It's Official - Dell Axim X5 Available November 18

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.dell.com/us/en/gen/topics/segtopic_axim.htm">http://www.dell.com/us/en/gen/topics/segtopic_axim.htm</a><br /><br />"Available November 18, the New Dell AximTM X5 Handheld Offers Outstanding Features and Sophisticated Styling...Designed to Fit in Your Pocket...Priced to Fit Your Pocketbook."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2002/20021104-dellaxim.jpg" /><br /><br />They have a little shockwave demo at the above link. Source: Foo Fighter

[SofaTater]

Two thoughts:

1. Could they have possibly found a nerdier picture to use on this page??? :lol:

2. The site says the Dell will be avaiable "for order" on Nov. 18 -- wonder if that means they will start shipping them on that date, or just taking orders for a later ship date...

[Boxster S]

Sounds good to me:) I may have to cancel the pre-order for my Viewsonic V35

[xbalance]

I'm not sure which is more of a tease, the pointless video or the hot young female model. Oh well, given my options, I can bet which one of the two is going to be wrapped under this years xmas tree for me (and from me) :x-mas:

[Foo Fighter]

My biggest question....will it be sold in retail, or DIRECT from Dell only? If they sell it direct it's going to be a flop...even at that low price. Enterprise customers will gobble it up, but consumers won't even know this thing even exists. Consumers buy gadget in retail outlets where they can kick the tires and compare features.

And from the pics, Axim looks like a brick. 8O

[xbalance]

Two thoughts:

1. Could they have possibly found a nerdier picture to use on this page??? :lol:


Two words: Sex sells!

And that geeky looking dude is getting quite the look from a well endowed young lady, and his Axim x5 is only inches away from her big American breasts.

[jngold_me]

And from the pics, Axim looks like a brick.
And no to mention it is pathetically ugly looking....

[sundown]

And no to mention it is pathetically ugly looking....

YEAH, where is all the futuristic shiny chrome? :wink:

[Foo Fighter]

And from the pics, Axim looks like a brick.
And no to mention it is pathetically ugly looking....

Yeah, I was hoping the original rumored pics were fake. This is one of the most unattractive PDAs I have ever seen. Do we know the actual specs? It really looks like a brick.

[Foo Fighter]

Dell is never going to capture 25% of the handheld market with this thing.

[entropy1980]

Yeah, I was hoping the original rumored pics were fake. This is one of the most unattractive PDAs I have ever seen. Do we know the actual specs? It really looks like a brick.

Hey they had to cut costs somewhere!? :P

[Sslixtis]

Foo FighterIf they sell it direct it's going to be a flop...even at that low price.

I wouldn't go so far as to say flop, but it will hurt them. I'm going to get one Nov. 18, at that price I can't resist. If I don't like it, it then becomes a Chirstmas present for someone :wink:

I know atleast 3 people where I work that are going to get them as well. 2 of which are moving up from the Casio E-125 and 1 from the HP 565. As far as looking like a brick; anything has to be a step in the right direction for all the Casio E-115/E-125 users out there. :lol: And my iPaq 3955 with CF Plus sleeve isn't exactly slim and trim!

Anyway, I just hope they have the Extended Battery for sale Nov. 18 as well :way to go:

[xbalance]

Dell is never going to capture 25% of the handheld market with this thing.

Only time will tell. I personally can not tell from the picture if the thing is a brick or not, and I do believe that a PocketPC's size impact user acceptance. If it is a brick, they are in trouble.

On the other hand, I do not think that the ugly grey color is going to prevent people from buying it if it offers the most PocketPC bang for the buck. I could care less if it is pretty like the Ipaq or ugly, I am all about functionality.

[PPCRules]

Well, we really know a lot more now than we did before, don't we! "Check back Nov 18 for details", indeed. And "Available Nov 18" (the same day) means they must be counting on the "leaks" to pre-sell this thing.

By the way, I think it looks nice. Can't wait to get one (it had better have that CF slot!). And I doubt very much they will (or can, if the rumored pricing holds) sell it retail.

[peterawest]

My biggest question....will it be sold in retail, or DIRECT from Dell only?

Well, since they just started selling their Desktop computers at Costco.com, maybe this will be available there too.

Dell selling PCs at Costco
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-964360.html?tag=fd_top

[Gerard]

In case anyone else is like me in browsing things like this on a PPC, here's the actual link to the pointless SWF 'video demo', concealed with Java on the page:
http://www.dell.com//html/us/segments/latitude/axim.html
More of a lengthy banner ad, telling nothing and showing less. Good grief.
As for design, it reminds me a bit of the Casio BE-300, another ugly beast. And the guy with the stupid look ('oh baby, whatever you just said, I was listening, yes indeed!') and the way-stupid over-the-top headset just blows me away. Dell seriously needs to look into a different advertising company!

[kagayaki1]

2. The site says the Dell will be avaiable "for order" on Nov. 18 -- wonder if that means they will start shipping them on that date, or just taking orders for a later ship date...

The Shockwave movie has a tagline that says the whole Nov. 18 thing, and then below says "Just in time for the holidays." Whether or not they'll start shipping the 18th, this tagline implies they'll be shipping in time for X-Mas.

[PPCRules]

The Shockwave movie has a tagline that says the whole Nov. 18 thing, and then below says "Just in time for the holidays." Whether or not they'll start shipping the 18th, this tagline implies they'll be shipping in time for X-Mas.
"implies"

[egads]

I was really hoping for a better looking device. Guess I'll go for the Viewsonic, just wish it had a CF slot. Man, with all of the different PPC's showing up these days you would think one of them would fit what I wanted! The Toshiba Pocket PC e740 is what I really want but I can't justify the $$$ Anyways, I hope Dell has them in some retail stores to play with. I'm in no hurry to buy a new PPC, but who knows, after playing with one I may not mind how it looks...

[mookie123]

Dell is never going to capture 25% of the handheld market with this thing.

wait until they bring out the Dell dude.

but seriously I think they will make it with such aggressive pricing, tho' online review will also be very important.

Dell doesn't seem to nurture this venue yet.

[PhatCohiba]

Over and Over again in this industry, the Stylish and expensive have lost again and again.

Go take a trip to your neighborhood PC graveyard and look at a IBM PS/2. Its slick, first machine with Memory Sims, 32bit bus years before Compaq and Dell had it. IBM may have lost 50% of its market share on that gamble.

I spend $600 last Christmas for a 3850. If there was a $300 version that had more features (like built-in CF), Dude, I'd be getting a Dell :way to go: ( :oops: sorry had to do it...)

[Timothy Rapson]

I have not owned a Dell PC, but the number one attraction seems to be that with not having to pay a retailer another profit on top of the money Dell has to make and the manufacturer has to make, they can sell for less.

Now, if they sell at Costco how do they keep the price at $200? My guess is that they will sell just enough of them through retail to ensure that 80% of the US consumers will be able to see and handle them at Costco or WalMart kiosks. But the real sales will come from the Internet. Sales taxes in some places (New York?) can reach 10%. That is enough for someone to prefer to buy from Dell online. Dell will offer this and perhaps just enough by way of online perks to keep the sales there.

I personally, think that Dell is the perfect way to buy PDAs, cameras, about anything that cost more than $50, doesn't need to be tried on, and is easy to ship. But we'll see. If it is as rumored they will sell a million of them as fast as they can make them.

Does anyone else think this looks like a Palm III?


http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:g0WielfAnTIC:www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9803/09/palm_3/palm.final.jpg

[ThomasC22]

Now, if they sell at Costco how do they keep the price at $200? My guess is that they will sell just enough of them through retail to ensure that 80% of the US consumers will be able to see and handle them at Costco or WalMart kiosks.

Here's how Dell does it (and I think it's a really good idea). They pay Malls and now Costco to put a Kiosk in there store, NOT to sell there product. The Kiosk has several PC models set up (and hopefully Axim's very soon) so that the customers can handle the product. If they like it, the Dell guy who mans the Kiosk walks them through making an eQuote which they can save and then purchase the product from home anytime they want. If they REALLY like it, the Dell guy has them buy it off the web site from the Kiosk.

Simple, still Dell's direct marketing plan and at the same time a LOT cheaper than a Gateway Country store :)

btw, I've never heard of a Walmart Kiosk, I can't imagine Walmart would let Dell do that...

[spongeworthy]

Ugly or not this thing will sell big time, as long as it's not too much larger than an ipaq. Price will go a long way towards gaining acceptance.

Where I work, we're just about to choose a platform for some pda applications - we need about a dozen of the things to start and the lean has been towards Palm, largely due to application availability, but also due to price.

The managers are under the impression that they're going to have to spend $600 for a wireless PocketPC, and less than $300 for a Palm....I think I've managed to slow things down a bit with hints about a $300 Dell (along with demos of my SilverSlider5 iPaq :D ).

'Course Dell might just end up forcing Comlett-Paqard and the rest to slash prices and gain minimal market share along the way if it's TOO ugly or too big.....and I'm OK with that too!

[yawanag]

Didn't it say designed to fit the pocketbook? I missed seeing the price in the Demo. Of course, they could be giving them away and I wouldn't want one. It's downright ugly. :twisted:

[rlobrecht]

btw, I've never heard of a Walmart Kiosk, I can't imagine Walmart would let Dell do that...

Walmart lets Verizon Wireless do it. Walmart will do anything if it attracts customers, or the price is right. They just have to make more from that 20 sq. feet of floor space than they do selling paper towels (or whatever.)

[Ackibat]

And no to mention it is pathetically ugly looking....

YEAH, where is all the futuristic shiny chrome? :wink:

I think shiny chrome is overrated. I'm looking for a solid device that won't easily get scratched. As long as it's not too heavy and bulky.... :turn-l:

[MooseMaster]

Wait... when did the iPaq become good looking?! That chrome stuff on my iPaq is just shiny and fingerprints and scratches so easily. I think the Dell is one of the better looking devices, right next to the HP 56x.

[gliscameria]

I was really hoping for a better looking device. Guess I'll go for the Viewsonic, just wish it had a CF slot. Man, with all of the different PPC's showing up these days you would think one of them would fit what I wanted! The Toshiba Pocket PC e740 is what I really want but I can't justify the $$$ Anyways, I hope Dell has them in some retail stores to play with. I'm in no hurry to buy a new PPC, but who knows, after playing with one I may not mind how it looks...


heh, you don't want one of those. =) I still can't find a fedex station to mail the thing back for repairs.... =( They do install euu3 on it though :D

Where are there any actual specs for this thing??? So far I know nothing! Other than the fact that it looks like it should be on Batman's utility belt.

of course... it seems Dell sees their customers as this -"Gosh Darn it sure looks pretty, I'll take it! Woooweee! Fire up the generator Martha, we got arselves a compooter!" -judging from their ads.

[Jonathan1]

Looks are overrated esp considering that this is a PDA for god sake. I'm not going to be shoving it into everyone's face going HEY LOOK AT HOW SEXY THIS THING IS!! Example is the Loox. The thing has looks to die for but after some of the nagging probs I’ve head about it I wouldn’t take one even if you paid me. I personally couldn't care less if this thing had the shell of a Palm Pilot Pro as long as the guts of this thing are cutting edge.

[heyday]

Who cares about the looks..... Iv'e got a BUTT ugly Audiovox Maestro.... can't get any worse than that...but it is the functionality....

heyday

[PPCRules]

I used to think this was a site that attracted techy-type people. But today it seems populated with art majors or something, with all the worry about the styling and looks.

Where are there any actual specs for this thing??? So far I know nothing! Other than the fact that it looks like it should be on Batman's utility belt.


I think the best (maybe only) we have if through the link in this thread.
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3951

[sponge]

I like how the Dell looks, conservative, not too flashy and shiny. That bottom may be a bit tough to hold at times. Big deal it's not metal enough to blind incoming planes, it still looks nice, and the screen doesn't seem like your standard 3.5 in screen.

[Cortex]

I've been doing some math....

Price prior users paid for their dual slot PPCs + Expected price of upcoming Dell = Lots of whining about how it looks

8O

[serpico]

I guess sex sells and that is the point of the picture, b/c the device won't sell with the ugly looks. The rumor pics were way better.

[ThomasC22]

Walmart lets Verizon Wireless do it. Walmart will do anything if it attracts customers, or the price is right. They just have to make more from that 20 sq. feet of floor space than they do selling paper towels (or whatever.)

I doubt they'd let Dell do that though, only because before the Verizon kiosk Walmart didn't sell Cell. phones. Dell would take away sales from Walmart's Electronics department so I can't see them allowing it.

[BruceG]

I was initially disappointed at the picture of the Dell Axim, but my HP Jornada wasn't very sexy looking either. I actually spent more time looking at the screen and not the device around the screen. Putting a Vaja case (when available) on the Dell might make it look nicer, too. I am very eager to get a Dell, but I will wait to check the reviews after it becomes available.

[Ed Hansberry]

I doubt they'd let Dell do that though, only because before the Verizon kiosk Walmart didn't sell Cell. phones. Dell would take away sales from Walmart's Electronics department so I can't see them allowing it.

For the right price, Wal-Mart will do anything. THink about the kiosk. If they can get more or even equal $$$ per square foot on a comission from Dell than they can selling PDAs on their own, and not have to carry any inventory to do it, nor deal with returns, etc.

Shoot, they'd do it in a heartbeat.

[unxmully]

Does anyone else think this looks like a Palm III?


Handera surely...

[Underwater Mike]

Looks better than my 3635, even with the SS2 attached. Two slots and (hopefully) a screen that approaches the Viewsonic -- if not the 39xx -- in viewability? I'll take that! Besides, it matches the rest of Dell's design aesthetic.

Still, I wonder if George M could do a funky case mod on that thing... 8O

[kagayaki1]

The Shockwave movie has a tagline that says the whole Nov. 18 thing, and then below says "Just in time for the holidays." Whether or not they'll start shipping the 18th, this tagline implies they'll be shipping in time for X-Mas.
"implies"

Dell would have a whole lot to lose by not making good on a time specific advertising campaign like this. Most large companies don't intentionally mess with the holiday season, especially Dell.

[Timothy Rapson]

btw, I've never heard of a Walmart Kiosk, I can't imagine Walmart would let Dell do that...

Yes, I guess WalMart was a bad example to use. They sell their own computers and Dell is getting to be such a full scale marketer with PDAs, Accessories, Software, and whatnot that WalMart may not want to acknowledge them and boost them by selling their products.

[st63z]

Please help out the slow folks... is this the $200 or $300 Dell PDA?

[Timothy Rapson]

Does anyone else think this looks like a Palm III?


Handera surely...

Yes, even better, the Handera 330

http://www.sharbrough.net/shop/images/handera-330-image.gif


This is telling for me. I think the largest size most people will accept was set long ago by the Palm III Handera form factor. Some people will want the smaller Palm V size and weight, but anything that varies far from those forms will not get to mainstream sales levels. With dual slots this Dell will make it into the top tier. If Dell is serious about eventually selling these for $150, they will sell millions and millions of them. $150 is close enough to an MP3 player or a Gameboy advance and when people see that they can download game demos to play for free for a couple of weeks, one after another just like on a desktop, they will see how these could actually be cheaper than buying a GBA.

If only they could build in a video/still camera, and add a phone model for a similar low price (eg 1/2 the TMobile price...that would be free compared to the $250 price after $250 rebate at Amazon for example)

I think we will see those two models from Dell by next year and maybe the model I am looking for and have heard from no one else about. That would be the low-power X-Scale. With Dell's 3400 mA battery such a model could have 5 times the life of practically any current color PDA.

[Rirath]

Looks great to me, I'll take one.
I was never much on the shiny look of the Ipaq anyhow.

[ThomasC22]

Sad after note here: I guess Dell will be introducing these at Comdex. I don't know what's going on this year but Comdex seems to be completely unnoticed this year, I usually know at least 10 people who are going, this near, none!

Plus, Dell doesn't even bother mentioning that they're releasing them a Comdex, what happen to the world biggest technology tradeshow? (No PocketPCFanFest either!)

[Foo Fighter]

I don't know what's going on this year but Comdex seems to be completely unnoticed this year, I usually know at least 10 people who are going, this near, none!

Comdex is a dying venue. It has continued to shrink precipitously, along with other trade shows. PC Expo became TechX, partly because PC markers continued to have less and less presence.

Other trade shows such as CES have become much more poplular...not to mention more entertaining.

Plus, Dell doesn't even bother mentioning that they're releasing them a Comdex, what happen to the world biggest technology tradeshow? (No PocketPCFanFest either!)

Infoworld is running a story on Dell's announcement at Comdex: http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/02/11/04/021104hndell.xml

Here's a clip:

Dell's Macon said that Microsoft has not done a good job in marketing its Pocket PC to consumers. Dell believes it will sell as many as 140,000 units from an initial ship date of Nov. 25 through Jan. 1.


140,000 in 5-6 weeks? Not likely. Dell seem to expect this product to sell based solely on the merits of price. Boy are they in for a surprise.

[heyday]

Well thats why they are comming out on the 18th..... for Comdex...

I'll be there and if they are selling them there.... I'll snap one up.

Comdex still rules...... but I go for business...

heyday

[Dell Dude]

Dude! The Axim is sexy just like me! I'm the Dell Dude!! :rock on dude!:

[Rirath]

Dell Dude... finally! About time, slacker. :lol:
This thread's on page 5 and you just now defend the honor (snicker) of Axim. (more snickering)

[uvahoos]

I know that the Dell "preview" is supposed to be a teaser, but does anyone else find it odd that they don't actually show the whole unit? Also, if I didn't already know what the PocketPC OS looks like, I wouldn't know what this thing could do based on the demo.

Seems like Dell made that demo for people like us who just love to speculate about what's going to happen when a new player comes to bat.

[Jonathon Watkins]

The PDAFrance documents show the Axim in silver - it looks quite a bit nicer in those documents. We will just have to wait on the final unit. Maybe Dell is making them in different colours - that would fit with Dells style of doing things.

[Xyress]

I don't think it looks terribly attractive, but anything is better than the iPAQ. That thing is an eye sore.

I'm still looking for a worthy replacement for my Casio EM-500 and I'm hoping Dell can deliver. If it can play games, I don't care what it looks like.

[PPCRules]

Anyone reading this who hasn't read the Infoworld article Foo Fighter links on page 5 should read it. It adds some interesting perspective on this device that sounded like such a barn-burner when first eluded to just a few months ago. Like, real prices are $350 and $250(?) before rebate, and cheap unit doesn't include a cradle (with the much talked about second battery slot). (Go ahead, read it.) Of course, the 3830 was not introduced as a $350 model.

But, hey, it does have an integrated CF slot, which makes it stand out among all the other current/coming models.

I think I myself will be quite satisfied with these models, but I guess at this point I have to go along with the rest who are saying Dell is going to be quite disappointed with market acceptance and sales volume/market share grab.

Also note the 'plans' for a dual wireless model a year from now.

[sundown]

You know what, I seriously think I'm getting one of these puppies. I know I'm down far on the Pocket PC circle of life since I'm still using a Jornada 520. And I'm pretty tired of apps not working on my PPC because I have an old OS. Hope I can get more than $25 for my 520 on eBay :wink:

[sundown]

But, hey, it does have an integrated CF slot, which makes it stand out among all the other current/coming models.

Actually MSNBC is reporting it may have CF AND Smart Media slots.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/830491.asp?0dm=C16KT

[PPCRules]

Actually MSNBC is reporting it may have CF AND Smart Media slots.
(You mean Secure Digital) My point was that all the new models have only an Secure Digital slot, while the Dell alone adds to that the Compact Flash slot (to accomodate my CF accessories).

P.S. I'll pay more than $25 for your J520.

[Jonathon Watkins]

In fall 2003, Dell will offer a model with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with a hardware-software switch between the two, said Macon.

Hmmm - either SW or HW - not leaving anything out - are they? :wink:

[Merlion]

Actually MSNBC is reporting it may have CF AND Smart Media slots.
(You mean Secure Digital) My point was that all the new models have only an Secure Digital slot, while the Dell alone adds to that the Compact Flash slot (to accomodate my CF accessories).


Yeah, I think it's ridiculous that these new models have only an SD slot, even though they're the supposedly "low-end" line. From the very beginning, these WinCE PDAs all have CF slots, that's what made me go along with them, so that I can use all the CF devices. There're all sorts of CF devices that can really expand the functionalities of the PPCs. You can use a CF adaptor to use a SD, MMC, SM, or MS card with the CF slot as well, which is really useful for editing/organizing digital photos/movies. A single-slot PPC should have the requisite CF slot, & add an SD slot, or maybe 2, for dual or triple-slot machines.

Back to the Dell PPC. Its specs from the InfoWorld page (http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/02/11/04/021104hndell.xml) shows that it's smaller (5" x 3.2" x 0.7") than the iPaq (+ CF SS sleeve of course). Even when compared to the naked iPaq (5.3" x 3.3" x .62"), it's also smaller but slightly thicker. So it's not a brick as some had speculated. As for its looks, looks are highly subjective & superficial, and we've heard opposite opinions from the posters here. But if looks are important to you, the case you carry it in will matter more; in fact, most pple will only see your PPC's case. Also, we can't accurately guage the look of a device from its pic. See how many pple thought that it's huge. Eg., the Jornada 54X series looked much better in your hand compared to their pics. It's real-metal casing, metallic grey coating, rubber grips, bevelling & trimming, etc. exudes professionalism, quality, & robustness. The Jornada 56X series looked much better in pics than when you see it for real. In pics, it looks shiny & high-tech, but in real life, it looked & felt like it's made from cheap plastic. Its silver paint looked like the paint from plastic toys. These are just my opinions anyway, which are highly subjective. ;)

Make quality is very important too. The specs of the e740 seemed to have almost everything most PPC users would want, at a price much lower then their iPaq counterparts (sans CF slot & Wi-Fi capability), & a size much smaller than a complete iPaq. But many e740 owners were complaining in forums & returning their machines. Dell has to make their machines right, first impressions are very important. Even though they're more affordable, if their early machines gave many users problems, pple are going to go for the other brands, which, by then, should have competitive prices as well.

[Jason Dunn]

Actually MSNBC is reporting it may have CF AND Smart Media slots.

Smart Media? No way - I think you meant Secure Digital. :wink:

[Cornerstone]

These new Dell Pocket PCs are very interesting to me because of the integrate CF and SD, extended battery, and their price point. This makes portable GPS for golf and hiking a viable option.

I have a 3600 Ipaq and was thinking about buying a dual CF Nexipack sleeve to hold my CF GPS and maps, but at $150, it is a little spendy. Let's see... a dual CF sleeve on an aging plaform that only works on an Ipaq, or for $50 more, a new Dell with better battery and better screen....

My question is now, which Dell to get? I have heard that the 300 mhz processors actually appear to run slower than the old 206 mhz Strong arms. Is that the case? And also, does the extra 32 mb ram drain the battery quicker, and would it better to have the 64 mb ram for GPS software applications?

Any thoughts?

[ThomasC22]

140,000 in 5-6 weeks? Not likely. Dell seem to expect this product to sell based solely on the merits of price. Boy are they in for a surprise.

I wouldn't count them out just yet...the problem for me has always been this: I've always wanted to deploy PDAs in my organization but I didn't want to deploy Palms (very hard to program) and I needed to keep the pricepoint down.

Further I needed a cheap warranty, for myself the CarePaq was fine but when you start talking in the hundreds things get a little expensive.

This gives me everything I want, cheap price, cheap warranty, reasonably decent device. Bottom line is that I'm going to buy one of november 18th and if it does all that it says it does then I'll be ordering 130 by the end of the year, and I'm a small company (actually medium sized by Dell's standards) so imagine what big corporations are going to be ordering.

[ThomasC22]

My question is now, which Dell to get? I have heard that the 300 mhz processors actually appear to run slower than the old 206 mhz Strong arms. Is that the case? And also, does the extra 32 mb ram drain the battery quicker, and would it better to have the 64 mb ram for GPS software applications?

Any thoughts?

More internal memory is always better, especially if you're loading maps and/or voice GPS software into your device.

I can't see much of a reason for buying the $199 device unless the extra $100 is a real hardship for you. The cradle alone is probably worth it (word is the low end device won't come with a cradle). The processor speed isn't going to make much difference one way or the other, any report that the 300mhz processor is slower than the 206mhz Strongarm is probably more hyperbole than actual fact being not many people have gotten their hands on a 300mhz xscale device and those who did were usually those in the media that were trying to play up the "xscale scandle" at the time.

[Merlion]

140,000 in 5-6 weeks? Not likely. Dell seem to expect this product to sell based solely on the merits of price. Boy are they in for a surprise.
I wouldn't count them out just yet...the problem for me has always been this: I've always wanted to deploy PDAs in my organization but I didn't want to deploy Palms (very hard to program) and I needed to keep the pricepoint down.

Further I needed a cheap warranty, for myself the CarePaq was fine but when you start talking in the hundreds things get a little expensive.

This gives me everything I want, cheap price, cheap warranty, reasonably decent device. Bottom line is that I'm going to buy one of november 18th and if it does all that it says it does then I'll be ordering 130 by the end of the year, and I'm a small company (actually medium sized by Dell's standards) so imagine what big corporations are going to be ordering.

According to Microsoft, in a white paper they released a couple of yrs ago, they said that the success of a PPC depends mainly on corporate sales. Consumer sales' success will improve the image of a product, which will help it being adopted in the corporate arena, but corporate sales is where it's at. So they intend to build the PPC platform enterprise friendly.

If MS's right, Dell's pricing & warrantee* seemed to be on the right track. If their products did what they're supposed to do, & they're reliable, there're good reasons for corporations to go for them, which will ensure their success.
Your comments seemed to suggest that companies are indeed eyeing the new Dell PPCs, & considering adopting them. :)

* Dell's warrantee: "Dell will include next business day advance exchange with one day turnaround as part of the basic price and a second year upgrade for $75 while Compaq charges $50 for the first year and $100 for the second."