Upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003 for Compaq iPAQ h3970

The whole procedure was tested on Compaq iPAQ h3970, all benchmarks and tests were done on the same model. I obviously cannot guarantee that other devices, such as LOOX will have the same parameters after upgrade, but in my opinion, the performance boost should be much the same. I am trying to get hold of a competing device to compare.

The article has three parts. In the first one, we go through the upgrade process step by step, the second one examines visible differences, and the third compares benchmark tests BEFORE and AFTER upgrading.

Upgrade step by step

I obtained the upgrade before it was available on a CD, so I ran it directly from the hard drive. The whole upgrade is in one 31-MB executable. I just double-clicked it and followed the instructions.

You have successfully upgraded your iPAQ. If you follow the instructions and do not “experiment”, the chance that things go wrong is minute. If you wish to return to the original system some time in the future, just run the installer again and select Restore after clicking through a few introductory screens.

Visible differences

First, let’s talk about the visible differences. Of course, you will be able to use the standard applications and files added to the system, such as two new themes for the Today screen, a new game called Jawbreaker and a new version of Pocket IE, but you can read about all that in the aforementioned article. We are interested in what is new on top of the standard MS additions. Specifically, there is a new version of iPAQ Task Manager, iPAQ Backup, iPAQ Image, and Nevo – in other words, there is an update to all the applications offered only by Compaq – err – HP. The changes are no great improvements but rather corrections of minor bugs.

Surprisingly, there are very few changes in the Control Panel. Changes are only in Microsoft’s own applets (such as a new Password applet); all the Compaq-specific applets remain the same, with the only exception of Bluetooth Manager. Frankly, if you use BT and are dissatisfied with its complicated configuration in Pocket PC 2002, don’t read any further and upgrade straight away. The convenience of the new BT Manager is really worth it.

In general, we can say that the upgrade is no major leap but a small step in this respect, with the exception of the excellent BT Manager and a few apps from Microsoft.

Benchmarks

A benchmark is a program that performs the same operations on different devices, measures execution time and compares the results. This is probably the only method to compare performance objectively. I used the excellent Spb Benchmark to test this iPAQ. This benchmarking program will test the device thoroughly in all respects. The devices were tested under the same conditions, immediately after a hard reset when the only application installed was Spb Benchmark. If you try the same, you should get similar results. And here is what I found out:

This is perhaps the single most important piece of information. The overall performance boost after upgrade is about 15 %. It may seem a little disappointing at first sight, but if you read on, you’ll find out that individual subsystems (with one exception) have improved significantly.

The greatest improvement is in computing power. A 50-percent boost is a nice surprise. One could have expected that, considered the new version of OS is optimised for new processors – XScale in this particular case. If you often use CPU-intensive applications, I would recommend upgrading.

Working with files is the only weak point where the benchmark program shows a decrease in performance. But if we examine the results carefully, we can see that it is due to ONE SINGLE test – displaying the contents of a folder with 2000 files... I cannot tell where the problem lies – whether in the OS, iPAQ or the benchmark itself, but apparently, this particular test affects the overall result significantly. All the other tests speak in favour of WM2003. Let me just add that I tested both files stored on an SD card and in the iPAQ File Store, but the results were more or less the same.

Gamers will be pleased to find out that the graphic performance improved by about a third with the new system.

There is a marked improvement in the speed of file transfer over ActiveSync. The difference is REPORTEDLY much greater if you use USB 2.0... I am still waiting for a USB 2.0 card for my computer, so we’ll see...

The overall performance boost regarding user applications is pleasant, too, and exceeds 40 %.

This table gives a complete overview of all the tests. As you can see, the new system clearly outperforms the old one. Without the poor result in one of the tests, the difference could have been much greater.

Conclusion

To buy or not to buy, that is the question… I hope I have made it easier for you to decide whether to upgrade or not. There is an undisputable performance boost, some extra nice little apps, and, of course, the thrilling feeling of having something new. Given all that, I guess most of you will upgrade. It is not cheap but the few bucks will not ruin you, will they? From my experience, long-term users of h3970 will surely notice an improvement: response is faster, delays shorter and working with the whole system feels somewhat better. I have never had any problems with the stability of Pocket PC 2002 but some users have – I hope they will be satisfied this time. Tell us about your experience in the discussion forum!

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