This fall, Dell is bringing a new Pocket PC to market that is sure to make waves; two models will be available, each of which are packed with features and to sell at very low prices.
In a time and day where an increasing number of major computer manufacturers have been bitten by the handheld bug - most of which lean towards the Pocket PC platform, bigshot Dell has been sitting on the fence waiting. Not any longer so, though, as the company plans to introduce its new Axim X5 based on Microsoft's Pocket PC platform at Comdex in November.
 | Dell's new Axim X5 Pocket PC is sure to cause waves when launched
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To be available in two models, one of the most important features of the Axim X5 will be an extensive feature set combined with a low price point; after a $50 USD mail-in rebate applying to both models, they will sell for $299 USD and $199 USD. Both models will first be made available in the North American market in time for Christmas, while they're expected to hit European and Asian shelves early in 2003.
In terms of specifications, the high-end and low-end (term applied loosely) will come with respectively 400 and 300 MHz Intel XScale processors, and be equipped with 64 and 32 MB of RAM. Apart from those two differences, both models feature a 3.5" 16-bit transflective display, a CompactFlash Type II expansion slot, a SD/MMC Card expansion slot, an infrared port and a scroll dial. All of this fits into a package weighing 196g (6.9 oz), and measuring 12,8 x 8,1 x 1,8 cm (5" x 3.2" x 0.7").
Other commons for Pocket PCs are also present, such as four hardware application shortcut keys, a four-way navigation pad with an action function, an earphone jack and a button to activate voice recording.
The high-end Axim X5 model will ship with either a USB or serial synchronization cradle, which will allow users to charge an additional battery since the battery of the X5 is exchangeable. Meanwhile, the low-end model will ship with either a USB or serial synchronization cable, with the cradle being available for purchase from Dell as an accessory. Speaking of batteries, the standard one included with the device is a 1440 mAh Lithium ion battery, while a 3400 mAh battery available for purchase separately promises to deliver a staggering 25 hours of use.
Later in 2003, Dell also aims to integrate Bluetooth and 802.11b into its devices, but no comment was made on when new models could be expected to arrive.
An additional hi-res picture of the Dell Axim X5 is available on the following page.
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