New guy...

jay22 · 03-01-08, 03:09 AM

Alright. First off, nice site! Tons of info here, which is good...

I just got an X5 from a friend, who really only used it as a notepad. I got a cradle off ebay and im trying to score a wifi card for it as well along with some sd cards.

My question, since I've never even touched a pda before is about upgrading operating systems.

It is the high end x5, and has mobile 2003 on it. Can these things be upgraded to the new windows mobile 6 or no? or anything newer at all? Can you buy these operating systems? How does all of this work...

Also, is there a way to kindof customize it, like custom home screens or anything?

Also, is there a good place to get some programs for these x5 units? I want to play with it some, as of now I cant really because I have no way to connect it to anything until my stuff gets here.

thanks for the help!

kl0an · 03-01-08, 04:32 AM

If it has 2003 already on it, it's already been upgraded. Can't go any farther than that.

Check out the search on this site, there's plenty of threads that talk about different games and programs.

For the wifi, I've had good luck with the Netgear MA701, also available on EBay.

There's a camera you can also get called a Veo Pocket Traveler. FM Radio cards, Ethernet cards, GPS cards, etc..

Lots of capability in the old boy.. Have fun with it..

jay22 · 03-01-08, 09:39 AM

gps cards? Thats cool. I haven't the slightest as to whats available for this thing. Like what types of cards I can use or anything like that. Is there a list somewhere? Hahah!

Thanks for the reply as well.

Gigi · 03-01-08, 11:49 AM

Welcome to the site!

We have a GPS forum here that can give you some guidance re: adding GPS to your device:

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/gps-talk/

Basically, for the X5, you have a choice of a CF GPS, SD GPS or a serial/mouse GPS (connects to bottom connector). Don't forget you will also need navigation software (with maps).

As for customizing your home screen, yes, you can certainly do it. Take a look at the tutorials I have linked to my signature for some ideas (see Managing Your Today screen for customization options.)

jay22 · 03-01-08, 12:55 PM

Woah... I tried to reply here like three times and the posts arent showing up. Ill try it again...

Im looking at a SparkLan wireless card that apparently is compatible with windows mobile 2003. Anyone use this card before?

Also, the gps thing is sweet. I can just hook a card/dongle on and it will work as a gps unit? Im going to start reading the GPS area now and see what I can learn. This site is awesome!!!

Also, I read that these X5 models cant handle SD cards larger than 1gb? Im guessing it is true since I read it here, but is there some sort of workaround? I would love to not have to carry 5 cards around for different things, and Ill have a CF wifi card going so theres no go on the CF storage cards...

Thanks again!!

Julie · 03-01-08, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by jay22

Woah... I tried to reply here like three times and the posts arent showing up. Ill try it again...

Your replies were held for moderation because they included links - You need to have 10 posts (or something like that) when including links in replies or else the replies get held up.

jay22 · 03-01-08, 01:20 PM

AH! I excluded the link this time because I had a sneaking suspicion that was the reason. It was simply a link to an auction on ebay for the SparkLan card. I just wanted to know if anyone knew if the thing actually works and how well.

Thanks!

jay22 · 03-01-08, 01:47 PM

I guess a better question to ask is this, if the card has drivers for my OS, can I assume that it will work? I mean, if you toss a card in a desktop or laptop with drivers for your os then your good. Does this rule apply to the x5? I see all these threads about what cards work and what don't and how people can't get certain cards running so im nervous about getting one.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Also, I heard good things about the Ambicom WL1100C-CF, It also has compliance with windows mobile 2003. Is this one good? I think ill just get it instead, the reviews on the Sparklan arent looking so good...

Gigi · 03-01-08, 01:57 PM

You can get some info on wifi card compatibility here:

http://wifi.aximsite.com/wifi-faq.html#_cf-card

Also, if you've found a card of interest on Ebay, etc., just search for the model number in the forums to see what others have reported.

jay22 · 03-01-08, 02:54 PM

i did do that and I found that the amicom will work nicely! I went ahead and got it on ebay. I cant wait! I just got back from the shack and got two 1gig sd cards and a reader, and a new backup battery.

Pocketbrain · 03-01-08, 03:41 PM

Try this link, it has lots of useful info:
http://www.aximsite.com/whatcanidowithmyaxim

Thanks to Gigi.

.

kl0an · 03-02-08, 03:36 AM

What's everyone using for mapping software?? I miss pocket streets and trips. Picked that up a while ago at a big box store for like $25us and it came with the pocket streets version.

Google mobile maps doesn't want to work with even the 2003 version of Axim operating system. Has to be Second Edition..

jay22 · 03-02-08, 09:23 AM

I havent even made it that far yet so I have no idea. The map software wont even work unless you have a gps adapter will it?

kl0an · 03-03-08, 01:31 AM

Sure it will. You just won't know where you're at when using it except for reading street signs along the way. I found the Pocket Streets and Trips very handy when I was driving a tow truck to find out where my next stops were.

No need for GPS in that case but, if I were to go to another town, the GPS would be a benefit for sure. GPS did work (and still does I think) with Pocket Streets and Trips. It's just that PS & T doesn't work with the 2002 or 2003 operating system.

jay22 · 03-03-08, 07:50 AM

ugh, so thats out for me. I have 2003.

I came across a copy of Tomtom6 and I got the no maps found error, but the copy was hot so I didnt push the issue. I just wanted to see if I wanted to buy it or not. I ended up just trashing it all together since technically TT6 doesnt support the x5 so I got rid of it instead of doing the registry hack. I figured it its not supported for the X5, I wouldn't buy it anyway so no need to pursue it on a cracked copy. (Yes, I only used cracked software to see if I like it enough to buy the product, if I do then I buy it. If not, I get rid of it quickly.) I have to be careful since I dont have any type of restore cd for my X5, I got it from a buddy.

Any recommendations for some decent gps software?