How to Use Compaq Pocket PC

Compaq is a computer manufacturer that was dominant in the early 2000s. Popular for its low-cost desktop and laptop computers, Compaq also developed and manufactured various computer accessories and devices. One of the biggest electronic devices created by Compaq was the iPaq, a Pocket PC created to compete with other PDA devices, such as the Palm and the Blackberry. Individuals may still choose to use the now-defunct Compaq Pocket PC because various models can be obtained at an economical price. Learn how to use a Compaq Pocket PC to digitally organize your agenda, check your email and make the most of the Compaq PDA's capabilities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Press the iPaq's power button, located in the top right-hand corner of the electronic device.

2. Check that the Compaq Pocket PC is fully charged before using it for the first time. Remove the stylus from its slot on the right-hand side of the iPaq. Use the stylus to tap the "Start" button on the touchscreen and select "Settings."
   Tap "System" and then click "Power" to view the Compaq Pocket PC's battery charge level. If the battery charge is low, place the iPaq into its dock to charge it.

3. Practice typing and writing, using the Compaq Pocket PC. Use the PDA's stylus to tap the "Input Panel." Tap "Keyboard" to activate the on-screen digital keyboard. The keyboard will appear on the bottom of the screen. Type a word by using the stylus to press each letter. Alternatively, select "Character Recognizer" in the Input Panel and use the stylus to draw a letter on the screen. The Pocket PC will analyze the letter you've drawn and insert it as typed text into the email or document on which you are working.

4. Test the recording feature on the iPaq. Open the Notes application by selecting it from the Start menu. Hold down "Record," located on the top left-hand side of the Compaq Pocket PC. This activates the built-in microphone and turns on the recording software. Place the PDA near your mouth and speak clearly. When you're done recording, let go of the Record button. The Compaq Pocket PC will chime twice and the sound clip will appear in the Notes screen. Use the stylus to click on the recording to play it through the integrated speakers.

5. Install additional PDA programs onto the Compaq Pocket PC to expand the iPaq's capabilities. Download an iPaq-compatible software program to your computer from an installation disk. The program will appear as an executable installation file on your desktop. Right-click the installation file and select "Open" from the pop-up menu. Connect the pocket PC to your computer using the included dock or serial cable to automatically transfer the program to your PDA. Use the stylus to tap "Start" on the Compaq Pocket PC to view the newly installed program. Tap the program's icon to open it on your pocket PC.

6. Consider expanding the Compaq Pocket PC's available memory space by adding a removable CompactFlash memory card. Slide the iPaq's CompactFlash slot open and firmly push the flash memory card into the slot with the metal-edged connector first. The iPaq will automatically sense the insertion of a memory card.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a CompactFlash memory card to expand the storage capacities of your Compaq Pocket PC, but be wary of its tendency to accelerate the drain on your PDA's battery charge.