Upgrading X30H to X51v...questions on software compatability and cables

[CBombC]

Well, it may be time to upgrade the old Ax. I'm very happy with the X30 which I've had with basically no problems for a couple years. The VGA is what I'm most attracted to plus the additional memory. I'm sure there are other great reasons though. Feel free to share what you've experienced.

I'm wondering about a couple things though.

1. For the most part if software was written for Win Mobile 2003 will it work with WM 5?

2. Should I even try installing old 2003 software?

3. Does Activesync require Windows XP? Would it work with a Win 98 machine?

4. Are the connector pins different between the two units? I'm wondering if my travel charger for the X30 will work with the 51v.

5. Is the extra power battery worth the money? Or should I get an extra standard battery so I don't have a bulky hard case?

6. Is the rhino case with extra battery capacity bulky?

7. Does the Rhino aluminum case have slots to hold extra SD cards? From the description it soundslike it holds one additional.

8. If you have done this upgrade in the past, did you experience any difficulties?

9. Anyone have any comparison remarks on Boxwave screen protectors (which I use curently and like) vs Nushield or invisible shield which are less expensive.

10. Is now the time to get a 51v or is there something on the horizon that would be a better unit?

11. Any other advice or things to consider, please feel free.

Thanks for the help/advice.

Chris

[LordArt]

I did the same upgrade path about 6 months ago. I have not regretted it, especially after the A12 update.

#1 - Yes

#2 - Sure, if you like the software.

#3 - Dunno

#4 - Yes, the pins are VERY different. However, since everything is based on just a round power plug, and the Axim v51v comes with a different adapter, your charger stuff should still work.

#5 - The standard battery works like 3-4+ hours, easily double what I got from the 30H for the same series of use. I bought a second standard battery for my x51v but I almost NEVER use it.

#6 - Dunno. Don't have it, don't need it. I have the standard Rhino case and it works WELL.

#7 - The Rhino Case that was on Dell's site when I got mine has two SD slots.

#8 - Difficulties? It was a little bit getting use to WM5 versus WM2003. A few things in WM5 annoyed me like the hot bar (the Calendar and Contacts button at the bottom). Everything else was fine. Especially after A12, before that it was annoying (I had to learn to turn the power on, THEN get my stylus so it would be responsive, but with A12, that is no longer an issue)

#9 - Can't help you there.

#10 - Since Dell has ended thier PDA run with the 51s, if you want an Axim, now is as good as any considering. There is always a better unit eventually from someone, but I don't know of any.

#11 - The BT issue is a problem for some, for what I use it for, it hasn't been for me (DUN and GPS). I can no longer hook up my headset to listen to music from the mini-headset that I use for my phone, but that's a minor loss. I haven't tried the Widcomm stack solution. I use headphones anyway since my headset is mono if I wish to listen to music.


Hope that helps!

Arthur

[CBombC]

Awesome!
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions.
I'm very close to taking the plunge. I want to get the best deal I can. I've heard of people getting theirs for Under $300 and that would be sweet. I see them at $374 right now.
I may wait a bit, still not sure.

[CBombC]

Oh, one other thing...
Does the cradle have a charger for an extra standard battery as the X30 cradle has?

If not how do you charge your extra battery and keep it charged?

[Carrot007]

Yeah the cradle has a charger though really with the extra battery life with wm5 a second battery is really not needed, and this is coming from someone who had 2 standard and one extended battery when i had my x30h!

[MMXER]

You may want to check http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdi...duid=45998&f=9 every so often. I got my X50v for $262 (2 battery, 2 year replacement)that was upgraded to a X51v by Dell because of the WM5 issue...