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Dell has been the top computer manufacture for years, though they have
never entered the mobile market except to sell other manufactures
devices. The Dell Axim X5 is one of the first Pocket PC?s to ever
initially retail for under $300 as well as Dell?s entry into the PDA
market. The device comes in two flavors, working as both a
moderate/high-end product and a low-end. This review looks specifically
at the Dell Axim X5 Advance, though Dell also offers a X5 Basic which
includes a slower processor, less memory, and a $100 cheaper price tag.
Basic Internals
The Dell Axim X5 Advanced uses the Intel XScale PXA250
processor running at 400MHz. The chip has three settings if the user
wants to conserve battery life. The processor can be run at 200MHz,
400MHz or can be set to automatically change based on what applications
are running. The Axim includes 64MB of RAM, which is plenty of room for
a large number of programs and data. The Axim also has a 48MB ROM chip,
22MB of which can be written to by the user. The device utilizes a
16-bit color screen and includes both a CF and SD slot. The Axim X5
Advanced runs Microsoft?s Pocket PC 2002 (built on Windows CE 3) Premium
edition with End User Update 3 already installed.
Device Style
The Axim X5 reminds me of my old Philips Nino, though
is more stylized and not as rectangular. Its gray/silver plastic shell
has black rubber grips on both sides and a black/dark red, semi
translucent top. The sides taper in from the devices middle to bottom,
conforming to how your had fits around the device. The battery pack
stays flush with the backside of the device, except where the devices
shell tapers at the bottom. Rubber ?feet? appear on the bottom of the
device so it does not shift when set on a flat surface for use.
Buttons
Like most Pocket PC?s, the Axim X5 has seven push
buttons and a directional pad (d-pad). The Axim also features a scroll
button/switch. The power button appears at the top front face of the
device. It is small and is often hard to press. Some users may
appreciate the small, hard to press button, but I have found it to be
more of a nuisance then a benefit. The power button also has a green and
amber light behind it so it can function as the external power
connection light, battery alert light, and notification light. Since the
button is small it is difficult to tell if the light is lit, flashing,
and/or which color it is. On the bottom of the front face are the four
standard, programmable buttons of program launching. Two are on either
side of the d-pad. Out of the box, the d-pad ?action? press (pushing
down on the d-pad) does not function, though Dell has provided a fix for
users that want this functionality. The d-pad is small relative to some
other devices and provides little feel to the finger as to what part of
the pad your finger is on. The final button is on the left side of the
device and is another programmable button. By default it is for
recording. This button is embedded in the rubber and is extremely hard
for me to press with my thumb (which usually lies just over it). The
soft reset button is just below the record button, and as usual it must
be pressed with the stylus. The scroll toggle on the left side is an
nice feature. In many cases, I have found it more useful than using the
d-pad for simple up/down actions (like controlling volume in Media
Player).
Expandability
Around the same time of the Axim X5?s release, other
similarly priced devices were released, though none of them match the
expandability of the Axim X5. The Axim includes both a Secure Digital
slot (SD) and a Compact Flash (CF) Type II slot. Though the SD slot does
not support SDIO cards, the CF slot easily fills in that gap. With
memory prices dropping, SD memory cards are incredibly cheap. I picked
up a 128mb Lexar card for my Axim, and it worked like a charm as a place
for additional storage. Since CF has been around so long, there are a
large number of CF expansion card available that support Pocket PC and
the Axim. I also picked up an inexpensive Ambicom WiFi card for 802.11b
access. Expansion of the Axim is a breeze with what is currently
available in SD and CF form-factors. The SD and CF slots were placed in
good places on the device. The SD card slot is accessible on the left
side of the device, and is spring loaded for easy card removable. The CF
slot is right on top, which is very handy for WiFi modules that stick
out of the Axim. The CF slot has no eject button, so it is important to
put some tape on the top of a card if it does not have a lip on it (so
it can be easily removed).
Stylus and Cradle
Both the Basic and Advanced Axim X5?s include a stylus,
though the Basic unit does not include a cradle (only a sync cable). The
Advanced includes a sturdy, silver plastic, semi translucent cradle. The
cradle connects via USB to a computer for synchronizing and can be
connected to the AC adapter so the device can charge while connected.
Unlike other cradles, the Axim?s includes an additional slot for a
second battery (for charging). The cradle is relatively small so it fits
easily on a desk. The included stylus with the Axim is slightly
different then some, as it is not completely round but flat. The stylus
fits in my hand well, though is simple plastic (like most included
styli) and is not
adequate for users actively using transcriber or other handwriting
recognition software.
Battery and Life
The Axim includes a removable main battery pack as well
as an easily accessible backup battery. The included main battery is
1440mAh. Thus far, the battery life has been incredible. This last
weekend I did not even plug it into the charger and the battery is still
have 80% (screen at near maximum brightness, SD card always in, WiFi
card in sometimes, device used various times through the weekend). Dell
offers additional main battery packs for $60 and plans to offer a larger battery pack
(3440mAh).
Other Features
Dell includes some additional software on the Axim,
over what Pocket PC 2002 (with EUU 3, including Windows Media Player
8.5) already includes. A ?Switcher Bar? application is included which
appears on the top tool bar, and includes an application closer, task
switcher, brightness link, and battery life icon. Dell also includes
?Home,? which is an application for program launching similar to how the
Palm OS managers programs. Dell made some changes to some of the Pocket
PC screens including the brightness control. On the Axim device itself,
a standard microphone and speaker are included on the front, and an AC
adapter port and sync port on the bottom. Dell includes a case for the
Axim, though it is extremely bulky.
Final Thoughts
The Dell Axim X5 Advanced has been a great replacement
to my Compaq iPAQ 3640. It includes features which I require in a device
(large amount of internal memory, multiple expandability options,
vibrant screen) and a number of features I have found I really enjoy
(removable battery, additional ROM space). Overall, I feel the Axim X5
Advanced is well worth its price tag. It is not only a good device for
the new Pocket PC user that is a little unsure of what he or she wants
as well as the advanced mobile user that wants a device that doesn?t
limit the possibilities for portability and mobility.
Dave's Score - 9.0
This means, this product is about as close to
"the best" as you can get. This product embodies
quality in its design and application, and is something I would use.
Though you still should consider it for yourself, most would probably
be happy with this product even if they were unable to try it prior to
purchase.
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