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In my mind, Dell is synonymous with quality, innovation, and superb tech support. Does the X3i deliver? Read on to find out.
WHAT'S
HOT
The X3i's greatest attraction, along with its
400MHz X-Scale processor and 64MB RAM and ROM, is its integrated 802.11b
wireless. Why get a device with integrated wireless instead of buying
a wireless peripheral? The size of the antenna on the X3i is small and
sturdy and doesn't take away from the general appearance of the device,
as other bulky
wireless add-ons can do.
| Device (no cover) |
Size (inches) |
Weight (grams | ounces) |
| Dell
Axim X3i |
4.6
x 3.21 x 0.58 |
138
| 4.8 |
| Dell
Axim X5 |
5.0
x 3.2 x 0.7 |
196
| 6.9 |
| ASUS
MyPal A716 |
5.3
x 3.0 x 0.7 |
196
| 6.9 |
| HP
iPAQ 5450 |
5.43
x 3.30 x 0.63 |
206
| 7.26 |
| HP
iPAQ 2215 |
4.57
x 2.95 x 0.63 |
142
| 5.01 |
| HP
iPAQ 1910 |
4.46
x 2.75 x 0.50 |
120
| 4.23 |
| Toshiba
e740 |
4.90
x 3.10 x 0.60 |
190
| 6.70 |
The Axim X3i weighs in at only 4.8 ounces, which seems to be the lightest of the group after the small iPAQ 1910. The width of the X3i is also significantly less than the others, at .58". The comparison shots found later in this review illustrate the width well.
BOX
CONTENTS
Dell maintained essentially the same box components
as it did with the X5 line.
The cradle, case, software, adapter, cradle and extended battery are pictured above. Not pictured is the regular battery.
The "pleather" case that comes equipped with the Axim provides adequate protection.
The case comes with what I like to call a "Geek Clip" for those who'd like to carry their Axim on their pants like a cell phone. The elastic sides of the case allow for its expansion when the extended battery is being used.
THE
DEVICE
Check out the Axim X3i.
The styling of the Axim may appeal to the conservative business users, but in my opinion, the Axim X3i's square-like figure and simple layout doesn't show signs of innovation. Because of its square size, it feels slightly awkward in the hand initially, as their isn't an defined area to grip, but after a few days of usage, it becomes managable. Other than fit, the X3i feels very sturdy and high-quality...not suprising from Dell.
Dell used essentially the same cradle for the X3 series as they did with the X5, which was a great move in my opinion. The cradle has an interesting mirror-like translucent coating to it, which makes the blue Dell light come through quite nicely. The Axim X3i slips very smoothly into the cradle, and "snaps" in by its own weight.
The metal-like stylus is flattened, as you probably can't tell from the picture. It has a high-quality feel to it, although can feel a bit light at times and make more effort necessary to tap on the screen.
Above is a side view of the cradle, revealing its rear bay, used for charging the spare battery. Both the device and battery fit nicely, and create the same angle with the horizontal, for those of you are who are truly into aesthetics.
Another view of the cradle, showing its mirror-like translucent finish. The green light indicates a full battery, as opposed to the orange "charging in progress" light.
Cradle without the device or a battery with the dual stylus holders visible.
Speaking of the battery, the above left is of the regular battery included; the right is of the (also) included extended battery, which increases battery life considerably. As you could imagine by viewing the image of the extended battery, it feels a bit unsteady as it protrudes a good distance from the device. I could feel the extended battery slightly pivot when wiggled. However, I applaud Dell for including the extended battery, because with WiFi on, you need the extra juice. In order to remove the battery, you must slide the battery lock to the right with your stylus or other pointed device. Note the soft reset button just under the battery. Also note the location of the speaker in the rear of the device, which I found provides adequate volume - but as we'll find out later, this device isn't particularly multimedia-oriented.
The view from above: the IR port, the SD/MMIC slot, and the WiFi antenna...but wait, what is this? Is that the Bluetooth logo on that antenna?
Yes! It IS the Bluetooth logo. Why would Dell include this logo on a WiFi-only device? In my best estimation, I surmise that Dell plans to add another X3 to their line, one with Bluetooth and WiFi. We'll have to wait and see for that.
The antenna lights up the same blue hue that is used in the cradle for the Dell logo, which looks very attractive and modern together. As aforementioned, the antenna feels very stable, and truly feels a part of the device. I'd certainly prefer this over an add-on SD or CF WiFi card.
A view of the directional pad, along with the other usual Pocket PC buttons. Notice the flush buttons on either side of the device. The one of the right brings up the recorder...
And the one on the right enables the WiFi radio.
Notice the bulk of the extended battery, and the location of the stylus on the right side of the device.
The other side of the X3i reveals the headphone jack and the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel acts essentially as an up/down directional pad. You can use this to scroll, as well as to select by depressing.
