iPAQ 64MB upgrade.

       
The first step is to open up the unit by remove the Torx screws, and then disconnect the power connector. The job is done by the book with the use of a
wrist strap and an antistatic table mat properly grounded.

The process:
The iPAQ RAM upgrade will require you to ship your precious unit for a few days to the team of LinearLogiX to let them perform the surgery on your Pocket PC. What you need to do first, is call their toll free number (1 (866) 550-4450) in order to obtain an Upgrade Authorization Number). From there, the steps are pretty easy. Turn your iPAQ off, and put it in a box addressed to LinearLogix.
Turn around time is constantly updated on their main page though it really hasn't been more than one day so far!

      
Next is the screen removal.... it will be cleaned upon request for an additional $20. Note: you
may also choose to have the screen cleaned without the upgrade. It will cost you $40.

My experience:
Monday 8am: got in touch with LinearLogix and got all the shipping info.
Monday 1pm: FedEx arrives to pick up my package... (I decided that I didn't want to wait too long without my Pocket PC and thus shipped it overnight for about $20).
Tuesday 12pm: I check the FedEx tracking number online... It already got there...
Tuesday 1pm: I get a confirmation email from LinearLogix. The iPAQ is ALREADY on its way back! Wow, talk about fast service!!!
Thursday 2:30 pm: FedEx shows up! Excellent!!!
On the receipt, I noticed the iPAQ RAM upgrade as well as a screen clean (it needed it). They also fixed the "sticky" power button, no charge!
I didn't even ask for that, they just checked it and fixed it for me!

            
The iPAQ is then placed in a special antistatic holder shown here. The old chips are removed and the
new one installed! The chips are then cleaned to avoid any residue left inside.

The upgraded unit:
You're probably wondering if upgrading to 64MB is worth the deal! I must tell you that after my experience with Pocket PC 2002, I have to say that it's a must. The new Microsoft OS, though able to manage memory better, is quite demanding on resources. I had a wimpy 10-11MB free on my old iPAQ with almost no programs installed in internal RAM.... When you think that the RAM has to be split between storage and programs, it really doesn't leave enough for big applications to run as fast as they should!
The 64MB upgrade just felt as if the unit was "free" again! With a blasting 36MB of program space and 10MB of storage space on the unit, I must say that I am simply not worried about any applications not starting at the click of my stylus!
I'm also using a 1GB Microdrive that has so far tremendously reduced the speed of CF loaded applications. The 64MB upgrade helped as well in launching programs located in CF faster! Due to larger space available on the main unit, the iPAQ is now able to load and buffer applications faster!
With the added RAM programs that Pocket PC 2002 comes with (TS, WMP, Reader....), I can't stress enough the importance of having space available for 1) the programs files and 2) to run the programs!

              
Here it is, the upgraded unit! Looking good! ROM is unaffected by the upgrade so you can simply turn the power back on!
Screen looks awesome. Next step is to use the backup utility to restore the files!

The cleaned screen:
I must say that I didn't have much dust on my screen but after LinearLogiX went through it, there was nothing left! The screen was simply immaculate!

               
The screen is placed in a special forced-air chamber to remove the major dust particles.
The antistatic tape is then remove, the lid lifted and a more detailed job is performed using
a compressed air can! This operate is very difficult due to a very brittle glass.

    
Finally, antistatic tape is reapplied to the screen! Looks easy? My guess is that you don't wanna try this at home!!!!

Conclusion:
I must say that I had a great experience with LinearLogiX. Not only was the job done at the best price and in a very short time, but it also showed the great work done by LinearLogiX.
One thing enters into consideration when upgrading your 32MB (or 16MB) unit to 64MB! The Compaq warranty will be void! This might not be a problem if you are running out of your warranty period but what if you have a 3 year CarePaq plan? Well, the plan will most likely be gone but what you'll get is a unit capable of running the latest (more memory hungry) apps and an amazing support from those that performed the upgrade on your PocketPC.
If you encounter any problems due to the upgrade, LinearLogiX will take care of it for you!!
So for those still not too sure about whether or not to go for it, my only recommendation is that you take a look at the price of new units... $600 for a new PPC running on the latest MS OS!!! I don't think so... for a mere $119 you can have your iPAQ turned into the best PPC on the market!

LinearLogiX offers upgrade for both the 3600 and 3100 series, a ROM upgrade to 32MB (like the most recent models), and sells a combo RAM/ROM upgrade that could save you a substantial fee! They can also take care of your iPAQ dust problems or the "evil" Parrot screen. Check out their prices here.
They will soon be offering a stylus lock replacement and a true 128MB upgrade (without any additional software required!!!)

I finally want to thanks Chuck Terra, president of LinearLogiX, for modifying my iPAQ for the review and offering the special $99 discount to all of our readers!!!... Keep up with the great work!!!