Dell Axim X51v pre-purchase investigation

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lyonrouge

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#6275 12-Jan-2006 11:25

Has anyone got there hands on a Dell Axim X51v? If so, can you answer these questions:

Can the screen be re-oriented (landscape)?
Is there a keyboard available? If the above is yes, can the keyboard work in both orientations?
Does it include Outlook Sync Conduits?
Does it include a ssh terminal client?

Any help appreciated (don't want to buy something that does less than my T3).

freitasm

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#26244 12-Jan-2006 11:35

Yes, it works with landscape and portrait orientations.
You can use a Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard.
Outlook Synchronisation is standard with all Windows Mobile devices, including the Dell Axim.
There are some SSH client available, but not in the package.

lyonrouge

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#26261 12-Jan-2006 13:33

That is very promising. Can it support concurrent BlueTooth connections, i.e. the keyboard and phone (modem)? (T3 has IR keyboard so not a problem).

Any word on support of SMS from the PDA? Current problem with the T3 is that it does not support the Nokia 6230 (does support SonyEricsson T610).

If anyone can provide any ssh success stories on Windows Mobile 5 would be appreciated.

Also, anyone used rdp or ica on one of these?

freitasm

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#26268 12-Jan-2006 15:20

It should support the Bluetooth connections, but it's something I have to see - until Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Dell was using the Widcomm Bluetooth software, which did support multiple connections (HID and DUN) at the same time.

With Windows Mobile 5.0 Dell is using the Microsoft Bluetooth stack and I can't see why it wouldn't work - but I haven't tested it myself (Dell is one of those companies that don't bother replying emails or sending things for review).

SMS support is usually provided by third-party software. Each mobile phone manufacturer uses different standards and what works with Nokia may not work with Sony Ericsson, or Panasonic devices. If you want SMS support in native mode, you should look at a Pocket PC Phone Edition instead of a Pocket PC only.

SSH? Hmmm. I remember seeing a couple of people using SSH while connected from their Pocket PC during the Geekzone Party here in Wellington - and working well. Contact Chris021, he uses it...

I use RDP sometimes, but most of the times I use GoToMyPC, much faster and more features.

lyonrouge

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#26274 12-Jan-2006 16:36

SMS is (was) included with the T3, but you had to download the drivers for each type of phone. Palm released an update that was supposed to support the Nokia 6230, but never did.

I'll have to factor the cost of SMS software into the equation.

ps. ssh --> linux --> AS/400 on the Palm, now that was something to get excited about :-), imagine how much cooler it would be with VGA!

freitasm

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#26275 12-Jan-2006 16:43

If you are really serious about remote access to your servers/computers, I would think about a Pocket PC Phone Edition really.

I mean, with a Pocket PC your connection possibilities are as good as having Wireless LAN available around, or a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone supporting DUN.

With a Pocket PC Phone Edition you can connect at any time, from anywhere. I highly recommend either the TNZ Apache (EVDO) or i-mate Jasjar (UMTS). They both have high-speed cellular access, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth...

lyonrouge

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#26302 12-Jan-2006 20:18

Thanks for the advice but I have opted against an integrated device on the following experience and perspective:

1. Sometimes I just want a phone, and don't wish to carry the extra bulk of a PDA.
2. My current PDA can change connection methods as I want (GPRS on the road, Woosh at work and Jetstream at home), with the flexability of changing to 3G when I find a handset I like.
3. I want a PDA that is good at being a PDA and a phone that is good at being a phone, thus far I have found PDA Phones to be a compromise on both fronts (however, I will try the devices suggested to see if they have gotten better). I assume they have plane modes and are VGA?

freitasm

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#26318 12-Jan-2006 21:43

Fair enough... I used to have a HP iPAQ h4150 - the best Pocket PC I've used so far: small, light, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. I used to connect to GPRS over Bluetooth.

Then I started using a Windows Mobile Smartphone and it was practical - but I don't like keypads, so the Apache and Jasjar came in.

I admit, the Jasjar is gigantic, but it has a great keyboard and screen (VGA). The Apache on the other hand has a smaller screen, but the form factor is nice - much smaller than the Jasjar, and really fast.

But if you prefer two devices, this is a personal decision.

Yes, both devices can turn any wireless feature on or off at any time, independently.

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lyonrouge

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#26340 13-Jan-2006 09:13

I was surprised to get a response to this question that I emailed to Dell, below ...

>Can the screen be re-oriented (landscape)?
>- Yes, it can be landscape.
>
>Is there a keyboard available? If so, what does it cost?
>- Yes, we have the Bluetooth foldable keyboard, at approximately AUD$99.
>
>Does it include Outlook Sync Conduits?
>- Yes, it comes with Outlook software for complete synchronization.
>
>Does it include an ssh compatible terminal client?
>- I’ll need to check with the Technical team and get back to you on this.
>
>Is the 2200mAh battery the same size as the standard battery and what does it cost?
>- They are different sizes. The 2200mAh is slightly thicker than the 1100mAh battery, and it >is at AUD$60.50.

Has anyone tried the Dell BlueTooth Keyboard?

freitasm

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#26341 13-Jan-2006 09:21

Not surprised - the Dell service is quite good, only their other people don't reply to emails.

As for the keyboard, I haven't tried - and couldn't find any information about it on the site. But I guess it is probably the same Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard we reviewed here before.