First 60 minutes with Dell Axim X50

Many of us have been waiting for this day for a long time. Some others since a few months ago, when Dell announced officially that there would not have been a Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for their Axim X5 handhelds. In that moment more than ever, it was clear that Dell was "cooking" something big.
Besides the OS upgrade, Dell stopped selling Axim X5 a couple of months ago, leaving on the market only the Axim X30 family and no pda with a double slot (CF and SD).
This hole is finally filled by the Axim X50: my close-to-perfect pocket pc.
Dell's new Axim X50 family includes three members: the high performance Axim X50v and the entry-level and mid-level Axim X50.
In this article I will give you a quick preview of the main features of this handheld. I will reserve the deep testing and benchmarks to a second article.

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The Dream Team

Let's take a look at the specifications of each model:

	Axim X50v	Axim X50 mid-level	Axim X50 entry-level
Intel PXA270 processor	624MHz	520MHz	416MHz
Graphics solution	Intel® 2700G multimedia accelerator (16MB dedicated RAM)	Intel PXA270 processor with WMMX extensions	Intel PXA270 processor with WMMX extensions
Display	3.7-inch VGA 480x640 resolution Dual display capability	3.5-inch QVGA 240x320 resolution	3.5-inch QVGA 240x320 resolution
Memory	128MB StrataFlash® ROM / 64MB SDRAM	128MB StrataFlash ROM / 64MB SDRAM	64MB StrataFlash ROM / 64MB SDRAM
Wireless	802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology	802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology	Bluetooth wireless technology
Games bundle	Enigmo and Stunt Car Extreme	None	None
Price	$499	$399	$299

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The form factor

All the models have the same dimensions and weight. With 14.9 x 116.4 x 77.2mm and 134.4g with standard battery, the X50 localize itself in an intermediate range between the X5 and the X30. I think it is just perfect: if the X5 had been called "the brick", the X30 was just a little lightweight for me (it felt almost like a toy). I would give it a 9.5 out of 10.

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Video and screen

Dell has decided to give some space to the gaming experience. The X50v has a dedicated graphic 3D accelerator with 16Mb of memory and comes with a couple of 3D games in bundle.
Furthermore the X50v supports an external VGA connection (see optional) and is provided with a dual display utility integrated in the OS.

The X50v has definitely the nicest screen I have ever seen on a pda. The X50, even without VGA, maintains a very good look with all the improvements from the x5 that we have seen on the X30 before. I would give a 10 to the X50v and a 8+ to the x50.

[IMAGE=3560] [IMAGE=3561]

UPDATE: Some websites reported complains about the screen and the video performances of the X50.
Unfortunately I don't have another VGA pda to compare with the X50v. Personally I think that it is not new that LCD screens have different colour rendering and brightness. My review is meant as a first approach to a new product. I stand by my opinion that this screen is superb. Comparing it to my X5 I can see major improvements. And also comparing the X50 and the X50v (see pictures above) the difference is very clear.
Stay tuned for further testing and comparison with other VGA models.
As far as the video performances I would like to point out that any benchmark available at this time DOES NOT take in account the Intel graphic chip on the X50v. So I would not consider those tests reliable. On the other hand we will have to wait and see which application will be able to take advantage of this chip. For example it is possible that many games would not use it as well.

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The look

The new stylish black and silver design seems very attractive and makes your forgive the far-from-innovative round shape (which reminds a lot some HP ipaq models like the h4155 and h1945).
The back of the unit is made of hard rubber plastic and it seems to be less prone to be scratched.
The 5 set of hard buttons in the front of the unit looks very similar to the one on the Axim X30 but the d-pad has been a little enlarged and it feels very comfortable.
Here are a few pictures of the X50 compared side by side to an X5:

[IMAGE=3574] [IMAGE=3558] [IMAGE=3559] [IMAGE=3562] [IMAGE=3565] [IMAGE=3566] [IMAGE=3567] [IMAGE=3573]

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The news

Dell has introduced some important news in this Axim.
First of all the famous Dell stylus has been replaced by a more palm-like slim stylus. I liked a lot the old stylus and I think this is a negative change. The new stylus feels small in my hands and is much harder to remove and insert in its slot.

[IMAGE=3570]

Another modification that many people will appreciate is the introduction of a lock button on the side of the unit. This will inactivate all the buttons and the unit cannot be accidentally turned on.
Close to this button there are also the wireless and the voice recording buttons. I particularly like this choice because I found the wireless button on the X3i/X30 too easy to press involuntarily. This button only activates the WiFi and not the Bluetooth connection.
There is also a lanyard hook on top of the same side, although I honestly don't think someone would carry such a fragile object swinging from his wrist.

[IMAGE=3564]

The last important aesthetic modification is the introduction of a cover for the battery with a lock mechanism. This may sound more complicate than the previous lock on batteries solution. On the contrary I think it is a very wise decision. It will allow to purchase non original batteries without problems of matching colors and if the cover get damaged it will not require the replacement of the whole battery (but it is not know if Dell will sell this parts replacements). I also found the lock mechanism much easier to open than the one on the X3/X30.

Both the CF and the SDIO slots are on trop of the unit. Once again this choice is far from innovative and might lead to some discomfort since some CF accessory might be very large. It will require to empty the CF slot to access the SD one.

The dock connector on the bottom of the unit resembles a lot the one on the X30. Unfortunately it is different; in fact Dell specified that it was made longer to support the VGA connection on the X50v. The power adapter though, is the same of the Axim X5 and X3/X30.

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The audio

As you can see the audio connector is still on top of the unit and the microphone is in the front.
Many of you might be familiar with the poor audio performances of the Axim X5, even playing good quality mp3. Well, forget that! The x50 audio is crystal clear even at the highest volume. Also recording voice and sound provided a reasonable quality product.
I am not an audiophile or an expert, but I would give a good 9+ to the audio performances of the X50.

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The Cradle

Both the X50v and the X50 mid come with a bundled cradle. The X50 low will have only a sync cable.
Dell has decided to abandon the shining style of the previous cradles. I liked it a lot and I still think the Axim X5 cradle is the nicest cradle ever made for pda. The X3/X30 one was, in my opinion, particularly ugly and the X50 ones feels a little bit better.
The cradle principle is still the same. Both the unit and a spare battery can be charged.
Connecting and removing the pda from the cradle is very simple and doesn't seem to require any particular effort.
Overall, being 10 the Axim x5 cradle, I would give this one a 7-.

[IMAGE=3569] [IMAGE=3571] [IMAGE=3572]

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The Battery

The X50 family is all powered by a small 1100mAh lithium battery. A 2200mAh extended battery will be available within the next two weeks and it will be twice as thick as the standard one. As I mentioned before this battery is covered by a small plastic screen and the extended battery will come with a modified cover.
I performed a quick test on battery life, just to have an idea of how long do they last. Playing an mp3 with full brightness on the X50v gave me about 2 hours, while the X50mid lasted about half an hour longer before the battery meter would show 5%. I consider this a major defect and I wish they could have maintain the good performances of the X5 on this side. We will have to wait and see how much improvement will the extended battery provide. For now I would give a 4 out of 10 to battery life.

[IMAGE=3568]

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Wireless

The X50v and the X50mid are provided with both WiFi and Bluetooth connections. The entry level X50 will have only the BT (WiFi can be added through a CF or SD expansion card).
I tested both WiFi and Bt and they worked without problems. The WiFi connection seemed much faster than on my X5+Socket CF WiFi card.
I could connect to my laptop via BT in about 5 minutes. The included utility is very easy to use and it helps you through the various steps needed to set up different connections. The wireless connections get a 9.5 out of 10 from me.

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Infrared

According to Dell's first information release, the X50 family was supposed to carry a consumer IR (CIR). For those of you that are not farmiliar with this word, it simply means that the IR port is very powerful and can be utilizer from longer distance than a regular IR. For instance, using an appropriate software, the pda could be utilized as a remote control.
The Axim X5 was well known for its weak IR port. Unfortunately, my test and the latest information from Dell report that the IR port on the X50 is not consumer, even if in my test performed better than the X5. I was able to control my TV from about 4m. In my opinion this is good enough. I would give a 7 out of 10 to this feature.

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Software

The usual application are included in Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, Calculator, Pictures, Jawbreaker, Solitaire, Inbox, File Explorer, MSN Messenger, terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Infrared Beaming, Clock, Align Screen, memory, Volume control, Landscape mode, WPA
Dell also provides some extras included in the ROM: File Store (nonvolatile file storage in flash ROM), Backup (utility for Backup/Restore to Memory Card), Switcher (access and launch programs easily), Power Status, Brightness, Microphone Gain Control, Version Display, Dell WLAN utility (with optional wireless model), Funk Odessey Client (CCX 1.0)

On the companion CD some more applications are included:
Full Versions: Microsoft Active Sync 3.7.1, Outlook 2002, Resco Picture Viewer, Dell Diagnostic Utility
Trial Version: Agenda Fusion, CityTime, eWallet, Full Hand Casino, Griffin Technology Total Remote, Handmark Monopoly, Handmark Scrabble, Handy Zip, ListPro, McAfee VirusScan PDA, Resco File Explorer, Trip Tracker, Links Pocket PC, Westtek ClearVue Suite, Cash Organizer 2003 Deluxe, Battery Pack 2004, Calligrapher, Enigmo (requires X50v)

In the few hours I could use both the X50v and X50 mid, they seemed to be very stable and reliable. I tested all the features and I found only a minor bug which I reported to Dell. These units came with a pre-release ROM version. Since it seems already so good I would say that this PDA is ready to be launched.

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Optional

These optional will be available from Dell website.

• Axim GPS Navigation system with Bluetooth wireless technology ($249)
• Dell Executive Keyboard with Bluetooth wireless technology ($125)
• Headset to support VoIP and voice recognition applications (TBD)
• Presentation Bundle (VGA out cable Westtek ClearVue Suite) only for X50v ($79)

According to a Dell representative some of these optional will be concretely ready in the next few weeks. We also suggested that a custom made screen protector should be available for the X50v and she said they are working on it and it will be available in about one week.
Given the new form factor, new connector, new screen and stylus we anticipate that some time will be required for 3rd party companies to release accessories such as cases and power adapters.

The VGA out is a big extra for a pda. This is the first time Dell introduces such and innovation. According to Dell the VGA out will show also video files (not only presentations or documents) although I don't know anything about the outcome. Up to now it is not known what kind of frame rate and resolution this cable will support. I will upgrade this review as soon as I will have more information.

The only external keyboard available for the X50 will be the Bluetooth one. There are currently no plans to develop any other kind of keyboards.

Our units didn't come with a case. Dell is developing a leather case that will be included in the retail package.

According to the Dell website the X50 will be available for shipping after 11/17/04; this should give them enough time to have all accessories ready.

[POLL]

For those of you that think that the X50 is just an X30 with the CF slot I have prepared this comparison table:

Axim X50 & X50v	Axim X30
Design for Intel PXA270 (Bulverde) Design for Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition w/ Media Player 10 Mobile 1 Compact Flash Type II Slot 1 Secure Digital Slot w/ 4bits I/O, SDIO Now! IR port DC Power In via Sync Cable or Charger Adapter 3.7" VGA (X50v), 3.5" QVGA (X50) Primary Battery capacity 1100 mAh 128MB NOR Flash ROM (520MHz, X50v) Graph controller: Intel 2700G (X50v) Integrated Bluetooth 1.2 Integrated Wi-Fi with CCX 1.0 (520MHz, X50v)	Design for Intel PXA270 (Bulverde) Design for Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition 0 Compact Flash Type II Slot 1 Secure Digital Slot w/ 4bits I/O, SDIO Now! SIR/Consumer IR DC Power In via Sync Cable or Charger Adapter 3.5" QVGA Primary Battery capacity 950mAh 64MB NOR Flash ROM (Mid, High Config) Graph controller: Intel SoC inside CPU Integrated Wi-Fi (LEAP) & Bluetooth 1.1n top of the market with a product that can satisfy any customer.
Dimensions (nominal): 16 x 119 x 73mm Weight: 175g with standard battery	Dimensions (nominal): 14.9 x 116.4 x 77.2mm Weight: 134.4g with standard battery

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Pros

• Fast CPU
• Newest Operating System
• WiFi and Bluetooth
• Higher capacity battery (than the X30, still smaller than the X5)
• Small Size
• Bright Screen (and gorgeous VGA screen for the X50v)
• Good practical look (with the hard rubber black back)

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Cons

• Small stylus
• High price
• No case included
• Short battery life

Article rating - (254 votes)