I looked on dell's website around 3 weeks ago and saw, for the first time, the Axim. Being an IT professional, I had heard that Dell was coming out with a line of PDAs, but hadn't heard the name, or specs of the device. Upon seeing the pics, specs, and most of all the price. To say I was impressed is a gross understatement. I decided right then - I had to get one. So I typed in my info, and ordered the Axim 300MHz model for $200. The system estimated my Axim would arrive in around 2 weeks - I thought this was a pretty good turn around time, especially because the devices are so new, and demand is obviously high - because of the low price and abundant features. To make a long story short, I was informed 3 days later it wouldn't ship until February 28th, which was later pushed back to the middle of March.
I finally decided I wasn't going to wait forever - which others had done according to the Dell forums (thanks for your help Chandler and smudge - the angry bunnyman) - so I told Chandler - the Dell rep. Who was assigned to the Axim forum - to cancel my order.
I must say he was very prompt in canceling my order - probably because they're used to dealing with those requests, which were coming in by the dozens.
So I decided to spend a little extra $$, and get an Axim I had seen on EBay. I ordered the more expensive 400mhz model, I decided I could use the extra power, and the fact that there were many more 400s than 300s helped make the price better. I paid only $350 - UPS shipping, insurance, and tracking included. The shipping was very quick, and it took less than 4 days to get my Axim.
I'm now sitting here using my Axim to write this review. I haven't turned on my laptop or my desktop all day - just the Axim. I must say the Axim is rather powerful, but not yet a desktop (or laptop) replacement. However, I can do most things I regularly do, except access certain websites - especially Java enabled , and image intensive ones. I can however, do email, get tech news - which really helps with my job -, edit word documents, and even do AOL instant messenger - all from a device that fits in my pocket, and who's battery lasts all day - more than can be said for my laptop.
My First Impressions :
When the Axim finally arrived, I ripped open the box, and got it out.
I got the 'Quick Start poster, and laid it out on my desk. For 'step one' is shows how to install and charge the main and backup battery. That was the simple part.
Step 2 : Showed how to install ActiveSync from the Dell CD. That was a relatively simple process. Getting it to sync properly wasn't - but that's another story.
Step 3 shows the setup of the cradle and charger.
All instructions are accompanied by full color graphics and are well written - in everyday English. This poster also shows what all the buttons do, and explains their functions. Dell did a good job with this - so you shouldn't have to call their 'tech support from Hell'
So I let it charge for the required 4 hours, and began to play with it. When I first turned it on, I went through the standard PocketPC setup wizard, which teaches you to use the calendar function, as well as aligning the screen, date, etc.
The Axim comes with the standard PocketPC programs - pocket Word, Excel, Outlook, and, of course, the infamous Solitaire.
Dell also includes a 'switcher bar' program, which allows you to close, and quickly switch between running programs, and also displays the backlight setting and remaining battery power, all right next to the "X" button at the top of every window.
They also include a Picture Viewer which can display PowerPoint shows, pictures from the internal memory, CF, or SD slot - directly from your digital camera to the Axim.
Dell has also included customized versions of the screen brightness control, battery monitor, as well as a 'System Info' applet, which shows processor speed, available memory, and other system information.
You can also set the XScale processor to either it's native speed (300 or 400 MHz) or 200MHz for power conservation. You can also set the system to detect what program you are actively using, and set the processor's speed accordingly, for the most efficient use.
The Programs :
Here's a breakdown of the core PocketPC programs.
Calendar : The calendar program is perhaps the most useful program in PocketPC. Calendar lets you enter times and dates of appointments, and can popup a reminder up to an hour early, or as little as 1 minute. You can also tell it not to beep or remind you. Appointments can also be sorted into categories, such as business or personal. You can also add 'attendees' from the contacts program.
Contacts:
Contacts are the equivalent of an address book. You can include such information as email, street address, spouse's name, birthday, and of course phone #. Contacts can be sorted by category, and name as you would do with a 'real' address book. You can also add quickly handwritten notes about a contact, right in the 'notes' tab of their file.
Tasks :
The tasks program gives you a place to make a 'to-do' list. Items can be checked off when completed. You can also categorize them, and add notes, as in all other programs.
I use this allot, usually when I don't want a reminder, like calendar gives you.
Inbox :
I must say that Inbox is by no means a replacement for Outlook, or even Outlook Express. You can do basic tings, such as read and send email (of course), sort mail into folders, but there is no integrated address book - you can however, send emails from the 'contacts' program.
That's a little breakdown of the core PPC programs. Now on to the OS itself.
Input :
There's 4 options in PocketPC 2002 for entering text. Without them, your Axim would be useless or at least not pocketable.
Onscreen Keyboard :
This is the one I personally use the most, probably because my handwriting is beyond recognition. It helps that I'm already familiar with the QWERTY keyboard layout, and for me it's the fastest way to input text. It's only disadvantage is that it takes up allot of screen space - which all PocketPC have very little of.
Transcriber -
Transcriber is the Microsoft software that allows you to write freely on the screen - as you would on paper. It then makes an attempt to turn those scribbled letters into normal text. Transcriber is 100% configurable, you can change the thickness of the line you make, and even the color of it. A very important feature of transcriber is 'training', where you tell transcriber what types of letters you usually write, and it adjusts accordingly. Even after doing training several times, it still didn't recognize my handwriting. Therefore, I never use Transcriber.
Overall :
The Axim’s a good device with exceptional battery life – and you can’t beat the price.
Small but powerful, the new Dell AximTM X5 handhelds are packed with built-in features, available with a host of useful options, and absolutely loaded...More at eBay
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