Dell just released the Axim X30—the closest thing to Pocket PC perfection available at this time.
Actually, they’ve introduced three versions of the X30, and the high-end model sports the fastest processor available—the 624 MHz Intel PXA270. On top of that, it comes with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an SDIO-compatible card slot, and the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software with portrait and landscape display capability (Figs. 1 & 2). All things considered, this is one smokin’ Pocket PC.
Figs. 1 and 2: Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software lets you switch between portrait and landscape display.
I give the X30 a 7 out of 10 for its overall design. It’s small and compact with plenty of features, but it’s based on the design of the Axim X3 and the look of the device is just a little too generic for my taste. I much prefer the sleek style of their original Pocket PC, the Axim X5. The X5 also comes with two card slots: one SD and one CF. The lack of a CF slot on the X30 might be a deal breaker for some users, but it’s not that important because of the integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. A big plus about the X30’s design is that there will be no shortage of cables, cases, and other accessories. Almost all accessories developed for the X3 will work with the X30. In addition, Dell will be offering an external keyboard and GPS receiver that interface with the X30 via Bluetooth.
Excellent performance
This is what everyone really wants to know about, right? The X30 is the first device I’ve tested with the new Intel processor, so I couldn’t compare it with other PXA270 devices. But I did run Spb Benchmarks (http://spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/benchmark) and compared the results with results from the older 400 MHz devices. The tests were performed with all units set to max performance. The 624 MHz version of the X30 was faster in almost all of the benchmark tests. For example, in the overall Spb benchmark index, the top-of-the-line X30 measured 1895. The next closest device was the Asus A620 running a 400 MHz processor, which clocked at 1573. The X30 had higher benchmark scores in the CPU index (Fig. 3), graphics index, read speed, write speed, copy speed, Pocket Internet Explorer performance, and more. The complete results of the benchmark tests are available on my Web site (http://www.aximsite.com/x30review/benchmarks.html). My conclusion: the new Intel chips are blazingly fast!
Fig. 3: Tests run with Spb Benchmarks show that the PXA270 processor is significantly faster than the previous Intel PXA chips.
The IrDA port on the X30 (and the X3 before it) is more powerful than the X5’s. I had no problem using the X30 with remote control software to change channels and control my TV from 20 feet away. As I did with the X3 before it, I now use the X30 to control my entire entertainment center.
I was also very satisfied with the X30’s built-in Wi-Fi capability. I turned it on and within seconds it detected the D-Link DI-624 Xtreme G wireless router (http://www.dlink.com) attached to my network. I tapped on “Connect,” opened Pocket Internet Explorer, and was able to open the mobile version of Aximsite immediately. I did not have to fiddle with settings at all! The range is excellent—I can connect to my router from neighbors’ houses—and the connection seems just as fast as the broadband connection on my desktop. However, I do have a few minor complaints.
Printer-friendly version