New to Forum, Need Wi-Fi x51 help!

[karenlee56]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post, and I'm an Axim Newbie, so please bear with me.

At approximately 3pm, I will be receiving my first Axim... x51, 416 MHz, running Windows 5... yet it's a purchase which I'm already starting to regret. I probably should have gone for a higher model, because after reading about Wi-Fi connectivity, I realized that I wouldn't mind accessing the Internet now and then with it. It does have BT capability, but I don't understand BT very well (except that I have a BT-enabled phone, and I use a Jabra BT headset). I don't want to subscribe to any $50 a month services to gain Internet access when I'm away from home...it would only be a sometimes-thing. I have a wireless router at home, and frequently visit places with "hot spots."

However, for $275, I was able to get the PDA, car charger, travel sync cable/charger, leather case, and 2 years of complete warranty coverage (all through Dell), plus free shipping. Definitely a great deal, but now I'm stuck with figuring out the Wi-Fi puzzle.

I've read other posts about SD and CF Wi-Fi cards, but I'm a complete Wi-Fi idiot and I still have questions!

1. Which is better for PDA Internet connectivity? SD or CF? Does one work better than the other? Can either be taken out to use memory cards and then put back in without soft resets or whatever?

2. If CF, does it have to be Type II? I've seen many Type I on the market.

3. Any brand better than another? I've read mixed reviews on a number of them, with SanDisk seeming to have the worst track record.

4. When used, do these cards really work well?

5. Where is a reliable and inexpensive place to purchase either type? They seem to be few and far between, even on ebay.

6. As a general rule, do those of you that own the x51, 416's like them?

7. Should I just return the x51 and get a higher model, or is it still a good deal, even with getting my own wireless card?

Thanks in advance!! Your replies will be greatly appreciated!

Karen

[wdement]

Here is the best wifi guide I have seen

That being said, if it were me, I would return it for the one w/built in wifi.

Welcome to aximsite!!

[rlarson_mn]

I got the X51V last October and its built in wifi has worked with no issues no matter what the ROM level my unit was at. The latest A12 ROM allows me to connect with in 2 seconds which is an implrovement over what I was having with A06 ROM by 28 ceconds. This is of course my experience. I think wdement has a great suggestion for you. I would advise you in the same manner, get the X51V not a lower model. You will not be dissatisfied.

[karenlee56]

Thanks so much for the replies so far! I would also like to hear from people who have the x51 and use a cf or sd wifi card, just to make a comparison. Once that x51 is in my hands, I know that I'll have a tough time sending it back!

[karenlee56]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! It has arrived!!!!! It IS in my hands!!! I checked with Dell and I'd be looking at a "restocking fee" if I send it back!! Okay... guess it's back to the CF vs. SD question....

[rlarson_mn]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! It has arrived!!!!! It IS in my hands!!! I checked with Dell and I'd be looking at a "restocking fee" if I send it back!! Okay... guess it's back to the CF vs. SD question....

Glad you have your unit. Just remember compair the restocking fee to the cost of a wifi SD or CF card and the loss of the slot for memory useage. I have a CF 8gb micro drive and a SD 512mb card installed at the same time all of the time.

[mofologic]

restocking fee of 15% may be charged (from Dell website)
i would talk nice to them and exchange for v model - the vga screen alone is worth the price of admission. and, go to the dell contest and you can get at least a 20-30 dollar off coupon.
i have seen varying reports regarding availability of WM5 drivers for add on wireless cards.

[karenlee56]

Despite its "basic" capabilites, I have kept and been using the x51 416. It's absolutely fine for me. I'm running it with Agenda Fusion 8.

I've ordered a Spectec SDIO wifi card, since I've read overall positive reviews all around the web from reviewers and users alike. I was able to get it for <$50 on ebay. I didn't want to take a chance on the 'no-name' brands that are sold all over ebay for about $25 (mostly from Hong Kong and Singapore).

Yes, possibly better to have gotten the x51v... but I'm very satisfied with this one. Regardless of how I reworked numbers and deals on the Dell website, by the time I got done adding all of the extras (even purchasing most on ebay), it still worked out to be considerably more expensive than the deal I got.

My total costs (directly from Dell):

1 - x51, 416 MHz pda
1- included Belkin Cordovan leather case
1 -included auto charger
Included 2Yr Ltd. Warranty, 2 yr HW Warranty Support, 2 yr Advance Exchange (instead of 1 year)
1- included home charger sync cable (standard stuff)

For $275, ($291 w/ tax and free shipping)

I added: (all from ebay)

1 - pack of 3 screen protectors from "screenpatronus" - $8.99 shipped
1 - Belkin infrared keyboard, new in sealed package, w/full warranty - $29.00 shipped
1- Spectec SDIO wifi card - new in sealed package w/full warranty - $55 shipped

Total cost of everything, including all taxes: $383

Not too bad!!! I'm happy and will be even happier if the wifi card does its job. I'll post the results for all the others out there who have had wifi questions.

WIFI UPDATE- HAVE RECEIVED WIFI CARD AND IT WORKS PERFCTLY. WILL POST SPECIFICS IN A NEW THREAD