Dell Axim X50 PDA
The Dell Axim X50 and the X50v are two really good PDAs from Dell that were released in October 12, 2004.
The Dell Axim X50 and the X50v blend digital entertainment with productivity for a PDA that does it all. The feature list includes a VGA screen, a dedicated graphics engine, wireless connectivity, and Windows Media Player 10.0 Mobile. As the flagship model of the X50 series, the X50v costs more but if you don't need all the bells and whistles, check out the the entry-level Axim X50. Prices range currently between $300 and $500 depending on what you order.
Design wise the Axim X50v, Dell introduces a smooth design to its PDAs, not like the Axim X30's squarish edges. The Axim X50v is 0.6 by 4.7 by 2.9 inches and 6.2 ounces, the X50v is slightly bigger and heavier than the X30. As a trade-off, though, the X50v is solidly built, and the rubberized sides make for a comfortable and solid grip.
The X50v's 3.7-inch VGA screen makes a larger viewing area than most PDAs and boasts four times the resolution of a QVGA screen at 480x640 pixels for sharper graphics and text--a nice touch since Dell touts this as a multimedia handheld!
The left side of the PDA gives you access to a host of goodies. There's a lanyard hook, a lock switch, a wireless on/off button, and a voice-record button. The one-touch access to wireless connectivity is a particularly nice convenience since you don't have to fish through the Settings menu to turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The top of the device houses a 3.5mm headphone/headset jack that accepts Walkman-style 'phones and supports VoIP and voice-recognition apps; the stylus holder; and dual CompactFlash and SD expansion slots, while there's a standard sync/cradle connector on the bottom of the device. Give the X50v a twirl, and on the back, you'll find a battery-lock switch that enables the user to swap out the 1,100mAh battery with a slightly lesser mAh battery 1,000 mAh that will work the same. Considering the price of the swapped out battery it makes sense.
There aren't too many extras in the box, but you get a desktop sync cradle, a travel charger, and a protective case. As mentioned earlier, the X50v has a user-replaceable battery, so if you're a road warrior, you might want to invest in Dell's 2,200mAh extended cell for $99. Or you can pick up a standard battery for under $30 at BatteryShip.com.
The Dell Axim X50 and the X50v blend digital entertainment with productivity for a PDA that does it all. The feature list includes a VGA screen, a dedicated graphics engine, wireless connectivity, and Windows Media Player 10.0 Mobile. As the flagship model of the X50 series, the X50v costs more but if you don't need all the bells and whistles, check out the the entry-level Axim X50. Prices range currently between $300 and $500 depending on what you order.
Design wise the Axim X50v, Dell introduces a smooth design to its PDAs, not like the Axim X30's squarish edges. The Axim X50v is 0.6 by 4.7 by 2.9 inches and 6.2 ounces, the X50v is slightly bigger and heavier than the X30. As a trade-off, though, the X50v is solidly built, and the rubberized sides make for a comfortable and solid grip.
The X50v's 3.7-inch VGA screen makes a larger viewing area than most PDAs and boasts four times the resolution of a QVGA screen at 480x640 pixels for sharper graphics and text--a nice touch since Dell touts this as a multimedia handheld!
The left side of the PDA gives you access to a host of goodies. There's a lanyard hook, a lock switch, a wireless on/off button, and a voice-record button. The one-touch access to wireless connectivity is a particularly nice convenience since you don't have to fish through the Settings menu to turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The top of the device houses a 3.5mm headphone/headset jack that accepts Walkman-style 'phones and supports VoIP and voice-recognition apps; the stylus holder; and dual CompactFlash and SD expansion slots, while there's a standard sync/cradle connector on the bottom of the device. Give the X50v a twirl, and on the back, you'll find a battery-lock switch that enables the user to swap out the 1,100mAh battery with a slightly lesser mAh battery 1,000 mAh that will work the same. Considering the price of the swapped out battery it makes sense.
There aren't too many extras in the box, but you get a desktop sync cradle, a travel charger, and a protective case. As mentioned earlier, the X50v has a user-replaceable battery, so if you're a road warrior, you might want to invest in Dell's 2,200mAh extended cell for $99. Or you can pick up a standard battery for under $30 at BatteryShip.com.
posted by Dan Hagopian at
8:55 AM
