Dell Axim X5
The Axim sits in-between the entry-level and high-end models.Dell finds itself in an unusual position in terms of low or high-end marketing of its Axim range of PDAs; it currently stocks only two models, relatively close in price and tending towards the budget end of the spectrum. At the same time, some of the features that it offers are those generally only found on higher-end PDAs, which should in theory make the Axim a particularly compelling buy. There are some catches with the Axim, but few of them are all that bad.
At 128x81.5x18mm and 196g, the Axim isn't the smallest and lightest PDA on the market, although its deceptive bulgy shape means that it looks somewhat heavier than it is, an illusion upheld by the rubber sides of the Axim. Unlike many other PDAs that opt for a control dial, the Axim has a rocker switch on the side, along with the practically mandatory five way directional pad and four configurable application buttons on the face of the unit.
The higher-end Axim Dell submitted to us for review comes with a 400MHz XScale processor, 64MB of onboard RAM and a 1440mAH Lithium Ion battery, giving it a solid edge on most of the competition. It's based on Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002, so those with a bent towards synchronising and editing Office documents should find it appealing. Dell's borrowed an idea from the Toshiba playbook with the Axim's storage capabilities, as it supports both CompactFlash and SD/MMC cards via two slots, although not in the handy back to back configuration of the Toshiba PDAs; the Axim's SD card slot is on the side of the unit.
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PDAs
Introduction 1. Dell Axim X5 2. HP iPAQ h1910 3. HP iPAQ h5450 4. Palm Tungsten C 5. Palm Zire 71 6. Sony CLIE PEG-SJ22 7. Sony CLIE PEG-TG50 8. Toshiba e350 9. Toshiba e750 Editor's choice |
The stylus on the Axim is unappealing; it looks like a flattened fish, is comparatively uncomfortable to hold and it's possible to insert it into its holding bay the wrong way round. Of a more uncomfortable nature is the five-way directional pad on the face of the unit, which is noticeably loose and can be unresponsive within applications.
If we gave out awards for snazzy looking docks, the Axim X5 would win the race by a mile; if you want a PDA to show off to your colleagues it's hard to look past the Axim's shiny dock with integrated glowing Dell symbol that lights up when the unit is properly connected.
In terms of our divide between budget and high-end models, the Axim sits strangely in the middle; it's lacking in high-end features such as cameras, wireless connectivity or keyboards, but it makes up for much of that with a low price given its core specifications. It's thus an excellent choice in the budget category, and with the necessary wireless and keyboard add-ons it would even give many high-end models a run for their money.
Dell Axim X5
Company: Dell Australia
Price: AU$563
Distributor: Dell Australia
Phone: 1800 812 393
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I am interested only in limited features in a PDA like the Phonebook, Birthday or Anniversary date storages etc. etc.
So which pDA do you recommend me to have that should have some high Battery backup and long-life warranty?