Big review of Dell Axim X3i

April 18, 2004 | Pavel Koza | format - Other (ar.) | viewed - 109x
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(158 votes) | category - -

Big review of Dell Axim X3i

Unfortunately, Dell is one of the companies that consider communicating with my website unimportant... I have never received an answer to my e-mails, my requests to lend me a device for review purposes remained without response. That is why I have not reviewed the previous model, Dell Axim X5. I was able to lay my hands on the new Dell Axim X3i with the help of Sunnysoft, which is working on a complete localisation of the device into Czech for Dell. The model is relatively new and although it hit the shelves some time ago, I hope some people will find this review useful.

As I have said, Dell Axim X3 is available in three versions. They are all of the same size and weight but differ in their configuration and, obviously, price. The basic model, sometimes called Axim X3 Basic, is powered by an Intel XScale processor running at 300 MHz, has a 32 MB RAM and 32 MB Flash ROM. An extended version, sometimes called Axim X3 Advanced, offers a faster XScale processor running at 400 MHz and double RAM and re-writable ROM, i.e. 64 MB each. And finally, Axim X3i differs from the Advanced version by an integrated Wi-Fi.

UPDATED! :: There are updated benchmarks in the Benchmarks section!

What is in the box?

Dell is a specialist on direct sale, and therefore does not need to worry about the design of packaging for its products. The box is made of plain cardboard decorated with a few stickers telling you what is inside.

Dell Axim X3i
Li-Ion battery 950 mAh
Two-part AC adapter and an adapter for direct charging
Synchronisation USB cradle with a slot for a spare battery
Case with a belt clip
CD-ROM with Outlook 2002 and bonus apps
User manual
Warranty information

I found the device more appealing than its older brother Axim X5. But let's talk about the accessories first and we begin with the USB cradle. It is quite robust and made of transparent plastic like that supplied with Axim X5. When charging, a blue Dell logo shines on the front panel. The bottom part is made of rugged cast iron, which gives the cradle excellent stability in all circumstances. There is an extra slot for a spare battery, so that you can charge both the main battery and the spare one at the same time. The stylus is quite flat and is probably made of a light metal with a plastic point. I prefer more robust sticks, but it is a matter of personal preferences.

The case supplied with the device surprised me nicely. Cases provided by the manufacturer usually are not something one would be very enthusiastic about. However, in this case, Dell deserves praise. Although simple, it is made of leather or its very good imitation, looks solid and elegant. Rubber strips that make the sides prevent the device form falling out. Soft padding inside protects the display and glossy finish. The case is complete with a non-removable belt clip. Yet the case is very small, which is an important factor for me, and which makes it almost ideal in my eyes.

The AC adapter comes in two parts - an ordinary cable with the 8-shaped plug (the same as that used in shavers and tape recorders - if you know the official name, let me know, please:) and a very small box, the adapter itself. The small size is another nice surprise and allows it to be called a real "travel adapter". You need a special adapter for direct charging, the same principle as in iPAQs and MDAs.

To make the list complete, there are a few brochures (a quick start guide and a user manual in English) and a CD-ROM with several extra applications. That's all. I miss a spare stylus, but it is easy to order one from Dell, unlike other manufacturers.

Design

My first impression of Axim X3i was largely positive. I liked the small size (77.2 mm x 116.4 mm x 14.9 mm || 3.04 in x 4.82 in x 0.59 in), low weight (142 g || 4.94 oz) as well as the design combining silver and black colour. The front panel is made of sturdy silver plastic, the sides are black and also plastic. The plastic material used is obviously less durable than metal but Axim with a metal shell could only dream of getting anywhere near such a low weight, to say nothing about the price.

I am becoming rather desperate when it comes to finding a different way to talk about the display in my reviews. To put it bluntly - this Axim, too, has a display occupying most of the front panel, as usual. Over the display, in the middle, there is a round switch which functions at the same time as a green and orange indicator notifying of various events, such as charging, appointments etc. To the left, there is a pinhole of the microphone. Under the display, there is an almost traditional combination of a joypad (with a button in the middle for confirming selection) and 4 user-configurable application buttons. Besides that, there is an extra button on each side. The left one launches sound recording, the right one is pre-set to toggle the Wi-Fi module. This is an unusual but quite clever solution where to place those buttons. But let me stay with the other buttons. Their design and layout strongly resembles that of buttons on Palm Tungsten (that is my impression, although I am not a Palm expert). This is not the problem, though - the problem appeared when I tried playing some action games. No, Axim has no problems with pressing several keys simultaneously but the buttons are so close to each other that I sometimes could not simultaneously press joystick left and the Contacts button for fire simply because I could not squeeze my fingers in. Otherwise I have no serious objections to the controls. One will soon get used to the oval shape of the joypad and passionate gamers will surely quickly master even diagonal directions (such as down and right).

Turning the device around, the back reveals nothing but several rubber buttons preventing slipping of the device on smooth surfaces, a soft reset button, battery latch, and the battery compartment itself. There is no cover - the battery itself is part of the back of the device. And finally, there is the built-in speaker there.

On the left side, there are only two items: a stereo headphones 3.5 mm jack for which you do not need any reduction and can use any type of headphones, and a 3-way scroll button that makes it possible to control the device with one hand only. I have said repeatedly that none of the devices I have ever used was equipped with this type of control, so I feel no emotions about it. My subjective view is that it is too low, I would prefer it a few millimetres closer to the top. I was pleased by a certain "intelligence" of the control in everyday use. For example - if you are viewing a website and find yourself in the middle of the page, when you press TAB (which should activate the next link or form field), you will be taken to the very first object on the page, which is most likely somewhere you do not wish to be. However, if you scroll up or down, you will be taken to the first VISIBLE object. It is a small thing but a highly convenient one:)

There is absolutely nothing on the right side but three little holes through which you can see the silver colour of the stylus.

The top side is much more interesting. Besides an infra port and an MMC/SD slot, there is a kind of antenna there. It is noteworthy that although Dell has not introduced an Axim X3 with a Bluetooth module, there is a Bluetooth logo on it and the LED indicators flashes blue during a Wi-Fi activity. While an integrated antenna would look better, it is not such a designer's sin as the new LOOX 610.

Finally, on the bottom side, there is nothing but a combined data and power connector. If you want to charge Axim directly, you need to use an adapter to the power cable.

If you don't like my photos, ere are a few official hi-res images:)

Pocket PC	Dimensions (in. / mm)	Weight (oz / g)
Asus MyPal A620BT	3.02 x 4.92 x 0.52 76.8 x 125 x 13.3	4.98 141
Asus MyPal A617	3.07 x 5.31 x 0.69 78 x 135 x 17.6	6.95 197
Dell Axim X3i	3.04 x 4.82 x 0.59 77.2 x 117 x 14.9	4.94 142
F-S Pocket LOOX 610BT	3.07 x 5.81 x 0.72 78 x 147.5 x 18.2	7.23 197
HP iPAQ h1940	2.75 x 4.46 x 0.5 69.8 x 113.3 x 12.8	4.38 124
HP iPAQ h2210	3.01 x 4.54 x 0.61 76.4 x 115.4 x 15.4	5.09 144
HP iPAQ h4150	2.78 x 4.47 x 0.53 70.6 x 113.6 x 13.5	4.66 132
HP iPAQ h5550	3.31 x 5.43 x 0.63 84 x 138 x 15.9	7.3 206.8
MiTAC Mio339	2.83 x 4.88 x 0.6 73 x 122 x 13.8	4.36 120
MiTAC Mio558	2.83 x 4.88 x 0.6 72 x 124 x 15.3	6 170
Toshiba e400	3 x 4.9 x 0.4 76.2 x 124.4 x 10.1	4.59 130
Toshiba e800	3 x 5.3 x 0.6 80 x 125 x 15.2	6 179
T-Mobile MDA II	2.75 x 5.12 x 0.71 70 x 130 x 19	6.53 185

Parameters

Being the most powerful and feature-packed device from Dell, Axim X3i is trying to offer the best technologies available. The device is powered by an Intel PXA263 processor. You can adjust the clock speed at three levels or let the system care for it automatically. The automatic mode is suitable for most users because it is reliable and significantly improves the time on batteries. Instructions for this feature in the manual seem rather confusing. It reads, for instance, that the Maximum Performance option is available for Intel PXA255 processors only, as if someone not very carefully copied & pasted bits from the manual for Axim X5... Nevertheless, this does not affect the functionality. Axim offers an average 64 MB of RAM but unlike in many other Pocket PCs, you can use almost all of it - 63.29 MB. The operating system is loaded in a 64-MB re-writable Intel StrataFlash ROM, 34.81 MB out of which you can use for storing your own data that will be protected against a power failure.

I like the display very much, even better than that of iPAQ h2210 which I have always adored - this one is brighter, and its colours are richer. Technically speaking, it is an 88.9 mm || 3.5 in TFT display able to display 65 thousand colours at the usual resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The borders are wide just enough. The backlight can be adjusted at eight levels, separately for battery and mains operation. It does not suffer from the ever more common "tan", so it is really nice to look at. The touch layer is somewhat tougher than that of iPAQs and sometimes needs a little more pressure.

The sound features are only basic. The speaker does not stand out among other Pocket PCs - it plays and does not hiss. The headphones connector is the standard 3.5 mm jack, so that I could easily use the Koss Porta Pro headphones for testing, and I can say that I could not hear any annoying hiss:) The maximum volume level is sufficient even in quite noisy environments. If you prefer boosting the basses for MP3 playback, you will be disappointed - Axim X3i does not offer any software equalizer. The only adjustable audio feature bar volume is microphone sensitivity. Unlike most competing devices, it is only manual, no automatic adjustment. It poses no problem if you find yourself in homogenous sound conditions, but may when recording, say, in the street. In any case, the microphone is quite sensitive and can record a dialogue at a several-metre distance.

Now, we have come to the difference between X3i and the cheaper models in the series - communication. Before we continue, let me note that for a few months after the X3 series was announced, it was thought that the most top model of Axim X3 would offer both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to compete with the top models of other manufacturers. This has not happened for reasons unknown to me, but according to information from Dell, such a combined device is in development. The launch date has not been announced yet, though. But back to Axim X3i. There is a USB port for a fast-speed connection to the desktop, and a serial infra port for communicating with a laptop or mobile phone. The infrared beam reaches up to 2.5 metres, so that it should be theoretically possible to use the device as a remote control for home appliances (I did not test that). What you will probably be interested in the most is Wi-Fi. After pressing the magic button next to the Home button, Wi-Fi activates within seconds and offers you a connection dialogue if you are near an Access Point. I do not have the means for detailed measuring of the quality of signal, so I can only speak of my impressions and the control software. I like it, it is very detailed and user-friendly for Pocket PC standards. It includes a PING utility so that you can test the network without installing third-party applications. After several days of testing I must say that Wi-Fi works absolutely flawlessly in this device.

Of course, I also tested the batteries, as usual. Unfortunately, although the device ships with a capacious 950-mAh Lithium-Ion battery, the performance in a standard test (full backlight, Wi-Fi off, usual use) was not very impressive, giving a result of slightly lower than average 3 hours and 16 minutes. The processor clock speed was set at maximum but if you use the automatic adjustment, you can gain some extra minutes. On the other hand, if you activate the Wi-Fi, the power consumption will grow. Dell offers a large optional 1800-mAh battery for those who require a substantially longer battery operation. The backup battery is integrated and according to the documentation, it should be able to preserve the RAM contents for 30 minutes. There is a convenient option to lock the keys to prevent the devices from waking up from the Suspend mode upon a press of a button.

Expandability

Dell does not offer any extra packs, jackets or other accessories designed specifically for this device, so let's take a quick look at the options at hand. The only expansion slot is of MMC/SD type which will accommodate any memory card but being SDIO-enabled, it will work with Bluetooth, GPS and other cards, too. Do not believe the Dell official website which shamefully stated (when I was writing this review) that "Dell Axim can work with one SD and one Compact Flash card at the same time". It might be true, but THIS Dell Axim does not have any Compact Flash slot. And that's it for expandability...

Software

The software package is based on Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Premium edition. That means it includes everything Microsoft offers for devices without an integrated GSM/GPRS module. Besides, there are three interesting and useful bonus applications pre-loaded in the ROM.

The first one is assigned to one of the soft keys and is called Home. It is a kind of a simple application launcher - quite frankly, I have never come to like this type of applications.

Another bonus application is more useful, in my opinion. You will not find it under Programs, though, but among the Control Panels. It is called Switcher Bar and as the name suggests, it is a simple yet powerful task manager whose icon will sit next to the Start button and when tapped, will make it possible to close applications or to quickly launch the power management and backlight applet.

The third utility - and probably the most useful one - is Data Backup, which makes it possible to back up data to a memory card or the ROM disc. You can choose what to back up, whether everything or just the PIM data. Tap on Start and there you go. Restoring the data is equally simply, just choose the backup file and tap Start again.

There are no more extra apps in the device, but let's examine the CD-ROM. It contains a lot of applications but mostly in demo versions which you must pay for to get the full functionality. The only exceptions are applications provided by Microsoft, including Outlook and ActiveSync, as well as a picture viewer from Resco, called Picture Viewer (includes a screen capture utility), then the Dell Axim X3 Self-Diagnostic Utility, and a presentations viewer IA Presenter for Pocket PC from IA Style. And that's all for the full apps.

Pricing

The price of less than U.S. $350 seems very acceptable and competitive. Besides, you can save by choosing one of the lower models - the cheapest one costs only U.S. $200. There is a wide range of accessories that you can order along the device on the same screen. Although you would expect it as a standard, not all of the other manufacturers are able to supply a spare battery or stylus immediately after launching the product. And last but not least, Dell offers an extension of the warranty, the so-called "On Site Replacement" free of charge. If your Axim breaks down, you do not need to go to the service but a serviceman will visit you and either fix the device within three days or replace it if irreparable. I did not make such experience with Axim in this respect, but by coincidence, we have several dozen Dell laptops in our company and I can confirm that it works. Those extremely unlucky users can relatively cheaply buy an extended warranty which will apply to faults caused obviously by the user (such as coffee spilt over Axim etc. :)

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Benchmarks

I use Spb Benchmark for a complete performance test. Having reviewed several new Pocket PCs, I have compared them. If you are interested in the detailed results, the complete .XML file is available for download here :: Dell Axim X3i (2003, 400 MHz) [1KB]. If you copy the contents of the file to the form on this page (click on Add device), you can compare the results with other devices.

UPDATED! :: Well, since I have already reviewed this device in January but published it now, three months later, some things have changed. It's good news that Dell keeps improving its Axim X3i device, above all its performance. Thanks to Omar Saeed who sent me benchmarks he created using his brand new Axim X3i with Bluetooth, you can see all the new results in three comparison graphs. Unfortunately, ActiveSync test is missing so I cannot do a full Spb Benchmark.