HP 4700 VS. AXIM - Screen, Gaming, Longevity

DragonXI · 06-22-05, 06:34 PM

Hello...I am actually been researching and debating on the purchase of the hp4700 vs. Axim 50v for about 2-3weeks. I never had a PDA before, and i am not the type that considers myself a newbie to Gadgets, i dont want to buy a basic first-timer pda.

I have read all the threads in this forum that discuss the same debate between the hp4700 & Axim 50v...but I am still torn between the best choice for me. The last thing i want to do is make a purchase & regret it in the end. Its like for each thing I like about the hp4700...there is also things I like on the Axim 50v, that counter back on my decision. My main 3 factors come in form of Screen size, Games & Longevity.

SCREEN
I love the fact that hp4700 has a 4" screen..& though axim50v has 3.7" - I hear that .3, though it sounds small & not much...Does make a difference.
- For anyone who has seen both pda's personally, do you feel that the .3 less of screen make a significant difference?

GAMING
I enjoy gaming, though I dont feel I will be that "hardcore" into gaming on a PDA...I know there is much backlash on using the hp4700 to play games such as action, fast paced games etc. Due to the Touchpad....and I dont like thought of being limited to certain types of games for entertainment.
- Anyone with experience with Gaming on the hp4700, is the Touchpad that much of a hassle for most pda games?

One thing that interest me on the Axim 50v side is the fact of their enhanced graphic chip. - How significant is this in comparsion to the hp4700?

I know some people use Emulators to play games such as for the Nintendo, Gameboy etc. And I may possibly like the thought to do that, as well.
- Does anyone here use an emulator with their hp4700? If so, does it work just as good to use on this pda, compared to possibly the Axim 50v?

LONGEVITY
It is now Summer of 2005 & both these PDAs came out i believe back in early 2004. I heard that Dell will come out with there new Axim this Fall...and HP possibly in December.

With the trend that Dell has taken with the Enhanced Graphics Chip, taking PDA to the next level in entertainment...
- Do you believe that the hp4700, has enough to keep up with the new applications, content etc that will take advantage of the next generation of PDA's?

- Or do you feel that since its towards the end of the HP4700 & AXIM 50v cycle, that at this point its best to wait for the new version?

Hopefully, You all can give me your feedback on this. I will greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

gschoots · 06-22-05, 06:50 PM

If I should believe everyting I read than there won't be any major advances in PDA features, since Smartphones will capture PDA marketshare. People are already predicting the death of PDA's, I don't know if this will be near future but I can imagine this will happen, HP's next best thing isn't a new PDA (nothing has been announced since quite some time) but the mobile messenger Hw6500, I have had it in my hands for a very short time and I must say I was very impressed by it.

I read a lot of reviews before ordering the hx4700 and it always comes down to "great PDA, the touchpad sucks", all other differences don't really seem to matter. Oh and about the graphic chip, the x50v indeed has a better GFX chipset as far as I know there are two games that actually support them and they are bundled with the device, I thought that would be a major issue but developers didn't really pick it up, so don't worry about that one.

Howard Roark · 06-23-05, 12:38 AM

I have both and the difference in screen size is noticeable to me. I prefer the HP screen.

the Ax has a video cable which is quite nice to use and works as advertised.

I have not seen any difference in gaming speed between the units.

Before HP blew it by posting a bad rom upgrade, I had hours of usable life with the 5700mah battery case.

imported_jb2001 · 06-23-05, 08:27 AM

I had a similar dilemma and opted for the x50v, I was however one of the impatient ones and when Dell quoted 16 week delivery in the UK in January, I pulled my order and bought a hx4700.

If your a serious gamer the x50v is the best option, you can however get a BT controller that works on the hx4700 but thats more $$$$$$$.

My only regret is the form factor of the hx4700. IMOA everything else is either the same as or superior to the x50v.

PS the 4" screen is fantastic.

Kcchief_fan · 06-23-05, 10:34 AM

Obviously this forum may be a little biased but I love my hx4700. I too pondered what device I should get a little less than a year ago. I choose the HP over the Dell and Loox and haven't regretted getting it. However (a word that precludes caveats), I am not an action gamer although I have been working on getting my RATOC USB card to use a gamepad (no drivers seem to work for me although LOOX 720 owners seem to be able to do this). I was using this as a replacement for lugging around a laptop as I do lots of world traveling and need a word processor, powerpoint editor, spreadsheet and graph maker and something to entertain me with movies on flight I can't upgrade from coach on. Although it is a bigger form factor than Dell it isn't overly big (fits in my shirt pocket) and has a harder (magnesium) case imo. The screen is fabulous (I have watched movies on both and the .3 does make a difference) and although the Dell has a much better graphics processor it doesn't seem to make much of a difference in everyday use. You may be able to run a movie that is less compressed but it won't be as noticeable on the smaller screen. I AM dissappointed in HP's customer service (lack of ROM updates and service paks) but it is much better than the m505 I transfered from. I also like the battery life especially with my Mugen battery. Looking at what you want to do if you don't mind waiting and possibly being dissapointed than you can wait for the new models, I couldn't wait as I just couldn't keep lugging the laptop through security. I doubt you'll regret buying either as they both have enough features to satisfy most people for awhile. I'm typing this on my Dell laptop at work and have not had any problems with their devices and although sometimes I wish HP would've went with the ATI graphics chip in my PDA (so I could tell x50v owners to stop glouting

and so that I could run 3D games to see if they are worthwhile) I have a device that I use regularly and am happy (I haven't upgraded ROM as I don't NEED WMP10 and I do NEED battery life).

Driftless · 06-23-05, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by DragonXI

Hello...I am actually been researching and debating on the purchase of the hp4700 vs. Axim 50v for about 2-3weeks. I never had a PDA before, and i am not the type that considers myself a newbie to Gadgets, i dont want to buy a basic first-timer pda.

I have read all the threads in this forum that discuss the same debate between the hp4700 & Axim 50v...but I am still torn between the best choice for me. The last thing i want to do is make a purchase & regret it in the end. Its like for each thing I like about the hp4700...there is also things I like on the Axim 50v, that counter back on my decision. My main 3 factors come in form of Screen size, Games & Longevity.

That will be with any PDA..

Quote:

SCREEN
I love the fact that hp4700 has a 4" screen..& though axim50v has 3.7" - I hear that .3, though it sounds small & not much...Does make a difference.
- For anyone who has seen both pda's personally, do you feel that the .3 less of screen make a significant difference?

It may have a .3" larger screen, but 99% of the rest of the marker has the smaller screen. Only the 4700 has the 4" screen.

Quote:

GAMING
I enjoy gaming, though I dont feel I will be that "hardcore" into gaming on a PDA...I know there is much backlash on using the hp4700 to play games such as action, fast paced games etc. Due to the Touchpad....and I dont like thought of being limited to certain types of games for entertainment.
- Anyone with experience with Gaming on the hp4700, is the Touchpad that much of a hassle for most pda games?

One thing that interest me on the Axim 50v side is the fact of their enhanced graphic chip. - How significant is this in comparsion to the hp4700?

Considering it is the only PDA with the chip, some companies will make games for them, but it no one else follows suit, then it will be the only one able to play those 3d games, and the only one slower in GAPI performance (GAPI is the main video process that developers use for gaming) because of the way the chip handles GAPI.

[quote]I know some people use Emulators to play games such as for the Nintendo, Gameboy etc. And I may possibly like the thought to do that, as well.
- Does anyone here use an emulator with their hp4700? If so, does it work just as good to use on this pda, compared to possibly the Axim 50v?[quote]

I use a bluetooth gamepad, but when I can't I use the on-screen buttons (Pocket NES) and play non-action games...otherwise its GAME ON!

Quote:

LONGEVITY
It is now Summer of 2005 & both these PDAs came out i believe back in early 2004. I heard that Dell will come out with there new Axim this Fall...and HP possibly in December.

Depends on your patience level.

Quote:

With the trend that Dell has taken with the Enhanced Graphics Chip, taking PDA to the next level in entertainment...
- Do you believe that the hp4700, has enough to keep up with the new applications, content etc that will take advantage of the next generation of PDA's?

So far, Dells x50v is the only one with the 3d chip...and the only apps that really use it are 3d games. Betaplayer runs fine on the 4700...well...everything runs fine on it. WM2003se does have problems with a few apps, but as far as the next generation of PDA's, it will always be a contender. New apps will still use GAPI for video, and those few that can do 3d will have that option for the x50v. Dell took a nice gamble w/ the 3d chip, but I haven't heard anything about any new future PDA's having it...Only time will tell it it pays off, but until then GAPI will still hold the majority of applictions and games.

Quote:

- Or do you feel that since its towards the end of the HP4700 & AXIM 50v cycle, that at this point its best to wait for the new version?

Hopefully, You all can give me your feedback on this. I will greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Like I said above, it all depends on your patience level. The 50v is just another high-performance PDA. I was also torn between the choice when I bought my 4700.
Here's what swayed me...

Personally, I didn't want to buy the 3d chip just to run those few games that required it, to run slower with GAPI (although I've heard it getting better), and in case it doesn't take hold, have that loss while I own the PDA. (I am waiting to see what happens in that area over the next year or 2.)
I wanted a bigger screen. (big choice for me)
The touchpad has a tendancy to grow on you...it did me.

I did want the smaller size with the 50v, but I also wanted the sturdy magnesium enclosure of the 4700...I am rough with my toys.

I am actually glad I got the 4700 for it's size. Bigger, heavy, sturdy...Makes me feel like I got my money's worth.

I also saw how the x50v had 3 rom updates very quick...Dell took multiple tries to fix bugs, include enhancements...HP did it once, but for those with the bigger battery they temporarily lost the capacity until an update comes out.

However it's all up to you. It you want the latest and greatest in technology go for the x50v. I hear that the performance is AWESOME on those 3d games, but it tests slower on the rest of the video (GAPI) tests. With a VGA screen taking more CPU to use than the QVGA, this might add up to more loss.

HP may not have the best customer service, but neither does Dell...you can only buy Axims from Dell, and their shipping takes forever. HP you can buy anywhere.

Dell does have the WAY cheaper protection plan if you drop it, and their extra coverage will cover a cracked screen...noone else does this unless you pay a bunch, and some don't do it at all...

It's all up to you, but this is just my opinion and experiance. Talk to the guys over at www.aximsite for more info on the x50v...also check out brighthand, mobiletechreview, pdagold, and some others for a 3rd party non-biased opinion and test run of both units.

imported_darkdestroyer · 08-21-05, 06:20 PM

The GFX card for the X50v also has the VGA out feature, which enables you to use the axim on any computer monitor. When you do it correctly using some of the newer software out there (search this on aximsite.com) you can use an Axim at Xga resolution, play video flawlessly, do work processing, excel, powerpoint, and much more on a larger screen. Combine this with a BT mouse and keyboard, and you have a desktop computer that fits in the palm of your hand.

Quorlan · 08-22-05, 08:45 AM

I made a bunch of comparison comments in another thread recently, but to recap...

(1) The HP wins over the Axim for battery life. The Axim just can't seem to run for more than a couple hours of continuous heavy use.

(2) The HP wins over the Axim for screen. The Axim screen seems small and washed out by comparison.

(3) The HP wins over the Axim for durability. The Axim is in a cheap plastic shell, the HP is in a rugged, magnesium shell. I've dropped by HP a couple of times with no damage. Similar drops with the Axim I suspect would shatter the thing.

(4) The Axim wins over the HP with the d-pad. The touchpad on the HP is horrible for having actual directional control. Then again, the Dell's d-pad isn't the greatest either, it's just better than the touchpad.

(5) The graphics chip in the Axim is more powerful, but I've yet to find a decent use for it. So while it's a better chip, I'd not let this influence my decision as only a couple of high-end 3d games that I don't play take advantage of it. All other video stuff runs about the same on both.

(6) The Axim wins in a pure price war. At about $200 less than the HP, the Axim is by far the better value, but IMHO the HP is worth the extra money and I've never regretted pruchasing the HP over the Axim once I made my decision.

I too struggled with the decision back when I first got my HP. I have the HP and the Axim now but the Axim rarely leaves its case where as the HP is in hand or close by 90% of the time. Overall, I'd say I'm happy I got the HP first, but had I gotten the Axim first, I wouldn't have know what I was missing until I had both in hand to compare. If I had to purchase another PDA today and money wasn't a concern, I'd buy the HP over the Dell every time.

Q

bigsapo · 08-22-05, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Quorlan

(6) The Axim wins in a pure price war. At about $200 less than the HP, the Axim is by far the better value, but IMHO the HP is worth the extra money and I've never regretted pruchasing the HP over the Axim once I made my decision.

mhhh

lets deduct those 200 bucks

better battery... axim needs the ext batt, else, you have a 2 hour kids toy (not ennuff for anyone) ext batt around $130
loads of 3rd apps... around $60

130+60=190

"overprice" of $200 minus $190 = $10

10 BUCKS overpriced over the axim for an awesome device....

you do the math.

**psionandy** · 08-22-05, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by bigsapo

mhhh

lets deduct those 200 bucks

better battery... axim needs the ext batt, else, you have a 2 hour kids toy (not ennuff for anyone) ext batt around $130
loads of 3rd apps... around $60

130+60=190

"overprice" of $200 minus $190 = $10

10 BUCKS overpriced over the axim for an awesome device....

you do the math.

Not to get into a fight or anything... but i do think you have picked the numbers to help your case. $130 seems rather steep for the battery.. esp as Dell are doing some rather competative deals which seem to be discounting batteries when you buy it.

That software that you've put on.. will only be of use if the Ipaq has exactly the software you want. PI is nice but not for me. I'd rather spend the money on software I want, not what HP wants me to have.

And you are missing out the WM5 upgrade ($39 Value from Dell free with all new X50Vs)

Battery life isn't great... but I get A LOT more than 2 hours out of it (If I'm not using Wifi) and I haven't felt the need for an ext battery yet.

The Complete Care warranty is very good. If I drop my axim in a cup of coffee they will replace it under the accidental damage warranty! Would HP do that?

You might want to do those maths again...

Bottom line is they are both very good PDAs. Depending on your needs one might make you a bit happier than the other, but you could quite happily live with either (providing you could get over the touchpad

)

**psionandy** · 08-22-05, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by darkdestroyer

The GFX card for the X50v also has the VGA out feature, which enables you to use the axim on any computer monitor. When you do it correctly using some of the newer software out there (search this on aximsite.com) you can use an Axim at Xga resolution, play video flawlessly, do work processing, excel, powerpoint, and much more on a larger screen. Combine this with a BT mouse and keyboard, and you have a desktop computer that fits in the palm of your hand.

That was the 'Killer feature' that swung it for me. No need to carry a laptop around anymore to do presentations.. Just the Axim and VGA out cable.. Works like a charm

imported_darkdestroyer · 08-22-05, 03:18 PM

I agree that the hx47xx is a great PDA, but like psionandy, the VGA out was the killer feature.

http://www.vadejocs.net/skirep/ppc-vkey.jpg
http://www.vadejocs.net/skirep/ppc-vkey2.jpg

Sorry for the bad resolution, but that's basically the X50v set up to the monitor with a bt keyboard. Also it's XGA output resolution. Video playback is flawless, no skipped frames whatsoever. Hook up a bt mouse, or just use the Axim's screen as a touchpad. The Axim acts like a mouse touchpad on a laptop and a cursor appears on the screen. Perfect for on the go!

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