09-25-2003, 04:53 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Dell Axim X3 Unveiled...Sort Of
"Just moments ago, Michael Dell announced that they will be releasing the next version of the Axim Pocket PC, called the x3. While images of this device were leaked to the public a few week ago, this is the first official announcement of the devices from Dell. No real information was released except for the fact that there will be two models; a wireless one and a non-wireless one.
Exact specifications, pricing, and release date were not announced. I can assure you that when the x3's official launch date is announced, I will have a full review of both of these Axim x3 units. Until then, a couple of images... Notice the difference between the actual device and the leaked picture (leaked on the left, real on the right). What really stands out is the lack of the blue trim and blue WiFi antenna on the production unit..."
Pocket PC Tools has several images, as does BargainPDA. Go take a look!
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09-25-2003, 05:00 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 190
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Thanks Jason. I wonder how how Pocket PC Italia gets it's info...
Oh well, another boxy design with the usual buttons and placement of them. I do see it, however, as a nicer design then that of the toshiba.
What do you think the two buttons are for on the left and right bottom edges?
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09-25-2003, 05:01 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by apeguero
What do you think the two buttons are for on the left and right bottom edges?
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Actually, I don't think those are buttons...perhaps slots for some sort of screen cover?
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09-25-2003, 05:02 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 238
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Looks like a Toshiba e3xx or e7xx series PPC, wonder if the case is metal. My X5 is suffering from worn off paint in spots. I think I will wait until after Christmas before taking a look at another Dell after they botched up the 2003 upgrade for the X5 so bad. (Did finally get my official update cd Monday).
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09-25-2003, 05:06 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 153
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I have to say this is what Toshiba E300 should have been.
say, whatever happen to X7?
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09-25-2003, 05:55 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 65
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According to bargainpda.com, there will be 3 versions of the X3:
http://www.bargainpda.com/default.as...wComments=true
300 MHz device, SDIO with no Wi-Fi built in
400 MHz device, SDIO, 64 MB RAM with no Wi-Fi built in
400 MHz device, SDIO, 64 MB RAM with built in Wi-Fi at a price of $399.99.
These look pretty nice, the Wi-Fi model actually has that little blue antenna sticking out. I really like what Dell has done to change the PocketPC market, and the new form factor rocks, however, I don't think that anything revolutionary has been introduced here. The $399.99 model is basically an IPAQ 2215 with a Wi-Fi compact flash card built-in...and that may actually limit flexibility since I don't think these X3s have a CF slot.
Al
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09-25-2003, 06:04 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,185
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I'm wondering what happened to the creativity in hardware design. I thought Apple jump started the trend. It appears when left to their own devices (no pun intended) you get yet another rectangle with no though added. Yet another year of waiting for a better designed PPC.
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09-25-2003, 06:14 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 469
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The toshiba style never bothered me. You could say I like the square look. Really though, how creative can you get with a 3.5" screen and a button layout that needs to appeals to the masses? I certainly do not want a white ppc that shows dirt whenever I touch it and a mirrored metal back that scratches whenever I lay it on a table. I would like to see more aluminum ppcs like the toshibas. I like to feel like I'm holding something, not a piece of plastic. I like this style, although it would be better if it were aluminum, IMHO.
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09-25-2003, 06:40 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,398
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I can't believe that people aren't talking about this more! We finally have the REAL photos (well, Pocket PC Tools does)!
Here are my thoughts:
--Same Connector? The KB in the photo looks just like the X5 KB. I would hope that Dell would be able to keep the same accessories (minus the cradle) the same.
--Rocker Switch, Voice Recorder Button: It looks like the rocker switch is the same, but moved up a little on the left side. It's nice to see the voice recorder button has moved to a good spot. The X5's is just impractical for one-handed recordings.
--Rubber Grips! Yay, Dell! It looks like the grips extend around the whole device. Notice that they kept the "3 dots on each side" look to the grips.
-- Power Switch: The power switch glows orange/green, and is much bigger. Thank goodness!
-- The "Mystery Buttons": Maybe style, maybe faceplates, maybe little grabby things for a thumboard.
-- The Stylus: Looks like the same, but much easier to get out of the holder. Let's just hope it's not TOO convienient (like the voice recorder button on the Toshibas).
--The Cradle: Same cool look! Looks like it "holds" the device more, and the Dell logo glows purple (  ).
--Directional Pad: Looks like it's much easier to use than the squishy D-PAD on the X5.
These are only musings, and I've used the work "looks like" six times. I think it's fun to guess about a device with only a few photos. What do you think?
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09-25-2003, 06:40 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by bdegroodt
I'm wondering what happened to the creativity in hardware design.
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Dell is not a creative company - they don't set trends, they follow them. They don't do R&D, they benefit from the R&D of other companies. This is not the Pocket PC you're looking for. :wink:
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