I have owned maybe eight different kinds of Palm PDA over the ...last 15 years or so, and I am very happy with my most recent Palm, a Tungsten T5. But I decided to buy an Axim X50 to try out some software that only runs on Windows Mobile (or Windows CE or PocketPC, or whatever Microsoft is calling it this week). I usually wait until a product has been on the market for several years before buying one, typically on eBay. I thereby keep moving up to better and better technology, but for around 1/4th the price of the latest gadget. Also, I can choose models that have won praise for reliability or features. Once in a while, following this plan, I wind up with merchandise that's broken or otherwise not very usable. Most of the time, including this time, I get a device in good shape at a great price. What I like about the Axim X50: 1) Wifi! I've never owned a PDA with that capability. Great fun to browse the internet, even on a tiny screen, while walking around my house... or even in bed, in case I've got a jones for Google in the middle of the night and don't feel like getting up! 2) Nice-looking, bright screen, very responsive to the stylus, with a well-designed on-screen keyboard -- my preferred input method for any PDA. 3) Battery life so far is good, in fact better than I expected. 4) The cradle charger is sturdy and connects solidly to the unit, which I've found to be problematic with some other PDAs. What I don't like: 1) The X50 arrived loaded with Windows Mobile 4. Since that version is not the latest, I had some trouble finding a decent internet browser for it. The version of IE included with the unit is, to put it mildly, disappointing, and most of the current browsers for Windows Mobile require more recent versions of the OS. For a while I thought maybe I'd bought "a pig in a poke" (off topic, I wonder where that expression come from). Then I learned that the Opera browser for Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC, version 8.65, is compatible with the Axim X50's OS. Opera is not free, but I downloaded the 45-day trial, and so far I like it enough to cough up the $25 they are asking. This just in! While writing this review, I found out about unofficial versions of Windows Mobile 5 and 6 for the X50, so it's possible the above problem might go away. Unofficial versions? Hmmm. We shall see. No other problems so far. Granted, I have not explored all of the device's capabilities. So far I have a very favorable impression. Overall, at this point (admittedly still early for me) I'm very satisfied with the X-50 and glad I bought one.
The Dell Axim X50v runs on a 624MHz processor, has 64 megs of ...RAM, 128 megs of ROM, a CF type II slot, an SD slot supporting SDIO, IR, Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11b wireless local area networking. It has a user replaceable 1100 mA battery and comes with a charger, cradle, slip case, manual and software CD. Pro: A very good device. Attractive and ergonomic design, good price, VGA display, fast processor, both CF and SD slots with SDIO support for the SD slot, Bluetooth 1.2 and WiFi, has Windows Media Player 10 which unlike Windows Media Player 9 can play videos stretched to full screen (handy if you want to watch your QVGA movies full screen). Con: The buttons are too easy to press and the d-pad is a little small. Standard battery capacity is a lean: consider the extended battery. The screen isn't as nice or as large as the iPAQ hx4700 nor is current 2D graphics performance as good. But the Dell costs less and we may see driver improvements in the future. I give it a Good for a Dell Axim X50--I love it--
I purchased a Dell Axim x50v (the V is for VGA, nice displ...ay) when they first came out. I prefer a Windows Mobile environment as compared to a Palm system because Windows Mobile integrates seemlessly with Windows XP (If you don't use Windows, then this doesn't matter). I set up my Outlook calender and contacts, and everytime I connect my x50 to the PC, it performs a sync automatically. I added an expansion card (512MB) so I can watch my TiVo shows on there (isn't technology awesome?) when I am mobile. It also has a built-in WiFi adapter so I can connect to the internet if WiFi is available. Granted, one doesn't really need these, but once you have them, you will love it. If you are planning on getting an x50, get the "v" model because the difference in the display is unbelievable (x50v is easier on your eyes). This would be perfect for the student or businessman alike!
I purchas...ed the X50 (Mid Model) as I had a good bit of experience in the past with an X30 and knew it'd be sufficient enough for what I needed it for. So far I've been pleased. Well, as pleased as one can get with a 7 year old handheld. And having mentioned that, the device, however old it may be, still has quite a bit of life left in it as a lot of the programs and utilities for it are still available around the internet (with some searching, of course). Notable Pros: - Works with my Compact Flash GPS unit. (check compatibility of OS and hardware before purchasing one) - Skype still works on it. - Opera (browser) still works on it. - Built in speakers compliment Windows Media Player and Skype voice calling. - MS Word Mobile is great for taking some of my less complicated text files along with me. - Plenty of replacement batteries and parts still available if something were to happen to it. (also very user serviceable) - Great Task manager and overall productivity manager for a cheap price. Notable Cons: (to me) - Does not connect to newer types of encrypted WLAN networks. - Stylus is small and potentially a hand-cramp waiting to happen with extended use. - Battery tends to die out quite quickly, even with a refurbished or brand new battery. Long story short, if you're looking for a quick and simple handheld that can do all the office and media basics for an incredibly cheap price, the Axim series of handhelds will definitely serve your needs. You might also check out the Axim X51 or X51v for higher performance at relatively the same cost.
I purchased a Dell Axim x50v (the V is for VGA, nice displ...ay) when they first came out. I prefer a Windows Mobile environment as compared to a Palm system because Windows Mobile integrates seemlessly with Windows XP (If you don't use Windows, then this doesn't matter). I set up my Outlook calender and contacts, and everytime I connect my x50 to the PC, it performs a sync automatically. I added an expansion card (512MB) so I can watch my TiVo shows on there (isn't technology awesome?) when I am mobile. It also has a built-in WiFi adapter so I can connect to the internet if WiFi is available. Granted, one doesn't really need these, but once you have them, you will love it. If you are planning on getting an x50, get the "v" model because the difference in the display is unbelievable (x50v is easier on your eyes). This would be perfect for the student or businessman alike!