Pocket PC's for the not so "rich" and famous
Written: Jan 13 '03 (Updated Mar 18 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good battery, CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, durable, easy navigation buttons
Cons: a little large in size
The Bottom Line: From the folks that brought you the "Dude, you're getting a dell!" guy comes the next greatest leap in Pocket PC technology, cheap, easy to use. A
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| godzthunder's Full Review: Dell Axim¿ X5 Pocket PC |
(UPDATE) I have had this pocket pc for several months now and I just want to report that I have had only one malfunction (memory glitch lasted only a second). I have a ton of downloaded programs including a financing program for my credit card, checking, and savings account. This device has become a lifesaver in memorizing and remembering. I am also very used to the handwriting recognition! This is still well beyond worth its weight in platinum & diamonds!!! I also take back what I said on the lack of memory, I have plenty especially with the options to go on ebay and get a 128 MB compact flash card for only thirty dollars!!!
(original review)
compared to other PDA's on the market which may offer 64MB (the axim basic only offers 32MB)and run at speeds of 200 - 266 MHz, and costs approx. 400 , the Dell Axim basic gives you a full 300 MHz and only costs a whopping $200.00 (with rebates). This alone will make the size worth it ALL.
As for functioning I have tested my unit exhaustively for over a week now and have found few to no crashes in the OS, (I did get an occasional program that refused to close out but going into the switcher bar (dell trademark) and closing it out from there made stubborn programs obey).
There is a truth to a small lack of perfect memory, especially if you plan to put MP3 & Video or JPEGs on it HOWEVER...
You can put both SD cards, MMC, & Compact Flash cards in this device!!! This gives you both the ability to expand your memory with almost unlimited potential AND add modems, LAN, WI-FI, and bluetooth to your pocket pc all at once!!! (and I have found that all the above do work flawlessly on my PPC).
The basic version does NOT, I repeat DOES NOT come with a syncing cradle but do not fear!!! This does not mean that you have to make a separate purchase to download programs to your PPC or sync with your desktop/laptop (for most laptops of course you can use inferred). It comes with two cables, one to power the device, which I do in my bedroom, and one to sync, which I leave at my office. Now I can sync my system but do not have to leave it in its cradle at the office just to keep it charged! This can be a great plus!!! (the sync cord is USB just like the cradle).
My PPC came with, in addition to the two cords for power and syncing, a CD with MS reader, outlook 2000 for your desktop (PPC calendar, contacts use outlook), a few links to make your first entertainment/game/PPC utilities purchases, as well as a back-up for your PPC and a few other goodies, a battery which I must say gives GREAT usage and time out of it for a standard L-Ion, a backup battery, a stylus (this stylus is flat and not like traditional rounded styli, it may take a second to get used to but it is very easy to use), and of course a leather carry case (sorry no belt clip).
there are four buttons on the front to bring up contacts, calendar, mail, and more fast (though a symbol is imprinted on the buttons for certain features they are fully changable to open anything) There is also a record button on the side for voice recordings and best of all, this button is recessed underneath the rubber siding so that it will not accidentally get pressed. The on button is on the top of the device and can be pressed in for awhile to dim or further brighten the PPC (for when you go into dark or lighter rooms) there is also a four directional button in the middle bottom for navigation AND a little up down switch on the side for navigation that can be pressed in to equal the ENTER function of a computer.
The reset button is also set underneath the rubber grips on the side and cannot be pressed unless you absolutely WANT TO.
Last, data input: There are several ways to input data in your pocket pc so that no one person is left feeling at odds with his PPC. 1. use your desktop PC to write in contacts and sync it into your PPC; 2. buy a keyboard attachment from Dell and use it; 3. use the built in virtual keyboard and punch in those letters using your stylus; 4. use the letter recognizer and just write what you want OR; 5. My favorite, use the block recognizer (like the letter recognizer but more similar to a palm pilot grafitti program, much easier to use and more understanding of your personal hand writing). of course in the notes you can just write on your PPC as if it were pen and paper, writing however you please and drawing as well if you so desire, then you can go back and have your PPC try to recognize your words and turn them to type) (great for jotting down phone numbers).
Overall, if you are a hardcore PPC user and really NEED it ALL, then the Axim advance upgrade for a mere 100 dollars more is for you, but if you are just an average PPC user or are new and want something that is basic, cheap, but advanced on technology, then Axim basic is built just for you!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 200
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Epinions.com ID:
godzthunder
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Location: Augusta, GA
Reviews written: 57
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Southern Baptist Pastor, Teacher
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