Customer Rating:  
Summary: WARNING: MS DROPPING SUPPORT
Comment: MS has officially announced that they are dropping support for this Internet Appliance. How do I know - I got the letter from MS telling me so. I suspect the reason behind this is because the IPAQ is based on Internet Explorer V4 - the rest of the civilized world is predominantly using IE6.0. Unless you intend to hack this device to run LINUX, or use it as a door stop, you'd be better off finding youself a cheap PC such as a SUN JAVA DESKTOP or LINDOWS based machine from WalMart for around $300. Leave it to MS (and COMPAQ) to have the short sightedness not to build in ability to easily upgrade.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Only a vehicle for MSN
Comment: What we really need is an Internet Appliance which we can use for ANY ISP. Allow us the capability to add 802.11b, so we can place a terminal on a kitchen counter to use while making dinner, watch streaming video, listen to MP3, use to lookup recipes, etc.This is only really a vehicle for MSN, and should be avoided, unless of course, you don't have
Customer Rating:
Summary: Lack of MS Support Means an Expensive Paper Weight
Comment: I bought this for my Mom, not a techie by any stretch of the imagination. I flew home to Colorado to install it. And that's when the fun began. There was a software problem. Mom could send, but not receive email. Called MS Help Support. Told to re-boot, etc. Still had problems. Additional "help" and I started to get the screen that said a serious problem had occurred. Duh! More time on the phone with help support. Oh, the problem needs to be escalated. Okay, and I'll get a phone call back in 24-96 hours. I'm glad I didn't hold my breath. It's now been over 6 weeks of phone calls to MS Help Support. My trouble ticket has been escalated four times. And I can't tell you how many times I've been told that someone will call me within 24-96 hours. All I want is a new machine to replace the dusty paper weight at my Mom's house. But the person to help me do that is part of the escalation team and I should hear from them in 24-96 hours. : ) Just tell me the truth: that no one is ever going to call me and I'm stuck with this expensive paper weight.The problem is, despite the money I seem to have thrown down the drain, is that I like the idea of this machine. When it was working, my Mom liked it and could use it. She doesn't need a full up PC and this would be perfect for her. Except I was hoping that it would actually work.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great for the Internet newbie (like your Mom)
Comment: I live in Arizona. My mom lives in Illinois, and yet she still turns to me for all of her technical support. What's a guy to do? Go out and buy her this device.
My mom had a computer, but all she ever used it for was e-mail and Internet. She had no idea how to use any other features, nor did she care to learn. She didn't understand virues, software updates, etc, so I got the lucky job of playing tech support for her from 2000 miles away.
Last time I was home, I helped her get this device. I must admit, I was really impressed at how easy set-up was. Plug it into an power outlet, and phone outlet, and you're done. Getting online is literally as easy as pressing one button.
My Mom loves her new iPAQ (aka MSN Companion). E-mail and the Internet are a breeze now. Being that there is really nothing she can do to screw the machine up (save maybe spilling coffee on it), she is not intimidated by it the way she was with the computer. Therefore she is spending more time online writing emails and surfing the Internet.
The iPAQ IA-2/MSN Companion automatically checks for updates late at night, so it's virtually maintenance free. Also, users don't have to worry about virues and other problems that plaque the rest of us. MSN has recently release a software upgrade that allows MULTIPLE USERS as well as the ability to use YOUR EXISTING ISP OR BROADBAND CONNECTION!
Not only do I recommend this for Internet Newbies, I would also recommend it for households with multiple Internet users, such as families with teenagers. Instead of buying another whole computer, this device can be used for Internet access and e-mail.
The main difference between the iPAQ IA-2 and iPAQ IA-1 is the screen type. This one has a more traditional CRT monitor, whereas the IA-1 has a smaller, flat-panel LCD screen. Also, the IA-2 has a larger keyboard and mouse, whereas the IA-1 uses a wireless keyboard (a mouse can be added seperately).
Experienced Internet users probably will prefer a regular computer for Internet access, but I would suggest people who are interested in getting on the Internet, but don't need a full computer check this out. It's ease of use has me impressed!
Customer Rating:
Summary: GREAT for non-computer types!
Comment: I bought this for my Dad last fall, and he's been on it ever since... It is sturdy, easy to follow, and completely fantastic for people who have never used a PC.I am looking at a 2nd--- as a gift. This has outstanding support, good technical information, and is as easy to use as it's advertised. One drawback? Scroll Mouse only--- which works until they "get the hang of it" and this unit is not upgradable. If you have a newbie, this is their system!
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