JUST GOT MY AX... New user impressions

Wayfinder · 03-05-03, 02:18 PM

FIRST TIME USER IMPRESSIONS OF THE DELL AXIM.

First of all, I decided to purchase the larger unit. 48m rom and 64m ram plus the 400mhz processor just seemed worth the extra $100.

I thought folks might be interested (for whatever reason) in hearing my first-time user impressions of the Ax (as we users affectionately call it).

THE BRICK
First thought: Yup, as stated, the thing is a brick. It is pretty much larger and heavier than most other PDAs out there (except for the SONY, which defies logical description). Of course, that makes no difference to most Ax users because we had the choice between it or the HP $299 entry and decided on the Ax because of its expandability, flexibility and replacable user battery. So personally, I was willing to accept the larger size. We'll see how I feel about that decision in 30 days when it starts feeling like 30 pounds on my hip.

One thing in its defense however, and I don't know as I've ever noticed someone else pointing this out: I don't really see as the Axim is any larger than the Compaq Ipaq, some of the Toshibas or the other power-house PDAs out there. If you want power and a decent battery life, a little larger size is for granted.

I also thought at first I might not like the rounded shape (compared to a rectangular unit). But now that I've had a chance to play with it, I actually like the curved sides. It fits my hand a lot better than some other units I've seen.

So the Axim is a brick, yeah... but it's a NICE brick. :)

FEEL AND CAPABILITY
On the other hand, the feel is reasonably comfortable. I personally love small size, but not in trade of battery life and capability. The Ax has battery life and ability. I like the rubber grips on the side and the screen is actually large enough to read (although are other PDA screens larger? I'll have to check that out. Not sure without direct comparison). So there are trade-offs.

THE CRADLE
Unexpected plus: The Dell Axim has, hands down, the NEATEST CRADLE UNIT on the market. That chrome finish just sparkles, don't it? :love: And for some reason, dontcha just love that bright blue DELL logo that comes on when the unit is charging? Good marketing ploy there... keeps the company name right out in front while impressing the user. "Yeah man... and look at the neon blue logo!"

THE CASE
Unexpected downside: I'd heard from apparently erroneous sources that the Ax came with a nice flip-cover. Blah. The case that comes with the Ax is a waste of money, time and leather. It's not a cheap case... I'll grant Dell kudos for quality of production. But it's absolutely worthless unless you want to carry both your Axim and a Volkswagen around with you. I think for women it might be better because they can put in a CF card, cables and accessories, ALL of their makeup, their wallet, an address book and a couple of kids and then carry it in their purse (did I mention it's a little large?), but for guys... we'd have much rather had a flip-over screen protector so that we could stick the thing in our suit pocket without looking like we've got a goiter on one hip. The Ax is large enough as it is without a case to triple the problem.

On the Axim support site (very kewl site if I've ever seen one) the forums were overrun with comments on "Which Ax case is the best?" Now I know why.

THUMB ALMOST-WHEEL:
I'm not crazy about the "levered" thumb-wheel. Instead of being an actual thumb wheel, it's more of an up/down lever. I'd rather have direct control over my scrolling rather than a "push that direction until it goes where you want it to go, then stop pushing". That's a personal impression, but I think most traditional thumb-wheel users would agree. That's why the IBM think-pad "eraser" control was so unpopular-- exact same concept. I hate it when any device takes away my control and tries to make me do its bidding rather than the other way around.

INFRARED PORT:
I like the fact that the infrared port is on the top of the unit. That makes it compatible with the mirror-bounce infrared keyboards on the market and makes it easier to sit face-to-face with someone else and exchange info (those ports on the side make this near impossible). Just a minor thing... but an important one to me.

STYLUS:
The Ax has a pretty interesting stylus. It's flattened, so it seems somehow easier to hold (at first glance... I'll have formed a better opinion as time goes along). Seems it saves a bit of space, but that's negligible. We'll see.

SCREEN
The screen rocks. What can I say? Not backlit... self-lit and as Dell says, supposed to conserve power greatly over back-lit screens. I don't know enough about it to say any more than that... but I'll accept their claims for now. At least I can SEE it, which is more than I can say for other units, such as a very-feature-comparable-but-impossible-to-read front-lit "Maestro" unit I decided against just for that particular reason.

Did I mention the Dell case sux? Sigh.

DELL SALES PEOPLE and DELL ITSELF
I ordered my unit from a DANNY (operator # 47122). I have to say that in the entire time I've been in computers (which is ruddy years) he's one of the few absolutely friendly and INFORMED salespersons I've spoken to. I had four or five questions for him, which he took the time to answer without a hint of impatience or arrogance. I didn't buy the unit immediately, but I liked his manner so much that when I did call back to order the unit, I asked specifically for his extension. If all Dell people are like that (or even a number of them) then that gives me a good impression of the company. And examining the apparent quality of the Ax unit, support items and software (especially in view of the price)... I begrudgingly admit that the Dell advertisements might actually not be all that much hype. They seem to have the product and support to back those advertisements. (Hey Dell... care to hire me as a promo guy? Seems I'm doing a pretty good job, eh? ; )

Seriously, these are earnest impressions, not a Dell guy blowing their own horn. I just got the item today and like the rest of you, I'm having a blast. Oh, which brings me to...

ORDER PROCESS
I ordered the unit on Monday. Had a small snafu in the order process (very minor actually). Dell, of their own initiative without any prompting from me, gave me free overnight shipping. Said it would ship 4 days later (Friday) and I'd get it the following Monday. I could live with that.

I received an email from Dell telling me how to track my order. By Tuesday noon, the very-handy online tracking system said the unit had been processed and sent to the Fed Ex shipping department.

Wednesday morning at 11 am (approximately 44 hours after my initial order) I heard a knock at the door. "Surely that can't be..." It was. I couldn't believe it. The Ax was very protectively packed in a large box with two innner boxes. To get damaged in shipping they'd have had to drop a crate of Axims on it (kidding. Sorry... couldn't resist).

Bottom line, I am extremely pleased with their up-front customer consideration and shipping process. In my entire experience as a computer professional, it is absolutely the best sales and shipping department and process I have seen, bar none. I know I may seem a bit over-enthusiastic about this... but in the computer world, such efficiency is a rarity to the point that it's almost miraculous. (Man, I hate to say so many good things about a computer company. It's bad for my reputation).

INSTALLATION and DOCUMENTATION
The software installation was easy. They included a complimentary copy of Outlook 2000 with the system (although I did have a moment's difficulty finding the CD key on the BACK of the CD envelope. Didn't take long though.) The software was user friendly and gave me no problems.

The "quick start" sheet was informative and the unit actually came with PRINTED manuals. All of these things, along with the quality of the hardware, really surprised me considering the relative cost of the Axim. All in all, an excellent buy. I've never purchased a Dell item before and I am frankly impressed with the unexpected quality of their product and support items.

So... initial impressions regarding the Axim. I think I'm stunned. The thing is actually nice.

:hide:

-- More to come later

NMkiD · 03-05-03, 03:07 PM

Great review, I just wanna through in my 2 cents about the brick, the axim is smaller and much lighter then my old jornada 548, its smaller then the newer jornadas and casios and the same if not smaller then most of the others as well, including its 2 memory slots! :D

permalink · 03-05-03, 03:46 PM

Your right on target as far as I am concerned. I do think its interesting that so many reviewers whine about the size and weight. I think it is just right. I did opt for the leather case and it is only used when I am out of my work area. I keep it in my shirt pocket and it is nice and snug so I dont worry about it falling out. After 2 Palms the AXIM is my dream machine. (And yes I have looked at several of the other HIGHER end models and I still like my AXIM for value).
I have had mine 3 weeks and so far so good.

parh8er · 03-05-03, 04:23 PM

Hi wayfinder,

That was a great review. I am sure your next review will focus on how the speaker REALLY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wayfinder · 03-05-03, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by parh8er
Hi wayfinder,

That was a great review. I am sure your next review will focus on how the speaker REALLY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it does, but then if the unit was perfect the world would end. :crooked:

As a note, I also made a little addendum in the original message regarding the size of the Axim. I've had a chance to play with it and to tell the truth, it's not bad at all... so far. ; )

Quinn · 03-05-03, 08:17 PM

Great review. As far as Dell service, I've bought a lot of products from Dell. Every now and then a problem will arise. Where Dell shines over others is that they will address a problem that does crop up quickly and fairly. That's where they really shine for me. I call, they fix it. It doesn't happen often but I don't have to fear it the way I would if I was dealing with some other company.

I placed an on-line order last week and due to a server error of some sort the order didn't go through properly. I finally got around to calling yesterday. I was never put on hold. Took a couple of transfers to get to the right person to help out. He got the order taken care of and the product is on it's way to me already.

The last desktop I ordered I decided a couple of hours after placing the order to get a couple of peripherals. I called my salesperson back and he was very apologetic that my system had already shipped! He placed a new order for the extras.

I love Dell :)

Quinn

permalink · 03-06-03, 01:39 PM

You know there is one thing that does bother me a lottle is that teh Axim does not slide right int the cradel and lock in. I usually have to guide it and make sure the connection sits in. Sometimes I have to pull it back out and reseat it. Other than that no issue at all.

Wayfinder · 03-06-03, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wmrawls
You know there is one thing that does bother me a lottle is that teh Axim does not slide right int the cradel and lock in. I usually have to guide it and make sure the connection sits in. Sometimes I have to pull it back out and reseat it. Other than that no issue at all.

Now that you've mentioned it, in the whole one day I've had my Ax... I've noticed the same thing. It doesn't slide in easily. It catches and has to be guided and I kinda wonder just how long those contacts are going to last under such circumstances.

lnstar · 03-06-03, 02:38 PM

I'm glad I'm not the only user having problems sliding the Axim into the cradle; I thought it might be defective until I read these remarks. Thanks. Otherwise, I LOVE this PDA!