I recently purchased a so-called "Like-New" Compaq iPaq 3835 Pocket PC-PDA for $53.99; From Amazon.com seller Frank Kurka aka USEDiPAQ. When the PDA arrive the very first thing I noticed was that the Pen-Stylus falls right out; it doesn't lock in place. The Seller never mention this. So I charged up the device and put in a memory card from my old 3835, that I had freshly formated. The Card-Icon displayed on the screen; then disappeared. When I tried to read the card using my computer; the card was now (DEAD). That seemed odd; so I tried another card; this time with less memory; and the very same thing happen. So far two 2 cards had been killed by this PDA. I then tried my Oxford Expansion-Card, which the PDA actually read the card for maybe a good ten minutes; then just like the other cards; was no longer recognized by the PDA or My Computer. I thought maybe this problem was just Software related; so I went to Microsoft's web site and downloaded the ActiveSync software. After everything was set up; I then tried to install Adobe EBook reader on the PDA, but while the install on my computer stated the install was okay; the device had an error that some files were missing. So I tried other software that (HAD WORKED CORRECTLY WITH MY OLD 3835), and those also failed to install. By this time of slightly less then an hour of trying to install Software and Memory-Cards; the PDA's Battery life was more then Half-Way-Gone. Which my old 3835 could last up to 3 hours under this same Scenario.

So I contacted the Seller and he RIGHT-OFF-OF-THE-BAT made the problem out to be (MY) fault, and explained that I would have to pay (EXTRA) for Tech support. Even though I just blew $53.99 on this so-called "Like-New" PDA. He stated that he checked the device before he shipped it. When I asked him about how could he not have noticed the Stylus problem; he didn't bother to answer. He said that I could send the PDA back (BUT), if he found any problems that he thought I caused; then he wouldn't refund all of my money. Plus he wanted (ME) to pay for shipping back to him. I understand this PDA is Used; but I paid for a device that the Seller (CLAIMED) was in (LIKE-NEW) condition. But the bugs I have run into would have shown up easily; Especially the fact that the Pen-Stylus falls out, because the lock is broken. And I have dealt with (Dead-Beat) Sellers before. They tell me they will refund my money, plus shipping. Then once they have the device again; they either ignore me. Or they make up some excuse to deduct fees like (Re-Stocking) and (Refurbish) fees, and they then don't refund my Return shipping price. So I'm left with $10, on a $50 purchase.

This seller Frank Kurka has shown me those very same traits; making me not want to trust anything he is telling me. He clearly thinks I broke the device; which is odd seeing as the PDA had defects that he (Should-Have) noticed if he really did check the device. But now it's conveniently my fault, and he wants me to suffer.

So I'm writing this review to warn others. If Frank sends you a Defective PDA; then it will Magically become your fault that it is broken, and you will end up the loser on that deal. I have been using PDA's for years now; so I know a defective PDA when I see it.