All not well in IPAQ land.

I used to have an IPaq before the 9210, and really liked it (I prefer the 9210 by the way, not sure about the latest models).

But one thing is for sure, and that is that there were major quality control issues. I had to send my IPaq in twice, but to Compaq's credit, they replaced the device after returning it the second time. I had hoped they had fixed these problems by now (It is 3rd on my shortlist having sold my 9210), but perhaps not.

Problems I had,

Touch screen spiked, if you did not press the stylus hard. It was a common "issue", but the argument was that you were just meant to press harder.

Screen alignment problem. Only discovered it when I tried using a portrait to landscape program. Since it was not "standard use" could not really complain, but only some devices had the problem suggesting they were faulty.

Dust, Dust, Dust. Like a snow storm under the screen.

Problem with the power button.

Design issue with the input puttons resulted in only 1 button being registered as being pressed at a time. (e.g. Can't go left and press another button at the same time).

Like I said I thought the device was great, but the quality ...

I have to admit, the 9210 is way ahead in terms of build quality. Regardless of device pros & cons. If only they added flashable upgrades like the IPaqs 😊

Zuber

In all fairness, the iPaq's (and all Pocket PC) promise the Earth and deliver something a bit lacking (rather like an episode of Space: 1999).

They promise to deliver Windows into a small computer. Which it plainly dosn't do. It provides excellent compatibility to a Windows Computer (better than any other PDA on the market) but it is NOT a standalone computer.

And while the 9210 is not a Windows desktop, it provides a closer functionality than the Pocket PC, but in a system that looks totaly unfamiliar. This means peoples expectations are lower on the 9210, so the results (even with the average PLP COnnection to the desktop) is appreciated more.

I think people are upset their �500 computer isn't the computer they percievd from the marketing.

Ewan,

I was quite happy with the IPaqs "Abilities", quite impressive. But I am assuming most people were annoyed with what I would call "faults" be they design or manufacture.

Also, " excellent compatibility to a Windows Computer " is probably not as accurate as " excellent compatibility to Microsoft software" as someone using say Lotus Notes would probably be happy to point out. 😃

Zuber

Yeah yeah yeah re Lotus Notes. mind you not much syncs to Lotus Notes unless you have Puma Software's Intellisync!

Most of the problems relate to early iPaqs, including early versions of the 3850/70 models.

HP/Compaq have been less than forthcoming in their offers to assist folk with these problems - although that has changed in recent months - for example there is now a swapout/replacement policy for the backlight problem whereby if your unit falls within the range of serial numbers known to be affected, HP/Compaq will arrange a repair FOC. From what I have heard this does work.

To be honest, on the various iPaq/PocketPC/PDA forums I frequent - especially the large and pretty influental PocketPC Passion one, the majority viewpoint seems to be one of satisfaction. But you always have to allow for the fact that the kind of people who are passionate enough about their gadgets (that's us I'm afraid) are also the ones most likely to complain vociferously about any perceived wrongdoing, actual or not. Unless the online petition grows to huge figures and attracts real world media coverage, I honestly can't see HP/Compaq giving a toss beyond the lip service they will undoubtedly pay via the PR outlets.

I still have an iPaq in daily use here. I am quite happy with it, and it does what I want it to do. Now that it wears a custome 'Silver Slider' sleeve by the legendary (in the iPaq user world) George M it looks an absolute treat as well. The sleeve is the same colour as the iPaq, and a PDA Panache hand crafted and chromed stylus completes the effect.

Can you tell that I get rather passionate about my gadgets?

Heck, I even forked out close on �50 for a very nice nappa leather Piel Frama "Chairmans Case" for my 9210. A *lot* of dosh I grant you, but it is oh so soft and supple, and makes the 9210 look even more attractive (if such a thing is possible).

And now, I must go back and help spread my geeky saddo-ness to the world 😃

Check out

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/26395.html

I think the IPaq has fallen from my list of possible devices for my next purchase (was 3rd spot after P800, 9210i). The Jornada looks quite cool though.

Zuber

"If only they added flashable upgrades like the IPaqs"

...Absolutely!

I read somewhere that the global PDA production run for the last 3 months equates with a six week production run for the Nokia 7650! I thought that that was pretty telling about how small the PDA market is.

Also...somewhat off topic (please forgive) that the O2 XDA was originally comissioned by Compaq - BUT THEY REJECTED IT! Apparantly O2 was planning to buy a rediculous amount - 100,000 units - but had to cut it down to 20,000.