I have been reading this site for around two years now and have finally setup an account! The skillset of this group is by far one of the best out there. I have been pulled from the brink of throwing Windows Mobile devices out the window multiple times over the years, but have found the answer to my most difficult problems in the forums each time.
The only unit I have yet to experience trouble with is the Axim line. I have 7 deployed since late 2005, and have not had anything but a single battery issue. Because of my experiences, I want to pose a couple of questions to the forum.
I am looking at a large scale (60+) handheld deployment for field sales reps. I have reviewed tablets & UMPC devices, but have not been happy with the battery life or the cost. The Axim is my preferred choice based on my experiences with multiple PDAs over the last few years. I know that Dell is shutting down the Axim line, but I still trust the device better than all others. I will need roughly 24 months of use from the entire fleet of handhelds. I plan to purchase 3-5 extra units to have on hand. During the time period, we will be researching a new distribution system with remote order entry units. Hopefully the UMPC will enhance batteries and drop a bit in price during the two years. Here are my questions:
Would a large scale deployment of the Dell line be a mistake with support from Dell potentially waning? I know that there are a few companies out there who can maintain the devices, but as stated before, I have had one issue in two years with Dell Axims. Our HP PDAs and PDA Phones have been a nightmare.
My team is based throughout Wisconsin, and will sometimes need to use a cable to connect to the internet with their cell phones. I have always used bluetooth or wifi with my Axim. Are any of you using the devices with cell phone plans and cables connecting to the phone?
Dell may very well stop selling the Axim sometime relatively soon, but I don't expect them to totally pull the rug out from under us as far as support goes. Then again.. maybe I'm putting too much faith in them.
It would be foolish to deploy any product at the end of it's lifecycle unless one has both sufficient quantities to support the deployment, including replacements, and an extemely short use period.
24 months may be short enough. I would have over 50 spares for a rollout of 60 devices without contractual vendor support, including a bond held by a bonding agency.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Though the Ax is on it way out it is still the best pound for pound PDA in the market. I have not read anywhere in the recent past of any new developments or potential developments that could surpasse the functionality and versatility of the device.
A safe way of rolling out if that is what you must do, would be to get into some sort of direct support from dell which is specifically tied to the purchase. This should include spares etc.
definatly DO NOT deploy massive amounts of axims at this point. dell is prolly going to discontuniue the axims and the axims support along with them. i have a felling that dell with however be making a new handheld line based off of a different chipset.
You can still get up to a FIVE YEAR regular warranty AND accidental/replacement warranty at Dell. I believe it would be safe to deploy the axims for your company. Concur with setting up a business support relationship with Dell - read somewhere on this forum that you can get one representative to talk to.
Quote:
will sometimes need to use a cable to connect to the internet with their cell phones. I have always used bluetooth or wifi with my Axim. Are any of you using the devices with cell phone plans and cables connecting to the phone?
I would make this a separate post so you will get more specific answers.
Placed the order today. Thanks for all the advice. The support contract is in place for 36 months, which gives me some room in my search for new systems. Our rep priced things very attractively and we were able to come in @ 30% of the planned budget. We have plenty of spares in the order as well. I will have to post a photo of 65+ axims lined up once the setup is complete!
Any update? I am sure you could also sneak in a few used ones from ebay and such as well for not too much money. Do they come all upgraded or do you have to upgrade them all to A12?
Any update? I am sure you could also sneak in a few used ones from ebay and such as well for not too much money. Do they come all upgraded or do you have to upgrade them all to A12?
KM
They will probably all be upgraded to A12 already, I just bought this x51v from Dell, and it was already upgraded. :approve:
Our units are scheduled to ship in the next week or so, but I have received most of the accessories already. We have been very happy with our Dell equipment in the past and this purchase has been considered a good move by our senior management. The best move I made was to establish that this solution is only a 24 month maintenance fix to increase our user skillset. By deploying the better technology, I am able to minimize downtime and maintenance, allowing for more quality training for my field reps. I will update once the deployment has started.
Wise choice, cru1701 - but do consider to buy an extra battery for each ax if you want to be on-the-run all the time.
Nothing worse than running out of juice while trading
Wise choice, cru1701 - but do consider to buy an extra battery for each ax if you want to be on-the-run all the time.
Nothing worse than running out of juice while trading
.
I second that AND please invest in Rhino cases for all of the units.
Since these devices will be on the road, they will undoubtedly be knocked around a bit. The Rhinocase is your best bet - don't go for cheap - you'll get cheap.
Get the extended battery AND the Rhinocase with the extended battery option AND the screen protector for each unit.
You will definately NOT regret it. :approve:
Please remember this -
How much money will you lose in lost sales from just ONE down device compared to what some protection of the device will cost.
If you don't get the extended batteries and stick with extra regular batteries, then I would go with the innopocket magnesium case - so much handier because it's a flip style, but still gives a lot of protection.
I did not choose the extra battery option, but I did supply each rep with a car charger. I purchased 5 spare batteries for emergencies, and will keep these in the extra cradles. Screen protectors have been ordered and the cases we have on hand. We are using a cases made for the NEC MobilePro 900 units, with a velcro backing on the axim to attach to the case.
Follow Us
RSS Feed
Follow on Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
