Dell Axim X3 Unveiled...Sort Of

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpctools.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid2=514' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpctools.com/module...rticle&sid2=514</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/axim-x3.jpg" /> <br /><br />"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. <br /><br />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..."<br /><br />Pocket PC Tools has several images, <a href="http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1636&showComments=true">as does BargainPDA</a>. Go take a look!

[apeguero]

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?

[Jason Dunn]

What do you think the two buttons are for on the left and right bottom edges?

Actually, I don't think those are buttons...perhaps slots for some sort of screen cover?

[guinness]

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).

[SandersP]

I have to say this is what Toshiba E300 should have been.

say, whatever happen to X7?

[ventivent]

According to bargainpda.com, there will be 3 versions of the X3:

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1636&showComments=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

[bdegroodt]

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.

[powder2000]

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.

[David Prahl]

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?

[Jason Dunn]

I'm wondering what happened to the creativity in hardware design.

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:

[bdegroodt]

I'm wondering what happened to the creativity in hardware design.

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:

No...But they have a lot of pull in determining what gets their name on the device. I have a very nice Dell laptop that's as thin and light as can be and I consider it the best looking laptop I've ever seen (including Apple)...So the "we don't design/research" thing doesn't cut it. Don't slap your name on the device.

[Foo Fighter]

Guess I'm in the minority here, but I actually like this design. I think it looks reasonably sleek and elegant. No, it won't win any design awards or set new trends in form factor....but it looks ok to me. My only complaint...as always...NO FLIP COVER!

The MP3 player looks more interesting to me. I'll bet you dollars to donuts Dell is going to undercut Apple's pricing. :twisted:

[crispeto]

I'm with you. I like the design. Looks sleek but still professional. Can't wait to see one in person.

[threedaysdwn]

I'm betting this will be one of the first PDAs to sport Nvidia's new GoForce chip.

Seeing as in their Press Release yesterday Nvidia mentioned that Dell was one of their first customers for the new chip.

[caywen]

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.

It's all happening already... in the PalmOS camp. I'm a PocketPC fan all the way, but I gotta say the PalmOS camp has really gotten its act together and are introducing some really innovative stuff (Zire 71, Tungsten T3, Sony UX series)

[portus]

It's a very elegant design and aesthetically appealing to me. I never understood the opinion made by some that anything not "rounded", "aerodynamic", or "ergonomic" is considered a dull or bad design. Some designs look catchy and flashy at first sight but overtime thay look ostentatious. Personally I prefer clean and stream-lined designs like this.

I have two "wishes" for this device by the photo:
(1) The (still) bulky but better looking cradle seems to be a portable one. There is apparent a "cover" that you can open up for device syncing and close down when the device is away so as not to accumulate dust. Also, I am hoping that the transformer is built-in the cradle and the power cord is retractible into the cradle so you can take a fully portable cradle with you.
(2) I still wish (I know it's too late to wish by now) that the X3 has a CF slot. I know the X7 may be coming. But who knows. The X3 in the picture with the cradle seems to be a little bit thicker than the other in the picture alone. So hope is still there ...

[yunez]

hell im just glad it looks a lot better than the preproduction renderings

[BrotherDave]

Seconding Foo Fighter, no flip cover so the effective pocket size (when you add a case) is still huge.

[jngold_me]

Any word yet on the dimensions and weight? I current have a 1900 series Ipaq and have gotten spoiled by its light weight and small dimensions. I understand that the 4000 series HP's will have relatively the same form factor as the 1900 and contain BOTH BT and WiFi! :D

[MacBirdie]

Well, it's nice to see that our leaked images appeared to be quite exact. :)

"- The informant was real.
- Yes
- We have the name of their next target
- The name is X3"

:mrgreen:

[Gremmie]

I'm wondering what happened to the creativity in hardware design.

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:

No...But they have a lot of pull in determining what gets their name on the device. I have a very nice Dell laptop that's as thin and light as can be and I consider it the best looking laptop I've ever seen (including Apple)...So the "we don't design/research" thing doesn't cut it. Don't slap your name on the device.

If you look at some of the latest analyst of Dell's spending you'll find you're both right. Dell has expanded to other markets, (i.e., network products, printers, PDAs). They typically start off by benefiting from other's R&D, for instance Dell used Lexmark for their printers. However, they are starting to branch into developing on their own. Micheal Dell is trying to double revenue this year and has branched out to develop its own products with it's own R&D. They once partnered with Cisco for network products, but now they are preparing to develop their own network products and abandon Cisco.

So, for some products, they do R&D themselves, for this PDA and their recent periphials, no. Regardless, not until recently has Dell R&D'd its own, previously the company benefited from other R&D.

[Prevost]

:D It looks a LOT like the Tungsten E :mrgreen: Sorry.

[easylife]

:D It looks a LOT like the Tungsten E :mrgreen: Sorry.
No kidding! 8O
http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/1891.jpg http://www.pdabuzz.com/images/news/te1.jpg

[Prevost]

:D It looks a LOT like the Tungsten E :mrgreen: Sorry.
No kidding! 8O
http://www.bargainpda.com/assets/1891.jpg http://www.pdabuzz.com/images/news/te1.jpg
You can't deny it (Look at the directional pad and proportions) :mrgreen:

[easylife]

You can't deny it (Look at the directional pad and proportions) :mrgreen:
Yes, the dpads are strikingly similar. I should note, however, that I scaled the pictures to the same dimentions when I linked them to the page. :wink:

[David Prahl]

The new Toshiba e805 has a similar "recessed block" shaped D-PAD. I'd crop photos of all three but have better things to do. Sorry!

Looks like another design rut coming: the thin, rectangle theme. :roll:

[Prevost]

You can't deny it (Look at the directional pad and proportions) :mrgreen:
Yes, the dpads are strikingly similar. I should note, however, that I scaled the pictures to the same dimentions when I linked them to the page. :wink:
I noticed...be good buddy!

[spursdude]

(2) I still wish (I know it's too late to wish by now) that the X3 has a CF slot. I know the X7 may be coming. But who knows. The X3 in the picture with the cradle seems to be a little bit thicker than the other in the picture alone. So hope is still there ...
One of the main points of the X3 is to a be a super-slim device. Adding a CF slot would make it substantially thicker.

[huangzhinong]

(2) I still wish (I know it's too late to wish by now) that the X3 has a CF slot. I know the X7 may be coming. But who knows. The X3 in the picture with the cradle seems to be a little bit thicker than the other in the picture alone. So hope is still there ...
One of the main points of the X3 is to a be a super-slim device. Adding a CF slot would make it substantially thicker.

Super-slim?? it is 150g weight.

[Ramin]

"What really stands out is the lack of the blue trim and blue WiFi antenna on the production unit..."

..."blue trim"? :| :?: ..."blue Wi-Fi antenna"? :? :?: WHAT ABOUT THE LACK OF BLUETOOTH?! :evil: :?: :!: Geez... :roll: :cry: Looks like I'll be sticking with HP iPAQs.

[clinte]

What happened with "In fall 2003, Dell will offer a model with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with a hardware-software switch between the two, said Macon" (Dell). http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,106644,00.asp
Dell Next Generation Axim with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and triband radios http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/06/26/HNaxim_1.html

Or was it just hype?

[jake080]

First off, considering Dell's vagueness in the lame conference meeting, i think they will be releasing a highend axim also in the next couple mo. they maybe are having troble finishing it, so they are embarrased and dont want us to know!
Second, there seem to have been x3 models released you Dell employees. I was told by an owner that bt and wifi are both optional, as in, you can have both. I still dont like it though, CF is an important part of ppcs!!!

~Jake

[Jonathan1]

First off, considering Dell's vagueness in the lame conference meeting, i think they will be releasing a highend axim also in the next couple mo. they maybe are having troble finishing it, so they are embarrased and dont want us to know!
Second, there seem to have been x3 models released you Dell employees. I was told by an owner that bt and wifi are both optional, as in, you can have both. I still dont like it though, CF is an important part of ppcs!!!

~Jake

Geesh people. The X3 is intended for the low end market, even though it has some high end features in it such as WIFI. Eventually an X7 will make its way onto the scene. I really don't think Dell has any choice in the matter when you look at the top of the line iPaq model.

The X3's primary goal is to compete head to head with the 19xx and the 22xx series, something I think it will do successfully if they can make it as small as the 19xx series and by blowing HP out of the water with price on the low end X3.

I do question the use of adding WIFI to these devices. I can't believe the batter life on a 900 mAh device would be anything but dismal and if they happened to add a larger battery that would most likely bulk up the device itself. I'm going to be VERY interested in seeing batt benchmarks with WIFI enabled on these devices. If the specs are true for the X3 line


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.

I can't see any reason not to add BT to the 400Mhz device W/O WIFI.

[David Prahl]

Geesh people. The X3 is intended for the low end market, even though it has some high end features in it such as WIFI. Eventually an X7 will make its way onto the scene. I really don't think Dell has any choice in the matter when you look at the top of the line iPaq model.


:D AMEN! Thanks for reminding us that you get what you pay for. Let's hope Dell can find a good niche in the high end market, too.


I do question the use of adding WIFI to these devices. I can't believe the batter life on a 900 mAh device would be anything but dismal and if they happened to add a larger battery that would most likely bulk up the device itself.

You're right. Battery technology and prices just aren't evolving as fast as the devices are. It's always a tradeoff between battery life, power, and size. Hopefully better discrete circuitry and CPU usage will let us get the most bang for our buck. That's what Intel is trying to do with the Centrino© notebooks right now.


I can't see any reason not to add BT to the 400Mhz device W/O WIFI.

Three in a row! :lol: HP has made it normal to have BT in almost every device. If the X3 had BT in the 400 Mhz model it could trample the 19xx series.

[PetiteFlower]

If BT was more useful, I might agree.....

Anyway the X3 was ALWAYS intended to come out before the X7, I don't think this has anything to do with Dell being "embarassed" about it not being finished. I don't think we'll see that until probably early next year--my guess anyway.

The only way I'd get a device with no CF is if it had built in Wi-fi. So this is actually a possible next purchase for me!