Dell Axim X51 PDA

I have owned several units from the Dell Axim range over the last 6 years. Obviously the newer versions are by far the best being thinner and lighter with brighter, higher resolution screens, faster processors and Windows Mobile operating system.
As the X51 can be picked up very cheaply on ebay they are a fantastic bargain. I use mine as a sat nav here and abroad, games, showing clients photographs of previous jobs I have done, browsing the internet (Wi-fi cards are cheap as chips), etc.
If you are the sort of person that uses a PDA as a tool rather than a toy just to try and impress your mates, you simply cannot go wrong for the money.
Jamie

I love this product! It syncs perfectly with MS Outlook with the cradle (Windows 7), it holds its battery life for up to a week if used a few times a day. Very handy, excellent quality. The unit feels sturdy to hold, not "plasticky". The CF and SD card slots are very handy, and windows mobile 5 runs like a dream on it. Also a wide variety of software is available for it on the internet. I have a universal remote control application that utilises the device's infra-red port to control any device-you just point the original remote at it, press a button and it learns the function. I'd recommend a case with it-the screen is very nice and accurate, especially with the stylus, so it would be a shame to damage it. I'd also look into a "blanking plate" for the CF slot if you don't intend to use it, as it can get quite dusty inside, and I'm fairly certain that that doesn't help the device. I have the model without WiFi, however I would recommend this function to anyone considering buying this-I didn't think I'd want WiFi on it, but it's a shame I didn't spend a bit more and get one with it built in. Of course there is the option of a wireless compact flash card; however. It's also handy how the stylus stores in the casing of the device (link the Nintendo DS), and the hold button on the side (like on the old iPods) prevents it coming on in your pocket. It also has the standard 3.5mm jack for any sound purposes you may have for it, but I personally haven't tried this yet. The calendar is easy and clear to use, and the today screen is very helpful and organised. I'd recommend this to anyone-it was an excellent buy!

Dell used to be HPs main competitor as a PDA manufacturer, especially when it came to high end models such as the X51v. They also had a good reputation for build quality, so many people were surprised when they quit the market after launching the X51. This was one of the highest specification PDAs ever built. As well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, it also has dual CF and SD slots and a very fast 624MHz processor.

My previous PDA, an HP RZ 1700, just died and I was looking for a replacement. I use it as an Ebook reader so I was looking for something with a big screen and a quick way to upload books, either txt, doc or pdf.
While browsing I got directed to the DELL AXIM X51 - it looked good, the software was better (HP still had a OS 2003), screen is wide and it can be used with SD or flash cards.
I have to say that it has some problems with activesync (it does not connect immediately but it seems that the problem is with the connecting software not the PDA itself) but otherwise it is a great buy. It could also be used as GPS or camera, but I was not that interested in those items so I did not bother looking into them.
I would say that, while it is an old PDA, quite big and not a mobile, it is great for book reading and storing information such as birthdays, phone numbers, etc.

I was looking for a new sat nav when I saw this and noted that it would also do sat nav. As a bit of a gadget fan, I bought it (quite reasonable, too) and found it had so many other uses, such as calendar, alarm, versions of Word and Excel, games, bluetooth and possibility of internet connection.

I have to say that the sat nav, whilst very good, is not brilliant. I bought a separate CF card GPS receiver but I found that if I stopped in traffic, the sat nav would freeze. Whilst I was moving, it was excellent. I have now got rid of the GPS receiver and have a separate sat nav but the Dell is brilliant at everything else. I have synchronised it with my diary and contacts in work and I love it. I have also bought an SD wireless card and can connect to the internet and it works a treat.

The only criticism I have of it is battery life. If you connect to the internet or use the media player, the battery does not last very long.

Other than that, this is a brilliant bit of kit!