Dell Axim X5 300 MHz Pocket PC

The Axim X5 is equipped with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Premium and pre-installed with familiar applications like Pocket Word and Pocket Excel, along with a calendar, contacts database, voice recorder, and a number of other built-in features.

With an integrated Type II CompactFlash card slot and a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard slot, the expansion capabilities seem endless. And with its removable, rechargeable battery, the Axim X5 is never tied to its cradle--simply leave a spare battery charging in the cradle, and swap your battery when it's low.

The Dell Axim X5 features a backlit, 3.5-inch, 16-bit, touch-sensitive, transflective TFT color LCD display capable of displaying 65,536 colors at 240 x 320 resolution.

The Axim X5's audio capabilities include 16-bit stereo, full duplex record and playback, and an integrated microphone and speaker. The Axim also features a headphone jack.

The Axim X5 comes with a rechargeable, removable 1440 mAh lithium-ion battery. A rechargeable, removable 3400 mAh lithium-ion battery is optional.

What's in the box

• Axim X5
• Stylus
• Sync cradle
• AC Adapter
• 1440 mAh Lithium-Ion Removable, Rechargeable battery

The synch software installed with no difficulty (HP laptop, P-III, w/XP) and I am very pleased with the Pocket PC interface and applications. It appears to be a very full-featured software package. At the entry-level price I have money left over to purchase some software I might really want (but it is such a good package, I have no clue what else I should buy. Look at your MS Office and Explorer and think "I can do all of this on a handheld").

This is my first venture into Pocket PC, and I made the appropriate choice with the AXIM X-5. I have the potential of my laptop and desktop in an extremely portable package. Don't worry about the size and weight of the AXIM; to me it is a non-issue. I cannot fairly compare the AXIM to other Pocket PC's, but it is almost exactly the same size as my Palm III-XE. As for weight, it's light enough. All of the other Pocket PCs I've seen and hefted are too big and too heavy. All of them. Everyone wants a matchbook size computer that throws out an 11X14 holographic screen that we can navigate through telepathically, and that weighs only 4 grams. Even at that size and weight people would carp that it's too big and heavy to be an earring. The AXIM is as light as a feather compared to any laptop. On a budget, it is outstanding. If budget were no limit, I say get a Winnebago to carry your servers, satellite uplinks, wet bar, and Jacuzzi.

...Unless you really loathe inserting a CF card (it just slips in the top), connectivity is a non-issue. Memory: CF, or Secure Digital cards that slip in the side (so you can have boat loads of memory). In the box: The AXIM; CD-ROM software; USB cable; charger; sturdy carry case; ubiquitous manual, quick start guide, warranty, etc.


Better than they said! I bought 2!   April 27, 2003
D. D'Eugenio (Palm Beach, United States)
21 out of 23 found this review helpful

First, if you don't have a PDA or not familiar with them, learn about them. You will be amazed how easy they are to use and with only a few options, the convenience they provide will save you a tremendous amount of time. They are becoming as natural and common us as the cell phone. If you know nothing about computers, this system is so easy you will feel smart!

Knowing the Dell's Axim X5 400 MHz is available, I didn't think that the 300 MHz was worth buying knowing that a more advanced version was already available. However, conversations with engineers more knowledgeable than I reminded me that I am buying a PDA not a server and that 300MHz is all the processor I would need. Also, the DELL AXIM X5 was one of three models that was always recommended. After doing my own research I had to agree. I purchased the Dell X5 300 MHz and buyers remorse set in. I thought I wasn't going to get as much use out it that I originally thought. I was wrong. Now, before I go anywhere, I pick up my PDA before my cell phone and keys.

Using the Dell provided software, installing activesync was very easy and the set up was effortless with my Microsoft Outlook. Dell and Microsoft made this install so easy I thought I did it wrong! I have the PDA synced to my Sony laptop and my Dell desktops. Remember, to disable your firewall protection before using the activesync. After the system has sync and you have exchanged files, enable you firewall. McAfee will disconnect your sync.

After just one week using my PDA, I bought a second PDA (same DELL 300 MHz) for my wife knowing we can share the accessories I bought. I packaged an extra battery, stylus, and screen protectors as well as additional memory, the wireless phone and camera. My only disappointment is the protective cases that I bought. I have both the leather and the hard case, neither have a belt option. I had to make a belt clip from a few cell phone parts. Hopefully Dell will offer a case that can be worn and has room for a money clip. I strongly recommend you take the time to learn about the PDA world. PDAs will replace your cell phone and provide a tremendous amount of assistance to you.


The best PDA for the best price!   January 12, 2003
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I purchased my 300 MHz Axim X5 from Dell in mid December and it arrived about 2 weeks later. This is my very first pocket PC, although I did have a Palm V about 2 years ago. This thing just amazes me. The screen is nice and bright... the style is very comfortable to hold (rubber sides).

My choices for pocket PCs were the Toshiba e740, the HP IPAQ 1910, and the Dell Axim X5 - mainly because they were all under $... after rebates. The 300 MHz Axim is by far the cheapest and the best value since it has dual expansion slots (SD and CF). I am currently using a Netgear CF Wireless adaper card to surf the internet anywhere in my home.

Bottom line... the Axim is the best PDA for the best price. I love mine!


Great for the price   November 3, 2003
Drizzt301 (Potsdam, NY United States)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I've had my Axim for a few months now and I still love it. No troubles at all except when I enable WEP on my wireless card; I have to restart after inserting the card to recognize the network. I suspect this is related ot my no-name wireless card and not Dell's fault.

Only disadvantages are the size (it is much larger than other handhelds). I knew this going into it and I find the size comfortable to hold, though it doesn't fit into all of my pockets. The other disadvantage is the Dell support. I haven't had to deal with them since I know a bit about computers, however I ordered my PDA from Dell and was going away in 2 weeks. Their estemated delivery time was one week so I thought I was good. Turns out their site doesn't update daily and the unit was on back order. I had to argue with supervisors for 4 days before I finally got someone who got the situation resolved. All the others would say they will make sure it will ship today, then they 'forget' about it.

As long as you order from Amazon that shouoldn't be an issue. The fact is that only 25% of the service reps at Dell speak english without a THICK accent, and only 25% of those people really care about their job enough to go out of their way to help customers.

What it comes down to is I love the PDA, but hate Dell and can't recomend this product to anyone who can't troubleshoot software issues with the device.

P.S. Dell shipping and handling is a KILLER! If you are planning on buying accesories make sure Amazon or another retailer has what you need or you will end up paying $7 shipping on screen protectors that weigh nearly nothing.


Pretty amazing for its price!   February 6, 2004
Charles Moon (New York, USA)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

INTRO:
Hey, if you're reading this review, you are thinking whether to buy this or not. If I were you, I would buy it. This is because this little handheld is pretty amazing (with some attachments).

CAPABILITIES:
Well, first thing first. This is my first Pocket PC. I bought DELL because my computer is DELL and it's pretty good. With the optional SD and CF card (if you're going to get one of these, i recommend to buy a large SD card. This is because if you buy a CF card, your CF slot is full, forcing you not to put in additional attachments such as GPS, camera, ect.), you can add music, MOVIES, books, maps, and virtually anything digital memory. Without the optional SD and CF card, you can still add these, but the Dell Axim does not really have the memory. If you happen to buy the GPS from Pharos (recommended by DELL), you cannot fit the headphones because its right next to the CF slot.

PROS:
This DELL Axim is pretty slim, and pretty fast. It also features BLUETOOTH technology for wireless stuff. It has a CF slot and a SD slot. Also has a "Hard Reset" which is basically like "reformatting" except it takes less then a minute. You can watch movies, listen to songs, never get lost (GPS), take photos, and virtually anything with the optional attachments.
SIMPLIFIED:
*Slim
*Fast
*Bluetooth
*CF and SD Slot
*Hard Reset
*Play movies/music
*Never get lost (GPS) OPTIONAL
*You can do virtually anything (digital) with the optional attachments

CONS:
A cradle for fifty dollars? I don't think so. The customer support can be better, if you know what I'm talking about. I tried to call them for something simple, asking for the foldable keyboard, and they put me on hold for 30 minutes! Small memory (32 MB).
SIMPLIFIED:
*Cradle for fifty dollars?!
*Customer Support sucks
*Small Default Memory (32 MB)

BOTTOM LINE:
If this is your first handheld to buy, buy it. It is the best you can ever get in the price range. But before you go off and buy it, read the recommendation below.

ADDITION TO THIS PRODUCT:
256mb Lexar SD Card
128mb SanDisk CF Card
Screen Protector
Pharos GPS
Pharos GPS Car Kit
VEO Camera

CONCLUSION:
All the above products are optional. But I do recommend you get the first 3. Go get this product. It's well worth the money!