Order a Dell Axim X50 Direct from Dell

[Jason Dunn]

<i>[This post wasn't going to go live until 12 PM today, when the press embargo lifts, but since it's live at the Dell.com site, I don't think Dell will mind. You can look for my review of the X50 to be published later today.]</i><br /><br /><img src="http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/axim/axim50v_front_131x145_new.jpg" /><br /><br />Want to purchase one of the new Dell Axim X50 Pocket PCs? You can help support Pocket PC Thoughts by using the link below:<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=E9EmfDpHZ*g&offerid=63029.10000370&type=3&subid=0"><b>Purchase a Dell Axim Pocket PC</b></a><img src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=E9EmfDpHZ*g&bids=63029.10000370&type=3&subid=0" /><br /><br /><i>[please note that the above link seems to be a bit unstable - the LinkShare affiliate server is overloaded and it may not work the first time you click on it - please keep trying, the link does work. If you have no intention of buying the Dell and just want to see the specs, <a href="http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs">you can use this link instead</a>, but if you buy one, I'd appreciate you using our affiliate link - thanks!]</i><br /><br />The above link shows all three of the Dell Axim models - I've been using an X50 for the past few days (not the X50v, that arrives today for me) and it's a great Pocket PC! :mrgreen: [Affiliate]<br /><br /><b>UPDATE:</b> I'm still working on the X50 review, so please save your questions until I publish the review in a few hours. If I spend my morning answer questions about the X50, I'll never get the review done. Thanks for your patience! ;-)

[piperpilot]

Jason, the link doesn't work.

[DinarSoft]

[This post wasn't going to go live until 12 PM today, when the press embargo lifts, but since it's live at the Dell.com site, I don't think Dell will mind. You can look for my review of the X50 to be published later today.]

Want to purchase one of the new Dell Axim X50 Pocket PCs? You can help support Pocket PC Thoughts by using the link below:

Purchase a Dell Axim Pocket PC (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=E9EmfDpHZ*g&offerid=63029.10000370&type=3&subid=0)http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=E9EmfDpHZ*g&bids=63029.10000370&type=3&subid=0

The above link shows all three of the Dell Axim models - I've been using an X50 for the past few days (not the X50v, that arrives today for me) and it's a great Pocket PC! :mrgreen: [Affiliate]

As always, you get to play with the new toys before the most of us


:wink:

[Jason Dunn]

Jason, the link doesn't work.

I just tested it again, and it works for me (though it was slow)...so I'm not sure what to suggest.

[silver99]

Ya - the link doesn't work. Also I went to www.dell.ca (Canada's website) and I don't see the X50v there yet. Do you know when it will be available in Canada?

[piperpilot]

Hmmm . . . maybe there's something wrong on my end. I just tried it again and it still doesn't work for me. :cry:

[Jason Dunn]

Hmmm . . . maybe there's something wrong on my end. I just tried it again and it still doesn't work for me. :cry:

Keep trying - the link works, but I think their system is overloaded because sometimes it's slow, then other times it's fast.

[drop]

Jason,

I am looking at this page (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs).

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

[christak]

The link works for me... I look forward to your review... 8)

[Wingnut]

What version of Windows Media Player is that in the screenshot???

[delfuhd]

What version of Windows Media Player is that in the screenshot???

I would bet it's just a skin, whether included by Dell or just a regular skin you can find anywhere.. Unless Dell made their own version of WMP 8O (which I highly doubt...)

[Jason Dunn]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

[drop]

What version of Windows Media Player is that in the screenshot???

Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile

[Jason Dunn]

What version of Windows Media Player is that in the screenshot???

It's, um, a version that will officially announced in about 3.2 hours. ;-)

[Jason Dunn]

Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile

Later today I'll be posting about that and answering questions as well. Stay tuned!

[Ryan Joseph]

This is so exciting! So many new developments today! I'll be checking every ten minutes to read them as they're posted! :D

I definately think I'll be buying an x50v. It looks sooooo cool! 8O
Hurry up and post that review! I can't wait!

[palmsolo]

Jason,

Sorry to hear you didn't get the X50v. I was lucky enough to receive one on Saturday and haven't hardly gotten any sleep at all working on my review of that one and the Mid level which will go live on PDAGeek today when the embargo is lifted in a few hours.

I think people are going to be quite impressed with these devices and HP had better watch out:)

[doc]

The link worked fine for me.

Ordered and on the way, um, Nov 17th :roll:

[PJE]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

I assume it relates to the 'packed with 128MB Flash/64MB RAM' in the details.

The Flash and RAM are stacked within the CPU and are therefore very tightly linked to the CPU for optimium performance. In this way loading from flash will not be such a bottleneck as was previously the case and therefore most programs can run from flash without significant performance penalty.

[azhiker]

Dell is selling the X50 at $463. :D

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[Jason Dunn]

Sorry to hear you didn't get the X50v. I was lucky enough to receive one on Saturday...

Yeah, because I'm in Canada it took an extra day to get to me, which meant Saturday, and the courier didn't do a Saturday delivery. And then because it was Canadian Thanksgiving, there were you deliveries on Monday....so I'll get it today. :|

[ironguy]

Here's a link where you can find the pdf version of the X50 manual. Everything you wanted to know!

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2004/10/dell-axim-x50-user-manual-leaked.html

[Jason Dunn]

Dell is selling the X50 at $463. :D

I'd really, really appreciate it if people could use the affiliate link. :-)

[palmsolo]

Sorry to hear you didn't get the X50v. I was lucky enough to receive one on Saturday...

Yeah, because I'm in Canada it took an extra day to get to me, which meant Saturday, and the courier didn't do a Saturday delivery. And then because it was Canadian Thanksgiving, there were you deliveries on Monday....so I'll get it today. :|

Great! I can't wait to see what you think of it as well :D

[azhiker]

There is no discount on the X50v they put the QVGA model price at $463 :oops:

[ShinyPlastic]

Dell is selling the X50 at $463. :D

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Um, nope. Thats the X50 520mhz version with a couple of accessories bundled in.

The X50v is $499.

[drop]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

You just saved me from slashing my wrist :lol: .

I am looking forward to your review. I kept thinking if I only have more RAM in my X5 I would have a different level of experience. But with a newer processor and updated technologies, I am very willing to be convinced and not get hung up on a number on the specification.

[Artuk]

Please let us know how the dpad is compared to the x30 in the review!

Thats my biggest gripe with the x30.. its really hard to use, especially in games. A looser more sensitive pad like they have on the old IPAQs would be ideal.

Regards,

Artuk

[GoldKey]

Dell is selling the X50 at $463. :D

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs


That is not the VGA version. Spend another $36 for that.

[Boxster S]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

128MB of RAM is a waste?? Try plotting a GPS route from New York City to a heavily populated area in New England. You're gonna get stuck with a big fat out of memory error (and yes, this is with loading your maps from a Storage Card).

I'm sorry, but flashrom doesn't = RAM.

[jpjehu]

This is awesome - I just ordered one! Does anyone know if Dell tends to ship faster than 'estimated'?

[Ed Hansberry]

Can someone tell me how to add the X50v to my Amazon wish list? :wink: :lol:

[silver99]

Do you know when it will be available in Canada?

I'm repling to my own quote....

FYI - I just phoned Dell Canada and the Axim X50v won't be available for sale for another 2 weeks (in Canada). Grrrrrrr. I was going to order mine today!

Well this will give me time to look at some reviews but I'm sure it'll be a killer device.

[upplepop]

Does anyone know if Dell tends to ship faster than 'estimated'?

I dunno... when I ordered my Axim X5, they pushed the shipping date BACK 1 month! Hopefully they won't have the same supply/manufacturing problems this time.

[Ripper014]

I have to agree that the lack of ram is going to move me away from this unit. I was actually waiting to see what Dell would bring to the table. I guess this will make my decision a little easier... Now I just need to see the final specifications for the Asus a730w.

Though the $499 price tag is very attractive...

[Solarix]

Damnit, I thought this thing wasn't supposed to be out til next month! Oh well, I am staying away from VGA for a little while because of the slower game performance. And I will wait for games to be optimized for the higher resolution. And it will take forever to ship, and is twice the price that I paid for my X30h about a month ago.

*Ok, I am just trying to not be envious over here.... Damnit all*

[Deus]

This is awesome - I just ordered one! Does anyone know if Dell tends to ship faster than 'estimated'?

I would think so. The first people to order gor a shipping date of 10/18 I ordered mine 5 minutes later and got 11/17. I doubt that it will take them a month for 5 minutes of orders!

[Boxster S]

n/t

[ecwatral]

I've checked out all of the documentation and can't seem to find any mention of landscape mode. Anyone know if it can display in landscape? I seem to remember a picture that was floating around teh web that showed an image displayed in landscape - though I don't know if that was actually teh device or the image.

[Andy Whiteford]

I've checked out all of the documentation and can't seem to find any mention of landscape mode. Anyone know if it can display in landscape? I seem to remember a picture that was floating around teh web that showed an image displayed in landscape - though I don't know if that was actually teh device or the image.


Yes it can, this is included in the OS that ships with the x50 i.e. WM2003 SE.

[juttonn]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

You just saved me from slashing my wrist :lol: .

I am looking forward to your review. I kept thinking if I only have more RAM in my X5 I would have a different level of experience. But with a newer processor and updated technologies, I am very willing to be convinced and not get hung up on a number on the specification.

I am in the same boat. My first thought was that this device just missed on being a sure sell to me and that I'd have to wait to check out the Asus A730w, but I'll wait for the reviews to come in and am perfectly willing to be convinced that the specs are good enough. I'm wondering if we'll be able to install programs like Pocket Informant and Journal Bar that claim to only be able to run effectively when installed to the RAM to the File Store Drive instead?

[shanipaqman]

Can you still use this infrared to remote control audio/video devices?

I know that it is not a consumer infrared, but was wondering if any capability was there for a short distance?
thanks

[zilla31]

how does it compare size-wise to a 4150?

[MPSmith]

how does it compare size-wise to a 4150?

4150: 4.47 in x 2.78 in x 0.5 in: Weight: 4.67 oz.

X50: 4.7 in x 2.9 in. x 0.7 in.: Weight: 6.2 oz

[Doug Raeburn]

I am in the same boat. My first thought was that this device just missed on being a sure sell to me and that I'd have to wait to check out the Asus A730w, but I'll wait for the reviews to come in and am perfectly willing to be convinced that the specs are good enough. I'm wondering if we'll be able to install programs like Pocket Informant and Journal Bar that claim to only be able to run effectively when installed to the RAM to the File Store Drive instead?

Well, all I can say is that my new 128 MB Loox 720 races through things that my 2215 (which is highly RAM-challenged) struggles with mightily. Perhaps Dell has come up with a viable alternative for more RAM, but Fujitsu-Siemens' choice of supplying ample RAM is working out just great for me.

[shanipaqman]

Is this infrared going to work with remote software and control my vcr and tv?
thanks

[ADBrown]

how does it compare size-wise to a 4150?

4150: 4.47 in x 2.78 in x 0.5 in: Weight: 4.67 oz.

X50: 4.7 in x 2.9 in. x 0.7 in.: Weight: 6.2 oz

Almost. It's 4.68 x 2.87 x 0.63.

Yes, the X50/X50v have consumer IR for remote control.

Adama D. Brown
BargainPDA.com
Posted from my X50v

[juttonn]

Can you still use this infrared to remote control audio/video devices?

I know that it is not a consumer infrared, but was wondering if any capability was there for a short distance?
thanks

The geek.com review (here: http://geek.com/hwswrev/pda/aximx50s/index.htm) says that the ir port is a consumer ir, so it should work fine for TV or other remote control. There is no bundled remote control software (ie Nevo on the HP 2215), but software such as Vito's remote control should work fine.

[palmsolo]

I am actually downloading a copy of VITO Remote soon to test out on these devices, so funny you should mention that.

One BIG thing that should be stressed for these X50 devices is that Windows Media Player 10 Mobile is included, which is the first time we have seen this on any mobile device. I have to do more testing of this latest software, but from what I understand it can really make these devices mobile multimedia devices.

[Jonathan1]

Class this quiz will account for 100% of the exam. It is critical that you answer correctly and timely due to Jonathan's intention to go over to Dell's site as soon as this is answered and drop a ton of cash on a new PDA.

1. The Dell X50v [______] have yellow screen syndrome found in the iPaq 19xx, and 41xx.

Answers:
A. Does
B. Does not
C. [No there is not an all of the above answer :p ]


Choice:_________

you have 5 minutes to complete this quiz before Jonathan goes completely nuts and foams at the mouth wanting to buy this PDA. Good luck. :jester:

[zilla31]

after reading that geek review i'm ready to jump on board myself... jeez and i thought the 4150 was the ultimate PDA and last one i'd covet for a long while...

ps whenever someone sees the next dell coupon post it in this thread please :)

[Peter Traugot]

Does the 50v have USB host capability?

If so, are they selling the dongle to accept a USB plug?

[ADBrown]

1. The Dell X50v [______] have yellow screen syndrome found in the iPaq 19xx, and 41xx.

Answers:
A. Does
B. Does not


Does not. I should know, I'm posting from one.

[Boxster S]

http://www.aximsite.com/articles/link.php?id=200
http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

[Jason Dunn]

128MB of RAM is a waste?? Try plotting a GPS route from New York City to a heavily populated area in New England. You're gonna get stuck with a big fat out of memory error (and yes, this is with loading your maps from a Storage Card). I'm sorry, but flashrom doesn't = RAM.

Then that's sloppy programming - it sounds like they're trying to load the entire map into RAM at once, which is ridiculous. I'm willing to admit though that because I don't do GPS, 128 MB isn't important to me, but it will be for some people. I think that's a very small minority though...

[Jason Dunn]

Does the 50v have USB host capability? If so, are they selling the dongle to accept a USB plug?

No and no.

[tsaimelv]

Is it true there are no 128MB RAM X50?

Yes, that's correct. 128 MB of RAM is a waste - wait for my review to find out why. ;-)

I assume it relates to the 'packed with 128MB Flash/64MB RAM' in the details.

The Flash and RAM are stacked within the CPU and are therefore very tightly linked to the CPU for optimium performance. In this way loading from flash will not be such a bottleneck as was previously the case and therefore most programs can run from flash without significant performance penalty.

This is false, and I'm not sure why so many people believe this. There are four processors in the PXA27x series, none of which have 64MB of stacked SDRAM. Any PXA27x-based PDA with 64MB (or greater) of SDRAM must therefore always have at least one external SDRAM chip.

Here's the list of available processors in the PXA27x lineup:

PXA270 - no stacked memory
PXA271 - 32MB flash, 32MB SDRAM
PXA272 - 64MB flash, no SDRAM
PXA273 - 32MB flash, no SDRAM

Furthermore, stacked flash does not offer a noticable performance advantage over regular off-chip flash. You still can't "run programs from flash" as if it were RAM on the PXA27x. Stacked SDRAM and flash are simply board-space and cost saving measures, they are attached to the PXA270 die with wire bonding and experience a little less capacitive loading than off-chip memory, but not much. This might offer some power savings, but it offers nothing in terms of performance because they are still clocked at the same speeds as off-chip memories. From most perspectives, stacked SDRAM and flash are equivalent to off-chip memories.

[Doug Raeburn]

Then that's sloppy programming - it sounds like they're trying to load the entire map into RAM at once, which is ridiculous. I'm willing to admit though that because I don't do GPS, 128 MB isn't important to me, but it will be for some people. I think that's a very small minority though...

As I stated in the earlier Axim thread, I have another need for lots of RAM... the need/desire to have lots of contact data and e-mail on my Pocket PC. It's probably more data than I actually need, but since the units can handle it...

Since the internal databases that hold this data are currently limited to RAM, they can eat up a lot of space that can't be recovered by using flash ROM.

I believe your idea of using flash ROM as a hard drive is sound... I've been doing that with large storage cards for some time now. However, until there are more flexible configuration options for such things as internal databases in WM, more RAM is still a welcome addition, IMO.

[vinasb]

Jason,

I just ordered the X50v from your link. You have a great web site and anything I can do to help is my pleasure.

I was waiting for the new rx2000 ipaqs, but the X50V kicks there a$$.

Thanks,

Bobby

[jasondearyou]

man, i know people at HP are have many board meetings, they had it all an they let it slip away.

Thanks Dell for being our saviour. &lt;--- is that spelt right?

and it has consumer IR? I'm definately getting that, plus its cheaper.

[ADBrown]

man, i know people at HP are have many board meetings, they had it all an they let it slip away.

Thanks Dell for being our saviour. &lt;--- is that spelt right?

Sure, if you're using British English--which, judging from the use of the word 'spelt,' you are.

and it has consumer IR? I'm definately getting that, plus its cheaper.

Yes, it has CIR.

[Boxster S]

Well, I took the plunge. A friend of mine sent me a 15% off coupon for Dell SB and it brought it down to $424 + tax. Damn you NC sales tax!!! :cry:

[zehubert]

This is awesome - I just ordered one! Does anyone know if Dell tends to ship faster than 'estimated'?

They usually build-up inventories before launching, but expect a big demand!

[Jason Dunn]

Since the internal databases that hold this data are currently limited to RAM, they can eat up a lot of space that can't be recovered by using flash ROM.

Hmm...good point. I'm beginning to re-think my stance after I saw my program RAM go from 29 MB down to 3 MB after playing a high-res video file on the X50v. 8O

[Jason Dunn]

I just ordered the X50v from your link. You have a great web site and anything I can do to help is my pleasure.

I deeply appreciate your patronage!

[Boxster S]

Since the internal databases that hold this data are currently limited to RAM, they can eat up a lot of space that can't be recovered by using flash ROM.

Hmm...good point. I'm beginning to re-think my stance after I saw my program RAM go from 29 MB down to 3 MB after playing a high-res video file on the X50v. 8O

Ahem... :lol:

Told ya so ;)

[MPSmith]

Since the internal databases that hold this data are currently limited to RAM, they can eat up a lot of space that can't be recovered by using flash ROM.

Hmm...good point. I'm beginning to re-think my stance after I saw my program RAM go from 29 MB down to 3 MB after playing a high-res video file on the X50v. 8O

This is why I love this site. Even the experts consider rethinking their positions. But let me know what the concensus is. I rely alot on this site's opinion!

[shanipaqman]

Please help me understand something that concerns me, I love everything about the specs on this device, the looks and the price, but why in the heck is the performance so crappy compared to the HP 4700 on all the reviews I just read?

That makes me feel like I'm buying an inferior pda, it plain underperforms IMO.

Please help me understand this...
thanks

[Kati Compton]

Please help me understand something that concerns me, I love everything about the specs on this device, the looks and the price, but why in the heck is the performance so crappy compared to the HP 4700 on all the reviews I just read?
The part of the performance that is "crappy" is related to graphics. My guess is that the graphics benchmarks are making use of the graphics processor in the HP but not in the Dell.

[cab124]

Does anyone know anything about the next version of Windows Mobile, or approximately when it is supposed to be released?

I usually try to get 1.5 - 2 years out of a PDA. If I buy a new X50v or HP 4700 and then Microsoft releases a new version of the OS in 6 months, I will be bummed. Seems like it not safe to assume an upgrade will be offered.

I wonder if the day will ever come when the PocketPC market will become more like the desktop market....

You buy a case, an LCD screen, some RAM, ROM, etc, and a copy of Windows Mobile and build it yourself!!!! Then when an upgrade comes out, you upgrade one or two components and do the upgrade. Would be nice!!

[Kati Compton]

ARGH.

I did it.

I ordered it.

I couldn't help it.

Blah.

I'm not proud.

:P

PS - I'm a bit bummed there wasn't an educational discount on the device itself. But the discount on the extended battery & second cradle, coupled with no tax or shipping, made the educational purchase overall like $10-$15 cheaper than if I used the $35 off coupon.

[Jonathon Watkins]

ARGH.

I did it.

I ordered it.

I couldn't help it.

Blah.

I'm not proud.

:P

Good for you! :D I would love to join you - but Dell UK say ''Sometime early next month, maybe" when I asked about a shipping date. :frusty:

[Jonathon Watkins]

Please help me understand something that concerns me, I love everything about the specs on this device, the looks and the price, but why in the heck is the performance so crappy compared to the HP 4700 on all the reviews I just read?

I agree with Kati. Have a look at BargainPDA's (http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50) very good review:

Unfortunately, I can not currently offer complete benchmarks on the X50v that would have real meaning. The current version of SPB Benchmark takes a rather large exception to the presence of the 2700G Marathon graphics processor, resulting in a graphics index score that is less than 10% of the unaccelerated X30's. This, in turn, drags down the Benchmark index and the Platform index. According to Dell's notes, they're working with SPB to update SPB Benchmark so that it can take the Marathon into consideration, so hopefully we'll be able to see proper benchmarks in the future.

[Jeff Rutledge]

ARGH.

I did it.

I ordered it.

Well done! I just can't do it right now. I think I'll be skipping this generation (as hard as that may be). :(

[ctmagnus]

Well done! I just can't do it right now. I think I'll be skipping this generation (as hard as that may be). :(

Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat. :(

[Jonathon Watkins]

Well done! I just can't do it right now. I think I'll be skipping this generation (as hard as that may be). :(

Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat. :(

Why guys?

[Jeff Rutledge]

I just can't justify the cost. I played with a 4700 and as great as the screen was and as much as I would love VGA, I don't think there's enough "juice" to make it worth upgrading from my 2210.

[ctmagnus]

Same here, except I haven't seen a 4700 yet.

[Kati Compton]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I'm upgrading from the X5 I ordered the second day it was available (is this a trend?)

[Jason Lee]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I'm upgrading from the X5 I ordered the second day it was available (is this a trend?)

Seems that way. :) Also all the 2200 owners (like myself) holding back. Our little babies just work soo well it is a shame to replace them with a new really cool yet probably buggy device. :mrgreen:

[upplepop]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I'm upgrading from the X5 I ordered the second day it was available (is this a trend?)

I am in the same boat. I ordered the X5 right after it came out and this seems like a good device to upgrade to. I was pretty wary about spending $500 on a PPC (I could get a cheap laptop for that!) however, based on the features, it seems to be a good value. Besides, I went pretty cheap for the last PDA (I got the 300MHz version).

[Kati Compton]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I'm upgrading from the X5 I ordered the second day it was available (is this a trend?)

I am in the same boat. I ordered the X5 right after it came out and this seems like a good device to upgrade to. I was pretty wary about spending $500 on a PPC (I could get a cheap laptop for that!) however, based on the features, it seems to be a good value. Besides, I went pretty cheap for the last PDA (I got the 300MHz version).

Yeah - I'm fortunate in that I can afford and justify $650-worth of PDA every 2 years. My final bill for the X50v with extended battery and 2nd cradle w/o AC adapter (I can use my X5 one) was $618 shipped. Of course, I'm buying through my university program, which helps with things like tax. No discount on the device itself, but a small one on the accessories.

I think there's a reasonable chance that I will want another device in less than 2 years, unfortunately. However, because this one was paid for by work, I can justify paying for the next one out-of-pocket, and work it that way.

[Hx4700]

Please help me understand something that concerns me, I love everything about the specs on this device, the looks and the price, but why in the heck is the performance so crappy compared to the HP 4700 on all the reviews I just read?
The part of the performance that is "crappy" is related to graphics. My guess is that the graphics benchmarks are making use of the graphics processor in the HP but not in the Dell.
Strange - the biggest problem/worry I read about the HP4700 (before getting one) was that the grapphics were really bad due to the graphics chip being used by the HP. Go figure....
Ron...

[Kati Compton]

Please help me understand something that concerns me, I love everything about the specs on this device, the looks and the price, but why in the heck is the performance so crappy compared to the HP 4700 on all the reviews I just read?
The part of the performance that is "crappy" is related to graphics. My guess is that the graphics benchmarks are making use of the graphics processor in the HP but not in the Dell.
Strange - the biggest problem/worry I read about the HP4700 (before getting one) was that the grapphics were really bad due to the graphics chip being used by the HP. Go figure....
Ron...
Well, I put "crappy" into quotes. If a program isn't USING the graphics chip, then it could have poor graphics performance. If a program DOES use the graphics chip, it could perform far better than the HP. So the question at this point is just whether or not graphics-intensive programs (and benchmarking utilities) will be updated to support the new chip.

In other words, the graphics performance for the Dell will only be "crappy" until software programs actually use the graphics chip in it. It's not a hardware issue, it's a software issue.