"I am about to purchase my first PDA and have picked the Axim X50V. I am going through Dell's "customize it" options. I know that a lot of the accessories are available through 3rd party vendors but wish to minimize the shipping costs and inconvenience if the premium is not too great. I would like some advice on what to order.I will mainly be using it in airplanes, in hotel rooms and occasionally on road trips. The primary purpose I am buying it for is to access the internet when I am away from home and listen to music/watch video. I probably will not be regularly synching it with a desktop or laptop."
Seems you have put a lot of thought and research into your new Axim buy. Nice work. It also sounds like you and I are about the same type of user. I would say you
will have to use the sync with a laptop of desktop to get a lot of things to work. Installing programs are usually done via the sync and a few other things as well. So be prepared for that. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the rest.
"Now the options:
Case: I will probably eventually order the one from Innopocket that many of you have written about ."
I have not seen the Innopocket one but as you have read people seem to like them. I have the Rhino Skin one they sell on the Dell site and I like it very much. It is pretty much bullet proof. You can get it elsewhere if you don't want to buy it form deal but you might want to check around for the prices. In any case
you will want a case. The slip case that comes with the Axim is a joke IMHO.
"Extra battery: I will probably order an extra standard battery from Dell. The extended battery does not seem to fit well in many of the cases. It looks like Dell are about $10 more than say Lion, but shipping will eat that up."
I agree that a second standard battery is the way to go. Like you said many of the cases don't take the extended one. I have two standard ones and have been very happy.
"Memory: Have lots from my Canon camera."
As I am sure you know, you can never have to much. I use a 1GB CF card for installing programs to as well as where I keep some files and music. I also have a 1GB SD card I use for more temp type stuff like movies. But you can get better deals form other places then dell later on.
"Warranty/Insurance: pass"
Here I would disagree. The warranty/insurance deal is VERY nice to have. You don't have to search much around here to find post about people getting an exchange on the unit. The accidental coverage is very nice if you ever drop it or something. I would reconsider this part if I were you.
"Keyboard: will not be doing enough data entry to make it worthwhile and there are a lot of cheaper 3rd party options."
Agree....
"Cable: USB Cradle for Dell Axim X50 Handheld (no charge) or USB Travel Sync Cable/Cradle (+$15) I am not sure what this is. Is it just smaller? If so, I do not need it,"
I don't have the travel sync cable and I don't think you will need it either. Seems to be more for carrying with you for using with a laptop and such. There is an adaptor that came with my axim for charging. You can take the power cord off of the cradle you get with it and use this adaptor to charge on the road. That is all I use.
"Mobility Cables: Belkin Axim X50 Travel Kit(+$39)Belkin Axim X50 Sync Charger (+$25) I am not sure which to buy. I will need to plug the Axim into AC to recharge it and perhaps DC in the car although I do carry an inverter in the car to charge camera batteries etc."
As for the AC part see my answer above. For the DC I can't help much as I have never had a need to charge in the car. But I am sure there are after market stuff avaiable as well.
"Presentation Bundle: Not sure what this is or why I would want it so I cannot see ordering it."
From what you have said, I agree you don't need it.
"GPS: Maybe someday but I am also looking at a Garmin Quest."
Nice option to look at later.
"Stylus and Screen Protector: I understand from reading the forum that X50 styluses are a strange size so it might be worthwhile to pick them up. Again from reading the forum it seems that screen protectors are popular but that Brando is the prefered brand. Is there any problem with the type Dell sells?"
I only have the one stylus that came with the Axim and have not lost it yet. Knock on wood. If you think you might have a problem I guess you could get them now. But I plan on waiting untill it happens, then I will order a new one.
Screen protectors are a must in my opinion. Brando is good, so is Boxwave. The dell ones suck. Can't say a good thing about them. Go with one of the other two.
"Antivirus: Not sure about this. Any opinions?"
I got it and never installed it. General opinion is you don't really need it. The one they sell on the dell site has been reported to have A LOT of problems on the Axim.
"Games: Lots available elsewhere."
Agree....
"Headset: Have one."
The sound is great with a headset. I have been very happy with it as a mp3 player.
"Another thing I am thinking about is an Asus WL-330 wireless access point. Many of the hotels I stay in have wired HS internet so this would allow me to surf without buying a CF ethernet card and sitting at a desk. Has anyone tried this with their Axim?"
I got the one made by
D-Link. It is pretty much the same. I use it all the time in the hotels and it works very well.
"Anyway, your opinions would be appreciated. Many thanks."
Your welcome. People around here are real nice and happy to help. Congrats on your new Axim. Let us know if you have any other questions. Take care~
Adam
you to Aximsite!
