Which PDA should I buy? Is the DELL Axim X51 any good?

Question

I am going to buy a PDA this week and need some advice. I am going to be using it primarily for email and as a personal organiser, but I will also spend time using the internet and using it to edit word and excel documents while I am on the train to work. I've looked around and the dell axim x51 seems the best bet. But what do you guys think? I need the following features in the pda:

- Wireless, Bluetooth,
- Windows Mobile or the ability to open and edit word and excel docs
- large screen for "on the go presentations"
- decent email facility (a plus would be a good IMAP facility)
- easy to use browser that isnt restricted in not using certain features (eg. javascript,css)
- voice recording

I'm sure theres more but thats a good start.

What would you recommend? My budget is very flexible.

Answer 1

The Axim is pretty good, but have you considered the Palm Treo 700 (either the Palm OS or Windows version) both versions meet ALL your requirements plus it doubles as a camera phone (both still and video - Video!). The Treo has a VERY good reputation for build quality and reliability and since you can get versions for either Palm or Windows OS so you don't have to compromise on where you think the future of handhelds are going.

It cost me $399 with a new contract from Verizon. I chose the palm OS version primarily because I'm used to it and the Palm OS isn't quite the resource hog that Windows is on these small devices (more RAM for YOUR stuff that way)

I just saw your need for a big screen, well, the Treo screen is a bit small but very functional for one or two people. However the Documents To Go software allows you to create powerpoint presentations right on the Treo or import them to the Treo. All MS Office compatibility with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Other applications provide compatibility with Outlook and MS Access. That's pretty neat.

Answer 2

I have had great luck with IPAQ and HP. Right now I have an IPQ HX2755. I have sensitive information and appreciate the biometric reader. That particular unit is no longer at retailers, but others in that series are available. Only thing that I am concerned about is the large screen. You might want to consider getting a Tablet computer if you need a larger screen and are presented.
When you buy your PDA, get a folding keyboard with it if you want to maximize your productivity.

Answer 3

I've got an Axim and they're really great - they do everything you're looking for and are really easy to use - particularly syncing email and calendars

Don't expect too much on the excel front though as there's a limited amount of info you can view on a screen that size but I wouldn't be without mine.

Don't forget to buy a data-card and back up regularly either!

:-)

Answer 4

i have an x51v its fine does what i want.
if you are going to use it for sat nav and the gps receiver is the wired type you will need to change part of the registry, as this is in russian and does not work here.

Answer 5

go for a Hp ipaq not. only good thing about the dell is they make good and relable laptop.

Answer 6

my boyfriend has one of those and he says it's great, does everything he needs.

I have an HP and the only advantage is being able to put #Sat Nav on it

Answer 7

whichever one you buy, get a protctive screen, and hard case... ipaq failed to mention when questioned that thier guarantee doesnt cover screen faults... they are all user generated and not covered... (it just stopped working)

Answer 8

And don't buy it, use google