Dell this month is shipping a new Axim handheld with a 3.7-inch VGA display for viewing images at 640-by-480-pixel resolution.
Like previous Axims, the $499 Axim X50v supports 802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 1.2 wireless connectivity. When the handheld recognizes a Wi-Fi hot spot, it alerts users and asks whether they want to connect. A button on the handheld allows users to suspend wireless capabilities to conserve battery life.
Fueled by an Intel PXA270 624MHz processor, the handheld has 128MB of ROM and 64MB of SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), 139MB of which is available for users. The Axim X50v includes built-in CompactFlash and Secure Digital I/O slots for connecting peripherals such as scanners.
Dell is also offering a $79 VGA-out cable that connects to the bottom of the Axim X50v, allowing users to connect to a presentation projector. The cable comes bundled with software that makes it easier to project Microsoft PowerPoint files.
The Axim X50v runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software for Pocket PCs. The X50 replaces the Axim X5, Dells first handheld, launched in November 2002.
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