iPAQs

iPAQ was a series of handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs) originally developed by Compaq Computer Corporation, later produced by Hewlett-Packard after Compaq’s acquisition by HP in 2002. The name iPAQ was derived from the Latin word "piaque," meaning efficient, and was intended to emphasize the device’s productivity focus. The first device, the iPAQ H200, entered the market in 1998 as a Windows CE platform that combined a touch screen, integrated mouse, and built‑in camera. Subsequent models, such as the H300, H310, and the popular iPAQ H390, introduced larger displays, GPS functionality, and support for third‑party applications.

iPAQ devices were notable for their ruggedness and versatility. They supported a wide range of input methods, including an on‑screen keyboard, stylus, and external connectors for printers and mice, enabling tasks such as calendar coordination, note taking, and email synchronization via sync software. The firmware was typically built on Microsoft’s Windows CE 4.0 and later revisions, which allowed the addition of applications from the broad Windows CE marketplace. The devices also interfaced with PCs via infrared, serial, or USB, providing a bridge between mobile data collection and desktop management.

The iPAQ line reached its peak popularity in the early 2000s, when handheld computing devices were in high demand among business professionals and hobbyists. However, the emergence of smartphones and the decline of standalone PDAs led to a gradual reduction in production. HP eventually discontinued the iPAQ line in 2005, focusing instead on its smartphone and mobile computing divisions. The legacy of the iPAQ remains in its influence on the design of modern mobile devices, particularly in the integration of device connectivity, touch interfaces, and pre‑installed productivity tools.