Dell Axim X50v review

Thought PDAs were just for organising your life?

Think again. The Axim X50v has the kind of specification that just a few years ago would have made a fully-fledged PC proud, with a processor that speeds along at 624MHz, a total 192MB of memory and a screen of no fewer than 640x480 pixels. With only the lightest sprinkling of imagination, this pocket-sized machine could easily replace a notebook.

Dell emphasises this point by including a dedicated 3D graphics chip in the X50v, and bundles two games that take advantage of it: Enigmo and Stuntcar Xtreme. The chip also lets you connect the X50v to a projector for delivering presentations.

For control, the X50v relies on the rather small buttons and navigation pad. We found these a little awkward both when playing games and using everyday applications - it's all too easy to miss the middle 'activation' button, so instead of launching a program you simply highlight the one next to it.

But that's about the only frustration. The bright, high-resolution screen makes programs look sharp and text easy to read. It also means you can take advantage of applications designed for the larger resolution - a trickle at the moment, but this time next year there will be a flood.

Dell squeezes in all the extras we could expect too: there's Bluetooth for linking wirelessly with your phone, 802.11b WiFi for browsing the web on a public network, and two memory card slots - one for SD/MMC cards, one for Type II CompactFlash - which let you add up to 5GB of storage. This could be invaluable if you intend to use your PDA with a Bluetooth GPS device.

HP also sells versions of the Dell Axim X50 without the graphics chip. If you're not interested in playing games or connecting directly to a projector to make presentations, these make sense. The cheapest X50, with a 416MHz processor and no docking cradle, costs £269 (inc VAT).

Whichever version of the Axim X50 you choose, you'll benefit from a highly portable machine. Considering all that's included, Dell's designers deserve applause for keeping the weight down to 175g and the depth to 17mm. The Axim slips easily into your pocket.

The only compromise is battery life: the relatively small battery provided offers six hours at the most if you keep the backlight set to medium. Luckily, you can buy an extra-life battery for £63 including VAT that doubles this capacity.

For many people the X50v offers the ideal balance between portability and power. Little wonder it gets our coveted our Best Buy award.

Author: Tim Danton