Great Features, Great Value

Dell Axim x51V


Memory
Installed RAM : 64 MB
Installed ROM: 256 Mb Flash
Processor
Processor: Intel 624 MhzXscale
Display
Display type: 3.7 in TFT active matrix
Expansion / Connectivity
Wireless connectivity: IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b
Expansion slot(s) totalL 1 SD, 1 CompactFlash Type II

First Impression:
This is my 2nd PDA type device, my first was an Old Palm III so the jump to the Axim was pretty impressive for me. The Axim x51v is Dell’s top of the line PDA and features a large 3.7in touch screen and a super fast 624 Mhz processor. The screen size really blew me away right out of the box, it’s huge and takes up almost the entire device. I also really like the color scheme. It looks really professional and sharp.

Screen:
This is one of the biggest and best screens in the pocket PC market today. It has great resolution and I’ve always been able to read even the smallest text. It’s also big enough to comfortably watch videos without straining to see the screen.

Storage:
The Axim x51v has a good amount or storage space built in but also has an SD and Compact flash slot. With the dropping price of flash memory you can afford to buy a few large capacity cards. If you plan to watch movies or use your Axim for automobile GPS then you will want to invest in a few 1 Gig or 2 Gig SD cards.

Connectivity:
Another impressive feature of the x51v is its built-in 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless technologies. This allows you to browse the internet wirelessly and also use a whole host of Bluetooth accessories. However battery life is shortened considerably when the WiFi is turned on. If you are planning on surfing the internet on your Axim then consider investing in a second higher capacity battery. The Bluetooth will allow you to use accessories such as keyboards and GPS units, offering a great deal of flexibility.



Interface:
The Axim x51v comes with Windows Mobile 5 which is standard for handheld computers and smart phones these days. It has a touch screen and there is nice concealed spot for the stylus. I didn’t like how small the stylus is and I have to be careful not set it down or to lose it. The x51v also has a set of button along the bottom of the device, including a 5-way navigation switch and 4 hot keys. If you were thinking of using these buttons for games, think again because they are horrible for most games.

Bottom Line:
The Dell Axim x51v is a great device that offers a whole range of features that would normally be present in much higher end models. It’s a great value, especially if you buy it from a reseller and not from Dell. Despite creating a solid device it would have been nice for Dell to include a high capacity battery. In my experience I can’t surf the internet for much more than an hour on a single charge. I also would have liked to see a better button layout, its incredible difficult to play certain games if more than 1 or 2 buttons are needed. If you’re in the market for a well built, fast and good looking Pocket PC then consider the x51v.