The Axim X50 family members are the first Pocket PC handhelds to feature Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software for Pocket PCs with the new Windows Media Player 10 for Mobile. Windows Media Player 10 for Mobile also features Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 support that gives access to new subscription services, like CinemaNow, MusicMatch, and MLB.com.The Axim X50 family's new, svelte design includes built-in CompactFlash and Secure Digital I/O slots, recorder capability, a dedicated button to turn wireless on/off and a display lock button. Each Axim X50 comes with a sync/recharge cradle with an extra battery charge slot that accommodates either a spare standard battery (1100 mAh) or the optional high-capacity (2200 mAh) battery.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Dell Axim X50 416mh Comment: I have purchased this product and had the idea that it offered 802.1 wifi compatibility. It didnt so i had to go out and buy a socket wifi CF card. Other than this problem i have been fine. Works smoothly but its battery could be a little longer. Lasts about 2 days when in fair use. Excellent for non-wifi users. Holds SD CF type memory cards, contacts,appointments, tasks, any media file (not on all DMA files), and if u have the right tools the memory card could hold a couple full length movies. Overall Excellent Product
high 4 stars Customer Rating: Summary: Seamless functions Comment: After having my Palm go completely un-synchable, I was determined to find an easy to use, up to date PDA. Though my needs are generally for addresses and appointments, the Axim was so easy to set up and use that I will explore its other uses. The software offers continuous synching while it is attached to my computer, and simple drag-and-drop for moving files from the computer. In short, the Axim suits my needs perfectly and promises easy exploration of other, more entertaining functions. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent Product Comment: I find my dell pda to be very usefull from scheduling to listening to music to pretty much anything I need it for. I don't know why anyone would buy an IPOD when you can buy a PDA and get all the same features and much much more. You can add memory as you wish and save as many songs you want onto the sd cards. Customer Rating: Summary: Good for most functions, but not for music Comment: In most respects the Dell Axim X50 is a very good product. Bright, clear screen; lightweight; stylish; adequate built-in memory; two expansion slots to give you the option of using either SD or CF cards. The one drawback is that the firmware has serious issues with DRM (digital rights management) music files, such as the ones you can download from online music sites like Musicmatch.
Now, you might assume (as I did) that since Dell and Musicmatch have partnered, the Musicmatch downloads would be playable on a Dell PDA. You would be wrong. Sometimes the downloads will play, other times they won't - I have no idea why, but it has something to do with the Axim's inability to recognize the licenses attached to the music files. Musicmatch has no firmware upgrade for the Axim and offers no support. From what I understand, other customers have encountered similar problems with other download services.
Bottom line: For most functions, the X50 is great. For rights-protected music, look elsewhere (or at least be sure the Axim will work with the service you use).
