• Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC with stylus
• Basic Style Pack
• Cradle with attached USB cord
• AC Adapter
• Slipcase (black)
• Extra stylus
• Getting Started Guide and CD (which contains the 116-page iPAQ Reference Manual and ListPro and eWallet software)
• Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC Professional Edition 2000, including Microsoft ActiveSync 3.1
• Discovering Microsoft Outlook 2000
• Pocket PC resource guide
• iPAQ accessories information
• Audible offer card
• Pocket PC Magazine offer card
• iPAQ $39 Rebate offer on CompactFlash Expansion Pack
• Service, support, warranty and registration information

I'd first seen and held the iPAQ at the Pocket PC launch in New York back on April 19th. But there were dozens of other journalists trying to get their hands on the device for a few minutes so I barely had time to really form an opinion. And it was a pre-production model that appeared to have been handled by a few hundred people.

So when I opened the iPAQ box and really got a chance to see and feel the device, it felt like the first time. And my very first thought was, "Wow! Very cool."

Compaq has definitely gotten the form-factor right. The iPAQ is almost the identical size of the best-selling PDA of all time, the Palm III. So Pocket PC fans no longer have to apologize that their Windows CE devices are bigger than Palm organizers. It's no longer true.

And the iPAQ is light. While the other Pocket PC hover around 9 ounces, the iPAQ is only 6 ounces. Suffice it to say that the iPAQ and the Palm III feel virtually the same in your hand.

Let's explore the outside of the iPAQ, from the top down. On the top of the iPAQ is a stylus holder slot and a stylus release button. There's also an infrared port (exactly where it should be rather than on the side ala the Cassiopeia) and headphone jack.

	Outside of the iPAQ

On the back of the iPAQ there's nothing but a smooth surface, held in place by four tiny screws. Yes, I'll open up this baby later in the review.

On the bottom there's the serial communications port that connects the iPAQ to the cradle for synchronizing and there's the larger expansion connector. The Getting Started booklet shows a rubberized Expansion Connector Cover that you're supposed to remove but the cover is nowhere to be found. And it certainly would have been nice. Also on the bottom is the DC jack for charging the device, and there's a tiny sliding on/off switch with an equally tiny sliding door to cover and protect it (more on that in Part 2).

On the front of the iPAQ there's the LCD screen, which is highly reflective when turned off. Again, the screen is about the same size as a Palm III's screen. Also on the front of the device are four application launching buttons, a larger navigation button (with the audio speaker recessed behind it), a power button (again, right where it should be - on the front), a tiny hole for the microphone, and a light sensor.

Finally, on the top left side there's a record button for your voice notes. I guess Compaq felt that this could easily be activated with your thumb if you're holding the iPAQ in your left hand. But everyone who's played with my iPAQ for a few minutes has accidentally recorded by inadvertantly pressing this button.

So, is it plastic or metal? Like everyone else, I'm having a difficult time discerning that. But it does appear to be painted.

	The Basic Style Pack

The iPAQ's slip-on pack system differentiates it from all other PDAs. There are two types of packs currently available: expansion packs and style packs. The style packsare simply designed to add a bit of style to your iPAQ. The Basic Style Pack that comes with the iPAQ is a graphite-colored light-weight plastic sleeve that slips onto your iPAQ. You can also purchase an Executive Leather Style Pack from Compaq to give your device a more professional look.

But does the Basic Style Pack perform any function other than esthetically? Well, some argue that it does two things besides look good. First, it covers the connector used by the expansion packs. And secondly, it helps prevent the iPAQ from slipping out of your hands. After all, it's one sleek, sexy and slippery little device!

A cradle is a cradle is a cradle. Right? Well, until now wed have to say that you're absolutely right (except for the elegant Everex cradle which folded and contained a modem). But the new iPAQ cradle seems to have been designed by Ray Bradbury; it's straight out of a science fiction novel. It's part silver-colored and part-graphite colored, and it's shaped like a Star Trek phaser. It didn't really appeal to me at first but once the iPAQ is seated in the cradle it looks great. And it comes with an attached USB cord (however, you can order a serial cradle from Compaq if you need it) and an AC adapter with a 6-foot cord (an automobile adapter is available from Compaq). One neat feature that I should mention is the two stylus holder holes on the front of the cradle. Nice touch, and very functional.

	The Slipcase

We've seen the free slipcases included with the Palm VII, the Philips Nino, the Everex Freestyle, and the two variations that came with the Casio Cassiopeia. Our favorite has always been the demi-slipcase included with the Freestyle, which is a beautiful piece of workmanship. And we also prefer the original leather Cassiopeia slipcase to the cheaper nylon one you'll get nowadays with your E-115.

The iPAQ slipcase is a cheap faux-leather vinyl black slipcase that's lined with felt. The front has a cardboard insert that's meant to provide some protection for the iPAQ's screen. Our first impression is that the iPAQ's slipcase is something we'd never slide our beautiful iPAQ inside. It just doesn't deserve it.

But, you know what? That old Freestyle slipcase fits nicely and looks sharp.

How much can you really say about a stylus that's included with a PDA? Some, like the old Nino stylus, break in two within a couple of months. Others, like the Palm's stylus, are so short and thin that they disappear in your hand. And then there are the ones that are so lightweight that they feel like they're about to fly away.

Well, the iPAQ stylus is a medium-weighted plastic stylus that's a bit too short (we tend to like Casio's Cassiopeia stylus) but otherwise fits nicely in your hand. And best of all, Compaq is the first PDA company that I'm aware of that has seen fit to include an extra stylus. Thanks, Compaq.

Let's set it up and get started!

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