivity, and entertainment applications.
Design: Evaluates the physical design of the handheld, especially the size and weight. Also important: the size and type of display, the feel of the stylus, and the configuration of buttons.
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