Dell Axim x3i official PPCA review/commentary. . . .

[Hantra]

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.

[bkbroil]

Hantra,
Are you using the built in IE to surf the web on the Dell or are you using a third party browser? and is it a good replacement for the laptop for browsing?
BK

[Hantra]

I am using the IE with the Pie add-on. I think it's pretty good. Certainly better than my old device for surfing, but still not a replacement for the laptop.

[Gary Garland]

Hantra, great review. As a fellow East-Coaster, where did you find the palm trees for the photo?

[Hantra]

Why. . Florida, of course!

[g33kb0y]

I just recently upgraded from an iPaq 3835 to the Dell Axim X3i. I really like it.
I agree with Hantra - the WiFi setup was extremely painless for me as well. I previously had an expansion pack and a CF card for my iPaq. That required some minimal setup to get connected. The built-in wireless on the X3i connected almost immediately upon activation of the wifi - no setup required!
Battery life is strong. The screen is bright. I don't know if I'm sold on the cheesy stylus Dell gives you - that's cheap and easy to fix though.
After about a three weeks I can't find anything wrong with it. All in all, a great PDA.

[ubercam]

Its a bit late for a reply, but great review nonetheless.
I've got until tomorrow to decide if I want to buy one of those bad boys at 15% off, and I probably will. Now I just have to find a buyer for my old iPaq.
Just curious, how hard is it to get it to sync over wifi? I had some troubles initially with Bluetooth with my 1940, so just wondering how easy it is compared to that.

[bkbroil]

Now I just have to find a buyer for my old iPaq

I put my old Ipaq up on eBay and priced just right for the Buy it now feature and it was sold within half an hour after posting.

[ubercam]

nice! unfortunately I only have an ebay rating of 7 so I can't do buy it now yet... I need a 10 rating for that, or else I'd have buy it now. Just curious what did you sell yours for?

[Brad Isaac]

Originally Posted by ubercam

Its a bit late for a reply, but great review nonetheless.
I've got until tomorrow to decide if I want to buy one of those bad boys at 15% off, and I probably will. Now I just have to find a buyer for my old iPaq.
Just curious, how hard is it to get it to sync over wifi? I had some troubles initially with Bluetooth with my 1940, so just wondering how easy it is compared to that.

The Axim is a good PPC.
Syncing via WiFi can be a headache, but let us know if you have trouble. We should be able to help.

[bkbroil]

I had an Ipaq 3835 that went for $150...The fellow who bought it was from PDAHandheld ...You may want to inquire there to see if they are interested in making a quick purchase...

[ubercam]

Actually I sold it already
Before I went through the process of making an ebay auction, I decided to email a few people I knew to see if they wanted to buy it... not 10 minutes later I got a message from my sister's boyfriend. All he asked was "Does it play MP3's?" I said yep, and he said "SOLD"
Ordered the Axim X3i about 10 minutes later, and it should be here in about 2 weeks. Can't wait! And I got 15% off! $382 cdn + tax & shipping. Pretty sweet deal for what you get.

[lori]

I just ordered the x3i and it should be here tomorrow. Got it for a great price. This is the first good review I've read about how easy the wifi worked. I've been reading all the horror stories on other forums and have been debating whether or not this was the right PPC to buy. I guess the only people that post are the ones that have trouble and you don't hear anything from the ones that have no problems.
I hope UPS comes early tomorrow, so I can get the axim charged and ready to go by the time I leave work. I'll be turning on the wifi as I walk in the door and will see what happens...I suspect I'll have to do some tweaking, but hope I will have no problems.
Thanks for the great review!
Lori

[bkbroil]

I love that feeling...waiting for the UPS or FEDEx delivery truck....It's like Christmas when you were a little kid....I am soooo jealous and happy for you! Have fun and let us know how it works out!

[Hantra]

Thanks for the kind words Lori! I try to write real-world reviews, and often get tired of the same old lame reviews.
Good luck with the x3i! I'm still loving mine. Let us know how you like it!
B

[lori]

Originally Posted by Hantra

Thanks for the kind words Lori! I try to write real-world reviews, and often get tired of the same old lame reviews.
Good luck with the x3i! I'm still loving mine. Let us know how you like it!
B

Hantra - Your review is by far the best that I have come across!
The axim came yesterday, I got it charged up, made sure the night before the settings on my router were correct. Walked in the door, turned on the wifi, made a couple of adjustments and I was connected. This is way too cool....and to think I was reluctant to give up my old Palm IIIc!!
Lori

[Hantra]

Lori:
How's the X3i?

[lori]

I love the Axim 3xi...I am having so much fun with it and I can't believe I held onto my palm for so long. Just having the pocket excel and word is worth it, not to mention the wifi and all the other extras. This is really one awesome machine. I can listen to music, watch movies, play games, surf the net, email, read books and do so much more on one little machine! Definately worth the money (and I got a great deal)!! What's not to love with this baby!
Lori

[Hantra]

Hah!
I've been taking mine to the gym, and playing some tunes too! It would be great though if they made a 10GB SD card for about $100. That way, I could get more tunes on there. I've been looking at the Jukebox for that reason. I think it fits in the same cradle too.
Glad you're enjoying yours as much as I am!
B

[Brad Isaac]

Originally Posted by Hantra

Hah!
I've been taking mine to the gym, and playing some tunes too! B

Are you using a special case?
Also, you may want to look into MS Plus! Digital media edition. Their "Sync & Go" feature is pretty good for transferring music to the device in a hurry. BK, turned me on to that one..

[charliez]

Glad to see some folks are having no problem with the WiFi, because when I've been in locations with free WiFi, I can't seem to get anywhere. I apparently get connected, but can't get anywhere with IE - get a message that I can't connect with the current settings, but can't tell what's wrong. By now I've probably screwed up the settings beyond the original issue. I've tried at a local hotel that offers free WiFi in its coffee shop and a hotel with free WiFi - no luck. Unfortunately, at work they require Cisco's LEAP, and it seems there's no immediate solution - and I'd like to get the basics working with the default capabilities before going with third party add-ons. Any good how-to's available?
Also, I'm starting to have some freezing issues (particularly seem to be problems when using the Dell program switcher and the MS theme switcher), and have been resetting it once or twice a day. I think I need to get the latest patches, etc., but after downlaoding one that then was rescinded by Dell before I installed it, I can now no longer find ANY patches for the X3i on their site - am I going blind?
Sorry to gripe, because this has been a real leap forward from my Compaq Aero 2130, but I am feeling rather frustrated.
Any help welcome....!
Charlie Z

[charliez]

Just a follow-up... yes, I must have been blind, and I'll admit it. I've once again found the patches that I was missing, and installed them both (in order) with no difficulty. For those still in need, they are:
R71183 - System Utilities: Dell Axim X3 ROM Update for Pocket PC 2003
R75705 - Dell Axim X3 System Upgrade Utility , v.040904, A00
Now today I see there's another one:
R77269 - Dell Axim X3 System Upgrade Utility , v.043004, A01
Release Date: 5/10/2004
Description: Dell Axim X3 System Upgrade Utility (patch) released on May 6, 2004
Not sure if I need to run this as well - it may just be the corresponding patch for users with the A01 -- all the descriptions, instructions, size info, etc. are the same as for the R75705 patch, even in terms of how to check for A00. (Maybe it should be telling people to look for A01...) Any ideas here?
------------------------
And yes, I'm still wandering in the dark regarding WiFi connectivity...

[jim_midnight]

I've gotten pretty good at getting connected whenever it's possible. But it sometimes takes some doing, especially when you've connected from a lot of locations. Try this: after enabling wifi, go to site survey, click on the ssid that is most powerful, and tap Profiles. Then choose the network you expect to use, and when the popup appears, make sure to choose the "Connect to Internet" option. Then go back to Status and see if you have an IP address. Good luck.