Speaker volume

grouch · 01-25-03, 04:56 PM

This is the only big issue I have with the hardware - the volume on speaker is just too low. I realize that space is limitied and all PDA speakers are small and limited in what they can do. However, I've had 3 Pocket PCs before my Axim and they *all* had a resonable volume level on the built in speaker. I know I can use headphones, but that's not practical for alarms - I'd have to wear them 24/7. I use alarms a lot (perhaps my most used function) and often miss hearing one go off, even with the volume turned all the way up.

The speaker also is almost useless for listening to voice recorded notes, something else I use quite frequently. Or did. Now, it's too much of a hassle to try to figure out what I've said.

That said, I love everything else about my Axim. The battery life is amazing. The unit is very comfortable in my hand. The rubber side grips are much appreciated. The styling is terrific and the price is astounding.

jpross · 02-07-03, 07:07 PM

I agree the speaker is one of the worst speakers I have ever heard on any device. I think Dell should look into something better in the future models. I know there are good small speakers out there.

Grunt_0302 · 02-17-03, 09:48 PM

I agree ... the speaker stinks. In fact, I experience a lot of static when listening to the speaker. I have wound up spending a lot of time with earphones.

Hopefully Dell will get this feature right next time.

Grunt ;)

andsoitgoes · 02-17-03, 11:48 PM

I'm not too happy with the speaker either, but with headphones in that changes *completely* It's better sounding than my MP3 player (which is now sitting, collecting dust on my desk, sadly!)

However, I'd like to bring up the point about not being able to hear the voice recordings.

Have you changed the quality settings for the voice recordings? The default setting sucks, and I mean *sucks*. It sounds like crap, and if you don't change it you'll start to wonder if you're actually a robot.

Changing it is easy, just click on "Start -> "Input" -> "Options"

Click on the drop-down box and select at least "22,050 stereo" - you may need to increase it from there, or maybe 11,025 is good enough, but just test it out if you haven't already and I think you'll find that it changes things by quite a bit.

HTH,

Nick

Caleb Edison · 02-18-03, 03:21 AM

Yeah, exactly. I've tried to show people video clips and they always put their ear to the speaker and can't see the video while straining to hear the audio...

I'm hoping someone concocts a tweak program to up the volume, if it would be possible... :P

Or, anyone know of a cheap, small, portable speaker?

donkeykong · 02-24-03, 10:26 PM

http://www.a-speed.com.cn/ypda.htm

andsoitgoes · 02-26-03, 07:53 PM

Well, something good and something hillarious!

The speaker systems look pretty wild, a bit much - but hey, for those of us that need subwoofers - why not?!? ;)

The funny thing was this:

Quote:

For PDA / Porketpc

We have a Porketpc.

That's all I've got.

Nick

mdshd · 03-15-03, 02:20 AM

there really should be a thumb wheel volume control for the speaker or the headphones

when playing mp3's, you should not always have to use the stylus!

grouch · 03-15-03, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by grouch
.

The speaker also is almost useless for listening to voice recorded notes, something else I use quite frequently. Or did. Now, it's too much of a hassle to try to figure out what I've said.

Since posting originally, I've found a partial solution. NoteM at http://www.zavorine.com/wince is a *freeware* MP3 recorder that doesn't seem to generate the clicks and static that recording in Notes does. You can actually understand what you've recorded. Plus, the recordings are much smaller in size.

The volume is still low, but I've remapped the side recording to NoteM, so it will automatically start when I press the button. I haven't figured out a way to get it to stop recording, except by using the stylus. Still, it's waaay better than Notes.

mslammers · 03-19-03, 09:29 PM

You will need an amplified speaker. Speakers take lots of power since they are moving air, especially with any base. My 2c worth.

Mike C · 03-19-03, 10:23 PM

Quote:

there really should be a thumb wheel volume control for the speaker or the headphones

There is, actually ... just map your volume to the D-pad up/down, and it will also be available at the scroll tab.

About the volume ... when playing music on the alarm buzzer, holding it closer than about three inches from the ear is painfully loud for me. It can be heard pretty clearly across the room.

mdshd · 03-19-03, 11:49 PM

can you explain in non-technical jargon what you mean by the statement:

just map your volume to the D-pad up/down, and it will also be available at the scroll tab.

is this a way to control volume using the scroll knob?

thank you for your time

sheldon

Mike C · 03-20-03, 09:33 AM

I pretty much use Windows Media player to listen to my music, so I have limited experience with other players. However, in WMP, go to Tools, Settings, Buttons ... in the top field, 1. Select Function, hit the drop-down list and tap Volume Up. The #2 line "Press Hardware Button" should be in bold now, so press the D-pad up, and you get volume control on the D-pad now.
Do the same for Volume Down, and other functions as you wish.
You will now have volume control when using Media player on the D-pad up/down as well as the side scroll tab (which mirrors the function of the D-pad up/down, btw).
Don't forget to pick a button for Screen Toggle, to disable the touch screen when using Media Player ... to save battery and avoid accidental activity when in the case playing, or in your pocket.