[kpleahy]

I have an IPAQ H3850 and its universal cradle. A friend wants to sell me their used but working cradle as an extra cradle for me. It is COMPAQ part number 176483-002 and the label says it supports 3600 series. Does that mean it ONLY supports the 3600 series of IPAQ and won't work with mine or will it work with my 3850 as well?

[Godofbeer]

I own a 3670 and the 38xx series units I've seen DO NOT HAVE the same bottom connection type. But, it's usually so clearly different that you can just look at the bottom of his 36xx Ipaq and compare it to the bottom of your 38xx unit.

If either of you has a digital camera, you could easily exchange pictures of both the cradle interface and Ipaq interface areas and quickly determine compatability.

Too bad there isn't a standard connection type.

Wayne

[kpleahy]

Originally Posted by Godofbeer

I own a 3670 and the 38xx series units I've seen DO NOT HAVE the same bottom connection type. But, it's usually so clearly different that you can just look at the bottom of his 36xx Ipaq and compare it to the bottom of your 38xx unit.

If either of you has a digital camera, you could easily exchange pictures of both the cradle interface and Ipaq interface areas and quickly determine compatability.

Too bad there isn't a standard connection type.

Wayne

Now that would make perfect sense - wouldn't it?! Thank you.

I also the following response from HP customer support (in case anyone reading this thread needs the info):

Hello ,

Thank you for contacting Hewlett-Packard's Commercial Solutions Center. The 3600 series and the 3800 series of ipaqs use completely different part numbers for cradles, and as such the 3600 cradle will not be compatable with your 3850.

Once again, thank you for contacting Hewlett-Packard's Commercial Solutions Center.

Well - that's that - case closed

[Godofbeer]

Ok, enough about your cradle problems, lets turn the conversation to something more importatnt ... like my Ipaq issues (grin).

Having owned a number of handhelds for years, I've been impressed with the improvements in size and power. But, every time I answer my cell or use my digital camera, I yearn for a single device that does it all. I hate having to carry around (and worry about) 3 devices.

Which leads me to the question ... have you been reading about the new HP69xx messenger series? It's supposed to be the successor to the 65xx series and I've been seeing early pics that have appeared from trade shows and European sites.

My Ipaq backlight broke recently so I've been limping along on impulse power. Need to get my warp engines back on line and the 69xx might just do it. Looks like I might take the leap and switch over to a Smartphone ... if the 69xx is ever released.

What do you think?

Wayne

[StumpedTechy]

If you install a ton of 3rd party stuff on your PDA the 240x240 screen sould be a real turn off as not many PDA coders use that resolution. They standardly do qvga 320x240 or the vga 640x480.

Just a thought to ponder if your into alot of add on stuff. If you use it base out of the box without many apps though this shouldn't impact you much.