Pros: Powerful and versatile, yet compact enough to carry in shirt pocket or purse.
Cons: Customer support
The Bottom Line: I recommend the X50V for its performance, but have reservations about manufacturer's level of support. If support is of paramount concern, consider other manufacturers of similar products.
I have owned the Axim X50V since January 2005. With optional high-capacity battery it cost just over $500. It was my second windows based PDA, replacing a model which worked well, but which lacked wireless internet capabilities and a replaceable battery - both standard features on the X50V.
VERSATILITY:
To enhance my Axim's usefulness, I purchased and downloaded from internet vendors an English Dictionary as well as a financial program capable of compound-interest calculations. Although impressive, these additional applications merely scratch the surface of what this device can do. As with any computer, users will adapt the Axim to their own particular needs. While I used it as a portable reading device for a year by downloading articles from a desktop computer, now that I own a notebook computer, I tend to use the Axim primarily for referencing information and for logging on to the internet when travelling. This unit contains a built-in flash memory dedicated to backing-up files and also accepts both SD and CF cards which provide additional back-up or storage.
ORGANIZATIONAL FEATURES:
With a Windows Mobile operating system and its built-in software the Axim is outstanding for maintaining a list of contacts, allowing ample space for phone numbers, addresses, email, account numbers and more. All data is easily password protected. The calendar functions beautifully, providing audible and visual reminders of appointments. Especially helpful is that after powering-up the unit a message will appear on the main screen reminding you of any upcoming appointments a day in advance. Of course, you can also look ahead at your upcoming schedule as far out as desired. I typically schedule appointments as much as a year ahead, and the calendar function has yet to let me down.
WI-FI:
I use the wi-fi feature to connect to the internet at hotels and airports when travelling. While this feature works well, it normally requires several soft resets to establish the initial server connection. A "soft" reset is easily accomplished by pressing a recessed tab on the back and should not cause loss of data. Thus, I consider this an inconvenience, but not a serious problem. Screen size does make most web browsing difficult, with some newspapers impossible to read. However, it is adequate for many news articles, as well as for weather forecasts, sports scores and theater listings. I have also used it to read email and even check and confirm reservations.
POWER MANAGEMENT:
Power consumption varies greatly depending on your habits, with both processor speed and screen brightness adjustable to individual preferences. I should note that all my experience has been with the optional (somewhat larger) high-capacity battery. I have used the device for daytime reading with the processor in its power-saving mode for 3-4 hours without problems. Using the wireless internet while at the maximum power setting reduces operating time substantially to roughly 90 minutes on a full charge - a little less as battery ages. It is quite easy to monitor battery level while working and the Axim will also operate while docked in its charging cradle. Expect full recharge to take 3-4 hours.
IN CONCLUSION:
One regret is that I have not yet been able to backup contacts and calender onto my home computer and, as alluded to, their customer support has been weak. I gave up trying to establish a blue-tooth connection after several failed attempts. However, the "active-sync" function (using included docking cradle) works fine for transferring most files to and from home computer. Customer support was good for about a year (2005). Shorty after purchasing Dell's extended service plan in 2006 support seemed to deteriorate. Over the past year I have encountered longer phone delays along with rerouting of calls, difficulties in communicating with their tech people, and suggestions that future assistance be obtained via the web. Although I love the unit, I will look at other manufacturers when it comes time to replace due to these concerns. It is worth noting that a good part of this unit's capability lies in the Windows based operating system, available on other units.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 506.60 Recommended for: Business Executives - Powerful and Professional
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