MLRandolph

Hi. I just dug my brand new iPaq 3850 (original specs) out of a storage box and am completely unsure if there's any use for it or if it's hopelessly obsolete. It has tons of accessories (even a keyboard and Coach brand case), so I really hate to think about discarding it. Right after purchasing it, I changed employment and moved... it was accidentally packed up and lost for all these years - I cannot believe that it finally resurfaced! I found an upgrade on eBay (Windows Mobile 2003) for $2.99 that may make the device more current, but I just don't know too much about it. In it's current condition, without the 2003 upgrade, it's not bluetooth compatible and, although the eBay description implies that it will be once installed, I wonder. I'd really appreciate any comments. Thanks tons.

spud42

it may not be the latest but it will still do what it was designed for. notes,diary etc.... i want one to add a gps card to so i can use it as a cheap standalone gps. i use destinator on my 4700 and when its running you cant use the PDA..
there are always gps stuff foir these older ipaqs selling on ebay...

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jhc99

Yeah definitely worth keeping. Lots of (free) software available. Upgrade to 2003 will not make it BT compatible - you'll need a BT SD or CF (if you've an expansion jacket) card. Similar to my 3950 - mine was faster machine though. I'd never replaced mine if it hadn't died!

In short - great machine - get it powered up!

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jhc99
3660 ... ... 3950 ... ... rx5935 ...

jhc99

... of course - if you don't want it, you could always throw it my way! LOL...

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jhc99
3660 ... ... 3950 ... ... rx5935 ...

Don't Panic!

It's worth keeping but I always thought the 3800 series screens weren't very bright. They work great outdoors though so there is that advantage especially for GPS usage. There's still tons of freeware available as jhc99 suggested so although it may not be the latest and greatest but it can definitely get the job done.

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42
Soft-reset is our Friend :

CodeBubba

Don't tell the unit that it's obsolete and it will work fine; especially after loading WM2003 on there.

-CB

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JNDSDA

Originally Posted by MLRandolph

Hi. I just dug my brand new iPaq 3850 (original specs) out of a storage box and am completely unsure if there's any use for it or if it's hopelessly obsolete. It has tons of accessories (even a keyboard and Coach brand case), so I really hate to think about discarding it. Right after purchasing it, I changed employment and moved... it was accidentally packed up and lost for all these years - I cannot believe that it finally resurfaced! I found an upgrade on eBay (Windows Mobile 2003) for $2.99 that may make the device more current, but I just don't know too much about it. In it's current condition, without the 2003 upgrade, it's not bluetooth compatible and, although the eBay description implies that it will be once installed, I wonder. I'd really appreciate any comments. Thanks tons.

Here is HP support link where you can install the latest rom for Pocket 2002:

HP iPAQ h3800 Pocket PC series - iPAQ H3815, H3830, H3835, H3845 and H3850 Pocket PC ROM Update - HP Business Support Center

oldipaqer

Hi ML,

The iPAQ 3850 is not bluetooth compatible. I think you need the 3870 model.

I've had my 3850 for years, using it mostly as an MP3 player and address book. The WM2003 makes it more useful for displaying pictures as well. But it is still limited as you need to be tethered to your PC to get your email. However, after letting my 3850 collect dust for many years, I've decided to make some upgrades, purchasing an expansion pack ($60 or less on ebay) so I can use a wireless card ($40 or less on ebay) and GPS card ($60 or less on ebay). If you really want to use the iPAQ 3850 to its fullest, you need to invest a bit.

A few things to keep in mind...

o The 3850 only support 1GB SD memory cards or less, and it cannot
support SDIO.
o Software must be compatible with ARM processor v4 code.

I've been looking for good GPS software to run on this. Microsoft Pocket
Streets 2006 has a GPS locator, that tells you where you are at, but very limited functionality. iGo My Way doesn't work with ARM processor v4, and iGuidance v4 and many newer GPS software wants to load its maps on 2GB cards.

Needless to say, the Expansion pack + wireless card makes the iPAQ much more useful. Now I can browse the web and download my mail at an Internet cafe, hotel, airport, or at home - anywhere free wireless is available.

Good luck!

TeleFragger

Originally Posted by oldipaqer

Hi ML, The iPAQ 3850 is not bluetooth compatible. I think you need the 3870 model. I've had my 3850 for years, using it mostly as an MP3 player and address book. The WM2003 makes it more useful for displaying pictures as well. But it is still limited as you need to be tethered to your PC to get your email. However, after letting my 3850 collect dust for many years, I've decided to make some upgrades, purchasing an expansion pack ($60 or less on ebay) so I can use a wireless card ($40 or less on ebay) and GPS card ($60 or less on ebay). If you really want to use the iPAQ 3850 to its fullest, you need to invest a bit. A few things to keep in mind... o The 3850 only support 1GB SD memory cards or less, and it cannot support SDIO. o Software must be compatible with ARM processor v4 code. I've been looking for good GPS software to run on this. Microsoft Pocket Streets 2006 has a GPS locator, that tells you where you are at, but very limited functionality. iGo My Way doesn't work with ARM processor v4, and iGuidance v4 and many newer GPS software wants to load its maps on 2GB cards. Needless to say, the Expansion pack + wireless card makes the iPAQ much more useful. Now I can browse the web and download my mail at an Internet cafe, hotel, airport, or at home - anywhere free wireless is available. Good luck!

I just sold my ipaq 3850... I got the short end of the stick...

ipaq 3850 with original jacket
256mb sd
dual sleeve adapter
pcmcia to cf adapter
3 desktop adapters with ac power
1 car charger
globalsat cf gps and globalsat external antennea

got a meesly $65 for it all... so if you dont expect to get much Id say keep it and use it...

but it worked for what I needed out of it.. I just have a 3950 now so didnt need the 3850 anymore....

markbwnc

Hi, I'm in the same boat with the 3850 it became an expensive mp3 player/solitaire game, I'd like to finally get some use out of it.

can anyone recommend a wifi card (I have an expansion pacK) and also point me to where to purchase it.

Thanks in advance

dfmclore

Socket makes a good wifi SD card, also Linksys makes a fairly good CF wifi cards.

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tooper12

I think its best to buy from local gadget store, or from ebay or amazone, its best

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