312 MHz Axim X30 Handheld with 1-Year Next Business Day Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support

• Average user rating:
  3.5
  stars out of 9 reviews
• See all user reviews

Product summary

CNET editors' take

• Reviewed by:
  Bonnie Cha
• Reviewed on: 05/17/2004

In April, Intel unveiled its next-generation XScale processors for mobile products, and now, the first Windows Mobile 2003 OS-based handhelds to employ them have finally surfaced: the Dell Axim X30 series. Replacing the Axim X3, the base model features a faster 312MHz processor and 32MB of memory. It lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but its affordable $199 price tag should appeal to budget-conscious consumers. If you're a business user who needs wireless connectivity and powerful performance, Dell also offers two step-up models that support those features and have double the memory: the midlevel X30 with its 312MHz processor and the high-end model with a zippy 624MHz processor.

Upside: The X30 not only benefits from a faster engine speed, the new Intel PXA270 processors also feature technology that dynamically adjusts power to optimize battery performance. Additionally, we like the user-replaceable battery. Also onboard is the latest Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, which, among other attributes, adds landscape-view support, Wi-Fi-protected access, and a shortcut in the Start menu to recent programs.

Downside: Without Wi-Fi capabilities, the real benefits of Windows Mobile 2003 SE are lost on this model. You can add wireless connectivity through the SDIO slot and a Wi-Fi card, but it'll cost you an extra $100. In that case, you should upgrade to the next model, which is only $50 more (after rebate) and comes with both technologies built in.

Outlook: If you're looking for a basic PDA and don't have a lot of cash, the entry-level Dell Axim X30 fits the mold. Though the new model and the Toshiba e355 share a similar price tag and feature set, the new processor gives the Dell an edge over the competition. However, if you want more bang for your buck, the midlevel X30 is the way to go. Check back soon for a full review.

See more CNET content tagged:

Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003,

Dell Axim,

Microsoft Windows Mobile,

Dell,

Wi-Fi

User reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 9 user reviewsSee all 9 user reviews

• 4.5 stars

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

  "Fast delivery including cable"

  on September 1, 2004

  read more

• 4.0 stars

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

  "Decent PDA but get the midrange"

  on July 26, 2004

  read more

• 3.5 stars

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

  "Great introduction to Pocket PCs"

  on June 21, 2004

  read more

• See all 9 user reviews Write review

Similar products

• 624 MHz Axim X30 Handheld with 1-Year Next Business Day Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support
  • Editors' rating: 4.0 out of 5
  • Users' rating: 3.5 out of 5
• 312 MHz Axim X30 Handheld with 1-Year Next Business Day Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support
  • Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
  • Users' rating: 3.5 out of 5
• 520 MHz Axim X50 Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support
  • Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
  • Users' rating: 3.5 out of 5
• Dell Axim X51
  • Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
  • Users' rating: 2.5 out of 5
• HP iPaq Pocket PC rz1710
  • Editors' rating: 3.0 out of 5
  • Users' rating: 2.0 out of 5
  • Price: $449.99

Where to buy 312 MHz Axim X30 Handheld with 1-Year Next Business Day Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support

This product is no longer available. Click here for the Dell Axim X50 series.

Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

• Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 511 reviews of Dell Axim X30 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 82/100 and users 75/100. Comparing these reviews to 76531 other PDAs reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 90/100 = Excellent.

• mobiletechreview.com

  Editors' rating: 20

  Summary: Looking for every feature in the book and a VGA display? Then the ASUS A730W is for you. The device is powerful, has lots of RAM, great expandability thanks to the dual slots and USB host which is a rarity on PDAs. The 1.3MP camera takes decent photos ...

  Read full review

• pocketnow.com

  Summary:    Overall, this Pocket PC is excellent. Whenever someone is looking to get a Pocket PC, and asks for advice, no other Pocket PC comes to mind.

  Read full review

• PC Magazine

  Editors' rating: 80

  Summary: With a powerful CPU and aggressive pricing, this is the Pocket PC to buy if you're not a fashion victim.

  Read full review

• brighthand

  Read full review

• personal computer world

  Editors' rating: 80

  Summary: Its powerful processor and aggressive pricing make this a sensible choice.

  Read full review