All these X51v/WM5 problems are due to 3rd party incompatible software?

Obviously there are glitches in 3rd party programs not tested on this particular handheld.

However the slow performance and AS startup problems are probably due to Dell's implementation of the OS.

And the BT problem may be a primary OS (Microsoft) problem. Who knows when or how that will be corrected.

We'll have to wait (hopefully not toooooo long) for Dell to better implement the OS.

Anyone know if these problems occur on other handhelds running WM5 (there are a number of i-mate units that do)? That would tell us if it is a Dell implementation problem or a primary OS problem.

I have had zero problems with ActiveSync 4 or 4.1 and my only use so far for BT is with my GPS unit and with the x51v, BT is so much better than what I had with 2003SE on my HP4700. Despite this, I do feel for the people that need support for other BT devices like headphones.

When I had my Dell X5, somehow I messed up Win2K so that certain PDA software installs would look like they were working, but nothing would get installed on the device. Only a few programs had this problem. Unfortunately, one of my favorites was Resco File Explorer and I had to use my laptop to install it when needed. There were several other programs from well respected developers that also failed. Out of the many dozens of programs I installed, only a few failed. I never was able to find the problem. I reinstalled ActiveSync many times, recreated partnerships and nothing fixed this problem. Fortunately, when I updated to XP, this problem went away.

As for speed, when I owned the 4700, I installed every program into flash memory. I kept my documents on my SD card and a microdrive. My x51v is as fast or faster than my everyday experience was with the 4700. I suppose it has been so long since my X5 days that I have forgotten the meaning of fast, but I am satisifed. Since everything I have installed works fine, longer load times with some programs is no big deal.

I have a 2GB SD card which has never gone away. This may be because I close every program when I am done with it. This is a habit from other PDAs where my data could be easily lost. It also helps to conserve the amount of RAM that is available to run applications in. I suppose it also doesn't hurt that I do soft resets very often. I normally do a backup every few days. It makes me feel better to reset and start with a clean slate after the backup.

I have no doubt that Dell and Microsoft will issue updates that eliminate most of the problems people are reporting. But, keep in mind that no matter what they do, a bad program can trash your system! We all have to encourage developers to make their software WM5 compatible!!!