If someone made an automobile that did everything really well, handled beautifully, accelerated quickly, looked great and cost less than half of what similar vehicles sell for, do you think consumers might be interested? Dell Computer thinks so. Not with cars though, but with Pocket PCs. Dell's new Axim X5 is a terrific Pocket PC and prices start at under $200.
OK. So it's not the smallest or lightest Pocket PC around but in every other way it's a big winner. There are a bunch of new, smaller and lighter devices on the way, but they're supposed to sell for more than the X5.
Actually there are two Dell Axims — there's one with a 400 MHz X-scale processor, 64 MB of SDRAM (random access memory) and 48 MB of ROM (read-only memory); and one with a 300 MHz X-scale chip, 32 MB of SDRAM and 32 MB of ROM.
The 400 MHz Axim comes with a shiny USB docking cradle which lights up a blue 'Dell' when you're charging. The 300 MHz device comes with a USB cable. The 400 MHz X5 sells for $299 after a $50 rebate and the 300 MHz sells for $199 after the rebate.
Both X2s share a lot in common. They're both 5.0 x 3.2. x 0.7 inches and weigh 6.9 ounces with the standard battery. They both run Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 operating system, both come with a terrific 16-bit, TFT, touch-sensitive, trans-reflective screen (240 by 320 pixels), both have a Type II Compact Flash slot as well as a MMC card slot, both have a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (1440 mAh standard, 3400mAh optional), a 120V/240V AC/mains power supply, a button type backup battery and they come with a rubberized pouch for protecting and carrying your investment.
News source: MSNBC - Pocket PC shatters $200 price barrier
