Kostask, welcome to iPaqHQ, your dedicated source for iPaq information!
1. I understand that the battery is internal, and is an internal Lithium Polymer type. The battery on the X5 was an external Lithium Ion type. What is the expected lifespan (in years or recharge cycles) of the 3850 battry, and what is the best way to maximize battery life.
One downfall of the 3850 battery is that it is not removeable. So if the battery fails then you will have to send it in for service. The lifespan is normally 2 years. You can get about 4 - 5 hours of constant use (this could be more or less depending on your activity). I believe there is some extended batteries available for the 3850. Not sure yet as to who carries them.
2. The unit has a cradle, but I need to sync up both at work and at home. Is there a sync cable that allows for battery charging through the USB port, or do I need to buy an external changer? I don't want to carry the cradle around.
Javoedge carries a sync/charger cable for the 3850. Take a look at www.javoedge.com.
3. The expansion packs come with or without a battery, and as either CF card or PC Card/PCMCIA versions. I am under the impression that the most versatile pack is the PC Card/PCMCIA pack with the battery (and with a CF card adaptor). What is the weight/size increase with the two cradle types, and how much battery run time increase can I expect with a battery pack using either the slim battery, or the extended /high capacity battery?
It would seem that since there is more flexibility with PCMCIA cards versus CF cards the PCMCIA expansion pack would be desireable. The fact is that the PCMCIA cards for use on the PPC is useless if you don't have PPC drivers. PCMCIA hard disks can be used without drivers (only certain ones). All other cards will require drivers to work. IMO I would go with the CF expansion pack as there are tons of PPC accessories that are CF.
4. I have also ordered the Windows Mobile 2003 upgrade. Anything to look out for prior to doing the update?
Nothing big to look our for. There are a few bugs. The biggest that has been mentioned is the unreliable alarms. There are workarounds to fix it.
5. The X5 has real problems with Sandisk SD cards. Does the iPaq have similar issues (i.e. is it the cards themselves)?
Mostly Sandisk.
6. Does anybody make high capacity internal batteries for teh 3850? I have seen a few for other Ipaq models.
I am sure that there are some available but I cannot find any at the moment.
