Hi,

The web browser with all Windows based PDA's is Pocket InternetExplorer - this works fine and will display the entire web page - just remember the resolution is only 320x240 so you may need to scroll around a bit; but yes it will be fine for general browsing - just a little more hard work than with a 'desktop' resolution!
Though, PIE can 'squash' most of a web page so it fits the Ipaq's screen better - still not perfect and you still may have to scroll horizontally, but it is a lot better for general use.

Forums and all secure sites will work fine, so Ebay is no problem.

As for browsing via a cable connected to the laptop, I'm not sure - you certainly can if the Ipaq is connected via the cradle - I think it will just with a cable, I'm just not 100% sure!

Hope that helps a bit,

James