Help selecting model/features

mjrinaustin · 03-05-07, 04:22 PM

I'm looking at purchasing an Axim. The current PDA I'm using is a Palm m100 (from
1999 - ugh). What I know I want from the Axim is to sync with Microsoft Outlook 2003/2007, Microsoft OneNote 2003/2007, and Microsoft Money 2006/2007 which is why I'm looking at going with a Windows PDA vs Palm OS. I may want to access WiFi, but only minimally for things such as looking up phone numbers, maps, etc. but this is not really important.

I'm trying to debate which model is "good enough", yet I don't want to buy obsolete technology and waste my money. I'm been looking at the X5, X30, X3i, and X50/X51. Is it really worth the extra cost in getting the VGA version, or is the standard version good enough for my needs? If I go with the X50 / x51, how much of a difference is it between x50 vs x51?

Should I go with one which is able to run WM5, or is 2003SE good enough? Can the X50 be upgraded to run the new WM 6? Pros / cons?

My mind is swimming with questions...

mostlylisten · 03-05-07, 04:40 PM

nobodys answered this yet. They will. X51v screen is definitly better and I have both. With outlook and wireless the x51v is far better than the older models. I also like the ppcs far better than the palms.

My vote X51v is well worth the price.

jaspeakm · 03-05-07, 05:00 PM

Always go for the latest proven technology and spend as much as you can realistically afford. WM5 and WM2003 both have their own special problems, but WM2003 is now moribund, and no further support will be forthcoming for it. WM5 has been overtaken by WM6, but there will be no update for X50/51 platforms.

Bear in mind that Dell have now indicated that they will not produce an X51 successor, and their track record for dumping support for older technology is the stuff of legend.

You may like to consider dumping the whole idea of a Dell PDA and go for one of the latest model smartphones instead. I know the argument of combining phone and pda is considered by some to lead to both a mediocre phone and pda element, but things are starting to get better.

Best of luck with your search. Sorry to be so disloyal to Dell - I have their excellent X30H, which has served me well for about 18 months (it may be longer), and also a Latitude D600 laptop, which takes some batterings.

mjrinaustin · 03-05-07, 05:01 PM

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I will not need to be able to receive emails via Outlook, as I will not be able to access my Exchange email via wireless (company locked down). So I just need to sync it, not receive email live.

jaspeakm · 03-05-07, 05:26 PM

I never bother with synching work e-mails. My poor little X30 just wouldn't be able to cope with the sheer amount of them from my work pc, even if the company would allow it (which it won't). I have, though, by managing two Activesync partnerships, enabled my much more manageable number of home e-mails to be synched for reading and answering at leisure. If I get an interesting e-mail at work, then I normally just forward it to my home address.

pawpals · 03-05-07, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Is it really worth the extra cost in getting the VGA version, or is the standard version good enough

My vote goes to VGA - once you've seen it you will never want to go back. Text is crisp & clear. I had just been given an X51 (QVGA) and then bought an X51v to give to a friend - - - yep, you're right, I kept the X51v and gave away the X51. I read a lot of ebooks, and the difference in the text was dramatic.

Quote:

Should I go with one which is able to run WM5, or is 2003SE good enough?

If you are going to run Outlook 2007, does that mean you have Vista? That would mean, to me, that WM5 was a must. I must agree with the previous poster who said:

Quote:

Always go for the latest proven technology and spend as much as you can realistically afford.

The X51v should last at least as long as your last PDA. The higher memory and graphics and VGA resolution of the X51v should make it the obvious choice. And Dell's current deals are pretty good.

mjrinaustin · 03-05-07, 07:31 PM

Thanks for the information. The reason I was asking about older models is that a coworker has a x3i that he says works just fine with Office 2007 and vista, and there is one on Craigslist for $160 obo.

400MHz Dell Axim x3i (built-in WiFi) that includes two usb sync cables (great to have one at work and one at home), one charger cable, two stlus (styli?), leather case, install cd and collapsable keyboard

Another one is: Dell AXIM X50 PDA w/docking station, manual, software, carry case - $200

I was not sure if I wanted to pay $400+ for a newer one, given the above comments about Dell stopping support for them in addition to the improvement of smart phones. But then again, the x51v sure looks good. Such a debate of what I need vs what I want...