It's a Dell, Dude

Dell Computer Corp. has finally thrown its inexpensive hat into the Pocket PC ring with the release of two versions of its new Axim X5. The quality and power of the new Dell Pocket PCs, coupled with extremely low introductory pricing, is guaranteed to please handheld consumers and worry other Pocket PC manufacturers.

The "high performance" version of the Axim X5 sports 64 MB RAM, 48 MB flash ROM, and a 400 MHz XScale processor. The less-expensive "value" version has 32 MB RAM, 32 MB flash ROM, and a still-respectable 300 MHz XScale processor. Other than those differences, and the fact that the less-expensive version comes with a data cable instead of a cradle, the two new Dell Pocket PCs are identical devices.

The Axim X5 weighs 6.9 ounces and has a substantial feel and a stylish appearance. Black rubber side grips not only add to the smart look, they make it less likely to slip out of your hand. The 3.5" diagonal color touch screen is bright and easy to see indoors and out.

The X5s come with a jog wheel on the left edge of the device, which lets you move up and down through lists and menus by flicking the wheel or select an item by pressing in. Also located on the left side is a soft reset button and a recessed record button. On the model I tested, the record button was a little too recessed for my tastes.

The infrared port and headphone jack are on the top of the device. A power port and a separate USB data sync connector are located on the bottom of the unit.

Some well-thought-out decisions

The designers of the Axim X5s made some pretty good decisions. As I've already mentioned, it's a stylish device. Next, it has two expansion slots: a CompactFlash Type II slot on the top of the device and a SD slot on the left side. This makes it easy to add file storage memory via the SD slot and I/O functionality via the CF slot. Dell plans to offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi cards in the CF format as optional accessories.

The Dell Pocket PCs also have user-replaceable batteries. The standard battery is a powerful 1,440 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Dell is working on a high-capacity 3,400 mAh battery option. As with the ViewSonic and Razor Pocket PCs I reviewed in this issue, the Axim X5s have a utility that lets the user adjust the CPU speed to conserve battery power. On the Dell Pocket PC it is accessed from the Processor tab located in the Start > Settings > Power utility. You can adjust the speed to Normal (400 MHz), Power Save (200MHz) or Auto (CPU speed changes according to the needs of the system). It’s probably best to leave it on Auto.

Dell will offer a variety of hardware accessories for the Axim X5

Dell plans to make a variety of accessories available to Axim X5 users. One of the more useful accessories is the USB sync cradle that comes with the high-performance version of the Axim X5 and is available as an option for the less-expensive value version. The cradle has a battery recharging slot built into it, allowing you to keep your spare battery charged and ready to go.

The USB sync cradle that comes with the high-performance version of the Axim X5 has a slot for recharging spare batteries.

In addition to the optional high-capacity battery, Dell will offer spares/replacements for the standard 1,440 mAH battery. Both batteries can be recharged in the USB sync cradle. They will offer a replacement for the AC power adapter and the USB cradle, a serial cradle for users with older desktop PCs, and USB and serial data cables for travel. Also available will be foldable and snap-on keyboards, a replacement stylus 3-pack, and a package of 12 thin plastic screen protectors.

In addition, Dell will offer CompactFlash cards, including 64MB and 128MB storage cards, a VGA-out adapter, a Bluetooth adapter, and a Wi-Fi adapter, as well as SD file storage cards in 64 MB and 128 MB capacities.

Microsoft software built-in