Dell Axim X5 (400MHz)

If Dell hasn't listened to those potential buyers who want a sexy device, it has certainly noted their software desires. The all-important data backup app is present and, thankfully, it can save data to both storage cards and ROM - this is the advantage of 48MB of ROM as opposed to 32MB in the lesser Axim. Another nice touch is the Switcher Bar, which lists the open apps and allows you to easily switch between and properly close them.

Dell also caters for the accessory-hungry buyer by providing options like a foldable external keyboard and a snap-on keyboard. Although the fast processor means handwriting recognition worked quickly and flawlessly, we still far prefer using a keyboard to enter large amounts of text into a PDA.

We tested the 400MHz version of the Axim - so can't comment on the performance of the 300MHz version - and found it very much in line with all the other 400MHz Pocket PC devices we've seen. In other words, extremely fast, albeit not notably faster than devices using the older 206MHz StrongARM chips. The only area where we currently notice the difference is when watching MPEG-1 movies. It's now a surprise when frames are dropped rather than an expectation.

We suspect the 300MHz version won't be too far behind in performance, but the 400MHz Axim is worth the additional money due to the extra memory, the bundled docking station and the additional ROM. Once you add the good battery life, superb flexibility and all-round quality, we suspect the Axim will have precisely the dramatic effect Dell is hoping for on its release in February.

Author: Tim Danton