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“Where can one start with this handheld? Maybe at the...”

written by Spirito473 on 16/03/2005

Good Points
Processor, Spec, Screen, Resolution, Bombproof build quality.

Bad Points
Hmmm, does it really perform like a 624mhz? Fiddly execute button, buttons on side too easy to press accidentally.

General Comments
Where can one start with this handheld? Maybe at the beginning. Once you take the Dell Axim X50v out of it's box, the first thing that hits you is how solid the unit feels. I base most of my criteria for buying items on what they look and feel like quality wise. Unlike many other units which feel plasticky and cheap, it feels well built and good quality. Turning the unit on would have the most disinterested person admiring the 3.7" VGA 640x480 resolution screen - all the textures are just so smooth. Boasting a comprehensive specification, one can only wonder how so much has gone into something of this size. Bluetooth, 802.11b, infrared, 3D acceleration, SD and CF card slots all coming as standard means you're never out of touch or storage space. A neat little touch is the record button on the side, allowing you to use the unit as a dictation machine, which will then automatically file your recordings. This, along with the wireless button prove to be some of the machine's downfalls. Removing the computer from your pocket makes it all too easy to knock the buttons on the side - enter the 'lock' button. A little flip down switch locks the touchscreen and all buttons making it impossible to press them by accident. A very good idea, but one that has led me to curse the machine very often (nothing to do with the computer, just my not paying attention and trying to operate it when the lock is still on then sitting there scratching my head wondering what is wrong with it). Just to get the major downfall out of the way - the paper speed is 624mhx. Lightning - in theory. However, having owned a HP rz1710 203mhz previously, the unit just does not feel significantly different. I can't work out why, but the only thing I can think is that all the goodies and the screen that are packed in take their toll on processor speed. Needless to say, it is fast, just not as fast as the paper figures would lead you to believe. Battery life could be better, getting 6-8 hours out of a full charge on 50% brightness. But, being honest, who uses their PDA for 8 hours without a charge anyway? The battery life again can be attributed to all the gizmos that make the unit so special. A double capacity battery lasting twice as long (original mind at work there) is available for around £70 - worth investing in only if battery life is going to be an issue. The front of the unit has the standard shortcut buttons along with a 4-way cursor pad with an execute button strategically placed in the middle. This button is too easy to mispress, and when you think you've executed a program, you have simply selected another one by wrongly catching the cursor button. The included docking cradle is neat and well made, and looks nice on a desk. Hows about the price? £330 give or take. For the spec, well worth it, more than well worth it. However, what does it do differently to a unit costing £100 less? Probably not much. If bluetooth, wireless capability and so on mean nothing to you, then this unit is probably an extravagant buy, but to techno geeks and people who use the functionality well, it is priced sensibly. This is my first Dell system ever owned, and it has impressed me. Depending on what software you wish to use, you may find that it needs updates straight away. These are free downloads from the Dell website and painless to install so should not be considered a hurdle. I have little doubt that this is not the best PDA on the market, but it stands at the top with it's spec and quality - maybe paving the way for PDA's to come. A commendable effort Dell - you've just won a customer.