Poor man's Pocket PC - (update) Don't buy it!
Written: Apr 03 '03 (Updated Aug 25 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Outstanding price for the feature set, but you get what you pay for.
Cons: Some may find it too thick. Unit fails just after warranty expires.
The Bottom Line: It is less expensive for a reason. Splurge for a model from someone else. It may be cheaper in the long run.
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| Ergoboy's Full Review: Dell Axim X5 Pocket PC |
As my work and social schedule began to fill up, I realized that I could no longer keep track of my appointments via a paper calendar. After hitting up my either broke or cheap employer for a PDA-type device and being told "No, we won't buy one!", I decided to strike out and buy one on my own. Normally, I wouldn't do this for something semi-business related, but I was having trouble remembering when appointments were, and it was difficult to plan future meetings without knowing what other meetings were occurring at the same time. I figured spending up to $350 was better than being fired for missing appointments.
Due to this, I began PDA and Pocket PC shopping. Although I don't claim to be any great expert in PDA's, there are 2 general types of PDA devices available: Palm based, and Windows based. Since one of the features I wanted was the ability to download maps off of my Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003, that eliminated the Palm based devices and left me with the Pocket PC devices. The ability to download maps relatively quickly and easily was a selling point, since I travel frequently and the ability to find places is a great convenience.
When making a purchase such as this, I usually do a great deal of comparison shopping and work hard to try to find the best deal. However, due to the urgent need to get organized, I looked for whatever I could get the best deal on, that had a decent rating. This is when I came across the Dell Axim. I spent time looking at the CNet.com reviews for the Axim, and despite the terrible reviews, the auction price on eBay was still close to the purchase price. I figured that if the device didn't work well, I could at least auction it off and it wouldn't be a total loss.
So I took a blind leap of faith, and placed an order on Dell's website. Thankfully, a 10% price reduction, a $50 rebate, and a $25 credit for opening a Dell account brought the total to $250 with shipping. When comparing the device with competitors, there is no way that any of them could compare to this!
The Dell Axim X5 Advanced is incredibly well equipped for the price. It comes with a 400 Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM, 64 MB of ROM, a secure digital expansion slot, and a compact flash card slot. Many of the Dell's competitors do not have the CF slot included. The Dell also has rubber grips on the side, and a scroll lever on the side. Dell also offers a basic model for $100 less, but it has a 200 Mhz processor, less RAM, less ROM, and does not come with a charging cradle. The $100 more for the advanced model is definitely worth it.
The device comes with the standard Pocket PC fare, such as a calendar, contact manager, Pocket Excel, Pocket Word, MS eBook reader, and most importantly, Solitaire.
After I received the Axim, I followed the directions and charged it for 4 hours. After I had it charged, I followed the instructions for setting up the Active Sync and Outlook software. Everything worked like a charm!
The device itself is relatively easy to use. Although some complain that it is "too thick" to fit in your pocket, I didn't find this the case. If you put the Axim in the included case it won't fit, but outside the case it does. Plus, the rubber grips can provide extra friction against your pocket to keep it from slipping out. The physical size of the unit is just right for me.
The stylus on the other hand, leaves something to be desired. Rather than being a round stylus like other models, this one has a strange oblong shape, that requires a specific orientation when being put back in the unit. It takes a little getting used to. I wish Dell would have kept things symmetrical, but it isn't so bad after using it awhile.
Aside from the stylus, finding accessories for the Axim can also be an issue. Since the Dell is available only through Dell, the ability to find accessories may be limited to online retailers, at least for now.
After getting used to it, I am finding that I really can't live without it. It works great for managing contacts and important meetings. Since I keep it with me all the time, I can even use it as a grocery list. I jot items down in it as I need them, and when I need to go to the store, there is the list!
Aside from the business uses, the device can be used for entertainment. Solitaire is a great distraction, especially since there aren't any games on the computer at work. What's even better is the convenience of having something that fits in your shirt pocket and plays games. Now I have something to keep me occupied while using the bathroom at work...
[Update - August, 2004]
I have used the Axim for approximately 17 months. Within the last month or two, the screen started to fail. I looked at the various forums, and it seems that there is a rash of screen failures just after the warranty period expires. Kudos to Dell for guessing their warranty period and component life correctly. Unfortunately, this leaves the consumer with a $300 paper weight. When any parts break outside of warranty, Dell will offer a refurbished unit for $200. Like the saying goes, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice..."
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 250
Recommended for: Beginners - Simple and Easy to Use
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Epinions.com ID:
Ergoboy
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Location: Southwest Virginia
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 5 members
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