Dell makes other Pocket PC vendors sweat
Written: Jan 19 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good price, good features, high quality screen.
Cons: A little bulky
The Bottom Line: I would recommend that anyone in the market for a Pocket PC handheld take a serious look at the Axim. Though not revolutionary, the value is outstanding.
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| stevelarrison's Full Review: Dell Axim X5 Pocket PC |
Dell is in a unique position. Their marketing muscle allows them penetration into companies that vary in size from the corner store to the top of the Fortune 100. Their lean manufacturing techniques combined with the volume of business they do allow them economies of scale that are the envy of all of their competition. Their management has the vision necessary to be able to stake claims in new markets and follow through even though profits may not be immediately available. Their balance sheet gives them the resources necessary to be patient as they enter, and ultimately conquer, new markets.
As a software developer, projects that I work on allow me the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of hardware platforms. As someone who likes to tweak hardware as a hobby, I have the expertise necessary to be able to appreciate good engineering. Based on my knowledge and appreciation of technology, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Axim line of Pocket PC handhelds.
The Spec
400MHz (Intel) Xscale processor (The non-Advanced version uses a 300MHz Xscale processor)
64MB of RAM
48MB of flash ROM
16 bit color QVGA 3.5" TFT screen
1 Slot for Compact Flash Type II card
1 Slot fo Secure Digital MMC card
Removable/Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
USB Cradle with battery recharger
Infrared jack
Headphone jack
There is nothing really extrodinary about the hardware package. It is nice to see that Dell choose to build their Pocket PC around the XScale processor instead of around slower ARM processors. However, in all honesty, the software environment from Microsoft isn't ready for the transition to XScale yet. While there is nothing wrong with the performance, a processor as powerfull as a 400MHz XScale should perform better than this machine does. I would expect performance to improve as future versions of the Pocket PC OS are released.
The display screen is 3.5" and capable of displaying 65,000 colors at 320x240 resolution. Clarity and color saturation are quite good, and is readable both indoors and outdoors.
Having slots for compact flash II cards and secure digital MMC is a nice feature. These machines are too new right now, but in the near future, you should see Bluetooth and WiFi adapters available for the Axim handhelds.
At about 8 hours of use between recharges, battery life is really quite good. To prolong battery life, you can run the Axim X5 at normal speed (400MHz), Power Save Speed (200MHz), or Auto Speed. (CPU speed changes automatically based on system need.) Personally, I recommend using the Auto Speed function.
About the only real complaint I have on that is related to the physical hardware is that it is a little bulky. For personal use, I use a Palm OS device. The only reason I bought an Axim is so that I would have a nice Pocket OS platform for testing applications I am developing. This thing is a little large for my tastes.
Software Bundle
While the hardware package is relatively feature rich, Dell has chosen to include only demo versions of software packages that other vendors bundle in. In my opinion, this is a wise choice. Personally, I am tired of having to pay for software packages that I will never use.
The standard software that Microsoft bundles with the Pocket PC 2002 OS is included with the Axim handhelds. It includes the Pocket PC 2002 OS, Pocket Outlook, Word, Excell, Internet Explorer, MS Reader, Media Player, ActiveSync, Adobe AcrobatReader, IA Presenter (reads Power Point presentations), Resco Picture Viewer, and a few other utilities. Custom to the Axim X5 are Dell Backup (for backing up and restoring everything in RAM) and Dell Switch ( for closing the current application, all applications, or switching between applications)
Demo versions of Agenda Fusion PIM, CityTime, EWallet, Full Hand Casino, HandyZip, ListPro, Resco File Explorer, Stock Manager, Tennis Addict, Two Peaks Traveler, WordLogic Keyboard, and ZioGolf2 are included.
For the purposes I am using my Axim, I am glad I didn't have to pay for any of the demo utilities. Others may find a few useful applications.
Conclusion
Dell has a winner here. The price is very attractive, and made a little more so through the use of rebates and free shipping. Though it officially lists for $349, you shouldn't have to pay more than $299 for a very nice Pocket PC.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299
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stevelarrison
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Member: Steve Larrison
Location: Scottsdale, Az. USA
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