Is iPAQ 3630 good for htpc remote?

by **pernavoi** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:00 pm

I am planning to buy iPAQ 3630 for HTPC use. So mainly its used as remote control. Is this ppc good enough for my needs? Would be nice if you answer fast because it's in net auction.

http://www.pdasupport.com/Ipaq3630.htm

by **milanp** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:21 pm

I would strongly suggest a PPC with at least a bluetooth connection.
An wireless 802.11b is prefered. If you intend to use your remote as a Xlobby client/control 802.11b is the way to go.
So I would just skip this model.
You can add CF/SDIO wireless card but it all depends on the price.
HP rx3715 (bluetooth wireless and camera) is the remote I use and it is in the price range of 300 EURO.

by **BaddaBing** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:23 pm

It will work, but will not be the snapiest performer. The 206 MHz Strongarm processor is a bit on the weak side. Expect 2 to 3 second delays between button presses and response. (I know that network transmission speed is a contributing factor but you still have to crunch the bits that get sent back) So if the performance speed isn't a problem for you (and its cheap enough - I picked up a new 624 MHz Dell X30 with integrated wireless for 285 US) then it will work. Don't forget to factor in the price of a wireless card.

by **pernavoi** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:35 pm

thx!

Maybe I skip this one.

by **paul_mullen** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 6:12 pm

BaddaBing,

How is the performance on the Dell X3. I've been looking at that one for use with Xlobby specifically. The only PDA I've ever been able to test Xlobby clients with is an old Toshiba with built in wireless. It's not 2-3 seconds per button press, but it's pretty slow (maybe 1-2 seconds). Thanks for any input.

Paul

by **BaddaBing** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:41 pm

I'm very happy with the performance of the X30. (was leaving off a zero -edited my posts) Its not instantanious - but response is typically sub-second. Remember that this is with the 624 MHz processor, not the 312 MHz processor. I use it almost exclusivley for music - controling music zones in the house - rather than as a dedicated remote for the theater. It typically sits in its cradle on a counter in the kitchen and when the weather is nice it goes outside to control the music on the patio. And you can't beat the price - today (02/24/05) its just 295 from Dell with free shipping - but they often have it for an additional 10 -20% off. I spent a lot of time researching the PDA market and nothing else offered as much bang for the buck. And no - I do't work for Dell

- I'm just very happy with it.

by **paul_mullen** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:49 pm

Thanks! I've heard good things about the Dell PDA's. And like you said, they are a pretty good value for the price.

by **jowaldo** on Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:31 pm

I have a dell x5 and it was their first pda.. and it works pretty good with xlobby.