INTRODUCTION
Dell entered the Pocket
PC market with a decent product that had a good price
and good expandability, with the Axim X5. Later,
they released a completely new design with an emphasis
on design, functionality, and value with their Axim
X3. Taking another step ahead, Dell's Axim X30 added
unprecedented performance to the line's ever-expanding
resume with its 624 Mhz processor. Raising the bar
yet again, the Axim X50 series of Pocket PCs offer
design, expandability, value, performance, functionality,
and a new factor: elegance. Read on...
WHAT'S
HOT
The Axim X50 series comes
in three flavors. In this review, we'll be taking a
look at the mid-level X50, which runs at 512 Mhz and
has a 3.5 inch QVGA screen, as well as the X50v which
includes a 624 Mhz processor, an Intel 16 MB graphics
accelerator (yes, you read that right), and a 3.7 inch
VGA screen. And yes, all those features that used to
differentiate Pocket PCs from one another are included,
like integrated WiFi and Bluetooth.
Size has become more and more crucial as of late in the mobile device market. Note how the Axim X50 packs in more than most other Pocket PCs, and gets away with a smaller footprint.
|
Device
(no cover) |
Size
(inches) |
Weight
(grams | ounces) |
|
Dell
Axim X50 |
4.70" x
2.90" x 0.70" |
167
| 5.90 |
|
Dell
Axim X50v |
4.70" x
2.90" x 0.70" |
175
| 6.20 |
|
HP
iPAQ hx4700 |
5.17" x
3.03" x 0.59" |
187
| 6.60 |
HP
iPAQ rx3715 |
4.50" x
2.80" x 0.64" |
158
| 5.57 |
HP
iPAQ rz1715 |
4.48" x
2.75" x 0.53" |
120
| 4.23 |
HP
iPAQ h6315 |
4.68" x
2.95" x 0.73" |
190
| 6.70 |
HP
iPAQ h2215 |
4.57" x
2.95" x 0.63" |
142
| 5.01 |
HP
iPAQ 1910/1940 |
4.46" x
2.75" x 0.50" |
120
| 4.23 |
HP
iPAQ h4150 |
4.47" x
2.78" x 0.50" |
132
| 4.60 |
HP
iPAQ h5450 |
5.43" x
3.30" x 0.63" |
206
| 7.26 |
Dell
Axim X3i/X30 |
4.60" x
3.21" x 0.58" |
138
| 4.80 |
Dell
Axim X5 |
5.00" x
3.20" x 0.71" |
196
| 6.90 |
Toshiba
e740 |
4.90" x
3.10" x 0.60" |
190
| 6.70 |
|
Toshiba
e310 |
4.90" x
3.10" x 0.40" |
138
| 4.90 |
BOX
CONTENTS
The Axim X50v box contents
are identical to the Axim X50's. Although it is not
pictured here, production Axim X50s will include a
slip case similar to that available with the X3/X3i/X30
Pocket PCs.
From left to right: USB cradle, direct power charging dongle (for charging your device without the cradle), AC power adaptor, and the Axim X50v.
The USB docking cradle is extremely professional, gone is the semi-transparent cradle of old and I'm not complaining. There is a secondary battery charging port behind the device interface.
In the cradle, the Axim X50v has clean lines reminiscent of the iPAQ 4100 series Pocket PCs. Dell has really produced a sharp looking Pocket PC that both the personal and business user alike will enjoy.
The Axim X50 is virtually indistinguishable from its counterpart aside from the product number on the front and the difference in the display.
THE
DEVICE
Let's take a closer look
at the Dell Axim X50 and X50v Pocket PCs.
Both devices have a very substantial feeling, but yet maintain a thin-profiled elegance.
The Axim X50 in the cradle, and the X50v by its side.
The back of each device is home to the fairly 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion user replaceable battery.
The Axim X50 in hand feels solid and powerful. It's hard to explain, but this is not a device that I feel I would have to baby.
The Axim X50v in hand allows the VGA screen to shine.
The bottom of the device houses the wide docking port (and no, it's not the same as the X3/X3i/X30's).
At this angle, you can see that there is virtually no difference in physical characteristics between each Axim.
The four quick launch application buttons are (from left to right): Calendar, Contacts, Messaging, and Dell Home. Nearly as fast as I can pull the device out of the box, I reassign the Dell Home application button to Rotate Screen, so I can switch on the fly to landscape.
The left side of the Axim (from left to right): loop hole (for a hand strap?), Button/Screen lock switch, Wireless toggle, and Voice Record.
The Button/Screen lock is a new feature introduced with this series of the Axim, and allows the device to become completely locked down in whatever state it is in when switched on. Screen taps as well as the power and application buttons become disabled. This is a great feature for those who wish to use their Pocket PC as a music player and don't want any settings inadvertently modified.
The screen is the only way to distinguish the two devices, aside from its badging.
The device houses both a CompactFlash and industry standard SDIO Now! slot. Words cannot express how much I dislike dummy cards, I always worry about losing them. The top of the device also houses a standard 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
Both Axims flash Blue when Bluetooth is enabled, and green when connecting to 802.11 Wireless networks. If both are enabled, the LED flashes Blue, then green on opposite intervals.
PICTORIALLY
- DELL AXIM X50/X50v AGAINST OTHER SEGMENT DEVICES
Most of you are probably wondering
how this device measures up when compared to other
Pocket PCs. For the purposes of this review, we matched
the Axim X50 series up against several other Pocket
PCs.
The Dell lineup. From left to right: Dell Axim X5, Dell Axim X50v, and Dell Axim X30. Dell has come a long way from the X5 released just a few years ago.
The VGA-screen lineup. From left to right: HP iPAQ hx4700, Dell Axim X50v, and ASUS MYPAL A730
From top to bottom: ASUS MYPAL A730, HP iPAQ rx3700, Dell Axim X50v, Dell Axim X30, Dell Axim X5, and the HP iPAQ hx4700.
Note that the Dell Axim X50 maintains an average profile in terms of thickness.
And finally from the bottom...
