Dell's Axim X3 and HP's iPAQ h1935 are small, lightweight Pocket PCs with plenty of power and priced to sell!
Are you in the market for a new Pocket PC? Have we got a deal for you—actually, two of them!
Both Dell and HP have recently introduced new Pocket PCs based on the "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC" software, which we reviewed in the November 2003 issue of Pocket PC magazine (www.PocketPCmag.com/nov03/windowsmobile2003.asp). Dell introduced three versions of its long-awaited Axim X3 series Pocket PC. HP introduced the iPAQ h1935, the latest in its h1900 series and its least expensive Pocket PC ever. If you're in the market for an inexpensive Pocket PC, read on!
Dell Axim X3 Advanced version with built-in Wi-Fi.
As it did with the original Axim X5 series, Dell will release basic and advanced models of the X3. But unlike the originals, one of the advanced models will include built-in Wi-Fi capability.
A smaller, simpler, and lighter Axim
The Axim X3 is a a small, light device with a simple design, quite different from the original Axim X5. It has a single SDIO card slot on the top of the unit which accepts Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, digital camera cards, etc., as well as SD or MMC file storage cards. On the top right edge of the wirelessly-enabled advanced X3 is a small bulb containing the Wi-Fi antenna (see image above).
The Axim X3 has a scroll dial on the upper left side of the device, for navigation through documents and menus. Above the scroll dial is a standard 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack. Below the display is a small, oval navigation pad with a "select" button in the center. This takes a firmer touch than the X5's navigation pad and you are less likely to activate it accidentally. Flanking the pad are six application launch buttons, all of which can be configured by the user. Two of these buttons are flush with the lower left and right edges. By default, the left button activates voice recording. On the Wi-Fi model, the right button turns the radio on and off.
Plenty of power
The heart of the Axim X3 is its Intel PXA 263 processor. The basic model runs at 300 MHz and the advanced at 400 MHz. There will be two advanced models, one with and one without built-in Wi-Fi. Both advanced models will have 64 MB of SDRAM and 64 MB of flash ROM. A little over 33 MB of the flash ROM will be accessible by the user for file storage. The rest is used to store the Microsoft OS and applications, and a few Dell utilities. The basic Axim X3 will have 32 MB of SDRAM and 32 MB of flash ROM. A little over 3.5 MB of the basic X3's flash ROM is available to the user.
The Axim X3 is powered by a 950 mAh rechargeable and removable lithium-ion battery. You can purchase a spare battery from Dell. Both advanced models come with a sync/charger cradle that has a slot to charge a spare battery. The basic model comes with just a sync cable, but you can purchase the cradle as an option. Dell had not released a finalized list of accessories for the X3 as we went to press in late September. But they will certainly include the spare battery and sync/charger cradle, as well as carrying cases, wireless and storage cards, an external keyboard, and replacement styluses.
Full suite of Windows Mobile 2003 software
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