Dell Axim X51v
Manufacturer: Dell, Inc. Part number: 221-9725
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but we were disappointed by the subpar battery life.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Dell Axim X51v price range: $599.99
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 11/16/2005
- Released on: 09/20/2005
The good: The sleek Dell Axim X51 series boasts Windows Mobile 5, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, dual expansion slots, and a user-replaceable battery.
The bad: With its less-than-stellar battery life, the Dell Axim X51 didn't perform up to our expectations.
The bottom line: The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but we were disappointed by the subpar battery life.
User reviews
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Great Product that has some minor problems
by drjuanbosch on October 21, 2005
Pros: VGA Screen, Wifi, Bluetooth, Windows Mobile, Included Software, Option for extra battery
Cons: Intermittent need to do soft reset
Summary: I must say I was doubtful about getting a Dell Axim after being on Palm OS for many years, but I am now a convert.
The system has a beautiful ...Summary: I must say I was doubtful about getting a Dell Axim after being on Palm OS for many years, but I am now a convert.
The system has a beautiful screen that makes video and pictures come alive. The included software (Pocket Word/Excel/Power Point, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player) and Dell added programs make the X51v a great system.
The only downsides are that you have to do intermittent soft resets after the machine goes into power save mode. In addition, the boot sequence takes a little bit of time.
However, Im not so worried about that because Microsoft has been regularly updating their PDA OS and just like the Axim 50v, the 51v will only get better when they work out the kinks.29 out of 31 users found this user opinion helpful.
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2 defective units, returned
by rbogin on October 15, 2005
Pros: Affordable, good screen
Cons: Defective power-on
Summary: I wanted an affordable high end PDA so I bought this unit. Unfortunately, after being "off" for awhile the unit would not turn back on normally -- had to do ...
Summary: I wanted an affordable high end PDA so I bought this unit. Unfortunately, after being "off" for awhile the unit would not turn back on normally -- had to do a "soft reset." I called Dell and the customer service was great, replacing the unit immediately. Once again, though, the replacement unit would not power back on after being "off." I researched this on the web and found multiple comments about this problem, also with the X50.
19 out of 22 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Brilliant product but poor reviews based on pre-release models
by orgaelin1 on December 10, 2005
Pros: Aside from the excellent features which are without equal in any other pda, Dell are always releasing updates and don't abandon customers post-sale.
Cons: Without Dell's firmware upgrade(s) battery and performance suffers
Summary: I have spent two months looking at the various devices on the market. Initially I disregarded the x51v because of very negative reports about battery life.
I came back to ...Summary: I have spent two months looking at the various devices on the market. Initially I disregarded the x51v because of very negative reports about battery life.
I came back to it when I realised nothing else currently on the market can match its spec.
Then I was delighted to learn that firmware upgrades (now on version 4) have resolved battery issues and created a 150% improvement. Nearly every review online currently is out of date and wrong!
It's a shame there's no phone or camera, but then I have a phone and a camera already!
Bottom line, this is the most powerful device on the market and is the best value for money, PLUS you can always rely on Dell to keep providing free updates and fixes if anything goes wrong.
Oh, and all those people who had trouble getting the pc to recognise the device were victims of an activesync bug, not a problem with the x51v. Activesync 4.1 fixes this, but users should know any way to install software/drivers *before* plugging in *any* device.14 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Much better now
by lupyne on October 15, 2005
Pros: VGA, Small and pocketable, Highly usable.
Cons: It doesn't double as a Maid.
Summary: I use a handheld for work and personal finance. I need one that is small enough to pack around in my pocket not on my belt. It has to have ...
Summary: I use a handheld for work and personal finance. I need one that is small enough to pack around in my pocket not on my belt. It has to have a very clear and crisp screen so as to be viewable in varied environments and I can't be concerned about losing my data via dead battery. That said, this is the only unit I have found that delivers my bottom line. Add to that the fact that I caught it on sale at Dell for 100 dollars off the standard retail price. Unlike some, I haven't had a bad customer experience with Dell Small Business support. I think I can finally quit upgrading these silly things for a while.
14 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic - IF You know it's limitations
by GiveMeABreak on January 29, 2006
Pros: Windows Mobile 5.0
Cons: Windows Mobile 5.0
Summary: I've had this particular unit for two months now. At first, it was a nightmare! Constant system resets, poor wireless performance, software that just wouldn't work! Not a ...
Summary: I've had this particular unit for two months now. At first, it was a nightmare! Constant system resets, poor wireless performance, software that just wouldn't work! Not a very good start!
However, through investigation, and the assumption that this is one of Dell's flagship models, I figured there had to be a solution. I The first thing that I did was to upgrade the firmware. Mine now has version A.06 (it was shipped with A.01). This cured the need for constant soft resets, though the occaisional reset is still required.
The software issue is a Windows issue. Although Windows Mobile 5.0 states that it is backwards compatible with Windows Pocket PC 2003, my real world experience, is that it is not 100% compatible. A case in question is Microsoft Money 2005. The data is all over the place, with incorrect balances being displayed (though when you open the application, all is intact). Money also produces numerous errors, in as much that the Error Reporting had to be turned off on the device. Another problem was Microsoft Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager. There is a plugin for Pocket PC 2003, so in theory, it should work on Windows Mobile 5.0. It doesn't!!! That has caused me great pain, and a total restructuring of Outlook on my main PC. In addition, you cannot push a contact out using Bluetooth - it will receive contacts, but you cannot push any data out to other devices such as a phone. So, Windows Mobile 5.0 can be classed as a con in this case. The good (logical) news, is that because it is the latest version, Microsoft and all the other software houses will be writing with this version in mind. So as the OS matures, so should the apps.
Conclusion:
Great piece of hardware from Dell, but Microsoft appears to have rushed the OS to market without complete testing!7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Difficult to set-up, especially for a Palm OS user
by LarissaBr on November 12, 2005
Pros: Nice screen, fast, memory, Wi-Fi, games, customer service, games
Cons: Sync set-up is awlful, very proprietary, horrible!!!!
Summary: I am a former Palm user and lover. I even upgraded to the Palm TX with Wi-Fi, but it could not connect to the WPA security system that I have ...
Summary: I am a former Palm user and lover. I even upgraded to the Palm TX with Wi-Fi, but it could not connect to the WPA security system that I have to use at school (different issue altogether). So I decided to upgrade to the Dell Axim, but have found the set-up for syncing sucks royally! The Axim is very proprietary to Microsoft Outlook and will not work unless Outlook is set-up as your default mail client (that is a security issue in my opinion).
Twelve hours later, four hours spent on the phone with a Dell rep (very helpful), and removal and reinstallation of Microsoft Outlook and ActiveSync 4.0 (part of the problem I think but the older version did not recognized the Axim x51v for me)several time, I think it may be working. However, I just did some windows updates and now it will not sync again!!! I will probably have to uninstall and reinstall the ActiveSync 4.0 once again. I finally bypassed the Outlook issue by using a yahoo sign-in in Outlook and retaining Mozilla as my secondary mail client to check my "real" e-mail. You must set-up the Axim with Microsoft Outlook as your default mail client, no if and or buts!!!! I also ran into problems when I tried to download my calendar from Yahoo with Intellisync (uploaded from my Palm), so that was a problem too. It is not easy to get a calendar and stuff from the Palm OS to the Windows platform, very frustrating also.
I think this will be a wonderful device once I get used to it and it stays working, but if you do not use Outlook already, then BEWARE, this will be a time-consuming process. The bugs need worked out of the ActiveSync 4.0 too (newest version). I hope that this post will help you though.
? First, have Microsoft Outlook installed on your system and set as your default mail client. The CD included has this program, but you will only be able to install it once!! Use a dummy e-mail address if you do not want to use Outlook as you mail client (hotmail, yahoo, etc). Unselect automatic e-mail checking a remove/delete the inbox icon on the left.
? Then install ActiveSync 4.0. If you do not use Outlook as your mail client, then uncheck the e-mail box for syncing.
? If you are trying to integrate your Palm OS calendar to Outlook, do that before you install ActiveSync!!!
Be prepared to work (remove and reinstall the program after any windows updates until the bugs are worked out, i.e. patches). This is the most time consuming piece of technology that I have ever worked with!! I am still very irritated and upset.
I do not know why I am keeping this, may still return, but I need to be connected at school! BEWARE, BEWARE, and BEWARE. I can not attest whether all this aggravation is worth it yet!7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wait until the OS and ROM issues are ironed out.
by weebeastie on November 7, 2005
Pros: Nice screen, plenty of memory
Cons: Switch on problems, flaky OS, application s/w bugs
Summary: Having used a number of PDA's over the last 10 years (2 Psions and a Palm Zire 71), I decided to try the new Axim x51v. Here's what ...
Summary: Having used a number of PDA's over the last 10 years (2 Psions and a Palm Zire 71), I decided to try the new Axim x51v. Here's what I found - nothing new here for many of you but I feel potential buyers should be aware of the problems with this unit because Dell certainly won't tell you about them:-
1. The Axim frequently does not switch on when power button pressed requiring soft reset.
2. Occasionally, the unit powers on but screen is corrupted (blue zig zag lines) ?requires soft reset.
3. In my opinion, the OS system is very flaky (yes I know it's new but just how much are you prepared to put up with!):-
- "Switcher bar? feature corrupts (at least once daily) and no longer monitors open programs ? requires reset.
- Calendar occasionally ?corrupts? ? e.g. shows notes being held agains meetings I have not recorded notes against.
- Outlook email ? always tells me my email recipients are invalid when they are not. I can send the email anyway and it does get sent successfully.
- Whilst in Outlook email and connected to wi-fi, the unit frequently tries to connect using dial up. Have to cancel the attempt to dial up, come out of the application and go back in. Sometimes I have to do this a number of times before the wi-fi connection is re established by the application.
- Same connection problems with Internet explorer as with Outlook email.
4. Occasional Active Sync. Synchronisation failures.
In summary:-
- I believe the X51v is an unstable product. I had to reset 3 ? 4 times daily.
- The Operating system and application software has too many bugs for my liking. It feels like a beta version of a product and I think Dell have a cheek marketing the unit without a health warning. I don't believe your average Joe wants to to spend time resetting the unit, trawling forums for fixes, waiting for patches, etc.
- I made the mistake of reading reviews of the unit at various web sites (which gave good write-ups) rather than going to the specific Axim user group forums. Had I done so, I might have got an inkling into what the unit is really like. I would not have purchased the unit had I known about these issues beforehand.
- In the UK, at £326 I don?t feel I?m getting a fair deal at all.
I have since returned the unit to Dell and have obtained a refund. I assure you this process was not for the faint-hearted either as I spoke to no less than 6 people over a period of 2 days before I found someone willing and able to administer a refund. I waited a further week before I actually got the refund on my credit card.
I am now the proud owner of a new Palm TX. Stable OS, a processor that is around half the speed of the X51v yet seems to perform as well if not better than the X51v. It's around £100 cheaper too.
So if you want a PDA that lives up to expectations, does what it says on the tin right now then a Palm TX would be worth considering. If you enjoy resetting your unit daily, investigating and reporting bugs that ought not to be there in the first place, and then waiting for Dell or Microsoft to issue a fix then the X51v is for you.
Each to there own. I've learnt from this experience and I hope some of you will learn from it too.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good hardware but can't sync to any of my PCs
by LeanBatt on October 29, 2005
Pros: Very good stand alone PDA
Cons: Can't sync to PCs, help desk was no help
Summary: Could not sync to either my home or work PC. Dell help desk tool 45 minutes to reach then could not resolve the problem. Apparently there is a bug in ...
Summary: Could not sync to either my home or work PC. Dell help desk tool 45 minutes to reach then could not resolve the problem. Apparently there is a bug in Win Moble 5.0 and/or Active Sync 4.0 which interfers with firewalls and/or network controlling devices. Tried everything I could which was posted on the Microsoft site and the Dell help desk recommendations. Nothing worked.
I am returning the unit until the bug is resolved. Shame on Dell for shipping a good product with a defect and letting the customer do quality assurance for them!!5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Do Not buy a Dell!!!
by dnw2005 on November 7, 2005
Pros: Nice screen
Cons: Poor Tech Support, Customer Service, and Return Policy
Summary: I've had a heck of a month wrestling with this thing. From Day One, the Active Sync wouldn't load on my computer. After 4 hours on the phone ...
Summary: I've had a heck of a month wrestling with this thing. From Day One, the Active Sync wouldn't load on my computer. After 4 hours on the phone with tech support, they told me it was a Microsoft problem and I just needed a patch. Microsoft didn't know anything about it and didn't have a patch. Dell then said my desktop was causing the problems and my computer was too old. I bought a new desktop computer and hired someone to install the desktop and the Axim. The Axim never correctly synched all my appointments from my calendar - no pattern, just randomly missing half my appointments. Now the Axim won't turn on unless I take the battery out, shake it, and reinstall it!! I called Dell and, because I am just 10 days past the 21 day Return Policy time limit, they refuse to allow me to return it - even though they now admit that their initial tech support people gave me bad advice and didn't diagnose that the PDA was bad to begin with and even though I've been trying to fix the problem since the day I received it. They are sending me a new one, but I have no hope that it will work any better. I'm ordering a Palm instead and just sucking up the $500+ that I spent on the Dell to a bad experience. Bottom line - don't buy a Dell!!
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Performance and Design
by Gators300 on November 7, 2005
Pros: Brilliant Screen, Fast Processor, 256 MB ROM, CF & SD Slots Excellent 3D Capability
Cons: Slow Startup
Summary: I just got my X51v a few days ago and have played around with it enough to give it a high score, which it deserves. First thing you'll notice ...
Summary: I just got my X51v a few days ago and have played around with it enough to give it a high score, which it deserves. First thing you'll notice is the brilliant screen. The resolution is 640x480 and it looks spectacular. Movies and games look absolutely great and text is very easy to read. The system itself is very fast, (other than boot up after a soft reset, which takes 10-20 seconds) and the Windows Mobile 5.0 is a welcome addition. No longer do you have to worry about losing your data because the battery died.
It has both a Compact Flash and SD slot for expanded memory. Dell includes a host of software on the system as well as more on the included discs. Everything you need from word processing to powerpoint, even 3D games is included, (not all software is free, some is trial). And speaking of 3D capabilities, the X51v is no slouch. The 624 MHz version plays anything you throw at it. Quake Mobile runs perfectly on this machine and looks fantastic doing it. The overall 3D capabilities are just outstanding.
The design and feel are great and the buttons on the side are well placed. There is a voice record button as well as as a wireless access button. The directional pad on the unit could be a tad more intuitive, but the only need for that is games. The unit is solidly built and feels that way.
Overall I think the X51v is a very capable machine and quite possibly the best PDA on the market.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
- Part number: 221-9725
- Description: The Dell 624 MHz Axim X51v delivers performance, connectivity and a brilliant VGA display in a sleek, sophisticated design. Powered by the Intel XScale PXA270 Processor at 624 MHz, 64 MB SDRAM and 256 MB Flash ROM, the device offers excellent performance. This handheld comes equipped with the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. It includes an integrated CompactFlash Type II and Secure Digital / SDIO Now! / MMC card slots for flexible expansion. Featuring a 3.5 mm headphone / headset jack for headsets, this handheld also includes an Intel 2700G multimedia accelerator with 16 MB video memory. In addition, the built-in microphone and speaker ensure easy recording while you are on the go. Moreover, the integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth wireless technologies offer flexible connectivity options.
General
- Product Type Handheld
- Width 2.9 in
- Built-in Devices Display, Touchpad, Speaker(s), Microphone
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 4.7 in
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in
- Weight 6.2 oz
Processor
- Processor Intel Xscale 624 MHz
- Processor Intel 624 MHzXscale
Memory
- ROM 256 MB - Flash
- RAM 64 MB - SDRAM
- Installed RAM 64 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card, CompactFlash (type II)
- Compatibility SDIO
- Max supported RAM 64 MB
- RAM technology SDRAM
- Installed ROM 256 MB Flash
Display
- Display Type 3.7 in TFT active matrix - Transflective
- Display type 3.7 in TFT active matrix
- Image 16-bit (64K colors)
- Display Resolution 480 x 640
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
- Software Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
Input Device
- Input device type Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
- Type Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
Audio
- Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3, WMA
- Audio Input Microphone
- Audio input type Microphone
- Audio Output Speaker(s)
- Voice Recording Capability Yes
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 SD Memory Card, 1 CompactFlash Card - Type II
- Wireless Connectivity IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b
- Interfaces 1 x Headset - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x USB, 1 x Docking / port replicator - 36 pin docking
- Port / Connector Type:Interface 1Headset, 1USB, 1Docking / port replicator
- Connector Provided Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 36 pin docking
- Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 SD Memory Card, 1 CompactFlash Card Type II
Power
- Battery installed (max) 1 Lithium ion
- Max supported batteries 1
- Power Device Power adapter
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Power supply device Power adapter
Battery
- Installed Qty (Max Supported) 1 (installed) / 1 (max)
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium ion
- Capacity 1100 mAh
Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service / Support Details 3 years Limited warranty Replacement, Lifetime Technical support
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Replacement - 3 years, Technical support - Lifetime
Product series
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Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Intel 624 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
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Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Intel 520 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
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Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Specs: 64 MB, Intel 416 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
Manufacturer info
- Dell, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Dell, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.dell.com/
- Address:
One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 - Phone: (800) 274-3355
- Email: LB_Order_Questions@dell.com
