Now that I have gotten used to Dell's new X3i, I think it may be time to write a review on it.
I'm sure if you are looking at the X3i, you've read all the specs, so I won't bore you with that. My aim is to let you know how it works for everyday use.
To give you some perspective, I am going to this Dell from an Ipaq 3635. I can tell you that the Dell is a marked improvement over this early generation device from (pre-HP) Compaq.
It comes packed quite safely in the Dell packaging, and really includes everything you need to get started. It includes a CD with ActiveSync 3.7, Outlook 2002, and trial versions of many other programs on the CD from Handmark. A decent leather case is included, and is functional if you need a case. I prefer not to carry the case because it adds so much to the size of the Dell. The X3i is so small, and light, the case makes it harder for me to carry transparently.
X3i is much smaller than my old Ipaq. Although on paper, the differences don't seem to be significant, in reality, I carry the Dell much more than I carried the Ipaq just because of its size. This Dell is 4.6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and only .6 inches thick! I believe the thickness of the Dell is the biggest improvement over the Ipaq for me. Also, this Dell only weighs 5 ounces! This is great, and makes it barely noticeable when in a pocket. This can be a bad thing if it's a BACK pocket.
The Dell cradle is so cool, and very sturdy. It makes docking it very easy compared with the Ipaq cradle, and also looks extremely cool with a semi-transparent chrome face. The cradle has a cool lighted DELL logo behind the face in a nice blue when the device is docked. The only problem is, the Dell is rather square, and bland looking, which makes it look a bit out of place on this futuristic cool cradle. But hey, we're not in it for the cosmetics, right?
The first thing that struck me about the Dell when I started to use it after the initial charge, was the speed. It is a very fast machine. So much faster than my old Ipaq, I already like it much better. All the benchmarks on the Dell would seem to indicate a very fast video system, which seems to contribute much to the overall impression of speed. I have not found myself waiting for this PPC as much as I did for the Compaq. Then again, we're talking a couple of years in age difference too.
I find myself using the Dell more than the Ipaq. This could be a result of the speed increase, or the pleasing display. The display is great. The resolution is the same as the Ipaq, at 320 x 240, but this display is a big improvement over the early generation device that I was using. It looks much better.
The first thing I HAD to do was try to get this to synch up with Lotus Notes. I have yet to find any good programs to use with Lotus Notes. I gave up trying to sync the Ipaq, but I knew there had to be some advances in two year's time, so I downloaded trials of Commontime mNotes, and IntelliSync. Needless to say, after a full day of fighting, I am no longer trying to sync with Notes. It's just not worth it. It is actually easier for me to DUPLICATE appointments in an Outlook client, and use that for appointments, tasks, and contacts, and just use Notes for e-mail (as required by my company).
I installed Pocket Informant next, and the install went well. No surprises there. As soon as I got home, I couldn't wait to try the Wifi! I walk in the door, and immediately hit the Wifi button on the Dell, and within 6 seconds, it found my network, and hooked up. No user intervention was required. Just hit the button, and badabing! I was impressed. I pretty much assumed that I would have to turn some flips, and roll over to get that to work.
I established a partnership with the home PC via the cradle, but after that, I was able to sync wirelessly at home. The coolest thing is, I can leave the cradle at the office, and as soon as I walk in the door at home, it syncs with the home PC. I like this more and more every day!
The one bad thing about the Dell is the WAF (wife acceptance factor). It seems that I am CONSTANTLY online now. I never used to take the Wifi laptop to bed, but with the Dell, it is easy to just surf myself to sleep. Hehehe
Seriously though, I have yet to find a negative about the Dell, other than the cosmetics versus the competition. The X3i will last me quite a while on a charge. I have TRIED to run the battery out just to see, and it really won't let you. It starts shutting down functions like Wifi and media player to save itself. At 20%, you can forget Wifi, and at 14%, no more media player. And then, it's just no fun, so I am inclined to charge it.
Range on the Wifi is good. I have found myself outside my house using the Wifi, but not without significant loss of signal strength.
I don't have much else to report about the Dell itself. I haven't had a crash, or anything abnormal yet, so things are looking good. Overall, I can recommend the X3i without reservation. If you own an early generation Pocket PC device, you will be very pleased with the Dell, and surprised how far these things have come in a couple of years, as I am!
Ohh, one more thing about the Dell. Even though it's a bit boxy, I found it to be quite aerodynamic. Although we did not get a chance to go to the wind tunnel with this one, I was able to test it in my own way.
