Dell has done a very good job on its latest Pocket PC-based PDA, the Dell Axim X30. Its numerous and impressive features include the newest Intel processor, the PXA270, designed for cellular phones and PDAs; Bluetooth, a first for a Dell PDA; 802.11b wireless; and the new Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC operating system. The best part? It all comes at a bargain price of $349 (direct).
In terms of design, Dell didnt break any new ground: The X30 looks exactly like the Axim 3i. The flat stylus is reasonably comfortable to use (though we prefer weightier round ones), and the theres a handy SD I/O slot for expansion. At 4.6 by 3.0 by 0.6 inches (HWD) and 4.9 ounces, the X30 is just a bit larger than the 4.6-ounce HP iPAQ 4150 (4.5 by 2.8 by 0.5 inches. But the X30 costs about $100 less.
We are very pleased to see Bluetooth support, a first for Dells Axim line and an increasingly important feature for mobile devices. The X30 also has 802.11b wireless connectivity and includes the Dell WLAN utility, which lets you set up your 802.11b connection, find access points, enter WEP keys, and test the signal strength.
In 802.11b testing, the X30 was impressive, maintaining a signal as far as 180 feet from the access point. By way of comparison, the iPAQ 4150 topped out at 100 feet.
Click here to read the full review at PC Magazine.
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