My Axim X50v Just Arrived [Archive] - Thoughts Media Forums

Jason Dunn

10-12-2004, 09:45 PM

Woo-hoo! The courier just delivered my Dell Axim X50v - for those that didn't notice, the previous review I posted was on the X50, not the VGA version of the X50. Now that I have the X50v, I can get to work on testing it. :mrgreen: First impressions on power up? VGA is so nice on the eyes - everything is smooth and clear, but I'm most interested in testing out the video playback. The X50v has the Intel 2700G graphics processor, and it's supposed to be able to play back 640 x 480 resolution video at 1300 kbps. 8O That puts the Portable Media Center devices to shame people - I can't wait to test it!

jmbneaf

10-12-2004, 09:48 PM

Cool Jason.

How about posting some real pictures for comparison of size and shape?

Thanks,

JB

Jason Lee

10-12-2004, 09:51 PM

oooooo... the excitement! :mrgreen:

Arqentus

10-12-2004, 09:55 PM

Cool Jason.

How about posting some real pictures for comparison of size and shape?

Thanks,

JB

Try these reviews for compare shots.

http://www.geek.com/hwswrev/pda/aximx50s/index.htm
http://www.aximsite.com/articles/link.php?id=200
http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50
http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/Dell_Axim_X50v.htm

Jason,
Can you run some fps benchmarks on the 3d racer game, to see how the x50v handle's ...

rzanology

10-12-2004, 09:59 PM

uuuuuuummm...i got my x50v on the way...IN 3 WEEKS!!! :( why is the wait time so hiiiigh....I WANT IT NOOOOOW!!!!

hey jason, if you can, can you post a few pics of the 50v compared to the ipaq 4700. I got to play with a 4700 and i like the size and feel.

dwhitney

10-12-2004, 10:05 PM

Me too. I just ordered mine and it is currently showing an estimated ship date of 11/17!!!

:cry:

If that doesn't change in the next day or so, I'll cancel my order and go back to ordering an imate XDA (couple hundred bucks more but lots more functionality with integrated GSM phone and GPRS).

Those kinds of delays in shipping new product is what Apple is known for - not Dell...

Jorlin

10-12-2004, 10:07 PM

There is a review of the X50 on PPCnow:

http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=495&p=1

Take a look! :mrgreen:

don dre

10-12-2004, 10:08 PM

upplepop

10-12-2004, 10:22 PM

hey jason, if you can, can you post a few pics of the 50v compared to the ipaq 4700. I got to play with a 4700 and i like the size and feel.

He doesn't have a 4700. Try looking at this picture (http://www.aximsite.com/x50review/high/x50vs4700SIZE.jpg) from the AximSite review.

OSUKid7

10-12-2004, 10:23 PM

I am torn between the 4700 and X50v. I haven;t seen the 4700 in person but it soudns like it is an amazing device. I used to have a 3970 but I traded it in for a 2215. It was worth it for the CF slot and the faster processor but I still miss the screen of the 3970. It was 3.8" vs. 3.5" for the 2215. I never knew how much fo a difference .3" coudl make. The 4700 has a 4" screen which makes me drool (leaving the laptop at home) and I believe it has a better battery. However, the X50v is $150 cheaper and probably even less with Dell's penchant for sales. I'd be interested to see the two screens side by side.Yeah, I'm also torn between the two. I already ordered the hx4705 from BestBuy.com ($475 before shipping), but it hasn't shipped yet. It's supposed to ship before the end of the month though. I'm leaning on sticking with the 4705. Bigger, better screen, touchpad could be good (except for games), and I'll get it sooner.

surur

10-12-2004, 10:42 PM

The X50v has the Intel 2700G graphics processor, and it's supposed to be able to play back 640 x 480 resolution video at 1300 kbps. 8O That puts the Portable Media Center devices to shame people - I can't wait to test it!

Pity it hasn't got the buttons, hard drive or battery life ..... The problem of too much specialization.

Surur

palur

10-12-2004, 10:45 PM

WoW! how did you get it so cheap! for $475 at bestbuy or buy.com. It is mentioned as 649. I thought I gor mine 4700 for $607 and was cheapest!
Thanks

OSUKid7

10-12-2004, 11:21 PM

WoW! how did you get it so cheap! for $475 at bestbuy or buy.com. It is mentioned as 649. I thought I gor mine 4700 for $607 and was cheapest!
ThanksYeah, got it at BestBuy.com It was out of stock when I ordered it (someone helped me get around that), but I still got it at that price. IM/PM me if you want more info on it.

ADBrown

10-13-2004, 12:08 AM

I am torn between the 4700 and X50v. I haven;t seen the 4700 in person but it soudns like it is an amazing device. I used to have a 3970 but I traded it in for a 2215. It was worth it for the CF slot and the faster processor but I still miss the screen of the 3970. It was 3.8" vs. 3.5" for the 2215. I never knew how much fo a difference .3" coudl make. The 4700 has a 4" screen which makes me drool (leaving the laptop at home) and I believe it has a better battery. However, the X50v is $150 cheaper and probably even less with Dell's penchant for sales. I'd be interested to see the two screens side by side.

We've got screen comparison shots between the X50v and the 4700 here:

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

jasondearyou

10-13-2004, 12:20 AM

i just think the x50v reaches the people, the masses, and not the h4700, why pay soo much, just for the name?

I hate having to wait for like two to three weeks but, I think that's around the time my pay comes...lol, so it works fine for me. :devilboy:

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 01:02 AM

How about posting some real pictures for comparison of size and shape?

Once I start working on my full review, absolutely.

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 01:04 AM

Can you run some fps benchmarks on the 3d racer game, to see how the x50v handle's ...

Sure. How? Is there a special command to get FPS info?

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 01:11 AM

WoW! how did you get it so cheap! for $475 at bestbuy or buy.com. It is mentioned as 649. I thought I gor mine 4700 for $607 and was cheapest! Thanks

$475 was an error from the BestBuy.com, but I've only heard of two people getting that price confirmed. It was an error, so people shouldn't expect to get it for that price. $650 USD is the MSRP.

OSUKid7

10-13-2004, 01:15 AM

$475 was an error from the BestBuy.com, but I've only heard of two people getting that price confirmed. It was an error, so people shouldn't expect to get it for that price. $650 USD is the MSRP.Well, I've already gotten two PMs about it...a former (banned, for good reasons) PPCT member helped me with it. It just involved recoding a link on the site so you could add the hx4705 to your cart.

Worked fine for me, all except for they're still on backorder...got an email last week saying that it will ship by the end of the month. Not bad considering the price. :D

edit: as numerous people have told me, the hx4705 is back up on BestBuy.com...but for $650. :( Nothin we can do now. The only thing this guy did was let you add an out of stock item to your cart.

Dermot81

10-13-2004, 01:48 AM

We've got screen comparison shots between the X50v and the 4700 here:

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

ADBrown, according to one other review at aximsite.com the x50v's colors are faded when compared to the 4700. Do you find this to be true?

Also to both ADBrown and Jason, how does the screen brightness and color saturation on the x50v compare to other QVGA devices like hp2200, dell x30 etc?

PJE

10-13-2004, 02:02 AM

We've got screen comparison shots between the X50v and the 4700 here:

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

The Axim looks a lot brighter than the iPaq. This may have an influence on some of the poor battery life results on the net. I use the lower settings on my X5 and very rarely need to make the screen brighter.

Mark Johnson

10-13-2004, 02:05 AM

ignar

10-13-2004, 02:21 AM

Believe it or not, my 4700 is pretty pocketable. When I decided to get a 4700, I totally gave up the idea of carrying it in my pants pocket. But thanks to its thinness, I found it fits fairly well in my rather tight jean pocket. I often put it in a soft pouch for glasses, and sometimes carry it just naked. With flip cover and magnesium body, no damage so far. I think X50v will fit in most of pants pocket well though it may feel a little thick.

ADBrown

10-13-2004, 02:21 AM

ADBrown, according to one other review at aximsite.com the x50v's colors are faded when compared to the 4700. Do you find this to be true?

I'd definitely say that the colors are a little more vivid on the 4700. They're little more saturated and, well, colorful. On the other hand, the Axim's whites are better.

Also to both ADBrown and Jason, how does the screen brightness and color saturation on the x50v compare to other QVGA devices like hp2200, dell x30 etc?

Comparing the X50 to my X30, the X50 seems fractionally less saturated, but just as bright or brighter.

The Axim looks a lot brighter than the iPaq. This may have an influence on some of the poor battery life results on the net. I use the lower settings on my X5 and very rarely need to make the screen brighter.

A bit, yes. I cranked my X50v all the way down, which is still pretty bright, and it went for 8:47. Not bad.

Felix Torres

10-13-2004, 03:04 AM

Question: Can *both* buttons on the left side be reprogrammed?
I'm thinking up and down for ebooks...
(I love the jornada rocker switch...)

rudolph

10-13-2004, 03:24 AM

Question: Can *both* buttons on the left side be reprogrammed?
I'm thinking up and down for ebooks...
(I love the jornada rocker switch...)

That's what's missing from the X50. I knew there was something about it that I didnt like. Too bad all new devices don't have a rocker switch. I've had two PDAs, the Axim X5 and the Casio E125, both of which had scroll wheels (or rocker switch.. whater the proper name is) so I've gotten used to it. Will take a bit of getting used to if it's not on my next PDA.

Anybody know how long Dell Canada is delayed behind Dell US? I'm in Canada and the X50v looks like it's going to be my next PDA.

My only other choices are the 4700 which is too expensive and lacks buttons for games, and the Asus 730 which mmm.. I dunno, I guess there's really nothing wrong with it. I'm not too happy with my X5 to be honest, it's way too sluggish, hopefully the X50 won't be so. I'll tell you one thing tho, Dell's support really is great. Their actual phone tech support might not be the greatest in helping you solving problems (pretty much their only solution is to hard reset) but I've had two issues with the X5 itself and Dell had a new PDA at my door 2 or 3 days after I called in.

ADBrown

10-13-2004, 03:31 AM

Question: Can *both* buttons on the left side be reprogrammed?
I'm thinking up and down for ebooks...
(I love the jornada rocker switch...)

Yes.

Felix Torres

10-13-2004, 04:28 AM

Question: Can *both* buttons on the left side be reprogrammed?
I'm thinking up and down for ebooks...
(I love the jornada rocker switch...)

Yes.

All-riiighhttt!
Its all up to the screen now; the specs are good, the size is acceptable, the ergonomics are tweak-able, and the the price is bearable. As soon as I see one in the flesh at the Dell kiosk I'll know for sure, but I could use a new toy for Christmas and, while I'd love a 4" screen, the lanyard hole and second switch are deal-makers.
Its a good thing it doesn't have a flip-cover or I'd order it sight unseen. ;-)

jpjehu

10-13-2004, 05:22 AM

Just so it's clear - the 4700 is a superior device, but the touchpad is absolutely useless for gaming. Unfortunately I ordered a x50v and will return my 4700 for a 15% loss - just because my pocket pc has got to be useable under all basic circumstances. I'm not a huge gamer (although the 2700g is very intriguing), but the touchpad nullifies the fun-factor for the PPC. Also, Dell's accidental care for a few extra bucks has always been great for peace of mind.

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 05:33 AM

Hey Jason! Can we get a "pocketability assesment" on it? Try walking around, sitting, driving your car with it turned screen-toward-leg in the front pocket of a pair of jeans. That's how most of us "pocketability is everything" freaks carry our 19xx/4150's, and I'm really wondering if the x50v will finally be a workable VGA replacement for my 1910.

Well...after shattering the screen of my XDA once by bending over with it in the front pocket of my jeans, I never carry a Pocket PC in my pocket anymore (or, very rarely at least). If I had an aluminum case, I might give it a try, but naked?? 8O Remember that the X50 is a fair bit taller than the 4150 - it's not as "pocketable", though I just tried it and it didn't feel bulky at all.

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 05:48 AM

Mark Johnson

10-13-2004, 07:57 AM

...If I had an aluminum case, I might give it a try...

I can understand the reluctance. I suppose I'd be a lot more worried about it than my $250 (and two-years old) 1910.

Remember that the X50 is a fair bit taller than the 4150 - it's not as "pocketable", though I just tried it and it didn't feel bulky at all.

Hummm... Well this might be "close enough" then. I seriously doubt there will be a true 19xx/4150 size (SD-only, 4.5oz, etc) VGA PPC until mid-2005 and I really want the extra VGA text.

I've been twitching for a font equivalent smaller than the QVGA 8-point all along. On every single unit (e10, e100, 540, 568, etc.) and every single generation (Palm-Sized PC, PPC2002, PPC2003) I've picked up, the first thing I've done is open a large text document and reduce to minimum font size and immediately reacted with: "No way! THIS is the smallest available font? There's no way to go smaller?!? You've got to be kidding me!" Clearly the only solution is VGA, so it looks like I'm just going to have to take a pocketability hit here.

Thanks for the info Jason! Looks like the x50v probably the one for me. (If only they had a SD-only version too.)

manywhere

10-13-2004, 08:00 AM

Well...after shattering the screen of my XDA once by bending over with it in the front pocket of my jeans, I never carry a Pocket PC in my pocket anymore (or, very rarely at least). If I had an aluminum case, I might give it a try, but naked?? 8O Remember that the X50 is a fair bit taller than the 4150 - it's not as "pocketable", though I just tried it and it didn't feel bulky at all.
That's why I like so called "army style" pants. (Note: it does not mean that they are camoflagoue colored, nor contains any infrared-stealth materials :lol: ) The pants have naturally the normal four pockets at the top but also have some additional, normally two, extra pockets that are midway between your knees and the top pockets and on the outside (i.e. not front or back side but the same side your arms are on). Very comfy, handy and probably the next best thing to having a pair of SCOTTeVEST (or is that -ePANTS ?) pants, in my opinion. ;)

Oh, and I forgot to mention, that there are shorts with the same features... :)

Jonathan1

10-13-2004, 01:21 PM

All-riiighhttt!
Its all up to the screen now; the specs are good, the size is acceptable, the ergonomics are tweak-able, and the the price is bearable. As soon as I see one in the flesh at the Dell kiosk I'll know for sure, but I could use a new toy for Christmas and, while I'd love a 4" screen, the lanyard hole and second switch are deal-makers.
Its a good thing it doesn't have a flip-cover or I'd order it sight unseen. ;-)

I agree with Felix. The X50v looks to be almost perfect. Almost. After reading through the various reviews out there the battery life is unacceptable. 2.5 hours with normal use?!?! What the hell?!?! Are we back to the days of the Palm Sized PC here?!?! The iPaq 4700 blows it out of the water at around 4.5 hours and from the looks of things that is with the standard battery. Extended will be double the capacity which will be great for e-book reading. :)

I was highly excited about the Dell. But what good is all that hardware if you don't have the battery life to power it? :? *sighs* So I'm back to eyeing the 4700. Someone just shoot me. :frusty:

cgavula

10-13-2004, 02:21 PM

They gotta get me 128MB RAM. Some of us actually do need and want it - especially in a high-end machine. GPS is a good example of a service that makes big use of the extra memory when available. Large PDF files are another good reason for the extra RAM.

More RAM!

--Chris

Kati Compton

10-13-2004, 03:56 PM

I was highly excited about the Dell. But what good is all that hardware if you don't have the battery life to power it? :? *sighs* So I'm back to eyeing the 4700. Someone just shoot me. :frusty:
Yeah - to me, it makes the extended battery a REQUIREMENT, not an option. So the price of the X50v suddenly becomes $590, not $500. So it's not quite as cheap as it first appears. I wouldn't mind so much, except for the fact that I'm concerned that with the extended battery I won't be able to get a nice case for it. :(

PJE

10-13-2004, 04:49 PM

I agree with Felix. The X50v looks to be almost perfect. Almost. After reading through the various reviews out there the battery life is unacceptable. 2.5 hours with normal use?!?! What the hell?!?! Are we back to the days of the Palm Sized PC here?!?! The iPaq 4700 blows it out of the water at around 4.5 hours and from the looks of things that is with the standard battery. Extended will be double the capacity which will be great for e-book reading. :)

I was highly excited about the Dell. But what good is all that hardware if you don't have the battery life to power it? :? *sighs* So I'm back to eyeing the 4700. Someone just shoot me. :frusty:

I read a review which had poor battery life measurements, but when they set the machine on a lower backlight setting the life jumped up significantly - 8hours 30mins...

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

Some of the comparison pictures with the Dell and HP 4705 side by side show the Dell screen backlight set *MUCH* brighter which would eat into the battery life. In future there needs to be a fixed backlight output for battery tests to level the playing field.

My 2c... now where's my credit card...

Felix Torres

10-13-2004, 05:55 PM

...the lanyard hole and second switch are deal-makers.

Aha! I knew I left something out of my review - the lanyard hole was kind of a strange edition (the hole is very small) - but I'm glad someone thinks it's cool. :-D

Wrist strap.
Some of us have been known to fall asleep reading.
Even a good book can only hold sleep at bay so long... ;-)

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 06:01 PM

Some of the comparison pictures with the Dell and HP 4705 side by side show the Dell screen backlight set *MUCH* brighter which would eat into the battery life. In future there needs to be a fixed backlight output for battery tests to level the playing field.

That's a very good point. When I do my own tests, I set it at the 50% mark - on the Dells, that's four notches above being off. I never run my Pocket PC at full brightness, unless I'm outside, so doing battery tests with it cranked at full is a bit misleading. However, to be fair, the reason testing suites like Spb Benchmark require the backlight to be maxed out is that's that the only way to ensure a level playing field - difference devices have varying levels of brightness controls, so it's impossible to say "go to 50% brightness".

PJE

10-13-2004, 06:03 PM

That's a very good point. When I do my own tests, I set it at the 50% mark - on the Dells, that's four notches above being off. I never run my Pocket PC at full brightness, unless I'm outside, so doing battery tests with it cranked at full is a bit misleading. However, to be fair, the reason testing suites like Spb Benchmark require the backlight to be maxed out is that's that the only way to ensure a level playing field - difference devices have varying levels of brightness controls, so it's impossible to say "go to 50% brightness".

Can Spb Benchmark be set to run at the current set brightness?

Jason Dunn

10-13-2004, 06:11 PM

Can Spb Benchmark be set to run at the current set brightness?

Yes, but then you're relying on the skills of the reviewer to be consistent from review to review. I'll try to do some more interesting battery tests when I tear into testing the X50v...

Jonathan1

10-13-2004, 06:21 PM

I read a review which had poor battery life measurements, but when they set the machine on a lower backlight setting the life jumped up significantly - 8hours 30mins...

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50

Some of the comparison pictures with the Dell and HP 4705 side by side show the Dell screen backlight set *MUCH* brighter which would eat into the battery life. In future there needs to be a fixed backlight output for battery tests to level the playing field.

My 2c... now where's my credit card...

Oh thanks a lot PJE! :roll: :wink:

I'm now more confused then ever. :cry:

bradolson

10-13-2004, 07:26 PM

for anyone interested, the first discounts on the X50s started at midnight last night. get the X50v for $464 shipped:

http://www.gottadeal.com/deal-info-id-4941-store-dellhome.html

GoldKey

10-13-2004, 07:39 PM

for anyone interested, the first discounts on the X50s started at midnight last night. get the X50v for $464 shipped:

http://www.gottadeal.com/deal-info-id-4941-store-dellhome.html

For the lazy:

Dell Home is giving $35 off a $350 Electronics & Accessories purchase using coupon code W$DW3KVPQT?TB5. Use this coupon to save on the new Dell Axim X50 Pocket PCs:

* Dell Axim X50v (624MHz, VGA, WiFi, Bluetooth, 1 year Warranty) - $499 - $35 coupon = $464 shipped
* Dell Axim X50 (520MHz, WiFi, Bluetooth, 1 year Warranty) - $399 - $35 coupon = $364 shipped
* Dell Axim X50 (416MHz, Bluetooth, 3 year Warranty) - $378 - $35 coupon = $343 shipped

Coupon code expires after first 1500 uses. May be combined with other select offers or discounts. Offer expires 11:59pm CST on 10/13/04.

ramii

10-22-2004, 05:42 PM

husky99

10-22-2004, 08:40 PM

I read in another post that the listing of the hx4705 was an error and they will not be fulfilling any of those orders. It was listed on the BB website for a couple of hours/days.

OSUKid7

10-22-2004, 08:47 PM

I read in another post that the listing of the hx4705 was an error and they will not be fulfilling any of those orders. It was listed on the BB website for a couple of hours/days.Well, I got mine yesterday, and was only charged $475 + s/h. I haven't opened it yet because I'm gonna try to take it to a BestBuy store and use my giftcard on it, but it looks great from the outside! :lol:

OSUKid7

10-23-2004, 12:16 AM

(sorry for all this OT discussion! :oops:)

How did you get it for so cheap? share!!!It was actually posted on PPCT about a month ago. Even though they were out of stock, another (former) PPCT member IMed me and showed me how to order out-of-stock items. All he did was change a link to add it to my cart.

Unfortunately, since then, BestBuy.com has changed the price back to $650. :(

Deus

10-23-2004, 04:48 AM

Can't wait fot his review. I ordered mine within 5 minutes of launch. I have been really excited but this wait time has allowed my eye to stray and the Loox 720 is looking better and better! I might have to cancel the X50. We'll see!

bnycastro

10-23-2004, 06:29 AM

That's why I like so called "army style" pants. (Note: it does not mean that they are camoflagoue colored, nor contains any infrared-stealth materials :lol: ) The pants have naturally the normal four pockets at the top but also have some additional, normally two, extra pockets that are midway between your knees and the top pockets and on the outside (i.e. not front or back side but the same side your arms are on). Very comfy, handy and probably the next best thing to having a pair of SCOTTeVEST (or is that -ePANTS ?) pants, in my opinion. ;)

Oh, and I forgot to mention, that there are shorts with the same features... :) OT: hmmm i think this may be called CARGO pants :) not ARMY pants (although I do believe both share some features--i.e. the extra pockets) This solution would be ok but I would still suggest you put some sort of protection on your device as it is still prone to bumps when you are navigating your way thru a bar, the office, the mall etc etc. personally I carry my 2215 with the free case and put it in my rear jeans pocket I am quite A$$-aware already (aware of what's on my back jeans pocket and don't sit absent mindedly at once) or you can go with a 'man bag' this way you can also have all your accessories with you... (they say utility fashoin is making a comeback)