Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC H3870

I decided to upgrade from my old Palm Pilot in Jan 2004 and wanted to move to something that had the Microsoft Mobile software - having played with a friends XDA. I chose the iPaq because friends had recommended it - but was going to go for one of the newer, smaller HP ones (the 1940 at £270-£300).

However, when I went to John Lewis to buy it (as I always get my techy stuff from there to get the 2 year warrantly) they had a 3870 which I think had been a return or something like that - but still boxed. I got it for £170 and it's the best bargain I've ever found. If you can find one it's daft to spend more.

It has all the usual features including the Bluetooth, which was something I needed as I wanted to be able to pick up email remotely.
I can write notes, create Word documents and Excel spreadsheets (cut down versions of the originals only), manage my diary and so on - plus it synch's to the PC of course. Everything in one handy place and fully backed up.

On the downside, setting up the Bluetooth was a bit of a nightmare. I know the settings are different with every mobile phone provider, and past experiences of friends tell me that you can often get stuck in the middle between the network operator (e.g. O2) and the hardware providers (in my case Compaq and Nokia). However, thanks to a very helpful man on the data team at O2, I managed to get the two connected after about an hour and three atempts at different settings. If you're having problems, persevere - it's well worth it.

The Inbox is great as you can set up your POP3 settings and get email very quickly - but the Internet access is alot slower and I'd only use that in an emergency.

The battery is not too bad - but it is worth keeping it plugged into the mains - or in a cradle - when you're at your desk or at home. So worth having two! I'm lucky as I work from home, but if I didn't I would definitely get a 2nd lead or cradle.

The built-in case is also very useful - as the newer HP versions do not come with one of these - or a cradle for that matter. I think the older version is actually better - although a little larger and less suitable for slipping into a handbag or jacket pocket.

All in all it is a great product and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.