dif tween 3600 3700 3800

[jmkeuning]

Can anyone tell me what the difference between the 3600, 3700 and 3800 models of the iPAQ are? I con't mean the differences that I'll see on Compaq's web page I mean the REAL differences; the practical ones? I don't need any wireless capabilities. I just use the basic functions, Outlook, Excel, Word...saving web pages, and playing MP3's.

In other words, why should I pay extra for a 3800 over a 3600 or 3700?

Thanks

[stevemw]

Basically the difference between the 3600 and 3700 is memory; between the 3700 and 3800 the integrated SD slot (on the 3800).

[Nitestrike]

The only basic difference between the 36xx & the 37xx is that they expanded the ROM to allow PocketPC 2002 to fit in its entirety. The 36xx come with "PocketPC 2000", so after they are upgraded to PocketPC 2002, with there 16MB ROM, some of the apps were left out. So I'd say don't even bother with the 36xx.

The 38xx enhanced the sound, standardized more on the 64MB of RAM (most models), added a SD Slot, bigger battery, and introduced Bluetooth (387x model). The 38xx were known to some times to be flaky. All and all they were OK.

Now there is also the 39xx and the new 5450, which I'll get to in a second. The 39xx built on the 38xx line, and is quite stable. The 39xxs have Transflective screen (TFT LCD) that is extremely clear and crisp picture. They have the new Intel 400MHz XScale processor, and the SD slot is now a SDIO able to accept LAN, Camera and other assorted accessory cards, not just storage. The 397x models have 48MB or ROM and like the 387x models also have Bluetooth. This model is probably is your best bang for your buck.

Now for the latest and grates, just was released last week. The 5450 sports the Bluetooth, SDIO Slot, Transflective screen, good quality sound like it's predecessor. But added to the mix is built in WiFi, a larger battery that is also removable, the ability to use an external mic, vibrating alerts, bio-metric finger scanning security, and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities (e.g. supposedly able to use Bluetooth headsets) to name just a few.

With that all said and done I'd say you basically have three options:

Basic inexpensive:
3765 (It has a CF Sleeve and a cradle)

Best Bang for your buck:
397x (Bluetooth & 48MB ROM)

Top of the line:
5450 (WiFi, Enhanced Bluetooth, Fingerprint security)

[Nitestrike]

If you're willing to wait a couple of months, with the 5450 just coming out the 39xxs and other modles could take a significant drop in price too.

[dwinget]

Besides memory and added SD slots, there are other differences:

1. 3600 Series uses Pocket PC 2000. 3700 & 3800 use 2002.

2.The 3600 series cannot have themes installed unless a third-party program such as FaceLift is installed or has the OS upgraded to 2002.

3. The 3600 & 3700 series have 12 bit color. The 3800 has 16-bit color. The 3800 series is better suited for displaying photos and graphics.

4. Even though 3600 and 3700 only have 12-bit color, I have heard many people say their displays are brighter than the 3800 series.

5. The stylus design is improved on the 3800 series. If the stylus is inserted the wrong way, it is easy to jam the stylus in the slot on the 3600 and 3700 series.

6. Many people have said the speaker volume on the 3600 and 3700 series is louder than the 3800.

7. The 3800 series has an improved battery design.

If you don't need wireless or Bluetooth, there are some models of iPAQs in the 3800 series which contain just the basic features. Anything lower than 3870 does not contain Bluetooth. If you want basic features with a faster processor, there are some models in the 3900 series to choose from. The 3900 series is basically a 3800 model with a faster processor and a little more ROM memory. I hope this helps.