Aximsite.com Dell Axim X3 Advanced with Integrated Wifi Review

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.aximsite.com/modules.php?s=&name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=28' target='_blank'>http://www.aximsite.com/modules.php...showpage&pid=28</a><br /><br /></div>The first reviews of the X3 are starting to pop up...meanwhile, I'm still sitting here waiting for mine to show up. :roll:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/page1a3pic.jpg" /> <br /><br />"With the Axim X5, Dell vaulted into the Pocket PC world, capturing 37% of the market in less than one year. One of the most apparent reasons for this instant user base has to be the price. At 5 ounces, the Axim X3 is 28 percent lighter than its predecessor, and at .55 inches, 17 percent thinner. The Dell Axim X5’s price was a refreshing change to the $400.00 plus Pocket PCs. Those that did not like the X5 complained about the lack of SDIO availability and called the X5 names like “a brick”. I personally love the looks of the X5 and you can not complain about the price at all, but I too desire a smaller PPC. <br /><br />Enter the Dell Axim X3, smaller, thinner, lighter, SDIO availability and even built in wireless. This addresses all the major complaints of non-Axim supporters. Knowing the Pocket PC community and its loyalty to certain companies, many will find a new list of complaints with the X3 also. Even Dell Axim X5 owners are already complaining about the lack of the CF slot. This does not bother me at all considering I rarely use my CF slot anyway and when I do it is for WiFi, which comes built in on the higher end model. The X3 comes in 3 flavors, Basic (300mhz w/ 32mb RAM and 32mb ROM), Advanced (400mhz w/ 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM), and Advanced w/ WiFi (400mhz w/ 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM)..."

[reddeerguy]

BargainPDA also has a review up. Looks like a nice machine.

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1683&showComments=true

[reddeerguy]

http://www.bensbargains.net mentions some nice discounts on buying these guys: (even bulk . . . .)

---------------
"The new Dell Axim X3 PDAs are now available. You can get two 300MHz Axim X3's for $458 - $35 off $450 code EDE4FFA2CF35 = $423 or $212 each.
-300MHz Axim X3 32MB Handheld = $229 (or two for $423 as mentioned) (http://bensbargains.net/cgi-bin/dhs.cgi?3001YR2)
-400MHz Axim X3 64MB Handheld $329 - auto 10% off = $296 (hhttp://bensbargains.net/cgi-bin/dhs.cgi?4001YR2)
-400MHz Axim X3 Handheld +802.11b $379 - auto 10% off = $341" (http://bensbargains.net/cgi-bin/dhs.cgi?4001YR3)
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$341 for a wireless and slim PPC? Who cares if it ain't going to win any style competitions for that price. For fellow canucks, thats only $450 canadian!! Hope dell.ca offers comparable pricing!!

[ctmagnus]

64MB ROM! :rock on dude!:

I wonder how much is actually in use, though.

[upplepop]

Many users of the current X5 and myself are wondering why Dell decided to change the connection for the cradle/sync cable from a 26 pin connector to 40 pins. While, for now that question still remains unanswered, a Dell Rep told me that this should not be an issue on future models.

I can't believe they changed the connector for the cradle/sync cable. Now, any peripherals we my have for the X5 (like my $100 keyboard)won't be compatable and they will have to release two versions of everything.

Big mistake in my opinion.

[reddeerguy]

64MB ROM! :rock on dude!:

I wonder how much is actually in use, though.

From http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1683&showComments=true

"The Advanced and Elite Axims have a full 64 MB of RAM, 64 MB flash ROM, of which almost 35 MB is available."

---------------------
mark

[spursdude]

Looks like a fantastic PPC... and I actually like the looks too. I never thought the X5 looked that great...

CNet also has reviews up here (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3128_7-5090913.html?tag=cnetfd.ld).

[dean_shan]

I must say this is much, much, better looking then the old one.

[Pocket PC Dubai]

Could be the iPAQ h4150 killer!!

It has WiFi, 400mhz, with 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM for $379, but no BT!!

[Newsboy]

Goodbyyyyyyyyyyye HP 1910. Hellooooooo Dell!

[hopeful797]

but no bluetooth--and only one slot so adding bluetooth limits expandability. seems like the 4150 is more comprehensive.

[Pocket PC Dubai]

but no bluetooth--and only one slot so adding bluetooth limits expandability. seems like the 4150 is more comprehensive.

Correct No built-in Bluetooth

Absolutely a deal breaker. I recommend the iPAQ h4150. The X3 could also compete with Toshiba’s e330 or e740/750.

[juni]

I still think it looks like the Tungsten ;)

[rskoss]

Could be the iPAQ h4150 killer!!

It has WiFi, 400mhz, with 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM for $379, but no BT!!

No BT and no CF slot to even add BT.

[Thinkingmandavid]

It depends on what is really important to the user. Since there is now a sd wi fi card, we can assume soon to be bt sd card. or maybe hope.
If we are looking to save money this is one way to go, Dell X3.

[jngold_me]

Nice. But since it has no BT, looks like I'm going with the 4100 series. I want that BT GPS navi system! :D

[dh]

Well, I'm still waiting.

Dell seem to have done a good job with positioning the X3 against a bunch of HP, Viewsonic and Toshiba models. It does not have the features I'm looking for so I will not be investing in one.

The embedded WiFi is nice, but I'm not giving up my CF card.

If the X3 had more RAM and a CF slot, obviously at a slightly higher price, it would have been a better device for me. Anyone say X7?

[shawnc]

I can't believe they changed the connector for the cradle/sync cable. Now, any peripherals we my have for the X5 (like my $100 keyboard)won't be compatable and they will have to release two versions of everything.

Big mistake in my opinion.

I agree. I was even willing to do w/o BT (maybe), but no way am I reinvesting in new KB. Oh well, the search continues........

[UCCOFFEE]

i wonder wot the extended battery will look like, and how heavy it ll be after using it. And will there be a proporta type Alumium case that can fit X3 with large battery???

only 35Mb RAM available??? that's less than the 1910's 44Mb RAM~

Nothing can replace the HP H1910 .... cos all the new machine use PLASTIC body.... no more historical metalic body...

I hope dell ll have a pocketpc phone out soon....

[egads]

I was hoping that the X3 basic would come in around $150US. I was going to buy one of these for my wife, but not at $229. Hope they have a $50 rebate or something that will get me interested again...

[alcdroid]

only 35Mb RAM available??? that's less than the 1910's 44Mb RAM~


Uh...that's ROM, not RAM. The Advanced and Wifi version has 64Mb of ROM of which ~35Mb is available to the user. Also, since they all use StrataFlash for their ROM, almost all of its 32/64Mb RAM is available for use.

Cheers!

[PetiteFlower]

The basic X3 isn't even showing on the web site right now, so who knows what the actual price will be.

Here's what I think:

Bluetooth--completely useless. For me. Wifi--yay! But if you REALLY need BT, you can get it in an SD card.

CF--didn't get any CF cards. Was going to get a CF wifi card but if I have this, I won't need one.

Peripherals--all I got was my Gomadic cable, and those are exchangable when you get a new ppc. But even if you did get a keyboard, just sell it on Ebay, you won't be out that much :)

And there is 35M ROM available, not RAM. There's 64M of RAM.

But hey, if this doesn't have what you want, don't get it. Me, I'm excited about it, big time! Don't go saying that this is a crappy device though just because it doesn't have every little thing that you want, just say that it doesn't suit your needs.

[Boxster S]

Could be the iPAQ h4150 killer!!

It has WiFi, 400mhz, with 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM for $379, but no BT!!

Bah, the iPAQ 4150 is still thinner, smaller and lighter. And you can get it for $400 at Amazon.com ($449 - $50 Gift Certificate). Plus I don't have to pay tax at Amazon like I do at Dell. Plus I get bluetooth and a larger battery. Plus, the X3 has that unsightly wart at the top for WiFi.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000DBJTZ/qid=1066222296/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-0168752-2900700?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

iPAQ 4155: 4.47 x 2.8 x 0.5, 4.667 ounces
Dell Axim X3: 4.6 x 3 x 0.6, 4.8 ounces

[greenmozart]

... just say that it doesn't suit your needs.

It doesn't suit my needs! :wink:

[RobertCF]

One word: UGLY. And too thin for my taste--I'd at least like to know I actually HAVE something in my hand. I wouldn't call it an iPaq killer, either, that's just silly. It's in the same league as the 19xx and 2xxx series, which is nice competition. I still prefer the look and presence of the 5xxx and the X5 much more than this toy.

[powder2000]

I like it! It adds to the array of solid pocket pc's made by the leading competition. One question though, what is it made of? Nice review, but I like how the gadgeteer starts out with a creak test in their reviews. Is it a plastic back with metal front or painted plastic?

[david291]

$100 for the optional extended battery? Ouch.

[MonkeyGrass]

ROFL

Oh Jeez, no WONDER manufacturers can't figure out what the market wants - the MARKET doesn't know what the market wants!!

This is funny.. Did I really just see someone post that the X3 is "too thin"? Wow - first the X5 is a brick. Then the X3 is too thin! :roll:

If there is one lesson that can be taken from this thread, it's that EVERYONE has different needs, and no one PPC is going to suit that.

All I hear for months is "why aren't more companies including WiFi into their PPCs?" It finally starts to happen, and now half the users are complaining about no CF slots! No BT. Or different connectors. Haven't we figured out by now, that accessories are a DEAD END when it comes to PPC's? Just suck it up - and realize that whatever you buy for THIS PDA - (unless it's BT or IR and even that is going to depend on drivers) is going to be useless when you upgrade. Do I get upset that my custom tint job on my car windows, or my nice rims, can't work on my new car? NO - it's part of the cost of upgrading. Deal with it. Even the companies that attempt to maintain certain "standards" for accessories don't do it across all models - Palm doesn't even use their *universal* connector on all their PDA's... If this PDA doesn't suit your needs, and you know this, it is really neccessary to get on a forum and bash it for no reason other than it doesn't include your favorite niche technology that most people have never even heard of? Either way, it's going to be obsolete in 6-8 months, so what is the difference?

This thing looks fantastic. I might even pick one up (if there's a good rebate) and give my 740 to my daughter or wife. Thin, WiFi, 400 mhz, plenty of RAM - GUYS - IT'S A PDA NOT A POCKET SERVER!! Ironically enough, it even LOOKS like what the e740 *should* have been, and MIGHT have been if we had gotten a WM2k3 upgrade.

WARNING - MINOR OFFTOPIC RANT AHEAD~

I think we've all gone off the deep end to certain extent. After trying to stretch the boundaries of what a PPC can be for almost 2 years, I've realized that for me, it's basically a PIM, EMail client, picture viewer, offline web content repository, eBook reader, MP3 player and occasionally a short puzzle game or two while waiting in line or something. That's it. That's all I need a PDA to do, and quite honestly, nearly any PDA (with Wifi) running any handheld OS, would do the trick. We finally reached the point where the platforms are offering almost the same bag of tricks, and price, style, and brand preference are determing what PDA's people are buying now - or NOT buying as the market seems to be showing us. Once you have a color PDA with a decent screen that does these things, where is the motivation to upgrade? WM2k3? Are you kidding? Like I'm going to drop another $400 on a PDA just to get Wireless Zero Configuration and lose ALL my application compatibility? Is MS serious? Every PPC is the same, square box, with the same 5 buttons, and then they release 2k3 - is this supposed to entice me to upgrade? NOT.

&lt;/rant>

Ok, I guess you guys can continue to tell us just why this X3 is NOT going to be your next purchase.

Carry on... ;)

[acronym]

so is it any faster? what, other than size/weight, would cause me to give up my x5? I certainly hope technology has moved a bit in the last 18 months. Isn't supposed to double? where's my 800mhz processor? wheres my flying car ???!!!

[eustts]

Thank you Monkeygrass. I couldn't agree more.... :D

[fyiguy]

Could be the iPAQ h4150 killer!!

It has WiFi, 400mhz, with 64mb RAM and 64mb ROM for $379, but no BT!!

No BT and no CF slot to even add BT.

You could add BT with an SDIO card, Socket makes one.

http://www.socketcom.com/product/BL4800-392.asp

Hopefully the Dell Axim X3 has SDIO Now! drivers/support otherwise it may not work. Currently only 3 devices that I know of work with the Socket card- 3950 and 3955(with upgraded Flash Rom) and the Samsung i700. I tried using it with an SPV Smartphone, but since it currently doesn't have SDIO Now! drivers/support it wasn't recognized...

[Scott R]

So it looks like many of the rumors were wrong. No Bluetooth and the price is higher than was expected. Reviewers are still claiming that Dell is undercutting the competition, but I don't see it. The upcoming h4150 will be priced just a tad higher when bought online and will offer Bluetooth as well as what looks to be a smaller formfactor. Dell had a huge price advantage last year, but not this year.

I'm particularly disappointed about the lack of Bluetooth. I could have been quite happy with one of these models, even the lowest-end model, if it had Bluetooth. I see Wi-Fi as a "part-time" technology. IOW, I only need to have it there some of the time, so if I have to carry around a Wi-Fi SDIO card and just plug it in when I'm in a Wi-Fi zone, no problem. Bluetooth, OTOH, I want in there all of the time because I'd be using it to sync to my laptop, connect to my cell phone, and beam things to/from other Bluetooth-enabled PDAs.

I'm not particularly crazy about having to pay $400+ for the h4150, though. All I really needs is a $250 PDA with Bluetooth, one SDIO slot, and a useful serial connector (so that I can plug in a GPS mouse). As someone else said, everyone's needs are different, but my needs haven't been met by anyone yet.

Scott

[Enderet]

:?: 8O .... DO those SPB Benchmark results imply that the X3 is faster than the 2215.... in the games department? Hehehe..... :twisted:

[Chris Leckness]

Hopefully the Dell Axim X3 has SDIO Now! drivers/support otherwise it may not work. Currently only 3 devices that I know of work with the Socket card- 3950 and 3955(with upgraded Flash Rom) and the Samsung i700. I tried using it with an SPV Smartphone, but since it currently doesn't have SDIO Now! drivers/support it wasn't recognized...

The Press Release indicates it does have SDIO Now! .... I have tested a Sandisk WiFi SD Card with it and it worked great.

[Jonathan1]

I’m currently looking at the X3 vs. the 4155. There are a whole load of pros and cons on both systems. The biggest pro on the X3, IMHO is the battery and obviously the price. The extended battery kicks the butt of the 4155’s 1000mAh battery with WIFI this could be a big deal.
The biggest pro of the 4155 is that it has both BT and WIFI is available while keeping the form factor really small. Small is good.
Storage and memory is really a non-issue with the 4155 since I could use a SD card. I guess the biggest question and , factor that would make me decide one way or another is which device is more likely be upgraded to PPC2004.
My biggest gripe on both devices and really all PPCs in general is the lack of cover. leather or nylon cover takes up more space then a simple flip cover attached to the front of the device. How freaking hard would it be to put two measly holes on each side of the device and provide a basic cover? This is such an easy thing to provide. It almost seems like a no brainer. :twak:
Anyways, back on topic, I'm leaning towards the 4155 still but the X3 is mighty tempting.

[Jonathan1]

Another side note. Why the heck does everything have to be blue now a days? :roll: The little WIFI antenna flashes blue when its sending/receiving data. Can you say annoying at heck? Heck I thought blue was the universal indicator for BlueTooth? There will be a hack for this. You can bet your PDA on it.

[Boxster S]

The extended battery kicks the butt of the 4155’s 1000mAh battery with WIFI this could be a big deal.
Jonathan1, what are you talking about?

The X3's standard battery is 950 mAh
The 4155's standard battery is 1000 mAh

The X3's extended battery is 1800 mAh
The 4155's extended battery is 1800 mAh (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=1605)

[cribbagewiz]

Another side note. Why the heck does everything have to be blue now a days? :roll: The little WIFI antenna flashes blue when its sending/receiving data. Can you say annoying at heck? Heck I thought blue was the universal indicator for BlueTooth? There will be a hack for this. You can bet your PDA on it.

I would guess that the reason lights are increasingly blue is that blue LEDs use a lower amount of power since the wavelength of blue light is lower. Certainly power conservation is admirable, no?

[ctmagnus]

I would guess that the reason lights are increasingly blue is that blue LEDs use a lower amount of power since the wavelength of blue light is lower. Certainly power conservation is admirable, no?

So that's why all the default MS themes are blue(ish)...

[ctmagnus]

Oh Jeez, no WONDER manufacturers can't figure out what the market wants - the MARKET doesn't know what the market wants!!

...

WARNING - MINOR OFFTOPIC RANT AHEAD~

I think we've all gone off the deep end to certain extent. After trying to stretch the boundaries of what a PPC can be for almost 2 years, I've realized that for me, it's basically a PIM, EMail client, picture viewer, offline web content repository, eBook reader, MP3 player and occasionally a short puzzle game or two while waiting in line or something. That's it. That's all I need a PDA to do, and quite honestly, nearly any PDA (with Wifi) running any handheld OS, would do the trick. We finally reached the point where the platforms are offering almost the same bag of tricks, and price, style, and brand preference are determing what PDA's people are buying now - or NOT buying as the market seems to be showing us. Once you have a color PDA with a decent screen that does these things, where is the motivation to upgrade? WM2k3? Are you kidding? Like I'm going to drop another $400 on a PDA just to get Wireless Zero Configuration and lose ALL my application compatibility? Is MS serious? Every PPC is the same, square box, with the same 5 buttons, and then they release 2k3 - is this supposed to entice me to upgrade? NOT.

&lt;/rant>

I concur totally, completely, 100%.

[Exempli Gratia]

Would having the extra ROM (64MB-vs-32MB for the iPaq) potentially make the X3 more upgradeable to 2004?

Seems like a nice feature in either case. Use the ROM for documents and apps. Use the SD card for books, MP3's, mpeg's. This way you can swap SD cards and still have your documents and apps at hand.

[questionlp]

I still think it looks like the Tungsten ;)
I think the Tungsten T3 or the E looks better than the X3... the X3 cradle is rather ugly and bulky as well. At least the T3, E and the C all have higher res screens (T3- 320x480, E/C - 320x320), versus the limiting 240x320 :P

I do have to agree with everyone who thinks that the X3 is ugly... just like everything Dell puts out :D

[PetiteFlower]

Ok ok I have to admit, it isn't most attractive thing in the world. But if I wanted all looks and no substance I would have gotten a 1910! I'm hoping this will be a lot less bulky in my pocket then my X5, that's fine with me.

As for competition with the 41-whatever.....I don't want to pay more, even only $50 more, for a feature I'm never gonna use(bluetooth). Not everyone wants both BT and Wifi, though there are clearly some who do, and some who think BT alone is enough. But for those like me who want wifi and no BT, this is a better choice then the ipaq.

[Jonathan1]

The extended battery kicks the butt of the 4155’s 1000mAh battery with WIFI this could be a big deal.
Jonathan1, what are you talking about?

The X3's standard battery is 950 mAh
The 4155's standard battery is 1000 mAh

The X3's extended battery is 1800 mAh
The 4155's extended battery is 1800 mAh (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=1605)

:jawdrop:

OK you have officially made my day. I was unaware that there was such a thing as an extended batt for the 4155. :oops: Hence the reason I was making the comparisons to the 950 and 1800 batts. Game over man!! Decision made!!! :D

[Palmguy]

I'm really torn between the X3 and the 4155 right now. I have no use for BT right now, probably won't in the near future either. Every PPC that I have ever owned has been an iPAQ, but I'm not a die-hard hp fan so that could change. I do like the appearance of the 4155 better, but the X3 isn't bad. Form factor may decide this one for me. If I can live with the 4155s screen, and it is the same size as the 1900, I may just shell out a few more bucks for it.

I'm glad we finally have Wifi enabled devices around the $400 initial price point. Progress my friends...progress.