I just got my Axim about a month ago, upgrading from my Palm device and the first thing that struck me was the overall design - it’s a sexy little beast. The PDA itself is a sleek silver colour, black sides with function buttons that are etched and so won’t fade. The cradle is made from a smoky plastic, it’s got space to charge a spare battery (not included) and when switched on the Dell logo lights up. So overall it’s visually impressive. Although it did take me a few minutes to find the stylus as it fits flush in a channel in the top of the device rather than running along the side like my Palm.
Specifications:
OS : Windows Pocket PC 2002 (although about a week after I got mine they started shipping Pocket PC 2003 - typical!); Inbuilt Microphone and Speaker; Dell
rechargeable battery with Backup Li battery; Expansion Slots for Compact Flash and Secure Digitalcards; Touch Screen - 16bit colour TFT; Shortcut buttons for Calendar, Contacts, Inbox and Home; Scroll dial at side as well as large navigation button on front; Infrared Sensor; 400mHz, 64 MB SDRAM, 48 MB Flash ROM ( the standard version has a slower processor speed - 300 MHz - and less memory - 32MB each of SDRAM and FlashROM); USB Cradle; Headphone connector; Record and Reset Buttons(they're inset and so not easy to push accidentaly); Bluetooth compatible via card installation
Included Software Microsoft Reader (allows you to read e-books) Active Sync Pocket Word and Excel Windows Media Player for Pocket PC Pocket IE Pocket Outlook
Pros: 1) One of the things I like best is the ability to charge the device without cradling it as the charger can either plug into the cradle or straight into the bottom of the PDA, this means that if you go away you don’t have to either carry extra equipment with you or buy a separate charger.
2) Pocket PC OS - runs just like Windows so if you know one you know the other no need to learn a new system.
3) Data Entry - either by tapping a clear qwerty keyboard on the bottom of the screen (this mode will give word options that you can select) , or by character strokes like Graffiti or by a written letter recogniser. Plenty of options that are all easy to use. In the Notes program you can even write directly onto the screen in your own handwriting.
4) Status icons are clear and understandable
5) Colour and definition on the display screen is outstanding when playing something with the media player or reading books
6) Ability to record messages
Cons: 1) One thing I am particularly disappointed with is that it’s not compatible with Outlook Express you have to use Outlook ( although that is included on the CD that comes with the device), considering that Palm devices are compatible with Outlook Express and that’s what is standard these days it seems to be a glaring oversight. Whether this has been dealt with in Pocket PC 2003 versions of course I don’t know.
2) Secondly I have to say that I didn’t find Active Sync the easiest program to use. I’ve been used to the Palm Desktop where you can select what programs or files you want to download while the device is offline - I find that very convenient. Now it’s always possible that I’m just not doing something right but I can only select items to add to the device while it’s connected to the PC, except for the occasional program that adds itself to a waiting list when it unzips.
3) Speaker sound is a bit “tinny”, but then what do you expect from an inbuilt speaker.
4) Something you may want to consider is the shape, there’s a very slight outward bulge so if you’ve got small hands (like me) it’s not the most comfortable shape to hold, it just doesn’t quite seem to sit right.
5) User Manual - this is very basic and I’m not convinced that the information given and the way it is presented is the best for complete beginners, there is some additional info on the CD but it’s by no means ideal. There seems to be a tendency these days for manufacturers to give website links rather than all the information needed.
On the whole though I’m very happy with this device, it’s fast and easy to use and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a low cost, multimedia, internet ready PDA.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Handheld - 64 MB, 32 MB RAM - Screen: 3.5 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA263 - Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi - Microsoft Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003, Microsoft Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 Premium
Handheld - 64 MB RAM - Screen: 3.5 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix, Transflective - CPU: XScale PXA270, Intel® XScaleTM PXA270 - Wi-Fi, Infrared, Bluetooth - Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
Handheld - 128 MB RAM - Screen: 4 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA310 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi - Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic
I am thinking of geting one, thanks for your advice.
averagepunter 11.08.2003 08:10
I was gonna buy an X5 a few weeks ago, but delayed due to the problems with PPC2003. That has cost Dell my custom as I have now ordered the ipaq 2210 - £90 more than the X5 advanced, but has Bluetooth and the smaller size is just so much more convenient. Should be arriving today, so hopefully I'll be writing an op in a few weeks.
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