New Expansion Plus Packs

[Tycho Morgan]

<a href="http://www.compaq.com/products/handhelds/pocketpc/options/expansion_packs.html">http://www.compaq.com/products/handhelds/pocketpc/options/expansion_packs.html</a><br /><br />Compaq has quietly (at least I didn't know about it until I got an email from Adam Lein) released two new "Plus" expansion packs for iPAQ Pocket PCs. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/pluspack.jpg" /><br /><br />There is a CF and a PC card version, and they both include flip type screen covers and replaceable batteries that seem to be capable of supplementing the power supply of an iPAQ, instead of trickle charging like the current PC Card sleeve. These new expansion packs are priced at 100 and 150 USD for the CF and PC Card versions respectively.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> It appears that Compaq has pulled mention of the new sleeves on their website. It's likely we just weren't supposed to know about the just yet

[spg]

I was wondering when they were going to come out with something like this. I like the idea of a external battery that really works. I don't know that the extra weight would be worth though, unless you are going to be away from your charger for a good long while.

[asatyss]

What do you think that little switch is that is to the right of the expansion slot? Do you think it is a eject button?

Regardless, this could be really cool. We will have to wait and see.

[Kre]

All I can say is, Wow! Very cool. Ive been talking to Compaq about external swappable batteries on their Ipaqs and sleeves, for months. I know others have too, of course. At least theyre listening. :) Now if they can just do this with their Ipaqs, we`ll be doin just fine!

What Id really like to see them come out with, is a version of this new sleeve in a dual CF format. They still havent made a dual CF sleeve. Compaq, how about making a dual CF sleeve like this, but with one CF slot accessible on the top like you have it, and the other CF slot beneath that one, but with the opening on the side, and a swappable battery on top of all that. Now that would be really slick. 8) But I suppose stacking the two CF slots and placing a swappable battery beneath that would maintain the same thickness as the other design I suggested. Either way, I guess would be good. But I like the idea of standard and extended batteries, the external charger, and the integrated screen cover. Very nice.

Great effort from Compaq 8)

[acollet]

:P Finally ! As soon as that Buy button shows up its mine !

[Gen-M]

That site also says that they are releasing the power cord adapter, also! :D

[Dave Conger]

Hmmm, I remember just saying something the other day about a CF sleeve with a battery that would power the iPAQ. I also remember there was someone that brought up the issue of that not being possible. Looks like it is possible! Now it will be interesting to see the Sliver Slider version.

[adamz]

Looks like they've also got two kinds of batteries to go on the backs of those new "Plus" packs. One is fat and one is thin.
And I bet you could run 'em without any battery at all if you want to be ultra-slim!

[Kre]

If Compaq can integrate wireless and a CF slot into the next Ipaqs while still keeping the current SD slot and BT, then this sleeve would be the perfect addition. This scenario would serve as another solution to dual CF slots. A nice fat memory card *when they come out* in the SD slot, integrated wireless, an Ultramote in one CF slot, and WiFi, gps, or a Margi card in the other.

Compaq is getting very close to getting all their ducks in a row. Good work so far, guys! Keep it up!

[Dave Conger]

If Compaq can integrate wireless and a CF slot into the next Ipaqs while still keeping the current SD slot and BT, then this sleeve would be the perfect addition. This scenario would serve as another solution to dual CF slots. A nice fat memory card *when they come out* in the SD slot, integrated wireless, an Ultramote in one CF slot, and WiFi, gps, or a Margi card in the other.


Though it might be nice to have wireless, CF, SD, and BT in one device, don't you think that would make the iPAQ a little think? Remember, if you change the formfactor of the iPAQ, then the expansion packs don't work anymore on the the new devices.

[Kre]

True, it would thicken, most likely. I was thinking that the size wouldnt change all that much, looking at the hp and its integrated wireless and CF slot. I dont know how much tech Compaq could stuff into the Ipaq at its current size, but I can dream! :)

Even if it thickened a bit, which, again, is most likely with wireless and a type II Cf slot in addition to everything, that would be ok with me personally, but then again, its not for everybody. Im just into the whole convergence thing. Less swapping of cards and sleeves is more appealing to me.

And if the current sleeves didnt fit because of the change, then the hope would be that Compaq would make sleeves that could. :D

[Hooch]

It's about stinkin' time. I've been holding off buying any sleeves until something like this comes out. Now I no longer have to envy Jornada owners!

[docangle]

:roll: I wonder what the battery sizes of the standard and extended are?

[johnm]

All I can say is, Wow! Very cool. Ive been talking to Compaq about external swappable batteries on their Ipaqs and sleeves, for months. I know others have too, of course. At least theyre listening. :) Now if they can just do this with their Ipaqs, we`ll be doin just fine!

What Id really like to see them come out with, is a version of this new sleeve in a dual CF format. They still havent made a dual CF sleeve. Compaq, how about making a dual CF sleeve like this, but with one CF slot accessible on the top like you have it, and the other CF slot beneath that one, but with the opening on the side, and a swappable battery on top of all that. Now that would be really slick. 8) But I suppose stacking the two CF slots and placing a swappable battery beneath that would maintain the same thickness as the other design I suggested. Either way, I guess would be good. But I like the idea of standard and extended batteries, the external charger, and the integrated screen cover. Very nice.

Great effort from Compaq 8)


I've need whining for a dual CF slot pack as well for months. I don't really need the battery, but one on top (for my symbol wireless card) and one below (for my flash) would suite me fine. Currently I have to swap them, and that makes it impossible to use my fast wireless access to transfer large files such as music, video and audible.com content. I don't think the bottom slot would have to some out the side, but I dont' really care as long as it's a thin pack.

You say Compaq listens? Do you have a contact you'd mind sharing?

[dunneldeen]

It's not made by compaq, and it doesn't look as snazzy as the new plus packs, but...

http://datanywhere.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DI&Product_Code=CP-NXP&Category_Code=packs

[Jkalka]

WOW... I am impressed and will definately buy one if not both models. I really like the screen protector. Now if Compaq would fix some of the bugs.. Screen, speaker popping, etc. I would almost call myself a diehard Compaq lover...

[Venturello]

I am also a buyer, dont know which, probably will go for CF model.

This should be great for microdrive owners!!

THANKS COMPAQ I have been dreaming (honestly) about something like this... CF+battery+the cool screen protector.

[Dave Conger]

This should be great for microdrive owners!!


Didn't think about that. It will probably be really great for the next gen Microdrives because I would expect them to be pretty power hungry. I have always strayed from the Microdrive because of the power issue, but now with this new pack I might consider one again.

[IpaqMan2]

The dual CF card is what I need. I don't go anywhere without my storage card. I would love to have an extra slot so I can use other CF cards with my ipaq.

Anyone try that sleeve?

[johnm]

It's not made by compaq, and it doesn't look as snazzy as the new plus packs, but...

http://datanywhere.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DI&Product_Code=CP-NXP&Category_Code=packs


It's a cool idea, but far to bulky. I really want one that is thin with a slot on top, and one on bottom, not stacked like the big dual PCMCIA pack. Battery is less important. Or I have an even better idea, compaq should make an 802.11b wireless + CF pack with removable battery at the same size as this new one they announced. I might consider that.

[Dave Conger]

It's not made by compaq, and it doesn't look as snazzy as the new plus packs, but...


See I wish they would consider making something that doesn't have the two CF slots on top of each other. Couldn't one card go in from the side or some other way?

[Mr. Anonymous]

Wow, it's a Jornada sleeve! What's next, a sleeve with USB host port? :)

Seriously, it's pretty cool that Compaq is finally getting into combining multiple accessories in a single sleeve. It still kinda looks like a BrickPaq, but the CF battery sleeve with an iPaq 3870 would come very close to all the things I like about my Jornada (with the exception of size).

[Dave Conger]

Wow, it's a Jornada sleeve! ...


Took me a second to get that.... :D

Wern't there suppose to be some sleeves coming out for the Jornada? Seems like they would want to play the accesory game since many people like their products.

[Dave Conger]

Only adding to the talk of sleeves, I just noticed the review on PocketNow of the new Silver Slider (with a cover)...

http://reviews.pocketnow.com/content.cgi?db=reviews&id=229

[JonnoB]

It's a cool idea, but far to bulky.


I think that the expansion sleeves on the iPaq make for a bulky PocketPC. Once I had my hands on a Jornada, I gave up my 36xx iPaq to my wife and got one. The naked iPaq is still sexy, but without swappable battery and more slots, it is expansion poor. The new devices like the HP have a better handle on expansion.

[Dave Conger]

You know, I am almost more tempted by the Krusell Leather Cases with the CF or Bluetooth expansion built. I think they could be rather handy, and I like how there is a belt clip on the back. It is a toss up...$100 for a CF Plus from Compaq, or $100 for the Krusell case with CF?

http://www.infosync.no/show.php?id=1489

[AKBishop]

That's what we really need is a series of as thin as can be expansion sleeves for things like 802.11b; GPRS/GSM; CF; battery, and PCMCIA (and maybe a pillow sleeve so that when you get tired, you can just take a nap anywhere). They'd be stackable. When you were done building you series of sleeves (like legos), then you just place a sleeve backing on that makes it round and covers up the final connectors. But the idea is that with 3 of these sleves you'd be about the size of a PCMCIA expansion pack. Maybe a tad thicker, but not too much. I don't know how much miniaturization these components can handle. But Compaq seems to forget that we don't like bricks. Another benefit of this for people like me that use cases involving velcro on the back of your sleeve is that you'd only need velcro on the roundish end piece.

Okay... maybe I just want Lego to get into the PocketPC business. Think of it the "Technic PocketPC." And of course to go along with their themed Star Wars legos we'd have Luke Skywalker's "Lost my Palm PocketPC." :lol:

[shockidelica]

AKBishop,

Your idea is sound but it brings back too many memories of expansion slices on the PCjr. :)

[Will T Smith]

I believe this gives clues about Compaq's next generation gear.

The iPaq, while originally a slim boy has grown fat in comparison to others. Especially when fully dressed.

I believe that Compaq will stay true to the "Jacket" concept for it's uniqueness and leverage in "vertical markets".

So whats to come. I believe the next gen iPaq will be a superslim device with "just the basics", screen buttons, speaker, SD card and Bluetooth (NO IR). This device would not be sold independently, but rather partnered with an appropriate sleeve.

A basic sleeve would probably be like this new CF sleeve with cover, plus IR. A bluetooth battery should be made available. Wireless Lan/CF card with extended RAM. (bluetooth should be built in), firewire connectivity, extra Camera Packs, Integrated microdrives, Jukebox backage (batteries, external stereo speakers), TV/Radio, etc... BarCode scanners, sattelite radio receivers, 802.11a, GPS/CF. Waterproof All-in-ONE ruggedized, Waterpoof Cellular Cellular/GPS/Navigation "SURVIVOR" sleeve.

Obviously, the possibilities are limiteless. But they MUST trim down the device size. It must be considerable in order to provide truly portable "sleeved devices".

Will

[EyePAQ]

Has anyone noticed that the new packs from Compaq are missing from their website now. Another case of someone deploying new web pages too early!

[Dave Conger]

Has anyone noticed that the new packs from Compaq are missing from their website now. Another case of someone deploying new web pages too early!


I find it funny it would have been deployed to early seeing as that the release date on the page as "March 2002"...which is only a couple days away...kind wierd.

[yeche]

Where can I buy this new expansion plus pack with PC card version?

[rmikulec]

I was just getting ready to order the PC Card Expansion Pack Plus, when I went back to the web site. POOF, they were gone. Does anyone know anything about this.

[corbishley]

The new sleeves are currently available on the HP web site, it just takes a little hunting. The 'old' PC Card sleeve should drop in price once the new sleeve is more widely available.