Well, I bought a Dell Axim X51. You may remember I used to have a Dell Axim X50, but my robbers took it from me . I already have a Nokia 770, and I somewhat enjoy it (especially the RSS reader, FBReader and browser), but other things about it annoyed me. It was not easy to sync things with a Windows desktop, I couldn’t get the ssh shell to work (although honestly, I never got back with it), contacts didn’t import and I couldn’t sync my calendar. I bought the Dell Axim mainly to test Pocket PC ebook readers, but also to use it as a portable skype phone whenever I am around wifi. That really excites me.
I was floored by how nicely Pocket Outlook works with contacts and schedule. Also, I really missed the password saver application (which I paid money for, but was well worth it). Nokia 770 just doesn’t have a mature application for that yet. Sounds stupid, but I really needed that.
The list price for the top of the line Dell PDA was $399. But then there are add ons. You have to make sure you check all the Sales bundles on the startoff page. I found one which was incredible. So for $474 I got:
- bump up to 2 years warranty instead of 1
- free bluetooth keyboard
- 2 gig SD memory card
- free video game
- other things which I bought a la carte: pack of 3 styluses, Wifi Companion Software
I am delighted at that bundle. (and by the way I bought a battery upgrade and a case at aximcases.com). I actually have leftover software licenses from my last Axim, so I expect to be able to get it up and running soon (it took several months for me to figure out my first Dell Axim).
(I have yet to buy a bluetooth headset, which you need to use skype. I forgot what I’m supposed to buy).
Amazingly, the turnaround was less than 24 hours, but Dell could not give me an estimated delivery date before I made the transaction. Funny, I can get one for a $10 book purchase on amazon, but not a $500 order on Dell. What’s wrong with that?
Leave a Reply