Product: Dell Axim X30 and Bluetooth GPS receiver Price: $3,600 and $2,000 Pros: Powerful, simply to use Cons: GPS receiver's battery drains quickly
A latecomer to personal digital assistants, Dell has made up for lost time by releasing the Axim. It is well-made, reliable and competitively priced - a familiar Dell formula that works every time.
The Axim X30, the first 624-megahertz Pocket PC to be released in many months, is able to churn some tasks about as quickly as a desktop PC. It has a Secure Digital slot, Bluetooth and Wi-fi and runs Windows Mobile 2003. While small and light, the X30 is an ugly duckling compared with sleeker offerings from Fujitsu and NEC, and its display is not quite as bright as the iPAQ's, from HP. The Wi-fi performance is excellent. Just turn it on and you'll be able to surf the Net in seconds.
Now for the highlight: Dell has released a Bluetooth GPS receiver that works with the X30. The receiver, actually a rebranded DConnex DC-0103 in a new case, comes with mapping software, a mounting arm for installation in cars, a car power adapter and a velcro holster.
The Dell GPS is smaller than many handheld GPS receivers I've tested, being about the size of a small mobile phone and as light, with only an 'on' switch on its otherwise smooth surface. Click this and the receiver automatically activates Bluetooth and starts looking for a satellite lock. It is that simple.
Three LEDs indicate a Bluetooth connection, satellite lock and the battery's status. An antenna gives you improved reception should you need it.
