From left to right: i-Mate XDA II Phone Edition, Dell Axim X3i, Dell Axim X5, and HP iPAQ 4150.
Smaller in width and height than the X5, the X3i's square-like conservative design is evident in this shot. The antenna on the X3i is very unobtrusive.
From bottom to top: i-Mate XDA II Phone Edition, Dell Axim X3i, Dell Axim X5, and HP iPAQ 4150.
Again, the squareness of the X3i is demonstrated in this comparison shot. The X3i is quite a bit thinner than the X5.
From bottom to top: i-Mate XDA II Phone Edition, Dell Axim X3i, Dell Axim X5, and HP iPAQ 4150.
The X3i looks nice and clean from this angle - very uncluttered.
The screen of the X3i seems much brighter and crisper than the X5, even though both screens have the same specifications.
WIFI
CONNECTIVITY
In connecting to my wireless network, I
can say that I was about 80% successful connecting each time. After
turning the Axim on, it would usually take about 5-15 seconds to connect.
On the few times that it failed to connect, I would need turn off the
wireless function, disable the radio, then enable the radio, and turn
on the wireless function. But during the times where I was successfully
connected the first time around, I found the range to be applaudable,
in comparison to my wireless-equipped laptop. The Axim was able to go
as far as my laptop, even a few feet further.
The X3i does very well at finding and connecting to anywhere it detects a connection. I was able to take the X3i to my local Starbucks and connect within seconds. The software that is included allows the user to do a very keen job of connecting to a wireless network effortlessly in most cases.
The above are the connection settings.
The available wireless connections are displayed in this menu. To connect to one, or to attempt to connect to one, tap a network and click connect. The networks with the red X indicate a network that has been connected to previously but are unavailable at this time.
The Dell WLAN Utility puts all wireless parameters into one neat utility. It even has the ability to Ping to see if you have connected to a desired network.
Because using the WiFi radio uses more battery power, Dell allows the user to determine the performance of the radio so that it does not compromise battery life. For further battery tests, check out the "Battery Life " section of this review.
The site survey function of the Dell WLAN Utility allows you to asses the signal strength and other specifics of available wireless networks. This is very handy when there are several wireless networks to choose from in a given area.
When connected, the two-way arrows are displayed at the top of the screen, along with the signal strength indicator at the bottom.
BATTERY
LIFE
The first time you enable wireless connectivity,
a message warns you of reduced battery life with wireless on, but to
what extent does the wireless compromise battery life? To test this,
I left the device on with and without wireless to see how much battery
life is affected, draining the battery down to 25% on a full charge
(using the regular battery.) I set the screen to maximum brightness,
and set the processor setting to Auto.
WiFi
off: 2:50
WiFi on: 2:16
Therefore, turning WiFi on decreases the battery life about 25%, which isn't unexpected. Using the extended battery would most likely increase the above times by almost half, so for WiFi users, it's a good idea to use it full-time.
The backup battery will allow the device to retain memory for 30 minutes after the main battery is removed. When the power on button illuminates orange, the backup battery is being charged; green means it is full.
DEVICE
SPEED
We've consistently been using VOBenchmark from Virtual
Office System to test all of the devices that we review.
Each number
represents how many times within a given unit of time the specific operation
was able to be performed. Higher numbers are better and are indicated
in bold. Average of best three recordings taken.
| Test | Dell Axim X3i | Dell Axim X5 | HP iPAQ h5450 | HP iPAQ h2215 |
| CPU: Floating Point | 12.68 |
12.66 | 12.64 | 12.68 |
| CPU: Integer | 25.85 | 27.01 |
26.89 | 26.96 |
| Graphics: Bitmaps - BitBlt | 21.13 | 56.73 | 56.62 | 78.25 |
| Graphics: Bitmaps - StretchBlt | 18.70 | 0.31 | 18.13 | 28.60 |
| Graphics: Filled - Ellipse | Rectangle | Rounded Rectangle | 3.76 | 13.53 | 3.29 | 3.75 | 7.51 | 2.89 | 2.16 | 6.64 | 1.55 | 4.68 | 12.94 | 3.82 |
| Memory: Allocation | 11.34 | 11.24 | 11.73 |
11.23 |
| Memory: Fill | 1.97 |
1.08 | 0.91 | 1.97 |
| Memory: Move | 1.21 | 0.94 | 0.37 | 1.24 |
| Text | 20.80 |
4.13 | 4.63 | 5.20 |
From the above data, it can be inferred that the X3i excels in text manipulation, which continues my assertion that this particular Dell handheld line has been targeted towards the business user. The graphic capabilities seem to be a bit lagging according to the benchmark.
POST REVIEW UPDATE: Dell has posted a ROM update which I found to greatly improve video performance and the fluidity of my image viewing and tweaking applications. I rerun the benchmark after updating my VOBenchmark software, and found the ROM update to greatly boost values of several graphic functions of the benchmarking software. The X3i screamed even further ahead with text manipulation, making this again an outstanding choice for the business user, and now, since the ROM update, a contender with the iPAQ h2215 in graphic capabilities.
BUGS
AND WISHES
As displayed in the images, the X3 series
takes on a very conservative square-like design that may not appeal
to multimedia enthusiast who seeks something with rounded edges or a
new design. This shape also makes it a bit awkward to hold, but as with
anything, it takes a bit of getting used to. Perhaps some flush rubber
grips along the side could have aided in this problem
Although it appears as if more devices are including only SD/MMIC card slots, it would be nice to see a device such as the X3i, which obviously has enough room, integrate CF capability as well.
I'd like to see Bluetooth built into this device, especially since the X3i seems as if it was built for it. It will be interesting to see if Dell adds Bluetooth to a future X3.
PURCHASING
The X3i can be purchased directly from Dell
for $349; they are constantly having promotional offers which lowers
the price a good bit.
PROS
- Sturdy feel, well constructed
- Beautiful screen
- Great-looking cradle with good functionality
- Integrated WiFi is executed well
Included extended battery
- Included case provides adequate protection
CONS
Where's the Bluetooth?
Design may be a bit too conservative for some
- Awkward to hold
- Lack of CF slot
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
With the exception of a few picky issues, I'd
certainly say that I am satisfied with Dell's latest offering. The X3i
is a great choice for the business user who is looking for integrated
wireless in a solid overall package, that they can take from one end
of the office to the other.
