Axim X5 Specifications Confirmed by Dell [Archive]

Jason Dunn

11-06-2002, 09:02 PM

Tyler Regas from <a href="http://www.pdahandyman.com">PDAHandyman</a> passed me an email from a Dell PR rep who I've been exchanging email with. I'm practically begging for an advance unit, but Dell's "just in time" way of doing business makes this highly unlikely. I hope to have a unit in hand for review soon after the 18th though! The image below is a resized version of a <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/dunn2002/axim-big.jpg">very high-resolution image (300 KB).</a> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/dunn2002/axim-small.jpg" /> An important note on availability: I've confirmed with Dell that the Axim X5 will be released November 18th in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. EMEA and Asia-Pacific will follow sometime after the first of the year (Q1 I would assume). Now, on to the specs<!> Sleek, Ergonomic, Sophisticated Design 196g (6.9 oz) 128 x 81.5 x 18mm (5" x 3.2" x 0.7") Power Button, 4 Application Keys, 5-way Navigator Button, Scroll Dial, Record Button, Headphone mini-jack Productivity & Expansion Versatility Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Premium Intel Xscale Processor at 400MHz or 300MHz Brilliant 3.5" TFT 240x320 QVGA 65K Color Transflective LCD 64MB SDRAM or 32MB SDRAM 48MB or 32MB Intel StrataFlash ROM 1 CompactFlash Type II Slot 1 Secure Digital / MMC Memory Slot IrDA port 1440mAh Li-Ion Removable Battery with Backup Battery Built-in Microphone & Speaker 2 LED's Bluetooth supported via CompactFlash Type II Card Wi-Fi 802.11b supported via CompactFlash Type II Card Cradle with 2nd primary battery charging slot Ships with Cradle or Synch Cable, AC Adapter, Protective Jacket, Extra Stylus, System Documentation, Companion CD (SW Apps & Docs) You're probably all twigging on the word "Transflective" above - my source at Dell is doing some further checking, but it seems to be side-lit, not back lit. There are two configurations, priced at $299 (after rebate) and $199 (after rebate). These are the differences: $299 Axim X5 400MHz Xscale 64MB SDRAM 48MB flash ROM USB or serial synch cradle $199 Axim X5 300MHz Xscale 32MB SDRAM 32MB flash ROM USB or serial synch CABLE (cradle available as an upsell for this unit)

splintercell

11-06-2002, 09:09 PM

Damn the rebates! :evil: How much of a rebate?

xbalance

11-06-2002, 09:10 PM

A month a go I sold my Ipaq 3765 and PCMCIA sleeve for $325. This is why I made the decision to sell. All I can to say to Dell is :way to go:

Boxster S

11-06-2002, 09:12 PM

More info/pics:

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=400518#post400518

JornadaJ

11-06-2002, 09:14 PM

Ohhhh...wow....

Wow...

I need a moment....

Boxster S

11-06-2002, 09:23 PM

Well, I don't care how cheap this thing is (the 400MHz version), it's too thick and heavy. There is NO reason why they couldn't have made it as thin and light as the e550G which also has dual slots or the Jornada 565 which has a removeable battery.

I'm glad I ordered the Viewsonic V35 from Amazon for $299.95 - $5 coupon - $25 Mail-in-Rebate = $269.95

Jonathon Watkins

11-06-2002, 09:25 PM

:x Blast - first I find out it won't be available in the UK for another month or two - then I twig that this is a SIDELIT transfexive screen. :roll: Great. :cry: OK - back to the drawing board. I hope that this device brings down the price of something I actually want to buy. The next model of the Toshiba 740 with backlit transflexive screen would be favourite just now. :?

exsilio

11-06-2002, 09:30 PM

everything looks good...except for the WEIGHT and the WAIT.

It's going to weigh 50% more than the upcoming Viewsonic...the tradeoff? A CF Slot.

But for the price it will be hard to beat. For the same price of the V35, after rebate, you can get the top of the line Dell with the extra CF Slot AND 33% faster processor.

But than again you can get the V35 for $25 off at amazon up until the end of November....hmmmm. This is the kind of debating that PocketPC users have been salivating for.

I think Palm just soiled themselves.

And to PDA Gerbil, sidelit TR has it's own merits versus backlit. Better viewing in outside light is one of them. And I believe it is more battery efficient.

Jonathon Watkins

11-06-2002, 09:35 PM

khpchan

11-06-2002, 09:40 PM

Okay. I have been a long-time Palm user. But Dell is going to swing me to the PPC side this time.

Yes, this unit is big and bulky, but I don't give a ????. A small, portable device is useless if it can only do almost nothing.

One final question for you PPC experts. What is the performance of 400 X-scale in terms of CPU support? Especially, what are the benchmarks for multimedia? (I know it varies from units to units, but I am very concerned about its performance though...)

Thank you for any who help me out! Thank you again!

A happy man... :P

PhatCohiba

11-06-2002, 09:41 PM

A month a go I sold my Ipaq 3765 and PCMCIA sleeve for $325. This is why I made the decision to sell. All I can to say to Dell is :way to go:

Dude, You're getting a Dell :rock on dude!:

(come on, you were saying it. Yea You :lol: . and You too. :D )

exsilio

11-06-2002, 09:42 PM

PDA Gerbil.

I disagree. :wink: There is a noticeable difference between the 3800 and 3900 for outside viewing...some may feel the tradeoff is acceptable being the inside lighting is far improved. I do not feel it is a good tradeoff as I use my handheld outside all the time.

As far as battery life, I'll try to get some hard numbers for you as I hope you will do the same. I read two articles that debated the two and sidelit was considered superior in that facet.

toshtoshtosh

11-06-2002, 09:49 PM

Ah darn.. not backlit... So I guess it's like a Maestro with a removeable battery and better battery life. Does not offer anything more.

Hopefully Toshiba's next offerings will have backlit screens...

PS: Regarding the above discussion. The amazing battery life of the 3900 series would indicate that backlit is more battery efficient than sidelit.

heyday

11-06-2002, 09:59 PM

Ok wait a sec.... whats the dif between side lit and backlit transflective?

Also I have an Audiovox Maestro... Is this thing going to be bigger?

heyday

Boxster S

11-06-2002, 10:00 PM

Ok wait a sec.... whats the dif between side lit and backlit transflective?

Also I have an Audiovox Maestro... Is this thing going to be bigger?

heyday

Yes, it is bigger and heavier than your Maestro.

Birdman

11-06-2002, 10:00 PM

Using either an ipaq or a Toshiba 330 for example, (or even an old Casio brick) can someone post a comparison of specs. re: size and weight?

TIA

Fattizzi

11-06-2002, 10:12 PM

If you are a palm user, the speed is much better than anything you are used to. Enjoy the PPC world.

jmulder

11-06-2002, 10:24 PM

I think it's amazing that market share for PPC's has increased at all since all we seem to be able to do is whine about the reasons we aren't going to buy any PPC. "This one doesn't have Bluetooth", "That one is ugly", "The other one doesn't have a flip cover", "I want a backlit transreflective display". Do you people complain that your budget economy cars don't come with CD changers standard?

I'm really impressed with both Viewsonic and Dell. Both are putting out PPC's comparable with my Jornada 568 for about half the price...and I mean today's price! (as seen at CompUSA).

These units at these prices are the sort of thing that can compete with Palm's mid-level units...and beat them! If Palm starts realizing they need to compete at this price point, perhaps they will start to innovate again. Heck, if HP realizes that their "mid-level" PPC can be matched at this price, then perhaps all their prices will fall.

However, even if prices do fall, I doubt anybody here would buy one, since there isn't a model yet that has all the features we want (including that butt-hair shaver :shocked!: ).

Bob Anderson

11-06-2002, 10:26 PM

Is it just me, or is anyone else noticing that the "higher end" PPCs are now coming with 48MB ROM (Ipaq 3970 incl)?

With the near arrival of a new PPC operating system almost assured (it's nearing the time) you have to ask yourself what MSFT and the OEMs know and are planning. There's a reason they are building some models with more ROM... and it isn't so that they can brag that their PPCs have more, as HP/Compaq call it, "FileStore" space.

Let me go on record (as if it really makes any difference) that anyone who complains in 4-5 months that they can't load all the apps of the new O/S into ROM because they have only 32MB ROM, "you were forewarned." Some might call me a conspiracy theorist... but history can (and will) repeat itself. How many early Jornada owners were sorely disappointed that they couldn't upgrade to PPC2002 ... despite the fact that it was published that the iPaq was the only "upgradeable" Pocket PC of the time?

WARNING / WARNING : spending significant $'s on a PPC with only 32 MB of ROM may limit future upgrades and or usability!!! (Of course, for $199 do we really care?)

Take1

11-06-2002, 10:31 PM

Sigh.... A Brick and non-transflective? I guess we'll wait until the actual unit's in the hands of those like Jason to make a final verdict, but it's not looking good right now. I'm sure the price will win over more than a few people, but I'm looking for a thin, light, and long-lasting batttery -- two of these things aren't in the new Dell PPCs (and the third is a big ?).

Steven Cedrone

11-06-2002, 10:32 PM

Bluetooth supported via CompactFlash Type II Card
Wi-Fi 802.11b supported via CompactFlash Type II Card

O.K., stupid question: This is a standard CF II slot correct? I noticed that in the Brighthand thread, it showed that Dell would be selling it's own peripherals...

Thanks,

Steve

sponge

11-06-2002, 10:50 PM

Birdman

11-06-2002, 10:53 PM

True, we now do have a choice between low end and high end but the difference between the 2 used to be confined to specs. Now it seems to be a difference of size and weight. Imagine 6 months ago a 400mhz PPC with dual slots and 64mg RAM being considered "low end".
Compare it to the 39xx series ipaq which is arguably "high end" (or at least was high end) and the Dell sure does not look low end.

BTW, even at an exchange rate of $1.60, US$299 is only about CDN$480!!

Perry Reed

11-06-2002, 11:14 PM

I think that's a fantastic feature set for the price! I'm guessing it will indeed sell well, depending mostly on what customers Dell decides to target with it.

Paragon

11-06-2002, 11:19 PM

I really don't see how this can be seen as a brick. Compare the size of this unit to the Ipaq with a CF slot.....and the winner is?? While you are at it compare the price of the two units as well.

Ya, ya, I know what some of you are going to say. There are other units out ther with dual slots that are thinner. Not by much! And, again, compare the price.

Jaxbulls

11-06-2002, 11:29 PM

I'm glad that Dell will release these new models. Who cares if they are heavy or don't match up with the specs most people on this board want. The best thing about the Dell is that it will gain market share from Palm. Dell already has given away PDA's with their computers. By making these attractive to their current buyers, I believe Dell will eventually become the #1 PocketPC seller because it blows any palm out of the water. I know most people who just want contacts, calendar and maybe e-mail will look at PDA's and see a very highly recognized brand in Dell and also in Palm. They will see higher specs in the Dell for $300 less! I think this will be a no-brainer for newcomers to PDA's. Then in the end as always, the only winner is... Microsoft.

VanHlebar

11-06-2002, 11:38 PM

I don't understand where people are calling this unit a brick. According to Amazon's web page for my HP 567 and this pages info on the Dell my HP weighs in at 9.1oz and the Dell is at 6.9oz.

My HP is at 3.1 inches Wide, .6 inches height and 5.2 inches depth and the Dell comes in at 5 inches Depth, 3.2 inches Wide and .7 inches height.

By these comparisions, which I like sense I have the HP currently, I get a potentially better ppc for way lower price and I actually lose some weight and only pick up a fraction of an inch in width and height. Not a bad compromise from my standpoint.

Now if someone could help me with the screen bit. Is this Dell screen going to be similar to the old HP54x ppc that you basically could not use outside or is it going to be more like the current HP56x machines that give a decent view outside?

Thanks,
-Eric

Birdman

11-06-2002, 11:49 PM

Given that I think the HP is a very comfortable fit in terms of both size and weight, I am anxiously looking forward to the Dell.

heyday

11-06-2002, 11:51 PM

Sigh.... A Brick and non-transflective? ?).

What do you mean non-transflective...... I thought it was transflective, just side lit instead of back..... or ist that how most of the non-transflective pda are....

I'm confused..... 8O

heyday

Nutzer

11-07-2002, 12:11 AM

That's MY BIG QUESTION!!!!

I will buy this PDA if it is Backlit Transreflective!

I don't care much for the sidelite reflective stuff!

If not, then I'm going for the Viewsonic X35! It LOOKS AWSOME!

The only reason I would consider the dell is that it comes with duel slots, faster processor(don't even know if it matters) and exchange of battery!
If the screen sucks, I'll ditch all the the extra and go for the sleek and supposedly beautiful Viewsonic x35 screen!

Paragon

11-07-2002, 12:19 AM

Jonathon Watkins

11-07-2002, 01:34 AM

Here we go with this "transflective" stuff again. When I die I'm going to have this engraved on my headstone. "Dave spent his life tirelessly pursuing the true meaning of transflective. May he now rest in piece. His quest has ended, but for may it still continues."

Dave

Tell me about it - that's why I was cautious when the first announcements were made about the screen - backlit or sidelit trasnflexive I asked - and was mocked for it. :roll: BUT - it looks like it's another LOOX-type debacle. :x Technically just about all PPCs these days have a sidelit trasnflexive screen – the IPAQ 39XX series have a backlit screen. What most of understand by trasnflexive = backlit trasnflexive. But….. it ain’t necessarily so. :?

Jonathon Watkins

11-07-2002, 01:37 AM

I don't see how people are whining about the size and screen of the lowest priced PPC we've seen yet. Compared to the ViewSonic, maybe the Dell PDA is worse, we don't know, no one has solid numbers and observations on either. But to compare this to an e740, which is at least double the price is just plain stupid. PPC users finally have a choice between lowend and highend, and people are complaining.

It's the expectation that were raised Sponge. We were told that this unit was to have a transflexive screen. Most people think of these as the backlit transflexive on the IPAQ 39XX series. But in this case - it seems like it isn't.

sponge

11-07-2002, 02:38 AM

Meh.. it's a shame such a device like this will surely lose some sales due to consumer miseducation.

nosmohtac

11-07-2002, 02:45 AM

I am no expert on this subject, but from everything I have read on the posts in this forum and on pocketpcpassion.com this is what I believe to be true:
Many of the pocket pc's available before the 3900 series ipaq were claiming to be transflective sidelit units.
The truth is if they are side lit they are not transflective but trans reflective. To be truly transflective means that the light is coming through the screen from the back.
Is this better? I would say definitely YES.
for two reasons: Go down to your local Best Buy, Comp USA, etc and compare the 3800 ipaq to a 3900. There is a huge difference indoors and as someone earlier in this form posted, the 3900 is not quite as viewable outdoors as the 3800 series, but it is very minimal. I don't know to many people that use their devices more outdoors than in but the viewability is just one aspect of transflective displays.
The battery life is greatly increased in a transflective display because even though it appears to be shining brighter than a side lit unit it is actually using less power and less light since it is evenly dispersing the light throught the display from the back side causing images to be much sharper and clearer.
IMHO the down side to transflective is that it operates similarly to the old hp54x series in that the brighter the lighting is where you are using the device, the brighter the backlight needs to be to keep the screen image sharp and clear.
I am fairly confident that this is correct and accurate, other than my opinions

nosmohtac

11-07-2002, 03:28 AM

BTW I am very excited to see Dell's entry in to the pocket pc arena, as well as viewsonic with their v35. IMHO they are both incredible machines for the money. If I had not bought a jornada 568 back in march I would definitely be looking at either the dell 400mhz model or the v35. I would probably go with the v35 because the screen is transflective, but I like that the dell has both cf and sd slots built in.
These new entries may not suit a lot of the people that frequent this site, but think of what it will do for the handheld industry in general. We are bound to see a decrease in even the so-called high-end units as a result of these new pocket pc's. It just makes business sense. These new-comers have almost everything (if not everything) that the so-called high-end units have now, for half the price. I think it is safe to assume that we can expect our high end units to start including MUCH more in the package at the same price they are now.
I still think that HP has an edge in the market with the expandability with the ipaq series, but that may change quickly if dell or viewsonic take a fair market share with their new models. Either way this whole thing is great news and I am talking many of my coworkers, who are palm users, into coming over to the pocket pc world. :way to go:

cyp

11-07-2002, 03:39 AM

At the price being offered I am not complaining about the size, or the screen or the fact that it will not have a flip screen cover, etc, etc, etc. (Then again, we hear the same ramblings every time a new Pocket PC is released.)

I remember reading from somewhere:

Speed, Quality, Price. Choose any two.

Peace, dudes.

Numsquat

11-07-2002, 04:57 AM

I think it's funny that people are complaining about a $300 pda that even a couple of months ago a basicly equal unit listed around $600. I don't think you are going to get a "top of the line" pda for $300. Dell is creating a "very, very good" pda at the same price level of mid-level Palms, with features that in many ways tops the $500-$600 Palms, let alone having a feature set of PPC's costing $100-$200 more.

ThomasC22

11-07-2002, 05:22 AM

ThomasC22

11-07-2002, 05:23 AM

BTW - I was all excited today, two days ago I asked my Dell rep about their PDA, he said I'd have to sign a NDA and then he'd tell me anything I want to know.

I signed it, and...

Same info that's posted here (and on Brighthand). So much for NDAs

CHeavyarms

11-07-2002, 05:37 AM

And to PDA Gerbil, sidelit TR has it's own merits versus backlit. Better viewing in outside light is one of them. And I believe it is more battery efficient.

NO - neither are true. REAL backlit transflexive is more efficient - as in a reflective device a lot of light is wasted reflected right off the screen. With backlit less light & therefore energy is needed to light up the screen. Outside viewability on the IPAQ 39xx screen is almost identical to the 38xx screens.

Um no, the iPAQ 39xx screen suffers in being in the sun, people claim its "washed out and colorless" and just because it looks good inside doesnt mean that a sidelit device cant. I wouldnt be surprised if it does turn out to be a transrefletive screen because the rep from dell said they would not be scrimping on the screen. I guess we will just have to wait and see, good thing I'll be goin to Comdex!

myung

11-07-2002, 08:55 AM

I can't help but think it looks like my Pronto

http://www.remotecentral.com/tsu2000/index.html

Mike 8O

Jonathon Watkins

11-07-2002, 10:14 AM

I don't see how people are whining about the size and screen of the lowest priced PPC we've seen yet. Compared to the ViewSonic, maybe the Dell PDA is worse, we don't know, no one has solid numbers and observations on either. But to compare this to an e740, which is at least double the price is just plain stupid. PPC.

Did you not see the front page? Toshiba e740 for $374 After Rebate. It's $75 more for a device with built-in Wifi. NOT double.

Again - it's the expectations - we were led to believe that this device would have a genuine transfexive screen. We still need final confirmation of course....

Take1

11-07-2002, 10:21 AM

This screen thing always gets confusing. Should be a standards board to establish a naming system for LCD technology. I was using the Brighthand reference http://www.brighthand.com/article/ScreenTechnology (written back in 2000, I beleive) that delineates screen types this way:

1. Transflective = backlit reflective screen.
2. Reflective= side/bottom lit reflective screen.

A quote from the article:
"Some handhelds are beginning to use a new breed of hybrid LCDs called transflective, which are both backlit and reflective. They use a translucent reflective backing that reflect some ambient light, but can also allow some backlighting to pass through. Some people consider transflective displays the perfect compromise, while others consider them the jacks of all trades, masters of none."

The only gripe I have about reflective screens is the propensity for dust (which my e310, 3650, Maestro, and HP568 all suffered from). I really like my iPAQ 3835's screen, but haven't seen anyone else be able to put out consistent dust free screens on their PDAs. If Dell can do this, then it's not as big a deal as I made it out to be. But I'd be surprised if they could. Transflective screens are 99.9% dust free (might be dust, but you can't see it glow like you would on a reflective screen).

Time will tell I suppose.

Birdman

11-07-2002, 03:29 PM

Equally as important in my mind as size, is weight. Just as a frame of reference, my ipaq 3635 in an EB slipper case with the CF expansion pack and a CF card in the slot, weighs in at a hefty 11.6 ounces. The naked ipaq 3635 weighs in at a more manageable 6.63 ounces.

PPCRules

11-07-2002, 04:06 PM

PPCRules

11-07-2002, 04:39 PM

There is some good grappling here with reality vs. the high expectations we all had. When I heard the first reports, I too thought it would trump every other device. But it was coming just as a bunch of other new suppliers were coming on the scene, and I feared it would either scare these new guys to the point of dropping these new entries before they saw the light of day, or discourage them from developing future generations of PPCs. Even HP, after basically birthing the PPC for Microsoft and earning such large profit margins on rather low volumes for a couple years, might cut back development and product line breadth in response at a cost competive marketplace.

Now, as we realize this may not be the do-all, end-all device, I think the future of the PocketPC marketplace will actually be more healthy than if this were the ultimate device. People are expressing what other devices they are leaning toward and hopefully there will be enough suppliers and models so everyone can get something they are happy with (while, I hope, realizing that every device has tradeoffs). And thinking of the products Dell has in mind next, the PPC world is a good place to be. Just think if you were in the Palm camp and only had the choice of a Zire, Tungstun (I can't believe these names) or a Sony.

I don't think Dell will make their sales expectations, but I do think a lot more sales of these models will come from people that would have bought a PalmOS device than will come from people that would have bought another PPC device (maybe not the first couple months, but over the next year).

Rirath

11-07-2002, 04:56 PM

I look for Dell to make the sales figures. Not half as many people care about the minute differences in size and weight as the postings here may lead to believe I'd be willing to guess. I'd also say for every poster complaining about the design, two more such as myself like it or will like it when they see it. Maybe I'm just being strangely optimistic, but for some reason the naysayers are just being extremely vocal and for once I'm not among them.

I can only hope the controls are suitable for gaming, but as it's been pointed out, some of the best games are sylus controlled anyhow.

Audio quality should be a-ok through headphones unless they really messed something up. Sounds fine on even my 525, can't imagine it being any worse.

Birdman

11-07-2002, 05:01 PM

I know some people really focus on a flip top lid while others couldn't care less. It's interesting to me that virtually every Palm since the IIIc has shipped with some kind of "integrated" flip cover. Why is it that PPC models have not adopted this convention? While the Dell does not seem too big, even the slimmest case can add unwanted bulk. A simply designed cover, either along the lines of the Jornada or the Palms would be great. Maybe they are in cohoots with the case manufacturers?

ThomasC22

11-07-2002, 05:46 PM

Did you not see the front page? Toshiba e740 for $374 After Rebate. It's $75 more for a device with built-in Wifi. NOT double.

Again - it's the expectations - we were led to believe that this device would have a genuine transfexive screen. We still need final confirmation of course....

Well, it really isn't fair to compare an extreme sales price to a MSRP price. As you can see if you follow the front page link, the e740 is already back up to $400 and will climb again (as it did before when this deal was first offered).

Further, you don't know how much Dell is going to discount their device (what if they bundle it with PCs, would it then be free vs. $374)

I know some people really focus on a flip top lid while others couldn't care less. It's interesting to me that virtually every Palm since the IIIc has shipped with some kind of "integrated" flip cover. Why is it that PPC models have not adopted this convention? While the Dell does not seem too big, even the slimmest case can add unwanted bulk. A simply designed cover, either along the lines of the Jornada or the Palms would be great. Maybe they are in cohoots with the case manufacturers?

This actually made me sad. I really thought Dell, being they cater to corporations, would be the one company to realize that screen protection is important and integrated screen protection means that the user can't leave it behind (e.g. and employee who decides the case is just too bulky so decides to go without it).

Jonathon Watkins

11-07-2002, 05:50 PM

I saw this on Brighthand posted by Treynolds - interesting - I will wait to see the 'final' reviews with interest

A Dell Quote from eWeek...
October 9, 2002
Dell Joining Handheld Fray
By Carmen Nobel

Dell Computer Corp. this fall will enter the handheld computer market with two devices based on Microsoft Corp.'s Pocket PC operating system, according to company documents that appeared on various enthusiast Web sites this week.
According to the documents, one device will sport a 400MHz Intel Corp. Xscale processor, while the other will include a 300MHz chip.

The Dell devices will feature a "Color Transflective" LCD screen, a jog dial and four applications buttons, a microphone and speaker, up to 64MB of SDRAM, a Compact Flash expansion slot that will enable support for Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless technologies, and a Secure Digital expansion slot.

Dell officials did not deny that the documents came from the company and they confirmed that they plan to release a Pocket PC device by the end of the year, but added that all plans for the product are subject to change until its official release.

"Be careful presuming any final decision on our part as to what our product will be when we finally do have product," said Jess Blackburn, a spokesman for Dell in Austin, Texas. "We will offer product by the end of the year."

Jason Dunn

11-07-2002, 05:58 PM

I'm trying very, very hard to get a review unit. :!:

Jonathon Watkins

11-07-2002, 06:14 PM

I'm trying very, very hard to get a review unit. :!:

Good man! :wink: That's what we come here for. 8) No - we really come here for your thoughts - the news and whatever else you happen to have. Reviews are a bonus. It would be nice if some of the OEMs decided to support you more with actual products to review! :?

We know you are doing a good job Jason - and we appreciate it! It's just sad that some people attack the messenger sometimes. :roll: Keep up the good work! :D

DSAINMON

11-08-2002, 12:25 AM

With all the commotion about the screen here, it seems the only way to settle things is just to get a real axim, stand it up next to an ipaq or a viewsonic, and say "here you go, this is it." I eagerly await your review, Jason.

...to bad no one uses the HAST screens like those in the old cassiopeias. Those were definitly the best looking screens indoors and I think since then the technology has improved and they work better outdoors now.

Even though I love my EM-500, I'm getting a Dell.

:microwave: <-- haha that's great!!!

andsoitgoes

11-08-2002, 03:03 AM

Two issues...

First, those of you saying "this device is a brick" are exaggerating. It isn't really big at all (almost the exact same size as the iPaq), sure these ultra-thin devices are great too but just because EVERY device isn't that thin doesn't mean that those devices are bad or unworthy.

I totally agree! The entire 3xxx series weigh at least the same, and I more if you add on the compact flash sleeve.

Having this unit, and combined with the 3400 li battery means that not only have you purchased an insanely CHEAP PDA, but you've also purchased yourself an MP3 player. Compact Flash is tons cheaper than SD. Not only that, but MicroDrives are compatable with CF2 slots, so you've got unlimited expansion!!

Luckily I'm still within the 30-day return period of my 3850. I say g'bye Compaq, HELLO Dell!!

Although I worked with Dell a bit in the past, and had some issues - the repair policy is awesome, and works as long as you push the right way. ANd the fact that it comes STANDARD with a 1-year "Next business day" repair policy, well that beats anything you buy retail, that's for sure.

I am totally stoked here, I am ready to hug Mr. Dell himself!! :rock on dude!:

andsoitgoes

11-08-2002, 03:22 AM

I'd just say there will always be a continuum of various aspects when comparing the displays on different products. And there are trade-offs to get to a price point. I think bottom line is, even if it isn't the best in every way, this device will have a very nice display. And compared to previous generations of PDAs, beyond very nice.

A lot of talk/speculation about the display. Let's speculate/pontificate on some other hot buttons:

* Are the buttons suitable for gaming controls?

* Is the SD slot SDIO?

* When will someone make a flip cover accessory ("why doesn't it come with one")?

* Jog Dial position

* Audio quality

To confirm!!

* Are the buttons suitable for gaming controls?

They look it - to be honest, the 3xxx series stunk for using with ANY gaming (especially the Virtual Game Gear) - I was deathly afraid when I played anything, the buttons were so stiff - but for $300, who cares?!?

* Is the SD slot SDIO?

From everything I've seen (especially in other posts) no - it's not

* When will someone make a flip cover accessory ("why doesn't it come with one")?

It comes with one!! :) From what I've seen. Check out the pics (no, the cover isn't in the pics - but it talks about it!)

http://www.pocketpctools.com/images/dell/

Specifically:

http://www.pocketpctools.com/images/dell/dell5-l.jpg

and

http://www.pocketpctools.com/images/dell/dell6-l.jpg

Yes - that is a *REMOVABLE BATTERY*! Wow, whoda thought a *removable and expandable battery* would be wise for a PDA... Oh, yeah - DELL!!

* Jog Dial position

It's in the above picture, not the *best* placement, but it HAS a jog dial. Expensive iPaq? Nope, no jog there :(

I get more and more excited the more I realize that it's going to be released (according to the brainless Canadian Dell rep I spoke to today) on the 14th here in Canada! Time to pay off some 'o those credit cards and buy this sweetie! Ow! :werenotworthy:

msprague

11-08-2002, 03:57 AM

* When will someone make a flip cover accessory ("why doesn't it come with one")?

It comes with one!! :) From what I've seen. Check out the pics (no, the cover isn't in the pics - but it talks about it!)

They talk about a slip cover and screen protectors, but not a flip cover.

andsoitgoes

11-08-2002, 05:45 AM

They talk about a slip cover and screen protectors, but not a flip cover.

Well - sort of. They say "Protective Jacket" - and I assume this will be like the protective cover on the iPaq. Either way, at $300 - who cares?? The flip cover got annoying at times, anyway! :)

Hitman2

11-14-2002, 11:07 PM

This actually made me sad. I really thought Dell, being they cater to corporations, would be the one company to realize that screen protection is important and integrated screen protection means that the user can't leave it behind (e.g. and employee who decides the case is just too bulky so decides to go without it).

Just MHO as one who works for one of these large corporations...

Very few people rely on the flip covers and don't have a better case. Two of the real reasons include:

1. REAL protection. We carry our life and job information in them. Most people wrap at least something leather around them.

2. Carrying options. Most of us want to be able to strap them to our waist as we need our hands for other things and also don't want to leave them in a meeting room or restroom by accident.