Dell is releasing three new Axim personal digital assistants, adding the Bluetooth short-range wireless networking technology to its PDAs for the first time. The new Axim X30 models are also Dell"s first PDAs to use Intel"s new XScale processors. Four PXA270 processors were released in April, featuring various clock speeds and improved security and multimedia features. Dell customers can choose between the 312-MHz processor or the fastest chip in the group, the 624MHz processor. PalmOne"s new Zire 72 was launched in April with the 312-MHz chip.
Adding Bluetooth
Dell"s customers can choose between nonwireless or wireless versions of the X30. The two wireless configurations come with support for 802.11b Wi-Fi networks as well as Bluetooth. Bluetooth is designed as a cable-replacement technology for peripheral devices such as keyboards or headsets, said Gervaise Nix, product marketing manager for Axim. Several customers in Europe also use Bluetooth PDAs to connect to Bluetooth cell phones to synchronize data and connect to the Internet over the cell phone"s modem, she said.