Dell X5

If you have an I-Phone and can afford to use it, then you would not be interested in an Axim X5 Personal Digital Assistant (Pocket PC) as the I-Phone technology is quite superior.

But, if you cannot afford a $50 - $70 monthly phone bill for a high-tech phone, then the Axim X5 may be the cheapest and most useful gizmo (old tech) you will ever find.

I purchased two Axim X5 PDAs to replace my Axim X5 that I thought was kaput (but wasn’t – only needed to be reset). Why purchase two – well, the ebay prices were cheap enough and I really wanted a Axim 5 that was sure to work – I like the Axim X5 that much. I paid 25.00 and 31.50 for the Axim 5s that were purchased separately – the prices included the shipping charges. All three of the Axims work perfectly. I am keeping them all.

The Axim X5 should come with the following programs installed: 1) A calendar – for posting appointments, 2) Excel program – sheet I created keeps record of gas purchases and computes the MPG, 3) Word program – easily does small documents. Larger document can be typed on a desktop PC and downloaded on the Axim X5 – however must be saved as 97-2003 Word Document to be transferred to the Axim, 4) Transcriber – words written on the Axim screen are transcribed to typed words and saved, 5) Task list, 6) E-book reader – I have about 25 books in memory – you may need to purchase a memory card for storing a large number of books 7) A calculator 8) Games – solitaire comes with the Axim.

Other programs on my Axim are 1) Microsoft money for the Pocket PC – can be downloaded free from Microsoft – records my credit card purchases – can be used for monitoring any financial account balance, 2) Hasbro Scrabble game – purchased several years ago (I would buy the Axim just for playing this game alone – not sure this quality game version is still available), 3) Pocket Streets – download program and maps from Microsoft Streets and Trips – it is not a GPS, but is still worthwhile.

This old tech is still great tech.

I had never used a pocket pc before although I had been interest in getting one for some time. Not knowing how much I would really use it, I decided to get a used on from eBay.

I have a Dell desktop computer and have always been happy with it, so I decided to stick with a Dell for a pocket pc. It is an older model but it has plenty of features and does the same job as the newer, more expensive models. I can sync it with my desktop, and it has all the standard programs. You can type with the stylus or it has the ability to recognize your handwriting as well, which makes it more versitle than even a laptop. It is perfect size for my purse and the battery lasts quite a while with even a backup battery.

The only thing I would change about the Dell Axim X5 would be to add more memory -- and luckily it has a compact flash card spot where you can do just that.

If you want to work portably on spreadsheets, word processing documents, play cards, read e-books, record notes, and manage your calendar, to do list, or email, this is a great product.

This little Pocket PC is really fantastic. It has really helped me to stay on track with everything that I need to do and to remember. The appointment calender with alarm and task programs that show up on my start menu make it hard for me to forget things. I love not having all those misc. slips of paper for everything. Not only do I use it to schedule appointments for me and my family, I write down all my lists of to do, and even my groceries. It has wonderful features that make it really intuitive to use, especially if you are used to using a Windows based program. The letter recognition and transcriber feature make entering appointments or working with the Microsoft Pocket Word program especially easy. I bought mine used and knew it didn't come with the Sync software, however by going on line I was able to find what I needed and download it really fast and easy. After downloading the software the PC synced with my desktop computer beautifully. I read some reviews that talked about this Pocket PC having issues with Syncing, but I have not experienced that. Mine came with 64mb memory, however I have ended up purchasing an additional 4GB of memory for it. I found that I couldn't load the music and photos that I wanted with only the 64mb, but for a additional $19.00 for the 4 GB card I felt that was a reasonable. I dont have WI-FI on this yet so I cant comment on that feature, however I do plan on getting that chip soon so I can surf the net and email where ever I may be. Over all, I give this little machine a two thumbs up. Its a good entry level pocket PC that is easy to use and comes with all the organization programs as well as some good business programs too.

Can't use just any old wireless adapter. I found that out after purchasing one that wasn't compatible. I think that is a Dell thing, but maybe they are all that way.
Great product for the price, like having your basic PC with you.
Don't leave it lying around without chargine like I did or your backup battery will have to be replaced, but then again, maybe they are all like that.
Greate picture and clarity, easy to use for it is a Microsoft software product which is what most people understand anyway.
Has a cradle which makes it easy for charging and synchine either on demand or scheduled synch. Has your basic Microsoft office products, Internet Explorer, Media Player and Solitare already pre-installed for you.

axim was previously owned but in very good condition - price for pda w/some accessories & a hp jornada 568 pda was $15. you just can't beat that. the screen size & clarity of it grabbed me the most & sealed the deal. it's a little heavier than todays devices & not quite as streamlined. but the unit has a lot of features & is easy to use. connects to internet for email/surfing, etc., personal calendar, contacts, excel, notepad, windows media, mp3, ereader - lots of goodies & you can add add'l apps thru your pc. it has 2 types of extra storage potential - memory cards or compact flash. i am quite enjoying exploring & putting it to good use.