The Axim X51v Has Tons Of Features!

The Dell Axim X51v has a lot going for it. If your looking for a PDA that runs the latest Windows Mobile OS, has loads of memory and expansion options and features like built in WiFi, Bluetooth and an MP3 player, this PDA is for you!

Windows Mobile 5 ROCKS!

Windows Mobile 5.0, offers many improvements. One of the best for PDA users is persistent memory. All data and applications are stored in the generous 256M of X51v Flash Memory. This memory will survive a complete battery rundown. No need to leave it on the charger when you go away for a 2 week vacation. Just charge it up upon return and your data will still be there!

Speed And Expansion Are Great

The X51v is at the top of current Pocket PCs with its 624MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor. It is up to the task of even the most demanding applications including action games and video playback. A built in CF card slot compatible with type I and type II cards and an SD slot supporting SDIO and SDIO give the Axim X51v the abillity to use a wide variety of CF cellular, GPS, presentation, modem, memory, micro hard drive and networking cards.

MP3s AND Movies To Go!

Video playback is excellent! The high-res VGA of the X51v can even be connected to an external monitor or projector for presentations on the road. MP3 playback is awesome and you can store an unlimited amount of music on removable media. You are sure to draw a crowd when you watch/listen to your favorite music videos! If you're a game you can take all the action with you and enjoy fast crystal clear play.

Conclusions

I've owned countless PDAs and this is one of my favorites. If you want a PDA that will provide you years of trouble free performance and great features, you should seriously consider the Dell Axim X51v.

First thing you'll notice about this excellent PDA is the brilliant screen. The resolution is 640x480 and it looks spectacular. Movies and games look absolutely great and text is very easy to read. The system itself is very fast, (other than boot up after a soft reset, which takes 10-20 seconds) and the Windows Mobile 5.0 is a welcome addition. No longer do you have to worry about losing your data because the battery died.
It has both a Compact Flash and SD slot for expanded memory. Dell includes a host of software on the system as well as more on the included discs. Everything you need from word processing to powerpoint, even 3D games is included, (not all software is free, some is trial). And speaking of 3D capabilities, the X51v is no slouch. The 624 MHz version plays anything you throw at it. Quake Mobile runs perfectly on this machine and looks fantastic doing it. The overall 3D capabilities are just outstanding.
The design and feel are great and the buttons on the side are well placed. There is a voice record button as well as as a wireless access button. The directional pad on the unit could be a tad more intuitive, but the only need for that is games. The unit is solidly built and feels that way.
Overall I think the X51v is a very capable machine and quite possibly the best PDA on the market.

I upgraded from my Dell Axim x31 Pocket Pc, the only differences are the memory and the processor speed. My Axim X31 had bluetooth and wireless and all the good stuff that this does.
I tell you though, this one is very fast.
With an available peak processor speed of 624 mhz, this pda is a rocket. The screen is amazing, and the video player is great.
The only complaint i have about this pocket pc is that you must convert video to the wmv format before playing it on the pda, i guess thats a windows mobile problem though.
If your looking for a pda that is great for business and great for fun, this is the one to get.
The Axim x51v has a CF expansion slot, for up to 4gb of added memory, it also has an sd slot, for up to 2gb of added memory, in total 6gb of added memory, will keep you with endless things to do.
This Pocket Pc, has pocket word, pocket excel, and pocket powerpoint viewer, and the transcriber works flawlessly.
This is truly an amazing device and worth every penny.

First thing you'll notice about this excellent PDA is the brilliant screen. The resolution is 640x480 and it looks spectacular. Movies and games look absolutely great and text is very easy to read. The system itself is very fast, (other than boot up after a soft reset, which takes 10-20 seconds) and the Windows Mobile 5.0 is a welcome addition. No longer do you have to worry about losing your data because the battery died.
It has both a Compact Flash and SD slot for expanded memory. Dell includes a host of software on the system as well as more on the included discs. Everything you need from word processing to powerpoint, even 3D games is included, (not all software is free, some is trial). And speaking of 3D capabilities, the X51v is no slouch. The 624 MHz version plays anything you throw at it. Quake Mobile runs perfectly on this machine and looks fantastic doing it. The overall 3D capabilities are just outstanding.
The design and feel are great and the buttons on the side are well placed. There is a voice record button as well as as a wireless access button. The directional pad on the unit could be a tad more intuitive, but the only need for that is games. The unit is solidly built and feels that way.
Overall I think the X51v is a very capable machine and quite possibly the best PDA on the market.

This is my third Dell Axim (X5, X50v, X51v), after many ipaq, compaq, hp, casio, sharp, etc...
FIRST: I will NEVER go back to other brands: Dell is the best!
You don't have the frustration of other PDA when you try to switch it on and... discover that all data are gone! NO WAY: Dell Axim x51v doesn't have a battery backup because... it doesn't need it.
SECOND: Its screen is unbelievable. Brilliant, high res. 640x480 and FAST!(624 MHz )
THIRD: Beautiful gadget, to show around, but also to enjoy movies, text, applications AND screen for my GARMIN GPS10.
Windows Mobile 5.0 is not as good as I expected, but it doesn't give you headaches.
FOURTH: Battery life.... LOOOONG (even if you play with bluetooth or Wi-Fi), if compared to other PDAs, but you better buy a spare one and a car cable if you use it as GPS Navigator.
FIFTH & MORE: It has both a Compact Flash and SD slot for expanded memory. You can play with all Office products, and really enjoy it. I bought the Wi-Fi Dell keyboard (expensive, but very good) to use Word, excell, powerpoint and typing at high speed. You can use it as voice recorder, or play games everywhere.
I use SKYPE all over the World with it: just connect to a Wi-Fi signal; check your email and then call home!

Overall? A+ certainly.
The day it will be obsolete, I will buy another Dell Axim!

PS.: Why did I changed the great x50v with x51v? Because somebody took it from my car, but I had no doubt:... DELL! The best PDA, gadget and adults toy on the market.

Something also bad?
...YES: my wife is jealous of how much time I spend with my friend Axim!

Excelent Pocket PC. This is my 4th pda device and certainly the best one. Ultra fast, great on the go, and it's design is modern and easy to handle.

Some say the battery life is a problem, i agree, but you can find here (ebay.com) addicional batteries which has the double of capacity.

The games? OH MY GOD, they are PERFECT. Almost like a video game.
Wanna watch some tv or movies? You can do it, use Windows media Player or TCPMP.

It has porcket word, pocket excel, pocket power point. It has messaging program (like microsoft outlook). Now the contacts you can add photos.

Wanna stay connected? Use your Wifi or connect through your cellular using bluetooth.

I really really loved my new Axim Dell X51V.
Not a technical review but i did my best. (Maybe a techinical review in portuguese, i can do it).

Regards,
Fábio Anselmo
Brazil

I originally started with the older AXIM before moving into this one but I did a great deal of research before purchasing.
For computer users who are used to Windows the Windows Mobile software is very similar and so there is no real learning curve to begin using it.
Some of the things I like most about this handheld is being able to take photos and load them right into my handheld for viewing and later uploading into my desktop. This is great for those occasions when you find yourself running short on space in your digital camera memory card. Adding storage space allows you to store hundreds if not thousands of shots which is great for weddings, reunions, etc.
Having MS Word and Excel is great and I use them both to work on projects in very unique places.
Probably the biggest advantage is having the wireless access built in. I have a wireless router so I'm no longer tied to my desk to read my email or even go over my bank balances thanks to Microsoft Money Mobile and Quicken Mobile.
Having a handheld lets me spend time with my family and friends out in the living room instead of being alone in my home office.
I've been completely satisfied and continue to be impressed by all the things I can now do mobile.
It would make a great gift for a college student to take with them to classes or the library instead of lugging around a laptop.
There is a lot of room to grow with this handheld which is one of the selling points for me.
I've not had any problems with the battery running down because I purchased the charger for my auto and another for AC when I take the handheld to work. It allows me to charge and work at the same time. At home I use the cradle to dock with my PC which also charges the handheld.
All in all this handheld is a giant leap over the old Palm Pilot and Dell AXIM I had prior.
Money well spent for someone who could gain by becoming mobile. If you just want to play computer games or watch videos better just stick to a desktop or one of the gaming computers. This handheld wasn't designed for play.

With a VGA display, 624mhz processor, and 16mb video, this device is more powerfull than computers I have seen people still using in their homes. Ok, they should upgrade, but this thing fits in the palm of your hand! Very vibrant and clear display compared to other PDAs I have used. Windows mobile 5 makes wireless a breeze, DELL stays current on the ROM updates and makes them easy for the AXIM users to obtain. I reccomend the extended battery, does not add much weight, you can find several cases made for it, and with this much horespower you might go through it quick. WM5 adds more office integration, so if you are looking for a business machine that you can hold in the palm of your hand but still play Quake 3D while you're stuck in the airport, this is it.

This is an excellent PDA. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.


STRENGTHS:
It has the best storage capacity of nearly any PDA or smartphone (up to 64 GB) using both a CF Card slot + a SDHC card slot (this requires an upgrade to the WM6.1 operating system).

It has an excellent and separate 16MB video card, which make 3D graphics look great, and a 3.8" screen. It also has one of the fastest processors on the market (624 MHZ), and the RAM can be upgraded to 128 MB.

WEAKNESSES:
The screen can cause irritation if used for extended periods in landscape mode (for some people anyway).

Poor battery life with the standard 1100 mAh battery (expect about 1 1/2-2 hours of heavy usage or less if using Wi-Fi). Dell offers are larger 2200 mAh battery, but this adds considerable bulk, and the PDA will not fit into standard cases with the larger battery.

In the end the strengths are enough to outweigh the cheap screen and the pitiful battery life.

This is an excellent PDA, it comes with a very fast processor, a very bright screen, and impressive software capabilities. I added two memory cards a 4GB CF card and a 4GB SD card both worked flawlessly contrary to some reviews I read. Mine also came with the A012 ROM update which I think all new ones will now. This took care of most problems earlier buyers had experienced. I am using this primarily for Nursing school and have purchased a number of software packages that all installed and work flawlessly. I also purchased a Think Outside bluetooth foldable keyboard that is awesome. I did significant research prior to buying this PDA and I think it is by far the best in features for the money. I haven't experienced any problems whatsoever since recieving my Axim even though I was prepared for problems other reviewer's experienced. I think Dell has taken care of most of these issues. I highly recommend the Axim x51v!!!

I just purchased my second one of these...this one for my wife. I have had my 1st for several years now and love it. It has ALL the functionality I would expect in a PDA and THEN SOME!!! I love that its compact yet has a large screen. I never once had any trouble with my unit. It also has BOT SD and CF slots. SD is great for extra storage and the CF is not only great for storage but many extra "toys" and upgrades such as GPS work via CF which leaves your SD free for file storage. Why Dell no longer makes these is beyond me. Obviously the latest "Cell Phones" have pretty much pushed PDAs to the side. That said, if you do not need Cell Phone function, this is and EXCELLENT unit. It does have integrated wifi which I have used in Hotels and Airports. The Windows Mobile software leaves a little to be desired but is functional. I've managed to do anything I've needed to do. All-in-all, I couldn't possibly say enough about these units. My wife needed a PDA that would run her business software...I told her if this doesn't run it, nothing will. Sure enough, she is in "busisness". If you are in the market for a PDA then go for the Dell Axim X51V!

This is a great device. With the upgraded hardware (the v model has a 624mhz processor) you can watch any video with seamless playback. With a few additional applications which you can download free from the internet, such as the Core Pocket Player, and your choice of an application switcher and a few extra codecs (such as the ACC4 codec to play songs in the native Apple Ipod format) you can do just about anything with this device that you could ever want to. You can't go wrong with this device. It has such versatility that when I compare it to an Ipod I honestly could never go back. I must say that the patented Ipod user interface is the best interface thus far developed for playing music. However, that is the only thing that I can honestly say the Ipod has over the Axim. The Axim X51v allows you to do anything you can do with an Ipod touch, plus you can run Window Office applications like Word, Excel or PowerPoint. I have a wireless keyboard which allows me to use the Axim very much like a laptop. It also has a larger screen that the Ipod and you can play videos in landscape which allows you the luxury of watching movies or videos on a screen nearly 3 times larger than an Ipod Classic. Don't hesitate to bid on the Axim X51v. You will not be sorry!

Things I like: The battery lasts longer than other Pocket PCs that I have owned but not much longer. It is fast, doesn't freeze up that often, Has Word Mobile.

Thinks I don't like: Over priced, Battery lasts longer but not much longer than most others, the Dell Axim is rather heavy so you feel it in your pocket, the On/Off button is placed on the face of the PDA so it is easy to accidentally turn it on and lose batt power, there is no "paint" program like with other PDA's, nor is there very many "Alarms" you can set, it's also lacking a graph program that other PDAs have, also you can not link text in in word like you can with a Toshiba, the battery door lock can be easily switched to open if you do not keep it in it's sleeve, I keep losing WiFi connection easier than with my old Toshiba, also my old ViewSonic Pocket PC had more software that came with Pocket Windows (now called Mobile). I thought that since I paid over $400 for the DEll Axim X51v that I was going to get all the software that I got with both my Toshiba and ViewSonic but I was wrong, the Dell is lacking in software - though its got all the basics you need, I miss how light weight my Toshiba and ViewSonic was. Still Dell is better than a Palm which was like carrying around a brick. ViewSonic doesn't have built in WiFi but you can buy a card, the new ViewSonic V38s are awsome with built in WiFi and a great price. But back to Dell Axim; I can not say it was worth the money, also I can't find a decent plug in keyboard that isn't bulky and comes with different parts, the portable keyboards for the Dell Axims are easily knocked off your desk, and doesn't hold the PDA in place very well. My old ViewSonic Pocket PC had a great keyboard that securely held the PDA in place and came in one sleek peice, the Dell Axim portable keybords for exmaple the Belkin brand has a rather clackity noisy keybord, it's in 3 different parts and is also heavy feeling. Again the Dell Axim x51v weighs more than other PDAs and is a bit heavy feeling.

I love my Axim x51v.It's a great or to me the best Pocket PC. In my opinion the best PDA. It's light and the shape of it is perfect in my hand.The condition of this very expensive(but not expensive at eBay!) Dell PdaA was perfect casing and I didn't need to pay Dell's high price!. In fact I do like this Pocket PC so much, I bought another one! The Axim x51. And they both are in MINT perfect condition. I recommended to everybody. Catch one because Dell is not making them anymore.
With this type of Pocket PC I don't need to pay the high price of the iphone!I can watch movies, TV, my own family Videos, it's a MP3 and a phone!
Fast processor, beautiful graphics and perfect sound. The WI-FI pick up the Hot
Spot in my area really quick. You can use up to 4 GIG memoory Card with it. I have 26 different Bible Versions in it, more than 4 Commentaries, 5 Bible Dictionaries and much much more literature in it, making my job easier. I don't need to carry big books around. They are in the Axims I got fro ebay!

This is my second Dell Axim. My first was the 50v series. The 51v has a few improvements in data storage, speed, dedicated graphics, etc.. I've always used keyboard based handhelds but found the x50 series works better for me. I enter a lot of data daily (being a teacher) and can do it easily with just one hand the the little touch keyboard on the screen. Also this has bluetooth, wireless, and Activesync to connect with. I've used it around the world. The IE from Microsoft is limited but most webpages do display. Good battery life too. Lots of applications from 3rd parties to load on too. I use etext readers, dictionaries, translation software, pocket quicken, et al. For about $300-350 dollars this is a great extension of my desktop at home and very useful for me. My only recommendation, buy a high quality screen protector, the semi-flexible type you can adjust more easily. The screens do scratch easily and after a year or so they won't look so nice. Spend the 15 bucks for a good one and you'll enjoy the screen everyday.

The Good:

The sleek Dell Axim X51 series boasts Windows Mobile 5, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, dual expansion slots, and a user-replaceable battery.

The Bad:

With its less-than-stellar battery life, the Dell Axim X51 didn't perform up to my expectations.

The Bottom Line:

The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but I was disappointed by the crappy battery life.

Once again, Dell is first to market with a Pocket PC running the latest version of Windows Mobile 5.0. Just as their Axim X30 was the first Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition device to hit the US market, the X51 and X51v are the first WM 5 PDAs. And just as the X30 looked identical to the Axim X3 it replaced, the X51v is identical in appearance to the X50v it replaces. In fact, the resemblance is more than skin deep, the X51's hardware is identical to the X50's, and the X51v's is identical to the X50v, with two exceptions. The X51v has double the flash memory and the X51 models are now lead-free to comply with upcoming European regulations. The X51v is every bit as solid, reasonably priced and full-featured as the X50v it replaces. It's certainly an excellent contender if you're in the market for a new PDA. If you're an X50v owner, you'll likely skip this model and opt for Dell's Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade CD which will be available September 30th (though you'll lust for that 256 megs of flash memory!). If you do own an X50 or X50v and upgrade to the new X51, you'll be able to use all of your existing accessories including cases, keyboards, screen protectors and GPS. Some of you may be disappointed that the X51v doesn't offer significant hardware upgrades, but to be fair, the X50v was already very well appointed, and Dell told us that getting WM 5 ready and working for consumers took a great deal of engineering effort. Creating a new hardware platform would have further delayed release of a Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC.

I bought my x51v to replace my 5-year-old X5 when its screen cracked. I can't get over how much quicker the 51v is (and I had the 400MHz 5!). Of course, WM5 is an improvement over WM2002/2003, but everything works just as a Windows or Windows Mobile user expects.

Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make for very easy connectivity.

The screen on this device is wonderful. I hadn't thought about how nice VGA would be on a PPC, but using it to do my daily tasks and watch videos is wonderful with such clarity and fine detail.

Finally, the device has so much power and storage packed into an exceptionally light entirety! Buy one and enjoy!!

ALSO: This device is exceptionally attractive: the black and silver body with its huge screen (7.8 x 6 cm) attracts attention whenever I use it.

I bought my x51v to replace my 5-year-old X5 when its screen cracked. I can't get over how much quicker the 51v is (and I had the 400MHz 5!). Of course, WM5 is an improvement over WM2002/2003, but everything works just as a Windows or Windows Mobile user expects.

Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make for very easy connectivity.

The screen on this device is wonderful. I hadn't thought about how nice VGA would be on a PPC, but using it to do my daily tasks and watch videos is wonderful with such clarity and fine detail.

Finally, the device has so much power and storage packed into an exceptionally light entirety! Buy one and enjoy!!

ALSO: This device is exceptionally attractive: the black and silver body with its huge screen (7.8 x 6 cm) attracts attention whenever I use it.

I bought the Dell Axim X51v three weeks ago and was immediately impressed with all the features available on this inexpensive PDA. Even though I brought it used it was in excellent condition. It has Windows Mobile 6.1 instead Windows Mobile 5 which was a big help with downloading and uploading from SD card. The Dell Axim size is perfect for carrying in a pocket and the battery has a pretty good lifespan of roughly 4 hours. It is truly like having your whole office at your fingertips. My only complaint is that it is a lot thicker that the other PDA's on the market. But for the price, durability, and functions. Size comparison really does not matter.

Flash memory does not lose data when battery goes dead. Lots of memory, fast processor. Battery life not as good as Axim X3. SD slot and CF slot accept many accessories. Bluetooth and wireless built in for great communication. Teamed with a GPS system, it makes carrying a separate GPS unnecessary. I would not carry stand-alone a GPS with me all the time, so this is a definite plus.

I recently purchased the Dell Axim X51v because I am a graduate student with a very busy schedule. The Axim is great for keeping tabs on my hectic life; it has an easy to use calendar system, reminders section, alarms – all the bells and whistles. With the Axim connecting to the internet is a breeze; it alerts you when a wireless connection is available and connects in seconds. The screen is far better on this PDA than any other I have used. It is large, sharp, and has great color. You can store just about any file type and view all of your photos. The touch screen is easy to use; you can even draw on the screen with the stylus. One problem I have had is remembering to turn off the PDA. If you don’t turn it off the battery will end up dead – very annoying. I set it up to turn off on it’s own but it still dies unless I turn it off manually. That just took some getting used to, now my battery lasts a very long time. Over all I recommend this PDA highly.

This years Axim is loaded with processing power, and memory. All in all, that coupled with a VGA screen make it a very useful build. Not much has changed since the Axim x50 (other than the upgrades noted.) Most problems that exist here are mainly associated with Windows Mobile 5, and Activesync. Search using your favorite search engine: Axim fixes, etc. You will need to do a few "tweaks" to have a more trouble free experience. One thing to remember, always have your Axim on when connecting to your computers Activesync (or the device will freeze giving a white screen, requiring a soft reset).

Axim's Report Card
Screen Clarity: A
Brightness:A-
Buttons: B+
Solidness (aka build quality): A
Battery: B
Weight: A-
Overall: A-

*If you pick one up, I strongly advise purchasing "damage protection" from Dell.
Though no more so than other devices, they do break, and accidental damage is more likely with such a portable device.

I purchased this high-end PDA with high expectations, and should have known it was going to cause HIGH ANXIETY! While the instruction manual seems straight foward, it leaves a lot to be desired. It will give you a directive, but not a hint of how to make a selection, or even what your choices may be. Without Dell support, this would have been a poor purchase.....just a fancy electronic for tracking appointments and personal contacts. I was a PDA novice, and failed to realize in the beginning that there would be many more accessories needed, like auto adapters, screen covers, spare stylus, memory card, a spare charging cradle for the office, and the list seems neverending. I had previously purchased a Dell laptop with a netgear (d) wireless router, and now the PDA is a (b). It is absolutely impossible to get it set up without Dell support...a contact of necessity. Oh, I didn't even mention covers....from hard case to leather....another expense! I still have one complexity to iron out....I now have a case for the PDA, but just what am I supposed to put all of the cables, chargers, adapters and GPS sensor into? I imagine I'll have to carry some type of small laptop-type case to make all of this equipment truly mobile. Between this, my laptop and my briefcase, I might be better off with a suitcase on wheels, or possibly a moving cart. In summary, if you are only going to perform simple tasks and track appointments, a less-expensive model would be a wiser purchase, not to mention a cheaper one. One must also consider the extra costs involved, which for me has been approximately $166.00 thus far. Overall, the product is an excellent one, and is Dell's Top-Of-The-Line, however there are far more important things to consider than just the original price of the PDA. It's all a matter of what you want vs. what you need!