Axim X50v for $374.15

Here's a great deal for those of you who have waited to order an X50v (or who like me got screwed on their original order and cancelled): they are currently 15% off and that discount is stackable with a one-day only $50 off $450 coupon for a final price of $374.15 with free shipping and no tax in many states (for some reason it also gave me free next day shipping).

All you have to do is click on the link below, add to your cart, and apply coupon code WMP04MKN92KZ09 when you checkout. The coupon is limited to 1500 uses and expires at 11.59pm CST 11/25/2004.

624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support

Also, I don't know how accurate it currently is but the Dell site is claiming the X50v usually ships in 1 or 2 days.

I just ordered an X50v at this price, lets see if I actually receive it this time.

Dell Axim X50v Delayed Again (Until 12-06-04)

"We have reviewed your order. Although we had anticipated being able to ship your order sooner, we are experiencing an unexpected delay with your order and will not be able to ship this order and any associated orders until on or before 12-06-2004.

Please include your customer number or order number with any correspondence.
We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause you."

Is it just me or is everyone experiencing this delay?

Axim X50v 128MB Memory Upgrade

One of the few areas where the Dell Axim X50v trails the competition is in RAM, the X50v only has 64MB RAM where some other VGA Pocket PCs have 128MB.

If this is a concern for you then PocketPCTechs have a solution: a 128MB RAM upgrade.

"Upgrade your Dell Axim X50v series internal RAM from 64MB to 128MB with our upgrade service. During the upgrade process we remove the existing 64MB and install 128MB. This memory upgrade does NOT require our proprietary driver and is fully recognized by the OS (125.74MB Available). This unit uses low voltage hi-speed BGA memory, so stacking is not available and 128MB will be the maximum capacity."

More Information

(via pocketpcthoughts)

Dell Axim X50v Delayed

Looks like Dell may be having problems getting the X50v out on time. I ordered in the first 30 minutes of the X50v being offered for sale, got a ship date of 11/19, which later changed to 11/17, but now I have received an email telling me of a delay of a week:

"We have reviewed your order. Although we had anticipated being able to ship your order sooner, we are experiencing an unexpected delay with your order and will not be able to ship this order and any associated orders until on or before 11-24-2004.

No action is required to proceed with the new date, however, if you do not wish to wait, you may cancel your order.
If you wish to cancel your order or if you have any questions, please go to www.support.dell.com or contact us at 1-800-624-9897, extension (66966)."

Dell X50v Lowest Price: $404.10

Here's a great deal for those of you who have waited to order an X50v: they are currently 10% off and that discount is stackable with a one-day only $45 off $425 coupon for a final price of $404.10 with free shipping and no tax in many states.

All you have to do is click on the link below, add to your cart, and apply coupon code GCBMDDS79ZD?F8 when you checkout. The coupon is limited to 1500 uses and expires at 11.59pm CST 11/12/2004.

624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support

Also, I don't know how accurate it is but the Dell site is claiming the X50v usually ships in 1 or 2 days.

Dell Axim X50 Shipping

The ship date for our Dell Axim X50v has been moved up a couple of days to Nov 17th and PocketPCThoughts is now reporting that some people are getting their X50 shipping email already.

I just checked on the Dell Site and new orders are getting a ship date of Nov 16th, I hope new orders don't ship before mine!

Dell Home: Axim X50v with free ground shipping

PocketPCThoughts forum thread

Dell Axim X50 Battery Tests

PocketPCThoughts ran some battery tests on their X50 to see if the battery life is as poor as some people have been saying.

Their full results are linked below, but basically they got 2hrs 10mins of active Wi-Fi use, 3hrs 38mins of standard non Wi-Fi use, and almost 9hrs of listening to MP3.

In their article they compare these results to the regular X50 and their X30 high.

(PocketPCThoughts Article)

New Axim X50v Coupon: $444 (or $429)

A new $55 off $425 coupon is now available for the Dell Axim X50v:

Dell Home: Axim X50v for $444 with free ground shipping - Must follow instruction below.

This gets complicated as the coupon works only if you avoid the product configuration screen:

1. Click on the link above (should open in a new window).


2. DON'T click on any of the X50 or X50v links.


3. Type "X50v" into the search box at the top of the page. (if you don't see a search box click compare all heldhelds then look for the search box)


4. When the result appear click on "See All Results [21]".


5. Scroll down the list of results until you see "DELL - 624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support" with a price of $499. DON'T click on the product link. (if you want a different X50 or a different warranty thats ok as long as the price is still above $350).


6. Click on the shopping cart graphic next to the $499 price.


7. Click on "Proceed to Cart & Checkout" (if you want you can add accessories on this page).


8. Under "Coupon Entry" cut and paste in S0?QQRSDTC6XBP and click apply coupon.


9. The price should now show as $444. (if it doesn't you screwed something up or the coupon has expired).

I just did the above and the coupon worked for me, good luck!

Also if you add something else from Electronics and Accessories to your cart to take the total to $525 you can use code D8NT03FJGL$XMF for $70 off, and finally if you are only spending $400 you can use code KV75P5885XN0S4 for $50 off.

Here's the fine print:

Coupon code expires 11.59pm CST October 19th or after first 1500 uses. Prices, availability and terms of offer may change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, vary and are not subject to discount. May be combined with other select offers or discounts. Valid for new US online purchases through the Dell Home Systems Electronics and Accessories site only. Offer does not apply to and is not available with systems or items purchased through the online systems configurator, refurbished items or spare parts. Purchase limit of 10 same items per order, but any applicable discounts apply to only the first 5 same items per order. Dell cannot be responsible for pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders arising from such errors. Limit 1 per customer, 1 use per coupon.

If you miss this opportunity keep checking back here as Dell regularly has similar coupons that work for the X50.

So near but yet so far

I was at the Digital Life show in NY today (at the Javits Center, today was press day, it is open to the public Oct 15th-18th).

At the Microsoft stand guess what I spy in a case along with all the hot new MP3 players? yep, a Dell Axim x50v.

Alas, there were too many security guards around. The Microsoft staff offered to take it out of the glass case so I could get a closer look but I declined the offer.... the temptation would be too much and I don't want to spend 5 to 10 in sing-sing.

There were lots of other interesting gadgets there, all of which I had heard of, but it was nice to hold them in my grubby little hands.

Check out shinyplastic.com where I have a load of news articles and pictures from the show.

First Axim X50v Coupon : $464

Update 10/19: the code below expired but S0?QQRSDTC6XBP is valid for $55 off $425 until 11.59pm CST on October 19th

The first $35 off $350 coupon is now available for the Dell Axim X50v and X50:

Dell Home: Axim X50v for $464 with free ground shipping - Must follow instruction below.

This gets complicated as the coupon works only if you avoid the product configuration screen:

1. Click on the link above (should open in a new window).


2. DON'T click on ano of the X50 or X50v links.


3. Type "X50v" into the search box at the top of the page.


4. When the result appear click on "See All Results [20]".


5. Scroll down the list of results until you see "DELL - 624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support" with a price of $499. DON'T click on the product link. (if you want a different X50 or a different warranty thats ok as long as the price is still above $350).


6. Click on the shopping cart graphic next to the $499 price.


7. Click on "Proceed to Cart & Checkout" (if you want you can add accessories on this page).


8. Under "Coupon Entry" cut and paste in W$DW3KVPQT?TB5 and click apply coupon.


9. The price should now show as $464. (if it doesn't you screwed something up or the coupon has expired).

I just did the above and the coupon worked for me, good luck!

Here's the fine print:

Coupon code expires 11.59pm CST October 13th or after first 1500 uses. Prices, availability and terms of offer may change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, vary and are not subject to discount. May be combined with other select offers or discounts. Valid for new US online purchases through the Dell Home Systems Electronics and Accessories site only. Offer does not apply to and is not available with systems or items purchased through the online systems configurator, refurbished items or spare parts. Purchase limit of 10 same items per order, but any applicable discounts apply to only the first 5 same items per order. Dell cannot be responsible for pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders arising from such errors. Limit 1 per customer, 1 use per coupon.

If you miss this opportunity keep checking back here as Dell regularly has similar coupons that work for the X50.

YAHOX50vR

Yet Another Handful Of X50v Reviews:

PC Magazine

PDA Buyers Guide

Infosync

PocketNow Reviews the Dell Axim X50v / X50

PocketNow has a review up of the Dell Axim X50 and X50v VGA Pocket PCs.

Their extremely visual review can be found at http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=495.

Some quotes:

"Note how the Axim X50 packs in more than most other Pocket PCs, and gets away with a smaller footprint."

"The 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion battery is an improvement from previous Axims like the X30, but still remains a bit anemic."

Brighthand Reviews the Dell Axim X50v

Brighthand has their review up at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Dell_Axim_X50v_Review?site=PPC.

While not as detailed as some of the others it is still an interesting read.

"If there's one thing Dell does well, it's give you a lot of bang for your buck. The X50v is $499, a whopping $150 less than the iPAQ hx4700.

As I mentioned before, the X50v has a smaller screen that its chief competitor, and the iPAQ has some additional features, like a trackpad, flipcover, and larger battery. But anyone thinking about a VGA Pocket PC must think hard about the X50v. It's a solid device and an excellent value."

Cnet Reviews the Dell Axim X50v

CNet have their review of the Dell Axim X50v up, and they are not as nice to Dell as some of the other reviewers.

Cnet's review can be found at http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Axim_X50v/4505-3127_7-31138229.html?tag=cnetfd.sd.

CNet only gave the X50v 7.6 out of 10 (higher than the 7.0 they gave the Asus A730, but lower than 7.9 for the hx4700, 7.7 for the e800, or the 8+ they regularly give Sony's failed Clies), do CNet dislike all Pocket PCs or is it just Dell?

Here are their comments:

"The good: Large VGA screen; great graphics; included gaming bundle; Windows Media Player 10.0 Mobile; fast processor and ample memory; integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; sleek design; user-replaceable battery.

The bad: Heavy; small navigation toggle; lackluster software bundle; so-so battery life and video performance."

BargainPDA Reviews Dell Axim X50 / X50v

BargainPDA's turn for a review. Their review is available at http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2258&review=Dell+Axim+X50.

Summary:

"Though it lacks some of the appealing characteristics of its predecessors, the X50 offers a host of all new reasons to like it.

At first, I didn't think that I was going to be terribly impressed with the Basic and Advanced X50s, but now in some ways I'm as impressed with them as I am with the X50v. The low end X50 is essentially an iPaq 2215 with more style. The mid-range is an iPaq 4150 with dual-slots. Dell has managed to create competitors for two of the most popular models of PocketPC in one fell swoop, and on top of that imbue them with a new operating system, faster processors, and larger batteries. And as the final clincher, the high-end unit is pretty close to the Holy Grail of the current PocketPC world: a small, fast unit with dual slots, dual wireless, and VGA, all for $500. You make some trade-offs on the way, and there's no such thing as a single 'perfect' handheld computer--everyone's needs differ. But the X50s are closer than most."

PocketPCThoughts Reviews Dell Axim X50

PocketPCThoughts comes in 3rd with a review, this time just of the X50 mid.... their X50v was held up due to Canada's Thanksgiving Day holiday yesterday.

Their review can be found at http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,33206.

Here is their summary:

The mid-range Dell Axim X50 is a well balanced Pocket PC that delivers a strong set of features (including WiFi and Bluetooth) at a reasonable price. The styling isn't anything to write home about, and while it's bigger than the iPAQ 4150, having dual slots is a huge benefit for some people so the size bump may be worth it. And you can't argue with the price!

Aximsite Reviews Dell Axim X50 / X50v

Coming a close 2nd in getting their review up is Aximsite who has seperate reviews of the Axim X50 mid and X50v models:

The Aximsite reviews are at: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=53873.

One notable point is that the X50v was slower than the hx4700 in video playback using betaplayer. Expect a new version of Betaplayer that takes advantage of the X50v graphics chip to even that score.

They also note that the screen brightness is not as good as the hx4700. I noticed earlier that the X50v only has 80 nits brightness compared to 100 nits on the QVGA X50 and X30.

Another area of concern was the low battery life they experienced, just 2 hrs with max backlight and wi-fi. I expect good sales for Mugen when they come out with an aftermarket extended battery.

Dell Axim X50 Profile

The following is a detailed specification and profile of the Dell Axim X50 series VGA resolution pocket pc.

Continue reading "Dell Axim X50 Profile"

PDAGeek Reviews Dell Axim X50 / X50v

PDAGeek wins the "who can get their X50 review up quickest" award.

Their review of the X50 and X50v can be found at http://www.geek.com/hwswrev/pda/aximx50s/index.htm.

Its a detailed review with lots of pictures, screenshots, and comparisons of the differences between the VGA and QVGA models.

Here are their conclusions:

"I think Dell hit the ball out of the park with these new X50 machines due to the inclusion of dual wireless functionality, dual expansion slots, fast processors, and ample memory--all in an extremely comfortable and classy form factor. It is amazing to see what Dell was able to pack into a device like the X50v and still price it at $499. At $150 less than the iPAQ hx4700, Dell is definitely serious about the Windows Mobile market. With the X50 running at $399 I don't see how palmOne can compete, since the T5 lacks Wi-Fi and a second expansion slot. Even if you want to spend less, the X50 Entry model still includes Bluetooth, a fast 416MHz processor, and is priced at $299.

If you are looking for a device with a CompactFlash slot, the X50 is the one for you. If you don't need CF or VGA, I would stick with an Axim X30 that you can find for under $300 with a common coupon or discount available from Dell. Now that I have seen and used a VGA display, I would definitely consider a VGA device for clarity and the amount of information you can view on the display."

X50 and X50v Reviews Coming

PocketPCThoughts got an X50 and PDAGeek got an X50v to play with.

Both should be posting reviews later today once Dell's embargo is lifted (11am PST, 2pm EST). We will link to the reviews as soon as they are up.

(hmm, no X50 in my mailbox.... Dell is definately off my Christmas list :)

Dell Axim X50 Available Now

The Dell Axim X50v and X50 are now available on the Dell Site:

Dell Home: Axim X50v for $499 (free ground shipping) - 624MHz VGA Pocket PC, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, CF, SD, 802.11b, Bluetooth.

Dell Home: Axim X50 for $399 (free ground shipping) - 520MHz Pocket PC (QVGA only), 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, CF, SD, 802.11b, Bluetooth. *Click on "compare Axim handhelds" to find this model*

Dell Home: Axim X50 for $299 (free ground shipping) - 416MHz Pocket PC (QVGA only), 64MB RAM, 64MB ROM, CF, SD, Bluetooth. *Click on "compare Axim handhelds" to find this model*

There are currently no coupons that can reduce the price further but the coupons come along once a week on average if you want to wait.

Current estimated Ship Date is 11/17 :(

Dell Axim X50 / X50v Manual

The official manual for the Dell Axim X50v and X50 has now shown up on the Dell support website:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/aximx50/en/index.htm

Page 17 of the manual has a good diagram showing the location of all the various buttons (copied below). Definately no jog dial on this VGA Pocket PC :(

The battery cover is an interesting idea, I wonder how more complicated it will make things for Mugen and others who want to make after-market extended batteries.

On page 28 it talks about a VGA cable accessory that lets you connect the X50v to a projector.

Getting down into the detailed specs it looks like the VGA isn't a bright as the QVGA screen: 80nits vs 100nits (for comparison the X30 is 100 nits, the iPAQ h5400 is 75nits).

(via Aximsite forums)

Continue reading "Dell Axim X50 / X50v Manual"

Dell Axim X50 / X50v Spec Sheet

The Dell Axim X50 and X50v are supposed to be released later today and PocketFactory got hold of the official spec sheet in PDF format.

No big surprises, it looks exactly like the pictures we already had, and the specs are the same as we had told you in our Dell Axim X50 profile.

The only changes to the profile are the confirmation of only 64MB RAM (some people were saying 128MB) and the confirmation of the weight at 6.2oz.

The Axim X50v is a great Pocket PC and I will be ordering one ASAP to review, only negatives are the lowish RAM (although with 1gb 80x speed CF cards close to $100 these days storage space shouldn't be an issue), and the lack of a jog dial like on the X30.

Dell Axim X50v PDF Datasheet (right click to save to your computer)

(via PocketFactory, thanks Serge!)

Continue reading "Dell Axim X50 / X50v Spec Sheet"

Dell Axim X50 Another Photo

Someone posted a photo over on the Aximsite forums that appears to show a Dell Axim X50 in the flesh, powered up, with (for a reason I can't fathom) a Japanese schoolgirl on the screen.

Lots of buzz going around that the X50 might be announced today or tomorrow and that ordering will start on Tuesday (October 12th).

The VGA Version (Dell Axim X50v) has a 624MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, removable 1100mAh battery, 802.11b, bluetooth, Type II CF slot, SDIO/MMC/SD and slot.

Dimensions of the Dell Axim X50v are 4.7" x 2.9" x 0.6" and weight is said to be a low 4.9oz.

This is probably going to be the best VGA pocket pc around when it comes out: only minuses appear to be basic infrared not the fast consumer kind, and not operating as a USB hub.

Check out our VGA Pocket PC Comparison to see the X50 lined up against other VGA Pocket PCs.

(Aximsite forums)

Continue reading "Dell Axim X50 Another Photo"

Dell Axim X50 Price and Release Date

Quote from Aximsite forums:
Ok, so I just talked to Dell Customer Chat, and I got an official launch date, preorder date, and pricing. If you don't believe me talk to Dell Chat yourself. Anyways on to what we've all been waiting for...

416 x50 $299
520 x50 $399
624 x50v $499

They all feature CF and SDIO card slots.

Launch Date: October 10
Order Date: October 12
End Quote.

Those prices don't look too bad to me. $499 for a VGA Pocket PC with Wi-Fi and bluetooth, 128mb ram, dual storage slots, 624 MHz processor etc.

(aximsite via pocketpcthoughts)

Axim X50 Photos

Photos of the Dell Axim X50 Pocket PC have been posted on russian forums handy.ru.

These look a lot more realistic than the fakes from a couple of weeks ago and match the internal photos of the Axim X50 posted on the FCC site.

If these Axim X50 photos are accurate then it confirms the rumors of the X50 having both a SD and a Compact Flash card slot.

Also showing up on the FCC site is a letter extending the confidentiality request for the Axim X50 until November 8th (it used to be September 24th) so it looks like there are some production delays.

Photos below, other features of the Axim X50 include VGA (640 x 480) screen, 128mb memory, and support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 1.2.

Continue reading "Axim X50 Photos"

Dell Axim X50 Rear View

A photo of the rear of the Dell Axim X50 Pocket PC has shown up on FCC docs.

Most of the details on the Axim X50 are being held under a confidentiality request until 11/8 but there is some info in the FCC docs:

1100mAh removable battery with 2200mAh battery available (expect our friends at Mugen to have an even more powerful battery out soon for these).

At least 2 versions (we expect 3):

One Axim X50 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 3.7" 640 x 480 screen, 624MHz processor, and 128mb or 64mb RAM.

Another Axim X50 with Bluetooth only, a 3.5" 240 x 320 screen, 520MHz processor, and 64mb RAM.

We expect the third Axim X50 (not mentioned in the FCC docs as it doesn't have wireless) to have a 3.5" 240 x 320 screen, 520MHz processor (or slower processor), and 64mb RAM.

All 3 versions are expected to have both CompactFlash and SD memory card slots.

(via Brighthand)

Dell Axim X50 Pocket PC Rumors

No photos yet but info is starting to leak about the next Dell Axim Pocket PC: the X50.

Like the X30 there will be 3 models, presumably called High, Mid, and Low with different processors and/or memory to differentiate them.

The X50 high will have a 3.7" VGA (640x480 pixel) screen, and all versions of the Dell Axim X50 Pocket PC will feature both a compactflash and a SD memory card slot.

Dimensions are said to be similar to the Dell X3 and X30 but the design will be different.

Expect other features of the Dell X50 Pocket PC to be similar to the X30: wireless and bluetooth in the high, lots of memory, removable battery etc.

This has the potential to be a killer Pocket PC, correcting the only big drawback of my X30 with the new VGA resolution screen.

(via bargainpda)