Dell Axim
Encyclopedia
The Dell Axim family of personal digital assistants was Dell's line of Windows Mobile
-powered Pocket PC
Devices. The first model, the Axim X5, was introduced in 2002, while the final model, the Axim X51, was discontinued on April 9, 2007.
(PDA) market in 2002 with the debut of the Axim X5. The base-level Axim X5 boasted a 300 MHz Intel XScale
PXA250 Processor, 32MB RAM, 32MB flash ROM, a Type II CompactFlash
Slot, an SD
/MMC
Slot, a 16-Bit QVGA (240 × 320 dots) TFT display, speaker, microphone
, and a base price of $279 USD. A high-end Axim X5 came with a 400 MHz Intel XScale Processor, 64MB RAM, and 48MB flash ROM for $349 USD. Early models shipped with Pocket PC 2002
, but an upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003 was offered and came preinstalled on some refurbished units. Despite rumours and speculations, further versions of Windows Mobile are unsupported. However, efforts have been made to port Linux to the system. Although the Axim X5 was regarded as an affordable Windows Mobile Device at the time it was released, affordability came with a size penalty: The weight was 195 g (6.9 ounces) and size was 127 x 81 x 18 mm (5 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches). The Axim X5 came with a rechargeable battery that would last for about 8 hours.
The Dell Axim X5 was superseded by the Dell Axim X3 and subsequently X30, a follow up to the Dell Axim X5 boasting a more compact design and with lighter weight.
Many Dell Axim x5 units have issues with the touchscreen failing and a realignment failing as well, even after a hard reset. There is a design flaw inside the unit that causes this. The inside portion of the home button will rub against the touchscreen ribbon cable and eventually wear through the protective coating and ground out the touchscreen. The fix is to take the unit apart and put a very small piece of electrical tape over that portion of the ribbon cable. This requires you to remove both batteries clearing all data from the device(similar to a hard reset)and delicate work in taking the unit completely apart.
All three models look the same with the exception of the X3i which has a WiFi antenna nub on the top right corner. The Basic and Advanced models vary in processor speed and amount of memory. All models have Intel XScale PXA263 processors and Intel StrataFlash ROM.
The Basic has 300 MHz XScale processor, 31 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM. The Basic model comes with a USB sync cable (users could purchase a cradle separately). CF slot, Wifi capability and Infrared port included.
The Advanced model has a 400 MHz XScale processor, 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of ROM. The Axim X3i adds WiFi to the Advanced model configuration. The Advanced and X3i comes with a chrome finish weighted USB sync cradle that can also charge a spare battery. In all other respects, these units are identical to each other.
X3 comes with a user replaceable 950 mAh Lithium Ion battery, which can be replaced by an optional 1800 mA extended battery which doubles run times.
The Dell Axim X30 was the first Dell Pocket PC to include Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
on all models . This was also the first Pocket PC
to include the Intel XScale PXA270 Processor
s.
The High-End X30 includes a 624 MHz processor making it the fastest Personal Digital Assistant
or PDA at the time it was made. The mid-level model includes everything the High-End X30 does with the exception of the cradle, and uses a 312 MHz PXA270 Processor instead. Both the high-end and mid-level models had built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi Certification
, Bluetooth
1.1 compliance, 64MB of Intel StrataFlash
ROM, and 64MB RAM, while the entry-level model had 32MB SDRAM, 32MB of Intel StrataFlash ROM and no wireless capabilities. All X30 models include a standard SD/MMC/SDIO slot, replaceable/rechargeable battery, a 3.5" QVGA TFT 16-Bit color display, and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.
SDHC Cards will not function. Only SD cards of 4GB or less will work.
as a recognition for its design.
Like the X50, the X51 family came in three models. The X51 featured:
The low-end X51 has an Intel XScale processor running at 416 MHz, 128MB flash ROM, and had a list price of $299 (before being discontinued). The mid-range model also has 128MB flash ROM, a 520 MHz processor, and retailed for $299 (from dell.com or £245.58 on www.dell.co.uk). The high-end X51v has a VGA screen, a 624 MHz processor, 256MB flash ROM, and had a list price of $379.
As of February 17, 2007 the low-end X51 has been discontinued and is not sold by Dell anymore (although it does appear if you search on www.dell.co.uk). This can also be confirmed by Dell Phone Support in various countries, including Argentina. They affirm Dell is discontinuing the whole Axim line but will keep supporting sold units for a three year period.
There is also an unofficial upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 for the X51v. Despite its unofficial status, it has been tested and had gone through several prerelease versions before being released to the general public.
An unofficial upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.0 exists for the X50. Known bugs include the lack of support for CompactFlash
cards.
There is or was also an attempt to design a Linux implementation (based on Kernel version 2.6) for the X50 and X51 families of Axims, but it is still in a very early stage with major hardware components and functions (such as the backlight, sound, PCMCIA/Compact Flash, Flash Memory, Wi-fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity) inoperative.
There is a partially functional port of Google's Android operation system to the Axim x51 under the AxDroid project. The current version of the build supports the Android Froyo release.
Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft that was used in smartphones and Pocket PCs, but by 2011 was rarely supplied on new phones. The last version is "Windows Mobile 6.5.5"; it is superseded by Windows Phone, which does not run Windows Mobile software.Windows Mobile is...
-powered Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
Devices. The first model, the Axim X5, was introduced in 2002, while the final model, the Axim X51, was discontinued on April 9, 2007.
The Dell Axim X5 family
Dell entered the personal digital assistantPersonal digital assistant
A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...
(PDA) market in 2002 with the debut of the Axim X5. The base-level Axim X5 boasted a 300 MHz Intel XScale
XScale
The XScale, a microprocessor core, is Intel's and Marvell's implementation of the ARMv5 architecture, and consists of several distinct families: IXP, IXC, IOP, PXA and CE . Intel sold the PXA family to Marvell Technology Group in June 2006....
PXA250 Processor, 32MB RAM, 32MB flash ROM, a Type II CompactFlash
CompactFlash
CompactFlash is a mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices. Most CompactFlash devices contain flash memory in a standardized enclosure. The format was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994...
Slot, an SD
Secure Digital card
Secure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital...
/MMC
MultiMediaCard
The MultiMediaCard is a flash memory memory card standard. Unveiled in 1997 by Siemens AG and SanDisk, it is based on Toshiba's NAND-based flash memory, and is therefore much smaller than earlier systems based on Intel NOR-based memory such as CompactFlash. MMC is about the size of a postage...
Slot, a 16-Bit QVGA (240 × 320 dots) TFT display, speaker, microphone
Microphone
A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
, and a base price of $279 USD. A high-end Axim X5 came with a 400 MHz Intel XScale Processor, 64MB RAM, and 48MB flash ROM for $349 USD. Early models shipped with Pocket PC 2002
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
, but an upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003 was offered and came preinstalled on some refurbished units. Despite rumours and speculations, further versions of Windows Mobile are unsupported. However, efforts have been made to port Linux to the system. Although the Axim X5 was regarded as an affordable Windows Mobile Device at the time it was released, affordability came with a size penalty: The weight was 195 g (6.9 ounces) and size was 127 x 81 x 18 mm (5 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches). The Axim X5 came with a rechargeable battery that would last for about 8 hours.
The Dell Axim X5 was superseded by the Dell Axim X3 and subsequently X30, a follow up to the Dell Axim X5 boasting a more compact design and with lighter weight.
Many Dell Axim x5 units have issues with the touchscreen failing and a realignment failing as well, even after a hard reset. There is a design flaw inside the unit that causes this. The inside portion of the home button will rub against the touchscreen ribbon cable and eventually wear through the protective coating and ground out the touchscreen. The fix is to take the unit apart and put a very small piece of electrical tape over that portion of the ribbon cable. This requires you to remove both batteries clearing all data from the device(similar to a hard reset)and delicate work in taking the unit completely apart.
The Dell Axim X3 family
Dell Axim X3 was launched in October 2003, and came in three models: the Basic, Advanced and X3i which is the same as the Advanced model but adds WiFi 802.11b wireless networking. All featured replaceable battery, an SD slot, fast processor and transflective liquid crystal display. Unlike the X5, the X3 doesn't have a CF slot.All three models look the same with the exception of the X3i which has a WiFi antenna nub on the top right corner. The Basic and Advanced models vary in processor speed and amount of memory. All models have Intel XScale PXA263 processors and Intel StrataFlash ROM.
The Basic has 300 MHz XScale processor, 31 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM. The Basic model comes with a USB sync cable (users could purchase a cradle separately). CF slot, Wifi capability and Infrared port included.
The Advanced model has a 400 MHz XScale processor, 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of ROM. The Axim X3i adds WiFi to the Advanced model configuration. The Advanced and X3i comes with a chrome finish weighted USB sync cradle that can also charge a spare battery. In all other respects, these units are identical to each other.
X3 comes with a user replaceable 950 mAh Lithium Ion battery, which can be replaced by an optional 1800 mA extended battery which doubles run times.
The Dell Axim X30 family
Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft that was used in smartphones and Pocket PCs, but by 2011 was rarely supplied on new phones. The last version is "Windows Mobile 6.5.5"; it is superseded by Windows Phone, which does not run Windows Mobile software.Windows Mobile is...
on all models . This was also the first Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
to include the Intel XScale PXA270 Processor
Central processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
s.
The High-End X30 includes a 624 MHz processor making it the fastest Personal Digital Assistant
Personal digital assistant
A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...
or PDA at the time it was made. The mid-level model includes everything the High-End X30 does with the exception of the cradle, and uses a 312 MHz PXA270 Processor instead. Both the high-end and mid-level models had built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi Certification
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
, Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
1.1 compliance, 64MB of Intel StrataFlash
StrataFlash
StrataFlash is a NOR flash memory technology first developed by Intel.It stores two or more bits of information per cell rather than just one, in an architecture called Multi-Level Cell . This is accomplished by storing intermediate voltage levels instead of using only the two levels of...
ROM, and 64MB RAM, while the entry-level model had 32MB SDRAM, 32MB of Intel StrataFlash ROM and no wireless capabilities. All X30 models include a standard SD/MMC/SDIO slot, replaceable/rechargeable battery, a 3.5" QVGA TFT 16-Bit color display, and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.
SDHC Cards will not function. Only SD cards of 4GB or less will work.
The Dell Axim X50 family
The Dell Axim X50 family is available in three models. The X50 low-end model uses an Intel XScale processor at 416 MHz, 64 MB flash ROM, and retailed for $299 USD. The mid-range model has 128 MB of flash ROM, a 520 MHz processor, and is listed at $399. The high-end device, the X50v, has a VGA screen, 624 MHz processor, 128 MB flash ROM, and retailed for $499 at the time of release. In 2005 Dell Axim X50 series received Red Dot Design AwardRed dot design award
The Red Dot Design Award is an international product design prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. There are prize categories for product design, design agencies, and design concepts. Since 1955, designers and producers can apply for the prizes with the winners...
as a recognition for its design.
The Dell Axim X51 family
The Dell Axim X51, released late September 2005, featured the same sleek design as the original X50, but replaced Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition with Windows Mobile 5. The X51 also came with a larger ROM than the X50.Like the X50, the X51 family came in three models. The X51 featured:
- 3.7" VGA LCD screen with 16-Bit Color and Portrait/Landscape Support (X51v only)
- 3.7" VGA is around 2.22" x 2.96" = around 216 pixels per inch
- 3.5" Quarter-VGA LCD screen with 16-Bit Color and Portrait/Landscape Support (X51 Low & Mid)
- Intel 2700GIntel 2700GIntel 2700G is a low power graphics co-processor for the XScale PXA27x processor. It is built on PowerVR MBX Lite and MVED1 technology.-2700G3:...
3D multimedia accelerator with 16MB video RAM (X51v only) - VGA-Out functionality (using an optional adapter cable), enabling the PDA to be connected to a monitor (X51v only)
- Built-In CompactFlashCompactFlashCompactFlash is a mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices. Most CompactFlash devices contain flash memory in a standardized enclosure. The format was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994...
Type II expansion slot - Built-In Secure DigitalSecure DigitalSecure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital...
expansion slot - Available Built-In 802.11b Wi-Fi Certification (X51 Mid & X51v only)
- Standard Built-In BluetoothBluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
1.2 Compliance - Long-range IrDAIRDAIRDA may refer to:* Infrared Data Association, in information and communications technology , a standard for communication between devices over short distances using infrared signals...
interface - Up to 256MB Intel StrataFlash ROM with 64MB on-board RAM
- Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile (Upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.1 with a downloaded ROM update)
- RS232 port is also included, but even most of Dell's employees don't know this fact and the port only supplies TTL signal level. Dell has a RS232 cable for it though, even if it was never listed in their webshop.
The low-end X51 has an Intel XScale processor running at 416 MHz, 128MB flash ROM, and had a list price of $299 (before being discontinued). The mid-range model also has 128MB flash ROM, a 520 MHz processor, and retailed for $299 (from dell.com or £245.58 on www.dell.co.uk). The high-end X51v has a VGA screen, a 624 MHz processor, 256MB flash ROM, and had a list price of $379.
As of February 17, 2007 the low-end X51 has been discontinued and is not sold by Dell anymore (although it does appear if you search on www.dell.co.uk). This can also be confirmed by Dell Phone Support in various countries, including Argentina. They affirm Dell is discontinuing the whole Axim line but will keep supporting sold units for a three year period.
There is also an unofficial upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 for the X51v. Despite its unofficial status, it has been tested and had gone through several prerelease versions before being released to the general public.
An unofficial upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.0 exists for the X50. Known bugs include the lack of support for CompactFlash
CompactFlash
CompactFlash is a mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices. Most CompactFlash devices contain flash memory in a standardized enclosure. The format was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994...
cards.
There is or was also an attempt to design a Linux implementation (based on Kernel version 2.6) for the X50 and X51 families of Axims, but it is still in a very early stage with major hardware components and functions (such as the backlight, sound, PCMCIA/Compact Flash, Flash Memory, Wi-fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity) inoperative.
There is a partially functional port of Google's Android operation system to the Axim x51 under the AxDroid project. The current version of the build supports the Android Froyo release.
Specifications
| Model | Launch year | RAM (MiB Mebibyte The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major... ) | ROM (MiB Mebibyte The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major... ) | Slots | CPU | MHz | Screen | OS | WiFi WIFI WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting... | Bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security... | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 | 2002 | 32 | 32 | 1CFII,1SD | PXA250 | 300 | 240 x 320 | PPC2002/WM2003 | No | No | |
| X5 high end | 2002 | 64 | 48 | 1CFII,1SD | PXA250 | 400 | 240 x 320 | PPC2002/WM2003 | No | No | |
| X3 Basic | 2003 | 32 | 32 | 1SD | PXA263 | 300 | ? | WM2003 | No | No | USB sync cradle with CF, IR |
| X3 Advanced | 2003 | 64 | 64 | 1SD | PXA263 | 400 | ? | WM2003 | No | No | USB sync cradle with CF, IR, spare battery charging |
| X3i | 2003 | 64 | 64 | 1SD | PXA263 | 400 | ? | WM2003 | 802.11b | No | USB sync cradle with CF, WiFi, IR, spare battery charging |
| X30 low-end | 2004 | 32 | 32 | 1SD | PXA270 | 312 | 3.5" QVGA TFT 16-Bit | WM2003SE | No | No | |
| X30 mid-range | 2004 | 64 | 64 | 1SD | PXA270 | 312 | 3.5" QVGA TFT 16-Bit | WM2003SE | 802.11b | 1.1 | |
| X30 high-end | 2004 | 64 | 64 | 1SD | PXA270 | 624 | 3.5" QVGA TFT 16-Bit | WM2003SE | 802.11b | 1.1 | Cradle |
| X50 Standard | 2004 | 64 | 64 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 416 | QVGA | WM2003SE/WM5/WM6/WM6.1 | No | Yes | |
| X50 Advanced | 2004 | 64 | 128 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 520 | QVGA | WM2003SE/WM5/WM6/WM6.1 | 802.11b | Yes | |
| X50v | 2004 | 64 | 128 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 624 | VGA | WM2003SE/WM5/WM6/WM6.1 | 802.11b | 1.2 | IrDA, RS232 post, Intel 2700G 3D MMA w/16MB VRAM, VGA Out |
| X51 low-end | 2005 | 64 | 128 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 416 | 3.5" QVGA LCD 16-Bit | WM5/WM6/WM6.5 | No | 1.2 | IrDA, RS232 post |
| X51 mid-range | 2005 | 64 | 128 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 520 | 3.5" QVGA LCD 16-Bit | WM5/WM6/WM6.5 | 802.11b | 1.2 | IrDA, RS232 post |
| X51v | 2005 | 64 | 256 | 1CFII,1SD | XScale | 624 | 3.7" VGA LCD 16-Bit | WM5/WM6/WM6.1/WM6.5 | 802.11b | 1.2 | IrDA, RS232 post, Intel 2700G 3D MMA w/16MB VRAM, VGA Out |
See also
- Dell, Inc.
- Pocket PCPocket PCA Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
- Microsoft Windows MobileWindows MobileWindows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft that was used in smartphones and Pocket PCs, but by 2011 was rarely supplied on new phones. The last version is "Windows Mobile 6.5.5"; it is superseded by Windows Phone, which does not run Windows Mobile software.Windows Mobile is...
- Android
External links
- Dell PDA Buying Guides for the United Kingdom
- Aximsite Dell Axim Forums.
- Dell shuns Axim X5 and X3 users
- Dell Axim X50v as per Tom's Hardware
- Dell Axim X30 as per Tom's Hardware
- Dell Axim PDA on Porter Electronics (Website where they are still available)