Dell Axim X30

Dell's Axim X5 PDA, launched almost 18 months ago, made the price of a Pocket PC affordable. The X3 introduced a slimline design, and now the X30 Wireless adds the latest technology.

The X30 looks identical to the X3, but a major difference is that it's powered by Intel's latest XScale PXA270 processor. This is the first embedded CPU to incorporate the Wireless MMX (WMMX) instruction set, designed to improve multimedia, 3D and encryption/decryption performance.

Our top-of-the-range review model had a 624MHz chip, but an entry-level 400MHz non-WMMX PXA255 machine and mid-range 312MHz PXA270 system are also available.

The PDA is very responsive, with little lag when using the on-screen character recognition, and video playback is smooth. The screen is sharp and bright, and almost readable in strong sunlight. This said, the slim but uninspiring slab-like design offers no concessions for left-handed users - the asymmetric casing is uncomfortable to hold and the jog wheel is in an awkward position. Right-handers will find it much more usable.

The system includes both Wifi (802.11b) and Bluetooth, and you can manage the former with the Dell Wlan utility or the free Odyssey client - we found Odyssey slightly easier. There's a dedicated button on the front panel for disabling the wireless functions, in addition to the usual four navigation buttons and four-way control paddle.

The X30 Wireless comes with a USB docking cradle (easy to slot the X30 into, but not quite as easy to remove it) and a USB sync cable. There's space in the dock for charging a spare battery.

At this price and with this processor, the X30 Wireless is a bargain and a welcome addition to Dell's range of Pocket PCs.

Contact: Dell 0870 152 4649
www.dell.co.uk

Specifications:

• Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
• Intel PXA270 624MHz
• 64MB Ram
• 64MB Rom
• 3.5in transflective TFT 240 x 320 pixels, 65,000 colours
• Single SD/SDIO/MMC slot
• Headphone, infra-red, Wifi, Bluetooth
• 139g
• 77.2 x 14.9 x 122.4mm
• USB cradle and USB sync cable

See also:

Palmone Zire 72

Affordable, but packed full of features.  04 Aug 2004

Medion MD41800

Stay on track with this handheld computer and satellite navigation combo.  06 Jul 2004

Sony Clie PEG-TH55

A new standard for Palm OS PDAs.  23 Apr 2004

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