Hi everyone,
I ordered an Axim X51-520 today (English - Axim X51-520, Pocket PC 5.0, 64MB SDRAM, 128MB ROM, BTooth, 802.11b, 3.5" QVGA etc.) after seeing that the discount offer ended on 29th. However, after reading around a bit more, I'm very worried that I've made a big mistake. What I did not realise was that PPCs do not include Microsoft IME and I am very scared that the Axim won't be suitable for me. The help provided on these forums was the final persuasion I needed to buy the Axim in the first place, but since I discovered the language issues, I've become increasingly nervous.
I am a student of Japanese and Korean and need handwritten input and display for both languages. It also appears, after more searching, that the best software is available only for Palm OS.
1. After searching the forums, it appears that Bagoj's IME might fix the Japanese problem, but does anyone have any idea on the Korean?
2. The major sticking point for me is the depth of programs outlined for Palm
here, namely PADict and WDIC. My question is, if I buy the StyleTap emulator, will I be able to run both programs and have the same functionality? The advanced dictionary offered by Eijiro (used in WDIC) will be crucial for me in future years and I can get a Palm TX for half the price I just paid for the Axim X51.
3. The software I use most, Stackz and KingKanji, are both available for PPC and Palm, so it's not an issue which I have there.
I would much prefer the Axim over a Palm (battery life, ability to have a spare battery, familiarity with Windows etc.) but I'm worried that my basic requirements of handwritten recognition for language input will make this a total waste of money. I would be clueless if anything went wrong if I altered the OS myself, and I really don't want to void my warranty. With Palm, I believe it is very easy to install a Japanese OS.
Also, I read
here that you can ask Dell to install Japanese OS, which obviously has inbuilt handwriting recognition. I've since sent a frantic email to Customer Support and will be calling them as soon as they open. Hopefully, if my order can be changed, some of my problems will be solved.
Like I said, I would prefer the Axim, and presumably this is the last place I need to mention its benefits. But having outlined all of this, what would you recommend I do? Are there viable solutions to my problems (would the emulator work, for example?) or should I just cancel my order and buy a Palm TX instead? I really think the Palm TX would be unworkable because of the dismal battery life, so I'd jump at any kind of solution to my problems with the Axim.
Many thanks for your help.