Dell 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.

After using the Axim x51v for about 3 weeks, I concluded that the unit was way over my need. The Axim has so many features (minus a phone...) that you will stay busy just experimenting. The only real draw-back to the unit is the memory needed for apps. Most apps for WinMobile 5 require direct install, therefore apps will need to be removed/replaced/reinstalled etc. This is a minor setback. Besides, you want to be able to play with it.
Being able to adjust the power usage is a nice feature and a must If your just playin a few hundred songs with expandable storage, you get about 6 hours of continuous play with the standard 1100 battery before needing to insert another.

GPS- The bundle I toyed with had the GPS but you need not have a Dell GPS reciever to enjoy this feature. The Navtek software for the unit had no free map updates which I found rather disappointing. However, with between 5 and 7 sattelites pinpointing your position, the Axim had a +/- 10ft accuracy.

Overall, the Dell Axim performed great. I do suggest however to install the free winmobile 5 upgrades as I did. (available at Dell) System stability was notably improved. (without the upgrade, system hangs were experienced sometimes requiring system restart)

Pros:
Its a tool and a toy wrapped into one. Its cool small and has great graphics. It can be a powerful tool when used right. It can take CF,SD,MMC cards. I have a 1GB SD card in it so I can keep reference manuals on it for use at work, get online, transfer files via IR or bluetooth, add contacts in the field and sync to home computer later that night. I can load a DVD movie on it and watch it while I have down time. You can do a lot of things with it its all up to you.

Cons:
Transfering large files via usb. If your using the cradle via usb it takes too long to transfer large files to my sd card. The SD card is a Kingston 1GB 50x ultra with a read speed of about 8MB per second and a write speed on something like 7MB per sec and it still takes to long. Battery time is short about 4 hrs depending on how hard you work the machine.

Overall it was a good buy and quality product for what I use it for.

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.

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!

I bought this item because I wanted something pocket sized for the large amount of information I need to access when the computers are being hoarded. I am a nurse, I am on the go and need to access information fast and effective. I have this AXIM to lookup drug facts (side effects, contraindications and yadda, yadda). Since drugs are updated faster than I can buy a book downloading material is safe and effective. While at work, crammed in a little space with little to no time to spare. I find that looking up items, like drugs so easy. I can access "how to" on tasks I haven't done in a long time or information on a patient's diagnosis to educate the patient or myself on the recent diagnosis. I love the fact that I can download books and media (lectures) to view on my breaks (TIME SAVER).
The downfall of this is how easy it is to download distraction (movies , games)

LOVE IT

I purchase this unit a few days ago. I found out that it has a few bug. Microsoft should fix this problem. I think that the Window is a beta version. If you would like more information on the bug problem, feel free to contact me. I will answer some of the most common question. THE BUG PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FIX!!! THE BUG PROBLEM IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIE POCKET PC. If you are in the market for a good and reliable pocket pc then you should loo at the HP line of pocket pc. If you want a dell then you should wait longer, and hope that Microsoft fix their bug problem. The HP line of pocket pc are really good, they cost lesser and can do the same, and they do not have any problem.

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'm not thrilled with my Axim X51V and may return it to Dell. The simplest things took days to figure out before I got it online. I knew to do the activesynch first, which I did. But I've spent 5 minutes online with it in a week's time. Somehow, the wifi and Bluetooth disappeared from the Axim. I have not had success in getting answers from the website that is about these devices, so maybe my problem is not a common one. But it is a problem to buy a device for use when traveling and the wifi disappears (the button no longer works...the pop up box saying to press again within 5 seconds no longer comes up.) It says that Bluetooth is not installed, which it was a few days ago and nothing has been uninstalled by me, and I'm the only one handling the device. It is now useless to me and if I can't find a solution to my problems with it this weekend, I will be returning it to Dell, along with all of the other accessories purchased to go with it. A total of $600 for everything, and the device is useless!

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 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.

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'm happy with the product, but disappointed that although it was "factory sealed" the unit came without a warrantee, software or any documentation. My email to the vendor went unanswered.

I saved some money ($40 or so) but wouldn't make that choice again. Only time will tell if the lack of a warrantee makes this a really bad deal.

While this has not been a problem with other ebay purchases, I should have been more careful!

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!

I sell-repair PDA's and the Dell Z51v is one of the best I have ever tested. we usually test and sale them but we have not released it yet....
RDM

I have owned my Dell Axim x51v with 624 mhz processor and VGA display for almost a year now!

I would not go anywhere without it.

I have 6 GIG of memory on it and therefore thousands of songs and hundreds of ebooks and videos. I've even loaded a bunch of movies and watched them on long trips...it's just great.

I have the wireless bluetooth keyboard, travel pak, and every accessory you can find including the bigger battery.

I connect it through bluetooth via my nokia cellphone to the internet when I'm not within wifi range, so I'm always connected to the internet.

It's just overall great!

If you need assistance with connecting it to your cellphone let me know at roger@profitmessaging.com

Roger Auge
Canada

I've had this PDA for a while and I really liked it. It has a great wifi fuction and the bluetooth works wonders when trying to syncronize with your computer or your cell phone. This PDA is definately a better buy than the HP ipaq or the toshiba.

I'll start by saying I actually like the x51v quite a bit. However Dell has done a pityful job of keeping their customers outfitted with the necessary fixes to make the unit useable. You'll notice several of the posts here refer back to fixes on aximsite.com to correct many of the problems they have encountered. Lets face it if I pay $500 for a freakin PDA, I actually expect it to work. The fixes are a necessity in order to make this device viable. The fact that it has taken dell over 8 months to come out with a rom update (A12) to fix most of these is pathetic. I'm really curious how so many people can give this a "good" rating when they have had to go through the same crap getting their unit to function correctly on their own. That is like buying a new car and taking it to the mechanic every week for the same problem. Nowhere else other than the pda communitiy would you find this sort of tollerance. I suppose its because they really dont have a choice in the matter.

The system has a beautiful screen that makes video and pictures come alive. The included software (Pocket Word/Excel/Power Point, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player) and Dell added programs make the X51v a great system.

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.

It's awesome PDA.
I wanted to buy PDA with resolution 640*480 and maximum high processor speed then I found HP(I don't remember the model) and Dell Axim. PDA without this parameters is not PDA it would be just a toy.
I prefer Dell because of design (it looks more serious). I have been using it for couple months - It's really awesome.
Thanks a lot.

I love my Dell Axim. I have had this unit since Christmas time even after not using it for five months it didn't give me very many problems but I will forewarn you that if you have the Macfee Internet Security and the Windows XP SP2 Series be sure to make your internet security and your security center accept the activesync by allow exceptions. I had this problem it took Dell three days to fix it because we didnt realize that my Latitude D 610 had been serviced the week before but other than that I love my Axim it allows two storage cards for use and I use the full maximum when using it. The screen brights and the unit itself is a nice weight to carry around.

Pros-Compact, hand sized, versatile PC with the horsepower of an average circa 2000 desktop,way more than just a PDA. I use with the Dell GPS acessory package and find it the equivalent of many high end GPS stand-alone units at the same price. Built in wi-fi and bluetooth.

Cons-I had to return my first unit as defective within 2 weeks, but got a replacement within 36 hours of online return authorization (no need to wait for yours to arrive at Dell). Costs more than a notebook; small size has to be an absolute must for you to justify.