Debuting on the PDA market, Dell has immediately won a huge following. How? Simply "pot-bellied newbie" Axim X5 Basic, finally became one of the earliest available for most popular Pocket PC-based Pocket PC. This handheld, combined the most necessary for the active user - namely, a powerful new processor (while at the level of moral ustareshego PDA-hi-end'a) and two expansion slots - all of the available money. The success of the new items could not remain without attention of competitors, and almost all manufacturers have included in their roadmap, cheap and functional models. Today in our test lab came a sort of "response Dell" from Acer with a modest mark n10. So, we proceed to study it. The model presented here is about to appear on the shelves of local shops and the situation is such that the two budget PDA - Dell Axim X5 and Acer n10 enter into fierce competition for consumer's pocket. Which of them will win? After all, both devices will act in the same price category, since they have very similar characteristics. In this capitalist competition will already take into account not only the processor speed and RAM size, but also more subtle features such as screen brightness, weight, functionality, and just the look of models.
And the Dell Axim X5 Acer n10 and discussed in detail in our previous articles and especially worth a look. In this review we will try to objectively understand all the nuances, so to speak, to subtle anatomical analysis. Well, we begin preparation.
Visual inspection
For a start we estimate the appearance and ergonomics of our facilities. Both devices are made with plastic housings metallic colors, with black trim around the edges. At Dell'e edges closed with a thin rubber "bumper" that protects some of the undesirable consequences of careless use.
And, at the rear, there is also two small rubber feet. When you say, put the device on a hard surface of the table, it does not bryakaet whole mass, and falls gently, without scaring the owner of a sharp sound.
Y n10 is much easier. Developers do not seem to take into account the fact that the CCP will be operated in adverse conditions. The body is made from high quality plastic smooth, well-adjusted and does not creak.
Unlike the original Axim'a design n10 reminds LOOX handhelds from Fujitsu-Siemens, as was mentioned in a previous review of this model. The main thing that catches your eye is the size of devices. Passport size as follows:
Dell Axim X5 Basic - 128 x 82 x 18, weight 198 grams Acer n10 - 130 x 78 x 17, weight 165 grams. At a nominal difference of just 1 mm Axim 5 looks much bigger. However, ckazyvayutsya excess (198 grams - 165 grams =) 33 grams:) Its democratic design losing a few in comparison with the more severe classical ispoleneniem Corps Acer n10. Let us look to the authorities. The front panel of both PDAs are four conventional buttons for quick application launcher and five-way joystick. Assigning default keyboard is different.
Thus, at n10 Home button is responsible for starting the mail client, while at the Axim 5 - for the launcher, the included software. On / Off button located on top of the device.
To improve the functionality of the developers of Acer added some additional controls. On the left edge of the n10 is a button Start, is responsible for opening the main menu. This extends the capabilities of the model when working with one hand. Running programs can be done much faster, also without a stylus, but only through JogDial'a, which is slightly higher. On the left side of the X5 you will find the usual call button voice recorder as well as three-position joystick for scrolling and navigating through menus.
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| The left side is: Dell Axim X5 and lower Acer n10 |
On these elements is worth looking in more detail. In terms of ergonomic scroll wheel Axim'a not very comfortable. Firstly it is located almost in the middle end - so that when using PDAs has shifted to the edge of the palm. This increases the probability of dropping machine. Second, the lever, though soft, very bad reaction to a button. With regard to the record button, something about her as did little good. It is heavily drowned in prorezininye edge of the shell and push it comfortably except that the stylus. Here, nearby, is very unusual, is Reset. The hole is hidden, as it prinyatno in the depths of the body, and modestly hidden under the rubber armor Axim'a. Pressed as a fine-tipped pen. Acer without flaws X5. Wheel is located in its accustomed place at the top, dutifully and gently carries out its functions. Start button the recorder is on the other edge of the hull, but very comfortable and noticeably pressed. Reset hidden on the back: machine and restarted the sharp end of the pen. In addition to standard controls are also present an additional switch Hold. Very handy thing to disable the screen and buttons, for example, you listen to the Acer n10 music.
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The main tool of user interaction with the PDA - it's a stylus. Our heroes are important "controls" are made of metal with PTFE tips. In the Dell Axim stylus design is very unusual: he looks like a small torpedo, with an oval profile. In his hand is unusual and not very comfortable, partly due to its low weight. Since the Reset button located on the edge of the PDA case and does not require penetration, the stylus has no moving parts, which usually hides a thin pin to reboot.
Perot n10 made in classic style - the usual round body, a tangible weight. Landing at hand clearly and confidently. In the upper part of the removable stylus hidden treasured reset-tool - to run not very pleasant, but much-needed procedures.
We should also assess the "nest" for the stylus. In the PDA Acer n10 placement, again, a classic - at the rear in the upper left corner. Pen automatically and accurately located fingers of his right hand and removed without any problems. At the same Dell'e, stylus hidden in the edge case. The location, in my opinion, not very good. Out of habit hand goes all in the same left-hand corner the rear wall and stumbles out there on the rubber feet, which was mentioned above. Pen quite a bit above the surface and for its rapid recovery will be trained.
Screens
Like all modern handhelds to our updates installed transreflektvnye color screens. Image - quality, contrast and illumination - the uniform.
However, in this regard X5 furnished n10, though not by much. Display at Dell'a still more vivid.
Expansion Slots
One of the main advantages of Acer and Dell - have two expansion slots - SD / MMC and CF. On the broad opportunities for increased functionality, which are opened before the user, we have repeatedly told. The first (SD) slot can accommodate a card, and the second (CF) for various peripheral devices - wireless modules, digital cameras and so on. CompactFlash slot for that and other models at the top. Slots are closed by special shields "flush" with the case. Standard cards are put back completely, especially not giving out their presence.
With SD, the situation is somewhat different. On the Axim X5 'this slot is located on over JogDial'om and covered with a plastic cap which excludes dust inside the unit.
Y n10 in this regard is not all right. First, he covered the slot no. Gaping lye not the best look on the edge of the shell. Secondly, the card is not completely hidden inside the unit and looks about 2 mm.
Power Supplies
Runtime handheld computer - one of the most critical characteristics. Modern lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries can operate the device, ideally around 10-12 hours. And solve the problem of supply can be replaced by a banal source, if such a possibility, of course, there is. Dell Axim X5 is equipped with high-capacity removable battery at 1440 mAh.If necessary, you can buy extra batteries or a standard larger size and longer battery life directly proportional to the amount of money spent:) Y Acer n10 is no such possibility. The battery in this machine built in, although it is also quite capacious - 1500 mAh. In general, the life of our handhelds is the same and cost-effective approach can reach 9-10 hours. However, the fact that Dell can "feed" in the field, making it more appealing to active users.
Tests
Well, it's time to deal with hardware machines. Both handhelds are built for 300 MHz processor Intel Xscale PXA255. However, some time ago, Dell shipped with ROM version (A00), which is in the particulars of the system indicates that the CCP is working on the old "stone» PXA250. The reason is simple. Axim X5 on sale before the official launch of a new line of processors for mobile devices from Intel. In order not to antagonize customers, Dell has taken such a step. In fact, the handheld is equipped with a "heart" of a new type of system bus frequency of 200 megahertz. Dell site you can find instructions for flashing ROM device to display correctly installed equipment. In tests VOBenchmark, even with the old firmware Axim X5, handhelds go "head to head", differing only in speed of processing graphics.
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Regarding the hardware is worth noting one important difference between the competing device. Axim X5 Basic features 32 megabytes of RAM vs 64 (59 available) megabytes of Acer'a. However, the model of Dell has built-in nonvolatile storage on 5.62 megabyte for important user files, you have valuable information to be alive even after a hard rezet and power outage. In this Acer'e "zagashnichka" no. Thing is not very principled, and its absence is compensated by double the amount of RAM. In general, small cars are inferior to each other in performance and can act as an equal.
"Workhorse" versus the "classics of the genre"
Bottom line. Despite the external and internal similarities, Dell and Acer can recommend to different categories of buyers. First of course is suitable for professionals who need an inexpensive and functional car. CF and SD slots can extend the application of the device by connecting it to the additional modules. With a removable battery, you can also extend battery life. Special body design - rubber inserts on the sides - will use the handheld is not in the most favorable conditions, and ensures that the machine does not slip out of hands. In a word, Dell Axim X5 - a reliable workhorse. Acer n10 against his rival seems to be more "refined". The classic chassis design, built-in, nonremovable, rechargeable battery and additional controls. Such a machine can be offered to the user is already familiar with handheld equipment and appreciating strict appearance and rich features. Yes, and in terms of ergonomic handheld clearly beats the Dell, although 2 mm larger SD memory card may slightly spoil the overall impression. Dell Axim X5 Basic can be purchased in multiples of "Computer on your palm" for $ 300. Acer n10 go on sale in the future, available very soon. Estimated cost of the new items will be $ 300-320. The authors, translation:
Trapeznikov Anton
