A Modern Look at the HP iPAQ 3955 Pocket PC

The HP iPAQ 3955 was a Pocket PC-class PDA powered by an Intel XScale processor, featuring a color touch display, stylus input, expandable storage, and legacy wireless options (infrared, optional Bluetooth). It ran Microsoft's Pocket PC software and relied on HP and community resources for drivers and manuals. Today it's mainly of interest to collectors and those restoring legacy data; modern PDF readers and archived driver repositories are the usual support paths. Several specific features and support locations vary by submodel and require verification.

Overview

The HP iPAQ 3955 is a mid-2000s Pocket PC aimed at business travelers who wanted a compact organizer with a color touchscreen and handwriting/stylus input. It uses an Intel XScale family processor (the XScale line powered many Pocket PC devices) to handle calendar, contacts, email, and basic multimedia tasks.

Hardware and interface

The 3955 features a color LCD with an integrated touch panel for stylus input and a small set of hardware buttons for common tasks. The unit was designed to act as a personal information manager on the go and to integrate with PC sync tools available at the time.

Common physical features on many iPAQ 3900-series units included an SD card slot for storage expansion, an IrDA (infrared) port for short-range device control and data exchange, a built-in speaker and headphone jack, and a directional pad for navigation. Some front-panel controls and indicators - like a power button, calendar and inbox buttons, task manager button, and a charging indicator - were practical touches intended to speed access to common functions.

Note: not every 3900-series submodel had the exact same button layout or sensors; details vary by SKU.

Wireless and connectivity

Several contemporary iPAQ models offered Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi as optional features or as integrated variants. Bluetooth made hands-free headsets and file transfers simpler, while infrared allowed remote-control-style interactions with some consumer electronics. If you rely on wireless connectivity today, remember these legacy radios are limited compared with modern smartphones.

Software and support

The 3955 ran Microsoft's Pocket PC/Windows Mobile-era software stack. At the time, HP published drivers, firmware updates, and user manuals on its support site and recommended using desktop sync software to back up contacts and calendar entries.

HP's product-support organization has since reorganized its legacy content; drivers and manuals for discontinued iPAQ models are sometimes available through HP's archive pages or community-maintained repositories. If you plan to restore an iPAQ, look for official PDF manuals or community forums for step-by-step instructions. ¹

PDF manuals created in the 2000s referenced Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher; today any modern PDF reader can open those files.

Maintenance tips

Back up PIM (contacts, calendar) data to a PC before attempting firmware updates.

Use the SD slot to move files and expand storage.

Replace batteries only with compatible replacements and follow static-discharge precautions.

The iPAQ 3955 represents a snapshot of mobile computing from the early 2000s: compact, specialized, and designed around stylus-driven Windows Mobile workflows. It's useful today mostly for hobbyists, collectors, or for accessing archived data that hasn't migrated to modern platforms.

Confirm exact button layout, sensors (ambient light, record button) and indicators for the HP iPAQ 3955 SKU.
Verify whether HP currently hosts official drivers/manuals for the iPAQ 3955 on its support archive pages or if they are only available via community repositories.

FAQs about Ipaq 3955

What processor does the iPAQ 3955 use?

The iPAQ 3955 uses an Intel XScale-family processor, the same general architecture used in many Pocket PC devices of that era.

Can I expand storage on the 3955?

Yes. The 3900-series commonly includes an SD card slot for additional storage and file transfer.

Where can I find drivers and manuals for the iPAQ 3955?

HP published drivers and manuals on its support site; legacy downloads may be on HP archive pages or in community-maintained repositories. Availability varies, so check OEM archives and enthusiast forums.

Is the iPAQ 3955 useful today?

It can be useful for hobbyists, collectors, or to access legacy data. Its wireless capabilities and software are limited compared with modern phones.

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