Hi all, questions from a newbie

02-02-03, 11:11 PM

I have been a Palm Pilot user since around 1996, I have gone through several palm devices in the ensuing years, having settled on a Handspring Treo PDA/Phone. While this device is very convenient and holds all of my phone numbers and scheduling, notes, etc… it is lacking in the area of multimedia.

My initial goal while researching the Pocket PC format was to be able to take my IBM Microdrive from my camera and use the PDA as a photo viewer. I had heard that Dell was coming out with their own PDA, but without even looking at the unit, I dismissed it because Dell made good computers, but even though Dell is quite large, I assumed that their first entry into the PDA market would be mediocre at best, besides the other vendors (HP, Compaq, etc…) have more experience in the field.

My search for a Pocket PC that would accept the Microdrive before 1/31/03 was limited to the Toshiba e740, or one of the HP/Compaq units with the Compact flash sleeve. The more I researched the pocket PC, the more I started looking into other things like screen quality and some of the software packages available for the PDA. After lots of searching on the web, I read that the Transflective display is the best, to date, so I pulled up Google and put in Transflective display and Compact Flash slot PDA. The HP links came up, and so did Dell. Clicking on the Dell link and checking out some of the reviews was a revelation, all of the features that I have been looking for, and at a incredible price! I ordered a Axim Advanced from the Dell site immediately.

That brings me to this point, after searching the net again, I found aximsite.com and on the home page is a review of the IBM Microdrive use in the Axim, seems like things are working my way. Now for a few questions:

1. I just ordered my Axim and Dell says there is about a 2 week wait before it even ships, is that 2 weeks pretty accurate?
2. I read in the review of the Microdrive that it is a little difficult to remove from the Axim, does anyone else have any long term (multiple insertions) usage of the Microdrive and the Axim?
3. Can anyone recommend a software program that will allow landscape viewing of photos on the Axim, in a slideshow if possible, without having to do any soft resets (I read that can be a problem with some landscape viewers)

Sorry for all the questions, but I am very new to Pocket PC (actually haven’t even received it yet)

Thanks

Mike

P.S. I spend some time on the MacWorld forum and a couple others, the Aximsite kicks butt in the visual layout of the board, and the options in the posting area.

Barleypro · 02-03-03, 08:50 AM

Picturer Viewer will do landscape slideshows. The software comes with the Axim.

JakeRich · 02-03-03, 09:16 AM

For removing the Microdrive, before you insert it use some sort of strong tape to make a tab that will extend out far enough for you to grip and pull the Microdrive out. The tape has to be strong enough to hold with the shearing force you need to exert. I haven't tried it but I suspect any of the "Scotch" brands will do. I've seen tabs expressly for this purpose somewhere, but I can't find any references for you.

RCopeland · 03-16-03, 06:02 PM

I have just tried to use my Axim to view some photos from my Canon. I can not locate the Picture Viewer software on my axim. should it be downloaded from Dell? Thanks,

Bob

JakeRich · 03-16-03, 06:07 PM

It's on the CDROM from Dell. It's called Rescoe Picture Viewer.

nsgibson · 10-05-04, 11:17 AM

i ordered my x30 high on sunday last and received it 4 days later on wed....they told me 2 weeks also

CBombC · 10-05-04, 11:34 AM

I ordered my X30 high on 9/24 and received 10/4 and they promised 2nd day. See if you can get them to bump up the delivery at no extra cost. I did after I ordered, even though it didn't get here faster. May work for you.

Maced · 10-05-04, 12:01 PM

Microdrive.... the compactflash kind, or the secure digital size? I wouldn't mind one of these :)

Good luck with your new axim, I guarantee you'll love it.