Review : Dell Axim x30

Author : Chris Leckness
Vendor : Dell, Inc
Price : $349 and $249 (High and Mid Level Models - Both with WiFi and Bluetooth)
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Rocket Powered!
Since this is the 1st 624mhz Pocket PC, there is nothing to compare benchmark scores with at this time, But I compared it to the older machines it is"Smoking"! What is the perfect PocketPC? That is a question that will never be answered, there are too many opposing views and usage patterns for that to ever be accomplished. Today, Dell released the closest to my perfect PocketPC to date. It sports the fastest processor available at this time, SDIO SD Slot, a small and light form factor, Bluetooth and WiFi, and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Other than a few features that some find a must, it has everything I want in a PocketPC. The only real complaint offhand is the look. I mentioned in my X3i review last year that I really wish that Dell would have duplicated the modern, unique look of the X5 when they design the X3. Just in case you have not figured it out yet, the Dell Axim X30 is the same as the X3i with some major enhancements.

What do you get?
Out of the box you will get basically the same items with whatever package you choose. You will obviously get the actual unit you ordered and if you choose the Mid or Low Configuration, you will receive a sync cable instead of a cradle. Good news, the cradle and the connector on the unit is also the same as the X3i. I do not need a fourth different cradle on my desk.

Opening the box, I received the following:

• Dell Axim X30
• Standard 950mah battery
• Cradle and Power Cord
• Leather Case
• Companion CD
• Users Manual
• Quick Start Guide

The unit came with a nice protective film over the display for protection. Since I already had ActiveSync loaded up, I did not even install anything off the CD initially.

Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition includes:
Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Voice Recorder, Notes, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player 9, Calculator, Pictures, Jawbreaker, Solitaire, Inbox, File Explorer, MSN Messenger, terminal Services Client, VPN Client, Infrared Beaming, Clock, Align Screen, memory, Volume control, Landscape mode, WPA

These are the extras that Dell put in ROM
File Store (nonvolatile file storage in flash ROM), Backup (utility for Backup/Restore to Memory Card), Switcher (access and launch programs easily), Power Status, Brightness, Microphone Gain Control, Version Display, Dell WLAN utility (with optional wireless model), Funk Odyssey Client (LEAP support)

Applications Included on the Companion CD:
Full Versions: Microsoft Active Sync 3.7.1, Outlook 2002, Resco Picture Viewer, Dell Diagnostic Utility
Trial Version: Agenda Fusion, CityTime, eWallet, Full Hand Casino, Griffin Technology Total Remote, Handmark Monopoly, Handmark Scrabble, Handy Zip, ListPro, McAfee VirusScan PDA, Resco File Explorer, Tennis Addict, Trip Tracker, Links Pocket PC, Pocket SlideShow, Cash Organizer 2003 Deluxe, Battery Pack 2004, Calligrapher

Click image to see more comparison pics

The Design
I gave the X30 a 7 in this category. While the size of the unit is small and compact, the design is just to generic. I would have loved to have seen Dell change it to a sleeker X5ish look with the same physical size. In Dell’s defense, this model is not a "new" model, only an upgrade to provide Bluetooth. Seems we are getting a lot more than Bluetooth in this new model though. Another deal breaker for some is the lack of a CF slot. To me this is not that much of an issue with Wifi built in. I only used my CF slot for my CF Wifi card. The look and feel of the X30 is exactly the same as the X3i that came out last year. I did not like the looks then, and my opinion did not change, but looks are not what I am after in a PocketPC - Functionality is! On a positive note, there will be no shortage of cables, cases, and other accessories for the X30 since it has the same design as the X3i. Unlike most "new" pdas, we won’t have to wait for new accessories.

Features
Well it is no news that this new model has built in WiFi and Bluetooth, but there is more. No, not a VGA screen. A new processor, YES! This is more about performance than features, so I will comment on the new processor in the performance section.

New features on the X30 include:

• Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition
  WM2003 SE adds support for dynamic screen-switching between landscape and portrait modes and square screen resolution support. Other features include VGA and QVGA that support high-resolution displays for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones, Short-cuts via Transcriber, Better Management of Character Sizing in VGA, Automatic Scroll Bars, "Start" Menu includes icons, Support for WPA, Automatic Repagination in Pocket IE and more.
• Next Generation Intel® PXA270 Processors
  Intel SpeedStep™ Technology extends battery Life. Intel Wireless MMX technology delivers enhanced multimedia performance. Speeds up to 624MHz. Handwriting Recognition, Games, dynamic GPS maps, voice recognition.
• Integrated 802.11b and Bluetooth® wireless technologies
  WiFi -Proliferation of Hotspots (Airports, Hotels, Restaurants, Campus, Work, Home)
  Bluetooth - Connect to Bluetooth Peripherals - Modem, Printer, Keyboard, GPS Navigation, Phone
• Starts at $199 non-wireless, $249 wireless

The Good Stuff

Wireless Screenshots

The screenshot on the left shows the today screen in landscape. The middle screenshot shows the Wireless Enable box after the Wireless button is pressed. A problem with the WiFi button is that it enables both WiFi and Bluetooth at the same time. If you do not want Bluetooth on, you must turn it off now. (See Right Image)

From left to right - The Bluetooth Manager Main Screen, Active Connections listing, and the Tools menu for the Bluetooth Manager.

Using the Tools menu in the Bluetooth Manager, you can set up to send your electronic business card via Bluetooth. Screenshots on the left and in the middle show this. The rightmost Screenshot shows the main page of the Bluetooth Settings option. You can turn Bluetooth on and off here.

Left - Bluetooth Connection Wizard.The middle and right screenshots show various settings options.

The left Screenshot is the information about the Bluetooth driver versions and such. The middle images is what you now see when clicking the WiFi Icon in the tray. Another thing I dislike about this new model is a revamping of the WiFi applications. See this link, the nice sniffer type application and other settings are now replaced with the ones you see here. The right images is the tools tab in the WiFi utility.

Left image - Advanced Settings. The middle and right screenshots are of the Site Monitor and Link Test utilities.

Left - Installed Certificates :: Middle - Network Troubleshooter :: Right - Part of the Network Troubleshooting utility

WM 2003 SE Screenshots
There are numerous changes to Windows Mobile 2003 with the Second Edition version.I have taken some comparative screenshots to see the differences visually. Click here to see them.

IR Port
This was already superb with the X3/X3i so I retraced the same steps I took when reviewing the X3i and saw the same results. "After setting up my TV in the software, I tried to turn the channel from my couch. Success! So I got up and keeping the line of site to the TV’s IR, I walk as far as I could from the TV without hitting a wall. 19.5 feet later I changed the channel on the X3 and the TV’s channel changed. I went a step further and set up my entire entertainment center on my new Axim. I am happy with the range. "

Built in WiFi Performance
The performance is excellent. Just turn it on and surf in seconds. I detected my Dlink DI-624 802.11g wireless router within a second of powering the WiFi up. I click "Connect" and brought up the mobile version of Aximsite immediately. I did not have to fiddle with settings at all. It seems all the complaints I have are related to WiFi also. They are all minor, but deserves mention anyhow. I am still calling for a programmer that wants to make a bit of money by creating a simple application to disable the indicators in the WiFi/Bluetooth bubble. This is one of my main complaints. The next complaint has been covered also, when you enable wireless, both WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled. Last but not least, if I left WiFi on and the X30 powered down, I has to disable and re-enable the Wireless to get it to connect. It’s not all bad though. The range is excellent, I can connect to my router from neighbors houses. The speed seems just as fast as it does on my desktop.

Look Mom, No wires
Connecting to a GPS device is something new to Axim Owners, but don’t worry, its not as tough as they say it is. I am having fun trying out the Bluetooth world. Accessing the directories of the Ipaq units at Circuit City and playing with GPS units. Now I must find a Bluetooth headset to play with to achieve ultimate geekness.

The Dell Axim X30 using the Pharos Bluetooth GPS and Ostia Mapping Software

Performance
This is what everyone really wants to see, right? I have compared benchmarked several Axim models as well as some other brands against the Dell Axim X30 with the 624mhz and the 312mhz processor. I have used Spb Benchmark for my performance tests. The following test were performed with the units set to max performance. Please note that the X30 labeled as 300mhz is actually running at 312mhz. The graphs below are an indicator that the new Intel chips are blazing fast. For the complete comparison results, click here.

Battery Life?
Battery life is an important aspect for many, so I tried to do as many battery tests as I could to give a realistic, real life idea of the life of these units.

I believe it is safe to say that increased CPU Speed equals faster battery drain. Even though I already knew this from the 950mah battery that comes with the x3i, I conclude that this battery size is not sufficient to make it through an average day. No big deal, there are many solutions to remedy the below average battery life. Dell offers an 1800mah battery, you can buy a spare and hot swap them, and you can always carry a travel charger. I personally don’t see this battery performance overcoming all the positives this machine has to offer, so I just carry a spare battery with me.

Extra Batteries:

• Dell 950mah Replacement - $49
• Dell 1800mah Replacement - $99
• Mugen Power 1100mah Replacement - $49
• Mugen Power 2000mah Replacement - $69

Stability
Having used the 312mhz and 624mhz models on and off for the last couple of weeks, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. I have installed tons of software on these units and other than a few glitches with certain software, they have been very stable. I did not have to do any soft resets on either unit nor have I noticed any performance issues. With the built in WiFi, there are a few troubles that I would like to see fixed in upcoming ROM upgrades. The 1st I mentioned earlier is that when you press the "Enable Wireless" button, both WiFi and Bluetooth are turned on. The other is a tad annoying, but does need to be addressed. If you have WiFi turned on and you let the X30 time out and shut itself off, I have had to disable and re-enable WiFi to restore the connection.

Overall Value
Dell should not disappoint with this offering. Built in WiFi and Bluetooth, WM2003 SE, and a low pricetag make the X30 a bargain. There is always something new around the corner from Dell and all its competition, but for now, Dell has beat the field to the punch and offered a full featured wireless PocketPC that is unparalleled. The closest current competitor would be the HP Ipaq h4155. It has all the same features except a newer processor and Windows Mobile 2003 SE for almost $100 more.( $449.00 )

What can the Dell Axim X30 do? Plenty. Obviously it is a great tool for keeping organized on and off the road. Windows Mobile 2003’s built in integration with Outlook, Word, Excel and other applications make an organized lifestyle simple. Built in WiFi and Bluetooth afford the opportunity to get online anywhere you are. If you do not need any of that functionality, we can use it as a universal remote with the superb IR port. Music on the go, the X30 can function as a good MP3 player using aftermarket players or the included Window Media Player 9. Did I mention a Gameboy? Games are looking nice and running smoother on the PocketPC. Forget the expensive built in GPS in your new Automobile. For a couple hundred extra dollars you can buy a Bluetooth GPS, throw it in the trunk, and navigate the roadways with ease. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion
If you were hoping this unit would be the rumored VGA model, sorry. This is basically a reworked X3 with a a new processor and Operating System. It is a great machine though. It packs a punch, its lightweight, has built in WiFi and Bluetooth, and has the most current OS from Microsoft. Dollar for Dollar it is currently the best bang for the buck. Sure it has some minor flaws, sure it does not have a CF slot, but for $349.00 for the 624mhz model and $249 for the 312mhz, how can you not look past that. The new Window Mobile 2003 Second Edition has some real nice upgrades that make things real handy. The enhancements to Pocket Internet Explorer are super and the ability to switch from portrait to landscape on the fly is to die for. Over all I believe this is a A+ upgrade from the X3i.

Pros:

• Speedy Processor
• Newest Operating System
• WiFi and Bluetooth
• Small Size
• User replaceable battery
• SDIO compatable SD slot
• Bright Screen
• Great-looking cradle (only available with the High End Model)

Cons:

• Lack of a CF Slot
• Lower than average battery life
• Minor WiFi Bugs (Reported to Dell and noted in the Review)
• Square Design

Written by Chris Leckness · Filed Under Mobilitysite Reviews, PocketPC 
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