Dell readies new PDA, Smartphone

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/06/26/HNaxim_1.html' target='_blank'>http://www.infoworld.com/article/03...6/HNaxim_1.html</a><br /><br /></div>"Dell Computer has revealed that the next generation of its Axim handheld will include both Wi-Fi and triband radios, signaling a new wave of mobile productivity. In addition, an executive at the company's headquarters here said Dell plans to develop a device based on Microsoft's Smartphone platform. <br /><br />The next generation Axim will allow users to switch between Wi-Fi networks and CDMA or GSM networks. Due out in 2004, the device will likely support 802.11g, which offers backward compatibility with 802.11b and speeds of up to 31Mbps. <br /><br />The Axim will also include Bluetooth to permit synchronization with client devices, including notebooks, said Anthony Bonadero, Dell's director of wireless product marketing, during a set of exclusive briefings arranged for InfoWorld here this week."<br /><br />Ok, now this really got me excited - the one combination that would, for my needs, be killer is WiFi and GPRS or 1XRTT in a single device. Adding Bluetooth is just a cherry on top - the first two are what I really want. Go Dell go! And a Dell Smartphone? Cool!

[droppedd]

daaaamn... any news on pricing?

[thanos255]

Here is a quote from the article:

We didn't know these sorts of margins still existed in computers," Bonadero said of Dell's foray into PDAs with the Axim.

Now don't we feel like suckers :) lol

At least they admit the high profit margins :)

Thanks
Thanos

[Reza]

Let's hope they got rid of their brickmaker and hired a professional industrial designer for this one…

[Jason Dunn]

daaaamn... any news on pricing?

Waaaaay too early for that. Pricing doesn't get announced until the devices are ready to go out the door.

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Sounds like the Wanda to me .....

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,10221

[TawnerX]

..yeah but I bet it'll be the size of Texas and looking as pretty as cinder block. :jester:

[entropy1980]

Count me in what more could you posibbly want?

[jpaq]

Sounds like the Wanda to me .....

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,10221

I believe that is was TI that just announced a technology to let different wireless technologies work and play well together.

Good Call!

Now, where on the Wanda, is there room for a Dell logo? Hmmmm.

[hudsonmobile]

Frankly, I am OK if Dell is making a good margin on the device -- the fact that they can still price the Axim below the IPAQ and other similar devices (Axim Basic is $180 USD right now on Dell) shows just how low Dell's cost of production is relative to its competitors.

While we don't know exactly what this hybrid device will sell for, I bet it will have the best price/performance ratio of this new class of hybrid LAN/WAN devices -- sign me up! :D

[ricktakagi]

I just hope that they make this device small enough to fit in my pocket. I don't really care how much is built into it if I can't bring the device with me when i go out. The current Axim is way too big and sits on my kitchen counter unless I'm wearing a jacket or have my backpack.


Rick

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Getty Up. Anyone else notice that us BlackBerry users may finally have something to rejoice about? Makes me wonder if there will be a thumboard on this new Dell :clap: .....


You could call it a Pocket PC[-based] GoodLink or BlackBerry device," Bonadero explained. "When we went out the door with Good [Technology as a new partner] a couple of months back, we made it very clear we are working with them as well as others to define the next generation of products."

[trachy]

It'll be nice to see some more SmartPhones on the market. The longer I have my PPC the more I realize I want an integrated device without the bulk of a PPCP.

[aroma]

:jawdrop: :alfdance:

[PPCRules]

Count me in what more could you posibbly want?
It's stated that this is the next device. Actually, what I could want between now and the device described is something in a smaller, thinner package that added a few less flashy improvements. Maybe a model with integrated keyboard, or with just bluetooth built in, or a camera, or SDIO on the top, OR LINE-IN for stereo recording.
Otherwise, I would have liked to see the rumored low end model this year as the next model.

[droppedd]

eh - an onboard line-in on a pocket PC would probably have MUCH worse sound quality even than the average built-in soundcard PC's line in... too many interference-generating components right next to the plug, too. If you're really interested in recording on the ppc, check out this:

http://www.core-sound.com/HighResRecorderNews.html#PDAUDIO-CF

looks very cool... if my band takes off this semester, maybe i'll get one to go with my (hopefully soon to be delivered) ipaq 2210... imagine how cool that would be - i could release a band demo recorded completely on a pocketPC 8) . imagine... an iPaq plugged into a mixer/mic preamp... mmmmm...

[Kati Compton]

I'm actually more interested in their SmartPhone. If they can shatter pricing barriers with that the way they did with the PDA, I might be able to afford one! :)

[Gen-M]

Sounds great, but it will need to have USB Host to get my dollars.

[Paul P]

I bet we'll see a device like that by the end of the year. HP has nothing left to add to their line other than more integration. Of course, there is always sticking with the same old and just boosting speed and memory. Hopefully that won't be the case come this Fall.

[MonkeyGrass]

Well, looks as though I just found my Toshiba-Killer.

And possibly the replacement to my (brand new - no less) AT&T T68i. I guess that will go to the wife... Good thing she doesn't mind hand me downs. ;)

I'm thinking, this unit, BT headset, and that core-sound kit makes me one uber-connected geek/musician!

I think I'm in love... I just hope it's not HUGE!

[whydidnt]

This could be the ultimate PDA/Phone device. But if it's not small enough to carry aroudn comfortably it will be a bomb, just like current PPCPE devices. I have my T-mobile PPCPE sitting on my desk collecting dust now. For my purposes it was too much of a hassle to drag everywhere I went, even clipped to my belt. Dell needs to start with that as a baseline and somehow find a way to shrink everything into a smaller package. If they can do that, sign me up. :mrgreen:

Whydidnt

[GadgetDave]

Interesting that it says this will be the "next" device - I thought the rumored small (X3?) device would be next - and I've heard small, thin, light for that one. This one is still 6+ months away.

But it looks like they'll use that partnership with Good Technology and give us the best of Blackberry in a PPC device ... yea! :D

[darius779]

I bet we'll see a device like that by the end of the year. HP has nothing left to add to their line other than more integration. Of course, there is always sticking with the same old and just boosting speed and memory. Hopefully that won't be the case come this Fall.

I agree with Paul P. If this device had come out 6 months ago it would have been revolutionary. In 2004 this feature set will no doubt be standard in handheld companies high-end models.

Dell was simply the first to announce such a device (I think..) I believe that the others will follow suit like the good little clones they are.

Don't get me wrong, I love my PPCs, I just feel that OEMs are dragging their feet.. pushing old technology(maybe 'old' is too strong of word) :grumble:

[Enderet]

:frusty: 2004

[danmanmayer]

If this is released i beleive all my dreams may actually come true. I have been waiting for one of these for a year and 1/2. I can't believe no one else thought someone would want wifi and cellular. I want the net EVERYWHERE which wifi doesn't have, but i want it fast when i can get it. Oh baby! So Dude, I am getting a dell even if it is as large as the other Axims! People saying it will be standard are forgetting that no others have announced with this combination yet. So perhaps Dell will beat them to the punch. Perhaps others will jump on and we all win with increased competition. I have got to say i love Dell.

[danmanmayer]

I have my T-mobile PPCPE sitting on my desk collecting dust now. For my purposes it was too much of a hassle to drag everywhere I went, even clipped to my belt.

Whydidnt

I will take it. I know some people that would love to have a phone just like mine! :D

Seriously it isn't that big. I would take a larger device to have built in wifi and such.

[Foo Fighter]

More info on Dell's wireless strategy:

http://news.com.com/2100-1044_3-1021728.html?tag=fd_top

Dell plans, over time, to add wireless to nearly all of its notebooks and Axim PDAs. Dell is expected to start its handheld effort by building 802.11b into a version of the Axim by the end of this year.

During 2004, Dell is expected to broaden the wireless capabilities of the Axim with a version that offers 802.11g. Dell is also expected to build a hybrid Axim that combines PDA and cell phone characteristics and can operate on three different wireless network standards: GPRS, CDMA (code division multiple access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).

[daS]

Adding Bluetooth is just a cherry on top - the first two are what I really want.
Of course you know I would feel differently abou that comment Jason. :wink:

Having Bluetooth is the only way that I would consider a Pocket PC Phone. It's not just because of BluetoothNews (www.bluetoothnews.com) either. Any Pocket PC Phone is just too big for me to want to hold to my ear. With Bluetooth, I could leave the phone on in my briefcase or jacket pocket and use the it wirelessly. There is one feature missing from most Bluetooth enabled phones: The voice dialer only allows you to dial numbers in your phone book. With the Pocket PC Phone (and Fonix) you can dial any number by saying the digits. Doing that with a wireless headset - now that would be cool. 8)

[Jonathan1]

Nothing on the X3 huh? Guessing I'm getting an HP 1940 series

[whydidnt]

Seriously it isn't that big. I would take a larger device to have built in wifi and such.

I'm sure you would, and I know there are other people who feel size doesn't matter. :oops: However, you cannot deny the trend of mobile phones to a smaller form factor. The primary reason is that is what a majority of the population wants.

Dell or someone has to figure out away to deliver the PPCPE in a size and just as importantly, weight, that is comparable to other phones, such as the P800. Until then, these will just be geek devices, and will not become as prevelant as you or I think they should. :wink:

Whydidnt

[Jonathon Watkins]

Frankly, I am OK if Dell is making a good margin on the device -- the fact that they can still price the Axim below the IPAQ and other similar devices (Axim Basic is $180 USD right now on Dell) shows just how low Dell's cost of production is relative to its competitors.

While we don't know exactly what this hybrid device will sell for, I bet it will have the best price/performance ratio of this new class of hybrid LAN/WAN devices -- sign me up! :D

Agreed, Dell are still undercutting the rest. It just shows how much THEY are manking. :idontthinkso: Though it would not hurt to drop the prices some more. :wink:

[nishka]

Hot on the heels of my disappointment over the new Ipaq, I'm quite excited to hear the news about the new Dell. Hopefully it'll be a small form factor.

[clinte]

I've read somewhere that TI has an interesting customer already ;o)
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=92784