Need some expert advice regarding Axim/Ipaq/Many purchases

AgeOfEgos · 07-07-06, 02:06 PM

Greetings,

I'm doing some research for a medical school I've attended over the last year. I purchased an Axim 51V, downloaded some various medical software and I have been quite pleased with my purchase.

The amount of information/help the 51v and medical software provided was so impressive to my instructors during clinicals they submitted a funding request and subsequently was approved to purchase a device for each of them.

So....here's the meat of my post.

1. The funding allowance has specific parameters (As do all purchase orders,etc). Therefore they must purchase their devices, cases, memory cards and any other peripheral expenses at the same source.

2. They have directly asked me what device to purchase. While I've had nothing but success with my 51V I know from this forum and other sources there has been problems. Couple this with the notion Dell might discontinue the series....which means discontinued support...I'm not sure to suggest an Axim or Ipaq or what have you.

So my questions:

1. Does anyone know of a "catch all" website where they would be able to purchase multiple devices (Probably an Axim), case and memory card? Keep in mind this must be a store, not an individual (Of course, who has 3-5 Axims laying around to sell right?)

2. Would you suggest the 51v? As I stated before, I've been quite happy with mine...but in light of the issues people have had...I'm rather nervous suggesting the product (As in my luck, they will have nothing but issues). If you wouldn't suggest the 51v....what device(s) would you consider?

Their allowance is $1600 and this must encompass 3 devices. Thank you very much for any input!

spunker88 · 07-07-06, 02:43 PM

Why not buy directly from dell. The only reason most peopl dont get everything there is b/c buying accesories from dell can be expensive. 1600 should be enough to get 3 good x51s. As far as support, dell should be supporting them for a while, but if youve ever been on the phone with dell... youd realize what support?

Also, I think they can get a discount b/c this is a education/organization.

Other users will know more about this. I know schools get discounts, dont know how much.

AgeOfEgos · 07-07-06, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by spunker88

Why not buy directly from dell. The only reason most peopl dont get everything there is b/c buying accesories from dell can be expensive. 1600 should be enough to get 3 good x51s. As far as support, dell should be supporting them for a while, but if youve ever been on the phone with dell... youd realize what support?

Also, I think they can get a discount b/c this is a education/organization.

Other users will know more about this. I know schools get discounts, dont know how much.

Thanks for your reply Spunker.

I've tried the Dell approach. The discount they give for schools (At least the contract they have with the one in question) is a whopping 15 dollars. That means each Axim 51v is around 485 per.

Now, by ways of comparison you can purchase a Dell Axim 51v as a consumer for 125 dollars right now. 375 dollars total. To top it off, the moron they have working for them attempted to reason it out by "sales tax" differences. I told him unless sales tax was 30% on each purchase his math was a bit off. He then stumbled about and said "Well that's the best Dell can do". So..."if" I still tell them to buy Dell at all...it won't be from the website. I purchased mine from a store on Ebay for quite a bit less then $500.

So I'm back to square one, thanks again for the help though.

spunker88 · 07-07-06, 05:22 PM

Do you need the vga, and other extra stuff bundled with the x51v. You could go down to a lower model like the x51 mid if you just need it for the programs, and no wifi, bt, or vga, video, etc.

Or do you want the extra functions just in case?

AgeOfEgos · 07-07-06, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by spunker88

Do you need the vga, and other extra stuff bundled with the x51v. You could go down to a lower model like the x51 mid if you just need it for the programs, and no wifi, bt, or vga, video, etc.

Or do you want the extra functions just in case?

After seeing my 51v, I would hate to downgrade them to a lesser product. I know, without a doubt, I used the wifi quite often at clinical sites and some of the newer products in the health field actually have pretty nifty (And demanding) software....so I'm 99% sure I'm going with the 51v.

Thanks again.

netsyd · 07-07-06, 08:10 PM

I would say... keep an eye on the Dell 10 days of deals going on right now. See if they do an x51v package and then just buy 3 of them as a consumer.

Dell ending the prodct doesn't mean the end of support. If you buy a support contract they will honor it for the life of the contract.

AgeOfEgos · 07-10-06, 06:27 PM

Just wanted to update the fellas that were kind enough to respond.

After haggling with Dell (For some time), we managed to convince them to skirt the school contract and offer the Axims at a very, very reasonable price. My instructors will be good to go for next year and I greatly appreciate the responses/advice!