Kamel

it wont be too long now before i buy a new x51v. i have been trying to hold out until another killer sale comes along from dell, but i think i might just buy it without waiting (call me impatient :S). anyway, i was wanting to know what accessories i should get from dell and what accessories i shouldn't.

for example, i have heard from many that the dell screen protectors are kinda iffy, and it's best to get those third party. does the same hold true for the rhino skin case and such?

i am a land surveyor, for anyone who may not know what that means, i am outside climbing hills while i work. i also carry a lot of things on me, and the only personal storage space i get is my pockets and belt. for this reason, having a belt clip is nearly essential. i wonder if a rhino skin hard case by dell would be enough protection for this kind of harsh environment? do you have any better suggestions? usability is very important for me too, like for example a hard case with no cut out for the headphones would be annoying. having a cut out for other accessories such as the cf/sd slots isn't at all necessary though. since i do have another device on me that i must take care of (the data collector, well, actually a HP48gx calculator to be specific), so i will probably be able to take care of it well.

also, i was thinking about buying the vga package from dell when i got it if that's the only way to get vga out. if i can get a connector from a third party, i'd probably rather do that though. the main reason i would want it is for being able to do svideo/rca out. if there's any other option that would let me do that easily, i would be very interested.

i would like to know, also, if you suggest getting an extra battery from dell, or getting an external power source and using it. i'm not concerned about the ability to carry the external power source on my person, i believe i could find a place for it. would getting the larger battery be a good idea maybe? i'm definitely going to want an over abundance of juice hehe.

ok, i've said too much. sorry for such a large post requesting things... i feel bad that i don't have much more to offer this site in return for their helping me so much. thanks very much for all of your advice so far, and thanks in advance for any future support

srburk

The Rhono-skin (which is what I have) will offer some protection; however, it will not absorb the shock of a fall. I'd recommend a third-party vendor that specializes in cases. Some sell cases that can be used in extreme conditions.

You will be satisfied with an extra battery 1100.

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Sciggity, Axim X51v user since 02/06/2006
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stevenator65

Get the x51v if you want vga.

For screen protector info check out the "did you vote" in my signature.

For hard cases go to Aximcases.com or do a search on this site to see what the hot cases are. Rhino is very good, lots of people are buying the black magnesium flip top one but I forgot who makes it.

For info on external power sources check out my review of the Pelican Power Brick and do a search on this site. However, I suggest a larger battery. There are reviews on this site as well. Those reviews cover the larger batteries, cases and more. Go to the top of the page to "Resources", then "Reviews".

Good luck on your purchase.

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Kamel

oh wow, i must be blind. i completely didn't notice the accessories forum. sorry for my error.

thanks for the suggestions. i think i have decided on getting one of the AA battery blocks for the extra battery life. i may get another regular battery too, to make it through the work day.

the magnesium case you mentioned looks very nice. i am a bit worried though, if i drop it, will any part of it be exposed? (lets say i drop it on a corner in the hard case, will it be completely protected still.. granted it may still break, but it will be hitting the case and not the pda right?). i don't plan on dropping it much, but in the field i work in, the occasional drop is just going to happen (thankfully, 99% of these will be over very soft dirt and/or heavily grassy areas, which drops are very less severe in)

do you have any suggestions for cases that are especially protective against abuse? i looked through the mentioned website and the cases i saw didn't seem to be any better than the last. am i maybe overlooking something?

thanks for your replies . so grateful to be able to get this sort of help before making bad financial decisions, heh.

srburk

Here's your case.
http://www.extremepda.com/page/XPDA/...TERBOXAXIMX51V

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Sciggity, Axim X51v user since 02/06/2006
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Kamel

i found that case, and i was very excited about it... but do you happen to know if the x51v fits in it? all of the reviews and product compatability lists i've seen seem to only make mention of the X5 and X50 models :S

Terryvi

I have the Innopocket Magnesium case and love it. I don't use the belt clip, instead I just put it in my pocket. There have been several posts about the belt clips on both the Innopocket and Rhinoskin cases being very easy to break, so unless you want to make something like a belt loop to replace the flimsy belt clip, my advice to you is "keep it in your pants."

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srburk

Originally Posted by Terryvi

I have the Innopocket Magnesium case and love it. I don't use the belt clip, instead I just put it in my pocket. There have been several posts about the belt clips on both the Innopocket and Rhinoskin cases being very easy to break, so unless you want to make something like a belt loop to replace the flimsy belt clip, my advice to you is "keep it in your pants."

Go to their root directory and do a search. I started with X51v and it brought me to that page. Call them up and ask. They're there for you.

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Sciggity, Axim X51v user since 02/06/2006
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solara

The x50 and x51 are the exact same size so anything that fits the x50 will fit the x51.

If you decide to get a larger battery than the standard 1100, then you'll need a case that will be large enough for the bigger battery as well.

srburk

True... same size.

I picked up the latest copy of PocketPC magazine yesterday (still not sure if this magazine is useful or not ~ AximSite should come out with its own magazine).

The magazine had an article on (forgive the misspelling) ruggerized cases. Plus, there were plenty of ads showing ruggerized cases.

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Sciggity, Axim X51v user since 02/06/2006
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