The Gadgeteer Reviews the Dell X50v

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/dell-x50v-review.html' target='_blank'>http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/dell-x50v-review.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>". . .So, what do you think about the differences between the Dell Axim X50v Pocket PC and the HP hx4700 iPAQ Pocket PC? Both employ the same fast processor, both run Windows Mobile 2003 SE, and both have dual card slots, both have WiFi and Bluetooth. But for all these similarities, the iPAQ costs $150 more than the Dell. Is the iPAQ truly that much better? Hopefully this review will answer that question as I will be taking a close look at the Axim X50v Pocket PC."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/dell-x50v2.jpg" /> <br /><br />This review of the Dell X50v starts from a slightly unusual perspective, namely that Julie from the Gadgeteer is an avid 4700 iPAQ user (even though she loathes the touchpad) and she end up extensively comparing and contrasting the two devices. This is no bad thing, especially if these two devices are on your shortlist for new Pocket PC devices. In typical Gadgeteer fashion it's a decent length review with plenty of photos and screenshots. So does Julie decide to ditch the dastardly 4700 for the dashing X50v? You'll just have to go and have a gander at the Gadgeteer to find out. ;-)

[wrevans]

This is the first time I have posted but I can't keep quiet on this one. I have been a Dell fan for years they make a vary good reliable product at a fair price. In saying that, when it was time to replace my old AXIM X5 I ordered a new X50v, at the same time I ordered the X50v a coworker ordered the HP version. After comparing the 2 units the HP is a much better unit, the wireless works better, the screen looks better, and it's faster then the Dell. After looking at both units I returned the X50v, and keep the X5 no I did not get the HP. When compared to the X5, neither unit gave me $450 to $600 worth of improvements..

[Jonathon Watkins]

After comparing the 2 units the HP is a much better unit, the wireless works better

In what way does it work better? I'm curious.

..the screen looks better

Well, they both looked good to me. No major difference, apart from the 4700's increased (exaggerated) colour saturation.

..and it's faster then the Dell.

Again, in what way? The 624Mhz processor they both sport would say that they were equivalent and the Intel graphics accelerator on the Dell beats that on the 4700. Did the Dell have slow media cards installed when you looked at it?

When compared to the X5, neither unit gave me $450 to $600 worth of improvements.

Looked at it that way, no PPC will give you a $450 improvement. I upgraded from my X5 as I wanted integral Wifi, Bluetooth, a VGA screen and a faster processor. I got all that and more. It was certainly worth it to me. Are you waiting for the next generation of PPC machines?

[MPSmith]

This is the first time I have posted but I can't keep quiet on this one...

You lost me on that one. You've got posts going back to 2002!!! :)

[Jonathon Watkins]

This is the first time I have posted but I can't keep quiet on this one...

You lost me on that one. You've got posts going back to 2002!!! :)

Yup. You posted before I even joined the site Wrevans! ;-)

[Jonathan1]

The buzzkill for me on the X50v was the battery life. Sorry but that is WAY to short for my tastes. The 4705 may be bigger and I swear it feels slower but I can literally go a week before I need to recharge. IMHO that is the most impressive aspect of the 4705. That and the fact that I found it for $575 with no shipping made it all the more sweeter. I have no regrets. I just hope HP does justice to my major purchase with an OS upgrade this summer but I’m not holding my breath on that one.

[wrevans]

Ok this was not my first post, but it's been a long time. By no means was my comparison vary detailed and no storage cards were in the units. It looked to me that the HP out preformed the Dell in several ways. First the wireless on the HP has a longer range, we put both units the same distance form several routers the HP worked when the Dell did not, the Dell seemed to quit about 20 to 25 feet from any router. Don't use Bluetooth. The screens, HP's is bigger and brighter then Dell's and a bit clearer. As for speed all I can say we both use Streets and Tips 2005 with the same map, the HP has faster response, it took less time to zoom in and out on the map. Dell was not much help when I talked to them about the wireless, and I was told I should not expect to get the same distance from the X50v as I would from a laptop. After reading about the new VGA unit I was expecting more that I got.

[Ripper014]

Unfortunately it is not a complete comparison of devices without looking at the Asus a730W... the Loox 720 and even the Toshiba e830. I would think that if one were given all 5 to evaluate... the winner more often than not would be the Loox.

[MPSmith]

Unfortunately it is not a complete comparison of devices without looking at the Asus a730W... the Loox 720 and even the Toshiba e830. I would think that if one were given all 5 to evaluate... the winner more often than not would be the Loox.

Those are all great devices, but if the X50v had a better battery, IMO there would be no discussion about which was the best. To me, that's its one bad point.

Honestly, could you go wrong with any of these? I think not!