Ranked Among the manufacturers of handheld computers, Dell stands out. About the "user unfriendly 'marketing policy in the European and Russian market legends. However, despite the vague attitude of the American company with its eastern customers, the excellent quality of the products she can not refuse. In addition, Dell has a habit of releasing just three devices in one series. Was no exception and the new Axim X50, marks another milestone in the development of PDA technology. First, in all three typewriters installed the new processor Intel XScale PXA 27x family and, secondly, the new version on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE. In order to somehow distinguish one model from another, the developers directly to the name entered frequency processor. Thus, the youngest was named Dell X50 416 MHz, the average - Dell X50 520 MHz (on the European and Russian market has the name Dell X50 Wireless 520 MHz). And finally, the eldest - Dell X50v 624 MHz. The latter stands out not only record to date "resourceful processor for PDAs, but the latest VGA screen. In terms of design the entire trio - twin brothers, and quite nice. But in this review will just about over - the flagship Series X50.
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Looking ahead we say that when you buy this naladonika in Russia should be especially careful, because some homegrown vendors manage all three models are denoted by the same name - X50v. However, under these modest at first glance, the name should imply the following m / s.
Specifications: - Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE
- Processor: Intel XScale PXA270 624 MHz
- Memory: 64 MB RAM (62 MB user available) and 128 MB Flash ROM (92 MB available)
- Screen: 3.7 "(94 mm) transflective TFT, 640x480 pixels, 65,536 colors
- Graphics Accelerator: Intel 2700G, 16MB
- Memory Expansion: SD / MMC / SDIO and Compact Flash (Type II)
- Wireless interfaces: IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b)
- Battery: Li-Ion, removable, 1100 mAh
- Audio: microphone, speaker, 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
- Dimensions and weight: 119 x 73 x 17 mm and 175, the
Compare Dell X50v with its closest competitors HP iPAQ hx4700, ASUS A730W, FS Pocket Loox 720, can use the "Compare devices" in the "Catalogue of the CCP" on our site.
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| Photo its competitors: HP iPAQ hx4700, Dell Axim X50v and FS Pocket Loox 720 |
As seen on the first shot, Dell from the entire threesome - the most compact, but judging from the second photo, not the most subtle. In the "harmony of the camp" is still slightly inferior to the Pocket Loox and the iPAQ. Otherwise match the elegance of our hero can only absent in the wording during a photo shoot ASUS with its 118 x 73 x 17 mm.
Supplied
In dowry Dell Axim X50v includes: - Mains Charger
- cradle with USB cable
- stylus
- cover
- two CD disk with software
- User guide
- warranty card.
Standard, no eye-catching set. Since the Dell X50v is an expensive models, it is not surprising presence in the bundled cradle.
Appearance
Dell, finally, we can congratulate the first successful design for a PDA. New set as a silver-black color performance, from high quality plastic. Moreover, the front part - literally and figuratively brilliant:) The black inserts match for the silver, gleaming "varnish." In a smooth streamlined body design is dominated by smooth lines - from the shape of hard buttons and a joystick to gently sloping to the rear side panels. Screen, decorated top and bottom black plastic framed oval silver edging. X50v something vaguely reminiscent of reference in terms of design models of HP iPAQ h19xx series. Thanks rounded and dull plastic back, a computer very well placed in his hand and practically does not slide.
Small observations deserve controls, rather, their shape and size. Navigation buttons and hardware shortcuts of applications - small and very close to each other. So in the arcade on this PDA will not play too convenient, but would like even more that the VGA screen requires.
It is a pity also that each of the hardware buttons can be programmed only one application. In principle, the operating system allows you to "hang up" button on each pair of softiny - one on a short press, and the second to hold the button. But it is not the case with the Dell Axim X50.
In addition to standard programmable hardware buttons of the controls at the X50v has a lever to lock the keys, voice recorder button and switch the wireless adapter, Wi-Fi, focusing on the left side. Interestingly, the developers have not forgotten, even a loop for neck or wrist strap to heighten the user's convenience.
True, and buttons from our PDAs are not four, as usual, but six. By the shortcuts PIM applications to add a button and voice recorder button on the wireless adapter. But continue to check X50v. On its rear panel is the battery compartment cover with fixing lever and reset the device.
The upper end - the continued safe haven for a pair of memory card slot CF and SD, IR port, headphone plug and foam stylus.
At the bottom there is a connector for synchronizing with a PC. However, USB cable not included, so it have to buy separately, of course, if you are not frightened by the prospect for connecting the handheld to the PC to carry your cradle.
In addition to synchronizing with a PC interface port can be used to podcoedineniya peripheral equipment. For example, a keyboard or an external monitor or projector. However, for docking with the external display will once again buy a special VGA cable. Unfortunately, I could not figure out what permissions the external monitor supports X50v, but at least it is clear that with VGA it just would work. Speaking of the dock. I am glad that its design is nothing futuristic (as was, for example, in the case of the recent ceriey X5). Cradle solidly done, without any frills, moreover, equipped with a connector for simultaneously charging an additional battery.
Can be summarized that the design of Dell Axim X50 failed: CCP certainly good-looking and very thought out from an ergonomic standpoint. A small drawback - small and too close a hard-buttons for each other - obviously not on hand for gamers.
Processor. Memory. Speed
Heart X50v is the Intel PXA270 - the most powerful of the existing processors.
Maximum operating frequency - 624MGts.
True, the PDA can operate in the so-called "normal" mode when the clock frequency is reduced to 520MHz.
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| 520 MHz - a common case for Dell Axim X50 |
In addition, there are power-saving mode (208 MHz) and an automatic mode, when the X50v chooses the processor frequency. I must admit that, in general, auto mode works quite reasonably, significantly extending battery life for devices.
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| 208 MHz - a frequency that allows you to save "fuel" |
RAM is 64 MB (of which 62 MB user available), and flash memory is increased to 128 MB, of which about 92 MB given under the custom section. Safely possible to do a backup of the entire operating system. Many users of such volume of flash memory will be enough, so do not even have to buy an additional memory card.
According to good old tradition of performance evaluation system was carried out program SPB Benchmark. For clarity of interpretation of the results were compared with indices of test data to other handhelds with VGA display (ASUS A730W, FS Pocket Loox 720 and HP iPAQ hx4700).
The results were quite expected. CPU performance X50v (spu index) - at the level iPAQ hx4700 and on average 5-7% higher than that of PCs with 520 MHz.
If we compare the performance of embedded applications, it is almost the same, but the memory is slightly faster - by 10%.
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In general, the figures - nearly the same level, which is not surprising when we remember that most of these PDAs based on the platform of the same manufacturer, mostly from HTC Computers. Looking forward to the video subsystem performance tests, especially considering that the X50v - this is the first handheld computer with discrete graphics from Intel (that is implemented on a separate chip, like desktops and notebooks) - new multimedia adapter, Intel 2700G. In fact, the CCP, he performs the same function that the graphics on the desktop, removing the graphics processing tasks from the CPU. This accelerator provides enhanced graphics capabilities, supporting full screen at maximum frame rates without sacrificing battery life, and, according to developers promises to play DVD quality video on a VGA display and supports a variety of formats, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and Microsoft Windows Media Video 9. Entertainment is a built-in PDA Adapter Intel 2700G will compete in the high-quality three-dimensional games. Recall that the X50v - the first PDA with Intel's coprocessor. Until now, we met with the CPC graphics chipsets (HP iPAQ hx4700 and Toshiba e830) from ATi Technologies - a company that three years ago opened the first production graphics accelerators for handheld computers and mobile phones. However, to test the graphics on Dell Axim X50 SPB Benchmark utility will not do, so that the results referred to in the summary table - incorrect (why? - More information can be found here). Performance was verified using BetaPlayer 0.04. Media was two test file supplied BetaPlayer - medium quality video RL_MQB (640h352, 1024Kbit / s) and high-quality videos RL_HQ (640x480, 1500kbps). BetaPlayer advantage is that this player is optimized for the use of a single graphics accelerator. Directly in the program menu you can choose to play - with an accelerator or a software driver.
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In the list of drivers supported by this version of the program include the following: - RAW FrameBuffer - framebuffer RAW
- GDI - Graphic Device Interface (Graphics Device Interface)
- Intel 2700G - support from Intel chip features without hardware decoding
- ATI Imageon decoder - support hardware decoder from ATI
- Intel 2700G decoder - support hardware decoder from Intel
The last two drivers - the most high.
Coglasno this method of testing, 100% - normal rate sound reproduction. If when running the video in full force and effect "system capacity greater than 100%, this means that this movie (and others like him) will not slow down. It is believed that the comfort index - 130-140%. Optimal playback - more than 110%. It turns out that our hero using the 2700G graphics accelerator is capable of real-time play heavy VGA movies (with the stream 1500 kbit / c) even when operating at a frequency of 208 MHz. True, the video quality at the same time, of course, lower than normal. Another interesting conclusion: Intel 2700G was 20% quicker and smarter than the ATi 3200, at least, as it is implemented in HP iPAQ hx4700. Hardware accelerator is also supported by built-in player Windows Media Player 10 and a limited number of 3D games, two of which are included with the computer.
Expandability
Very pleased that the developers X50v could provide him with two kinds of slots for expansion cards - SD / SDIO / MMC and Compact Flash. This gives the user maximum flexibility and opportunities for connecting peripheral devices and memory cards. For example, you can use a GPS receiver in the format of CompactFlash, and maps to keep it on an SD card. It is noteworthy that, when I inserted a CompactFlash slot your old Ethernet adapter card, without any identified the driver and immediately earned a few seconds to connect to my network.
Screen
X50v model is equipped with TFT display c VGA resolution (640x480) c diagonal of 3,7 ". It's certainly not 4.0" like iPAQ hx4700, but really much of a difference do not notice. Display of its technical characteristics are very similar to the display PDA ASUS A730. Subjectively, it is slightly worse than the screen iPAQ hx4700. However, almost as bright and beautiful. With a minimum illumination level information is perceived very well in almost any ambient light, except for direct sunlight. On the street to read the text can only be from the third division of the backlight. Before your photo screens competing PDAs.
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| At the lowest brightness: Loox 720, X50V and hx4700 |
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| At maximum capacity:) |
Batareya
In the Dell Axim X50v a removable battery is 1100 mAh. Capacity - not very high, especially given the large size of the matrix and high resolution X50v. So the worst fears come true.
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While playing MP3 (screen turned off, the clock frequency of 208 MHz) computer lasted just 7:00. Weak, especially when compared with those of other PDAs with VGA screen, which can turn the music around 12-14 hours. While reading books (automatic scrolling text 208MGts) battery last for 5 hours at maximum light and 9 hours at a minimum. The results are obviously better than the Asus A730, but worse than the iPAQ hx4700. When playing video performance as usual is much more modest - from 2 hours (maximum backlight) to 4,5 hours (minimum backlight level) - almost on a par with other VGA-PDAs. No wonder - a voracious processor and bright, large display. Most reasonable in this situation would soon complete a computer-capacity battery of 2200 mAh, which is in the U.S. costs about $ 100. However, the current status of active users are more likely to experience an acute shortage of off-work time, so have to buy a backup battery.
Sound
The computer chip installed WM8750. This implies a fairly decent 16-bit stereo audio with a bandwidth of up to 44.1 kHz. True, the speaker at the X50v is still quiet. Save the situation stereo. In addition, the system is built hidden equalizer. To activate it in the registry is the key "HKEY CURENT USER \ ControlPanel \ AudioAdvContrl".
Wireless interfaces
Under all the communication interfaces Pocket PC within the designated tab Connections.
Infrared
According to the specification, a computer equipped with a standard SIR port (ver. 1.2). No FIR and especially CIR interface with Dell X50v, unfortunately, no. So that control home appliances with this PDA as a remote A / V you do not get.
Bluetooth
It just so happened that when the computer was designed by HTC, it will almost certainly cnabzhen drivers and software for the wireless Bluetooth interface from the company Broadcom (version 1.5.0 build 2600).
Program Bluetooth Manager, installed in our Dell, repeatedly described in our previous articles, so stop it in detail is not much point.
Just to say that the application supports all standard profiles: - Explore a Bluetooth Device - search for devices with active Bluetooth adapter
- Connect to the Internet via Phone - Internet access using a mobile phone with a Bluetooth adapter
- ActiveSync via Bluetooth - synchronizing with a desktop computer or laptop via Bluetooth interface
- Browse file on a remote device - a connection to the remote device to control its data
- Hands-free/Hands-set setup - connect a wireless headset
- Connect to a network - the network connection (LAN or Internet)
- Join a personal network - the connection with one or more devices to communicate or participate in online games
- Exchange business card - the exchange of business cards.
It should only be noted Profile wireless headset that allows you to "flick of the wrist" to turn PDAs into an IP phone (via Wi-Fi) with a Bluetooth headset.
Wi-Fi
Managing Wi-Fi modules are program WLAN Utility, developed by Texas Instruments.
One title this esteemed company is enough to evaluate the quality of Wi-Fi. The program supports considered reliably protected security standard Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
The module boasts a decent enough sensitivity. At least within a two-bedroom apartment of a significant drop in the signal could not be found.
There is a built-in VPN client - Funk Odyssey, which supports 64/128 bit security standards WEP, WPA and CCX 1.0.
Software
The delivery X50v includes two full CD disk with software. However, a delusion is not necessary, the original (non-built-in operating system Windows Mobile 2003 SE) programs - a total of five. The only difference from previous PDA with Windows Mobile 2003 SE - This is the tenth version of Windows Media Player. True, the special advantage of his presence was not called. Now on the corporate software built cars. Thus, the program Switcher Bar - analog task manager. This application allows you to switch between running softina and close them. The first time Switcher Bar appeared in earlier series models Dell Axim X5. I must say that this program is significantly inferior to full-time usability and interface similar to most applications, for example, WisBar.
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Data Backup - program to create a system backup or a separate PIM data applications. Software is created by HTC Corp., Has a very basic and limited functions (especially in comparison with similar programs iPAQ Backup from HP). For example, there is no way to configure automatic backups or copies of the schedule.
Home - primitive application manager.
Stuntcar Extreme - three-race futuromobilyah. The game has stunning for the CPC level 3D graphics.
Among the possibilities Stuntcar - a multiplayer game over a network via Wi-Fi. The truth here, check out how it is - to steer the mountain roads, competing with other players - we could not. Enigmo - a three-dimensional version of the well-known logical puzzles The Incredible Machine.
Price
The main strategic trump card of Dell in the derivation of a new product on the PDA market - is low cost. So it was with the first palm from Dell - Axim X5, when the easily accessible PDA literally blew relatively quiet market. Effect of registration Axim X3 and X30 was already much lower. But the emergence of a new series of X50 again had to turn the market. And so it happened, but not here, but in prosperous United States. There PDA Dell Axim X50v costs from $ 411. And this is the price of the handheld with a VGA screen! .. However, we have a Dell Axim X50v asked no less than $ 550, so that the American PDA remains on par with its direct competitors - iPAQ hx2700, FS Pocket Loox 720 and ASUS MyPal A730.
Conclusions
As a conclusion I want to give a small example. More recently, a friend of mine asked me to help him with the choice of a handheld computer. He needed a twin-memory card slot, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, operating at the same time and the low price. I suggested a laptop, but for him this option was not affordable, and compact would be greatly podkachala. Began to choose, of course, between the iPAQ hx4700, ASUS A730W, FS Pocket Loox 720 and Dell X50v. All - not less than $ 490, but would like something around $ 400. So it was my companion in thought, waiting for lower prices ... However, in the process of finding an acceptable CPC still found, however, on the U.S. site Dell. Buy it to be over $ 411, but only in America. If the price in Russia on this machine was similar to the price in the U.S., the X50v could break all sales records. This Pocket PC has the functionality and striking design, high technical performance, all the necessary wireless interfaces, wide scalability and, of course, a great VGA-screen. The only serious shortcoming, which, however, can be eliminated by buying an extra battery - low battery life, so that Dell lives bright and good, but not enough:) As for price, the lower it will be possible to wait for the foreseeable future, especially in connection with the release of the new OS and Windows Mobile 5.0, as a consequence, new PDAs. Incidentally, during the preparation of this material in print, it became known that Dell plans to introduce users to update to the X50 line of the new OS - however, this does not happen until the autumn of this year.
Cons: - little too closely spaced hard-buttons
- small runtime
- overpricing in Russia
Pros: - Stylish design
- excellent VGA display
- Graphics Adapter Intel G2700 and as a result of record-breaking performance in video
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi c concurrent operation
- twin-slot CF / SDIO
The authors, translation:
Zharkyn Tursyn
