The iPaq is an entire
line of
computers from
Compaq, not only the one mentioned above, but also a small
form-factor desktop line. They are very nice looking
machines, and the
handhelds are very popular, despite the
materials
shortage that make the all but
impossible to find.
The iPaq is
unique from other
Windows CE handhelds because of its
device extensions. To add a device, you must tack on a "jacket", which adds wieght, size, and in the case of the
PCMCIA jacket, battery life for the peripheral. This somewhat increases the clumsiness of the unit, but it extends the device greatly.
When i first heard the naming convention (based obviously on the
iMac), I was quite turned off, but then i realised that it is great for
marketing to associate items with a unique form factor. The iPaqs have enough of their own
look and feel that makes the borrowing of the name convention alright in my opinion.