In the Fall of 2002, Dell entered the handheld computer industry with the introduction of two models: the Axim X5 Basic and the Axim X5 Advanced. Dell attempted (and succeeded) in gaining market share by offering top-notch quality and features at lower prices than their competition could dream of offering. If you are looking for a handheld computer, then the Axim X5 Advanced is certainly worthy of consideration.
One of the first questions I usually hear is, “Well, it is a nice novelty, but what can you really do with it? Is it really more than a gloried address book?” Here are the things that I use my Axim for:
· Keep track of my schedule (Calendar program is included).
· Organize contacts (phone, address, email list—the program is included).
· Make lists (everything from shopping lists to daily lists of activities—program is included).
· Listen to music (I use headphones or plug in into stereo speakers to listen to MP3s—the quality is incredible. Windows Media 9 is included).
· Watch short videos (using Windows Media).
· Read books (Microsoft Reader is included).
· Take notes, write letters, and papers (Pocket Word is included).
· Deal with spreadsheets (Pocket Excel is included).
· Play games (there is just about an infinite amount of games to download for free or for a fee off the internet—I have more than I can ever play just downloading freeware).
· Keep track of birthdays and anniversaries (on one nice screen, I am able to chronologically see when every birthday and anniversary will be for everyone of my contacts).
· Send email (I don’t have a wireless card, so when I plug my Axim into the computer, all the emails that I wrote when I was away from my desk are all sent at once—no longer do I need to put off writing a message until I get back to my computer).
· Keep track of finances (several financial programs, such as Microsoft Money, are available).
· Get directions (there are quite a few map programs available—it is almost like having Mapquest in your pocket. GPS programs are also available).
· View my digital photos (I just take the compact flash card out of the camera and stick in into the Axim).
· Surf the internet with Microsoft Internet Explorer (the program is included. I will admit I have not done this much because I do not have a wireless network card, but I have done it with the sync cable connected to my computer).
· Use the PDA as an alarm clock (an incredibly full-featured alarm clock).
Now, those are just a few things that I use my Pocket PC for—there are others who can suggest countless more uses. I know of no other Pocket PC, which has that kind power, for the price of Dell’s Axim X5 (and believe me, I have searched).
Dell has done the entire world of handheld computers a great service with the Axim. There is a tremendous amount included in this little package. The fundamental specs of the unit are extremely impressive:
Operating System:
Windows Mobile 2003 Premium is pre-installed (which comes with Outlook 2002, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and several other programs). Before June 24, 2003, Pocket PC 2002 came on the Axim (older users can upgrade for about $30). The differences between the two versions is not all that great (network connectivity is the greatest difference, but there are minor changes throughout the program). Recently, Microsoft has created a bit of confusion over the name of the operating system. Microsoft renamed the operating system when it released the newest version (apparently, in the next couple of years the new name will be better for marketing). The line used to be called “Pocket PC 2002” (shortened to PPC 2002) with the previous version, but now it is called “Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003” (WM 2003 for short).
Dell has actually had some problems with the upgrade to WM 2003. There was a bug in their initial program that caused the Axims, particularly the advanced models, to slow down considerably. This problem was fixed with ROM version A05 (it was ROM version A04 which had the problem). The problem caused Dell to stop shipping Axims for a while in July 2003 until they fount a patch for the bug. The glitch has been fixed, although Dell’s reputation in they eyes of Axim owners who have ROM version A04 has been considerably tarnished. There are many, many owners who feel that Dell’s customer support for dealing with the “buggy” Axims was not acceptable.
Processor:
The brain of the basic Axim Advanced is an Intel X-Scale processor running at 400 MHz (with special software, it can be over-clocked to over 500 MHz—I have not tried this). Not only is this one of the finest processors put into Pocket PCs today, but Dell has recently (and quietly) upgraded the processor from the PXA 250 to the PXA 255, which is considerably faster and gives much better battery life. A downgrade to the basic model will include a 300 MHz processor (some people think it is worth a savings of $100—personally, I agree with the notion that the Basic model is adequate for most people). The Advanced model is certainly worth the extra cash if you are planning on playing some of the more intensive games, watching video clips, or using the PDA for other multi-media functions.
Memory:
The Advanced model has 48 MB of SDRAM and 64 MB of ROM (which the operating system is on). The Basic Axim comes with 32 megabytes of SDRAM and also 32 megabytes of Intel StrataFlash ROM. Whether you buy the Basic or Advanced model, it really does not matter when it comes the memory because neither have enough (although they are competitive with what the competition offers). If you plan on doing much with your Pocket PC, you will NEED a memory card.
Many people are not aware of the fact that Pocket PC’s do not actually power down like a computer does. Turning off a PDA is similar to putting a computer on sleep mode. This is why information stored in the RAM will not be erased when the device is “turned off.” Thus, the RAM of a Pocket PC acts much like a hard drive does in computer.
Expansion Slots:
One of the greatest features of the Axim is that it has both a Compact Flash type II (CF) slot and a Secure Digital/MMC (SD) slot. Really, the amount of memory that comes with the Axim is not of great significance because most users will want to use a memory card for programs, MP3s, pictures, and files (I have two 256 MB cards). The CF slot is located on the top of the Axim, while the SD slot is on the left. The CF slot can be used for not only a memory card, but it can also be used for other accessories like a digital camera, a GPS unit, or a network card (WiFi or Bluetooth). The beauty of having slots for both a CF card and a SD card is that the CF slot can be used for an accessory such as a wireless network card, while the SD is still used for memory.
Screen:
The display is a touch sensitive, 3.5 inch, color TFT, high resolution QVGA (320 x 240㬽,536 colors) screen. I have been extremely impressed with the screen’s quality and crispness. Unlike some PDAs that really struggle to be seen in the sun, I can use my Axim just about anywhere and be able to see it. Not only is it great in the sun, but it is also terrific in the dark. I have given presentations in the dark using the Axim to hold my notes—it worked surprisingly well! Everyone has their own personal preference, but let me suggest picking up a screen protector to keep the screen from getting scratched).
Controls:
Personally, I like the placement of all of the buttons (I have heard a few complaints about this). Towards the top of the Axim is the power button (users of PPC 2002 have complained that it is too easy to change the brightness of the screen when reaching up for the power button—the placement has been changed for WM 2003). On the power button is the charging indicator. When the Axim is charging, there is a red light; when the charging is completed, the light turns green.
On the left side is a scroll switch (the switch is a unique concept [instead of a wheel], but it works great for scrolling down documents or when reading ebooks). Also on the left side is the button for voice recording and the reset button. Very wisely, the reset button is impossible to press accidentally (you need to press it with the stylus). Pressing the reset button will perform a “soft reset,” which is just like restarting your computer. Pressing the reset button while holding down the power button will perform a “hard reset,” which cleans out the memory and makes your Axim just the way it was when it was brand new.
On the bottom (just below the screen) there are four buttons (calendar, contacts, inbox, home), plus the navigation button (d-pad). Early Axims were criticized for having “mushy” d-pads, but this problem seems be the fixed.
One the very bottom of the Axim is the connector for the sync cable and the power adaptor.
Battery Life:
This is one area where the Axim puts the competition to shame! The Axim is powered by a 1440 mAh lithium-ion removable, rechargeable battery. With heavy usage, I generally charge the battery about twice a week (and I have never gone below 50% power). I have a friend who, with moderate usage, has gone two weeks between charges (and the battery was still above 50%). If you think you need more battery life, you can either buy a second battery or a high capacity battery (3400 mAh lithium-ion battery) to improve what’s already the best battery life on the market. The HP 2215 (2210), probably the greatest competitor to the Axim right now, is smaller in size and weight, but its battery life is less than half what the Axim’s is.
Audio:
The tech specs for the audio are these:
· The audio controller is an AC-97 codec chip; WM970 sound chip.
· The stereo conversion is 16-bit stereo.
· There is full duplex record and playback.
To put it into simple English, the sound is very nice. The integrated speakers are good (not great). They actually are quite similar in quality to the sound on my notebook computer. I plug a pair of headphones or stereo speakers into the jack (located on the top of the Axim, on the right corner), and it sounds absolutely incredible. The Axim will do anything any other MP3 player will do (but you had better get a storage card to keep the music on).
There is also a built-in an integrated microphone to record notes and messages. It works pretty well. I know someone who uses this feature on their Axim to record important sections during college class lectures.
Size:
Now, this is probably what the Axim is most criticized for—its critics refer to it as “a brick.” From other reviews, I was expecting a brick when I first held an Axim, but I was pleasantly surprised by how small it was. Is the HP 2215 (2210) considerably smaller? Yes! Will that matter to you? Probably not.
The Axim is 5 inches long, by 3.21 inches wide, and .71 inches thick. The whole thing weights 6.9 ounces. My hands are not all that big, and the Axim fits very comfortably in my hand. What I really appreciate about the Axim is its feel—it feels solid. I have played with the new HP 2215, and I thought it felt cheap compared to my Axim.
Something to consider when judging the size is that you will probably be carrying your PDA in some sort of case—this greatly increases the size. I bought the leather Dell case (which is very, very nice). If you put a smaller PDA in a case—it becomes about the same size to carry around as the Axim.
Connectivity with Your Computer:
While I know that it is possible to connect an Axim to a Macintosh computer, I have never done it (and I really do not know how). My experience is with Windows PCs. The process is very simple: first, install ActiveSync, which comes with your Axim; second, plug the Axim into your computer. That’s it. I have installed the software and used Axims on computers running Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, and Windows XP—each time the installation was perfect.
Once the Axim is connected to your computer, it will automatically (if you chose this option during setup) synchronize your calendar, your address book, your files, and your email. You can also share whatever files you like between the computer and the Axim.
Accessories:
When you open the box you will find included:
· A cradle connector to sync with your computer (which plugs into your USB port). This comes with the Advanced model, not the Basic. It is quite nice, with a Dell logo that lights up when the Axim is inserted. This usually gets a lot of “ooohs” and “ahhs.”
· A synthetic leather/vinyl carrying case (a nice gesture by Dell, but I really suggest getting a better case because this one is. . .well. . .rather pathetic when compared with better cases).
· A CD containing the operating system for the Axim, Outlook 2002 for your computer, ActiveSync (to get the Axim to work with your computer), and a bit of other various software.
· A stylus (some people criticize the oval grip of the Axim’s stylus, but I love it. It feels very comfortable in my hand).
· An instruction manual (Dell provides exceptional documentation—something HP and Toshiba can learn from).
Accessories that you might want to consider buying:
· Dell’s keyboard. The keyboard is just about a full size keyboard that collapses down to slightly larger than the Axim itself. I love it. Not only is it the coolest looking thing ever when you unfold it, but it also works great. The Axim snaps into place, and then you can type away in Pocket Word or whatever application you are using. Using the Axim and a keyboard has stopped me from lugging my notebook computer around with me.
· Screen protectors (you can buy them from Dell or several other retailers). It is a terrific screen—you probably would like to keep it scratch-free.
· A better case. There are many different ones available. I have Dell’s leather case, which I love (it fits nicely into the breast pocket of a jacket, but it is slightly thick). Dell also sells a hard aluminum case which will offer great protection. If you look around online, you will see many different choices from many different brands (when I was looking around Best Buy last week, they were selling cases for the Axim).
· A travel sync cable. This is much easier to travel with than the cradle.
· A wireless network card to put in the compact flash slot. If you have a wireless network at work, school, or home, then this is something you may want to consider (with a network card, you can wirelessly surf the internet).
· A GPS unit which fits in the compact flash slot. I have never used one, but I have heard people you use them with their Axim raving about how wonderful they are.
· A digital camera to put in the compact flash slot. Again, I have never used one of these, but I have seen pictures that come from them, and they do look pretty good.
· Software! There is a never ending collection of software that you can download for free (legal freeware) or buy.
Warranty:
Try as you might, you really cannot beat Dell’s warranty with that from any other brand. For one year, Dell provides an “advanced exchange service” (for a price, this can be upgraded to a two or three year replacement plan). So, if you have a problem with your Axim in the first year, Dell will replace it for you. During the first month after you purchase your Axim, Dell will replace it with brand new one if you have any problems. After the first month, Dell will usually replace it with a refurbished Axim (but they have been known to send brand new ones at times). I have used this replacement service twice. The first time, there was a hot pixel on the screen. I really did not expect Dell to help me with a single hot pixel, but I called them anyway—I had a brand new Axim in my hands the next day! The replacement Axim they sent me had a line of hot pixels down the screen—without complaint Dell replaced it.
For any problem whatsoever in the first 30 days, then I have found Dell an absolute joy to work with (their solution to everything is “Let’s exchange it for a new one”). Even after 30 days, Dell does a great job of helping out their customers with hardware failure. For some reason, there are some problems that Dell just does not deal well with (Dell’s community forum boards are filled with messages from hundreds of customers who are angry over the WM 2003 upgrade fiasco).
Final Words:
My experience with the Dell Axim has been wonderful. To find a pocket pc from any other company that would have the power of the Axim would probably cost about twice as much as Dell’s basic model does. Although my Axim has not replaced my computer, I have been impressed at how many functions I can use that little seven-ounce Axim for instead of my bulky computer. While I have not always been the greatest fan of Dell’s products or customer service, I do believe that they have created a winner with the Axim X5. After several months of Axim usage, I can heartily recommend this handheld computer.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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