Dell Axim X3i

When Dell shook the Pocket PC world with the aggressively priced Axim X5, its rivals could always point out that the X5 was bulkier and uglier than their devices. With its latest Axim, however, Dell has produced a slimmer, more attractive model without compromising on spec, features or price.

Notice, though, that we only say 'more' attractive. The X3i won't set hearts aflame with desire: it still looks square, blockish and simply dull when placed next to stunners like the HP iPAQ H4150. But if it's value for money that sets your pulse racing, you won't complain about the X3i. While all other Wi-Fi-enabled Pocket PCs cost £350 or more, the X3i competes with them for only £229.

The external sign of this is the squat aerial that sits atop the device. We found the signal to be surprisingly strong, and WLAN is made easier to set up thanks to Dell's own utility.

Don't expect huge amounts of battery life with WLAN on, though; with the backlight set to minimum, it kept going for just shy of two-and-a-half hours. This stretched to four-and-a-half hours with the backlight on alone, but most people will need the backlight set to at least half-brightness. On this setting, it lasted for just under four hours. It's a perfectly good screen too, although this is one area where the 4150 undoubtedly outshines it.

The X3i's battery is removable and you can buy a second 950mAh unit (£23) to replace the main one, or opt for a 1,800mAh battery (£38). Also, the docking cradle includes a dedicated slot for charging a second battery. Another plus for those desperate for battery life is the option to lower the CPU speed to 200MHz via the PowerSave control. You can also use the Auto control that adjusts the speed, depending on system status, but we settled for Maximum Performance mode. After all, with Intel's latest 400MHz XScale processor inside, it makes sense to use it. In Auto mode, the X3i sometimes seems sluggish, but at full pace it made mincemeat of every task we threw at it.

There's only one specification on which Dell might be accused of compromising: memory. Most top-end Pocket PCs now include 128MB of RAM, but there's only 64MB here. Fortunately, all of this is available for programs and storage, and there's another 34.8MB of ROM available for backups or storing data. And we shouldn't forget the SD/MMC slot sitting next to the aerial, providing an easy way to add more memory or expansion cards. The obvious example is Bluetooth, as this is notably missing from the X3i. An infrared port is found at the top of the device, but the 3.5mm jack is less conveniently shoved to the left-hand side of the Axim above the jog dial. Still, we appreciate the dedicated hardware button for switching WLAN on and off.

If you don't want WLAN, you can choose the Dell Axim X3 Performance - every other specification is the same. This costs £189, but if this is too much then consider the X3 Standard. At £139, it includes a 300MHz chip, 32MB of RAM, 32MB of ROM and a synch cable rather than a cradle.

If you want a Pocket PC, these three versions of the Axim X3 certainly have their attractions. Granted, they'll never win for style, but the X3i's inclusion of WLAN and blistering speed for such a low price lift it above the competition and put it straight on to the A List.

Author: Tim Danton